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SIGHT SEEING
The French Connection
The 'Institute Francais' devoted to research in Indian culture, was established in 1955, by J. Filliozat, the French Indologist. Besides its Indological studies, laboratories for research in Ecology, Cartography, Palynologyand Pedology have since been established here. The results of its research are published in "Publications de l'Institut Francias d'Indologie".
Another institution dedicated to keeping French tradition alive in Pondicherry, is the Alliance Francaise, which conducts French language classes and arranges cultural programmes and talks in French.
The Romain Rolland Library, the public library, has an invaluabale collection of more than 60,000 rare French Books.
Houses Of Bharathi, Bharathidasan And Ananda Rangapillai
Subramanya Bharathi, the Tamil poet-revolutionary whose pen was an important weapon during India's freedom struggle, sought refuge in this French enclave when the British made life impossible for him elsewhere in South India. At No. 20, Easwaran Koil Street, where he lived in Pondicherry, Bharathi composed some of his finest patriotic songs and such immortal works of Tamil literature as the Panchali Sabadham, Kannan Pattu and Kuyil Pattu.
Bharatidasan, another great poet, was inspired by Subramanya Bharathi, whom he regarded as his guru. He won the Sahitya Akademi award for his play "Pisirandayar". He lived at No.95, Perumal Koil Street. The houses of both Bharathi and Bharathidasan are now maintained as memorials and are places of pilgrimage for Tamil-lovers.
Ananda Rangapillai lived at No. 69-C, Rue Rangapillai (Maison Ananda Rangapillai). His palatial house is an excellent piece of 18th century architecture, a unique blend of French and Eastern styles. Ananda Rangapillai is the famous diarist of Dupleix's time. The records he maintained of the events between 1736 and 1760 are an invaluable source of information on the history of Pondicherry and the French India that age.
Jipmer
The Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research is one of the six such outstanding medical institutions in India. Situated in sylvan surroundings, JIPMER is a complex of artistically-designed modern buildings and includes, on its campus, a 600-bed Teaching Hospital and the Students' and Nurses' Hostels. Residential Quarters for the staff and a playground.
Museum
Occupying the premises of what was formerly the Government Library is the Pondicherry Museum - a treasure-house of antiques. Besides a section on French India with rooms done in typical French style, the museum devotes sections to Archaeology, Geology, Sculpture, Bronzes, Arms, Print, Handicraft and Art.
The pride of the museum is a cot supposed to have been used by Dupleix and a pousse-pousse -the rickshaw look-alike that was a popular mode of transport in 18th century Pondicherry.
Beach
For sun-bathing, swimming or merely strolling, Pondicherry's beach and the 1 1/2 km-long promenade alongside, are the most delightful parts of the city. On the beach front is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi surrounded by eight, exquisitely carved monolithic pillars and a War Memorial raised by the French in honour of those who died in World War I.
Raj Nivas
The former palace of Dupleix is now the residence of Pondicherry's Lieutenant Governor. Across the road from Raj Nivas is the Government Park.
Botanical Garden
The gardens were planned by C.S. Perrotet and laid out in 1826. They have been meticulously maintained ever since. The garden preserves a large variety of exotic species of plants.
Temples
There are more than 350 temples in and around Pondicherry, 75 of them dedicated to Vinayakar.
The Varadaraja Temple and Villenour's Thyirukameswarar Temple both date to the 12th century. Inscriptions found in the former relate the existence of a Sanskrit College in Pondicherry.
The Car Festival of Thirukameswarar Temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Other celebrated temples are: Manakula Vinayakar temple, Tiruvandar Siva temple, Chengazhunir Amman temple and the Bahur temple of Srimoolanathar.
Churches
The large number of 18th and 19th century Churches in Pondicherry is yet another legacy left by the French.
Notable are: The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception, the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Eglise de Notre Dame de Lourdes and the Chapel of the Sisters of Cluny.
GETAWAYS
places of interest near Pondicherry
Tamil is one of the oldest living languages of India and Tamilian culture is even older. The entire southern India has a rich cultural heritage.
Following are the names of important cities and tourist attractions near Pondicherry with some information about them.
Chennai (170 kms from Pondy)
The capital of Tamil Nadu and India's fourth largest city, Madras is regarded as the gateway of South India. Madras is a city of courtesy, charm and culture, values of another day, another age, but still cherished here amidst the bustle of a modern metropolis. It has some splendid monumental municipal buildings and a number of broad avenues and gardens.
