Embrace Pondy’s cultural diversity
If you are planning to explore the tradition and culture of Pondicherry , then get
into the cobblestoned streets leading to the bustling bazaars of the city. The
city holds many religious shrines such as Varadaraja Perumal in the Hindu
Quarter, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the Christian Quarter and
Khutbah and Meeran mosques in the Muslim Quarter. Moreover, the tourists can also
choose to meditate in silence in the leafy courtyard of Aurobindo Ashram.
Soak up all the French-i-ness
The church of Notre Dame des Anges, the marble statue of
Jeanne d’ and the garden concerts at the Alliance Francaise’s Maison Colombani
– Café de Flore would make your trip to Pondicherry special than ever before. Get
a French culture booster shot at Alliance Francaise and Institut Francais de
Pondicherry (IFP).
Take a boat ride at Chunnambar
Chunnambar, the boat paradise is located in the south of on
Cuddalore road. This fascinating tourist spot would be the best destination to
chill out in your summer vacation. Spend a lazy afternoon boating or go for a
sea cruise and spot dolphins. You could also pack a hamper, speed boat to Paradise Beach
Get blessed by an elephant
Hand a coin to Lakshmi, the resident elephant at the
Manakula Vinayagar temple and you’ll get her blessings; a thump from her trunk
on your head. Having survived attempts by French missionaries to pull it down,
the popular 500 year old shrine is dedicated to the elephant-headed god,
Vinyagar.
Indulge in
Franco-Tamil Cuisine at a Restaurant with No Name
Maison Perumal is a restored Chettiar mansion that is now a
resort. But like in a house, the rooms are not numbered or named and the
restaurant too has no name. Gorge on delectable seafood platters amidst brass
ooralis, sepia photos and coloured glass window panes filtering the sun in
rainbow colours.
Take in a Breath of Fresh
Air at Bharathi Park
A treasure trove of 900 exotic plants, an aquarium, a toy
train and a musical fountain, this is the perfect place for an evening walk. In
the centre, stands the white Aayi Mandapam. The park is centrally located at
the site of the demolished Fort
Louis
Learn Something New
at Auroville
The inhabitants of Auroville are able to sustain themselves
with the aid of the craft, Auroville products are world renowned. You can learn
from them the craft of making different items like handmade paper (Auroville
Papers), indigo-dyed clothing (The Colours of Nature), incense manufacture
(Encens d’Auroville) and bodycare (Maroma Spa). All processes here are
environment friendly and energy-efficient.
Take a History Lesson
at Pondicherry Museum
Once upon a time Pondicherry was a flourishing port town called Poduke
and there was a Roman trading settlement at Arikamedu. The century old Law Building
Go Café Hopping
The place is heavily influenced and what is French culture
without cafés? Baguettes and croissants, French pastry and great coffee or
wine; most importantly superb ambience! There are cafés that have live music
some evenings too, try out as many different ones as you can!
Shopping
The most amazing artsy environment friendly stuff – handmade
paper, lampshades, jewelry, ethnic Indian clothing, trinkets, paintings,
candles, all this and more you’ll find in the Auroville store. The Hidesign store in Pondy is
pretty amazing too. On the streets, you’ll find amazing cotton kurtas and
skirts and pyjamas at bargain prices.
That’s the best of Pondicherry
for you!
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