Theosophical Society
The Society was founded in 1875 by Madame Blavatsky Colonel Olcott. The Headquarters were moved to Madras in 1882 and housed in an elegant mansion surrounded by 120 hectares of beautiful gardens in Adyar on the banks of the river. The 400 year old Banyan Tree in the grounds spreads over an area of 40,000sq.ft. is one of the world's largest tree.
Other Worth Visiting Places
Elliot's Beach in Adyar, just south of it is Kalakshetra; a famed school dedicated to traditional South Indian dance forms and crafts and carnatic music. Birla Planetorium built in memory of B.M. Birla, the well known industrialist and visionary, the Planetorium is considered to be the most modern in the country.- Other buildings worth looking out includes, the Wesleyan Church, the Armenian Church of the Holy Virgin Mary, Pachiyappa's Hall, Wallajah Mosque and the Thousand Lights Mosque.
Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram (130 kms from Pondy)
Mahabalipuram is famous for its beautiful rock cut temples build over 12 centuries during the Pallava days. It is one of the greatest concentrations of temple art in India, with fourteen cave temples, eight monolithic rathas, a host of the fragmentary sculptures and of course, the famous shore temples.
Shore Temples : Every travellers talked to Mamalapuram as "Seven Pagodas" which some claim to mean that there were originally seven temples on the shore, six of which have now slipped into the sea. The existing temple is considered as World Heritage Monument. The Whole is set in one large temple courtyard surrounded by statues of bulls and lions. There are three shrines, with unusually, Shiva and Vishnu sharing their quarters. There are also the remains of a number of Mandapams and other buildings within in the courtyard.
Arjuna's Penance : This is a massive bas relief, 27m long and 9m high high carved along the curve of the hill just behind the buss stand. It is thought to be one of the largest in the world. It is commonly known as Arjuna's penance. Dominated by the massive elephants, it is a mass of details, with extraordinary lively animals, people and Gods, all gathered together.
Krishna Mandapam :A rock cut temple of the mid seventh century tells a story from the life of Krishna.
The Cave Temples :The rock cut temples are clustered together, along with a number of other fragmentary sculptures, on the massive granite outcrop to the west of the village. A vast granite boulder lodged on the edge of a smooth rocky slope is known as Krishna's butter ball. Next to this is the Ganesha Ratha, a small, free standing monolithic shrine, carved between 665-80. The Varaha temple has a small rock cut shrine with a mandapam and bathing tank in front. It was dedicated to Vishnu, and was probably carved between 640-74. The next major temple is the Mahisanardini cave, built between 640-74 and dedicated to Shiva. It is a triple celled temple with a mandapam in front.
The Five Rathas :
Also known as the Pancha rathas, after the five Pandya brothers of the Mahabharatha, these stand clustered together, about 1km south of the main village. Monolithic temple cars, they are some of the earliest examples of what later become one of the main architectural features of southern temples.
Crocodile Bank (20km from Mamallapuram)
Backed by the Worldwife fund, Crocodile Bank was set up in 1976 to provide a captive breeding program for the, rapidly vanishing species of native Indian Crocodiles. The Crocodile bank has around 2,000 crocodiles of six different species and a number of other reptiles, including tortoises, turtles and snakes. Open from 8.30am - 5.30 pm.
Cholamandal Artist's Village (40km from Mamallapuram)
It is created as a Co-operative by a former head of the Madras School of Arts, painter, sculptors and even photographers from all over South India have gathered in this tiny village and have turned into a hive of artistic activity. Open 6am - 8pm.
Tirukkalukkunram (16 kms from Mamallapuram)
Thirukkalukkunram, with its hill top Pallava temple, famous for the two eagles which come to be fed by a priest everyday. Legend has it that they are two ascetics who upset Shiva and were turned into birds. Everyday they start in Varanasi, and make their way south to Rameswaram making pit stops at several particularly favoured temples on route.
Vedanthangal bird sanctuary (100 kms from Pondy; 50 kms from Mamallapuram)
Originally established in 1798, the official sanctuary covers only 30 hectares of Marshy land on the edge of Lake Vendanthangal. Unofficially, the bird's breeding ground covers an area of about 10 square kilometers, with habitats, including woodland, marsh and open grass, as well as several other lakes. It is an extraordinarily crowded place, with up to 1,00,000 birds of different species being recorded at peak season. As many of them are migratory, the best time to visit is from November to February, at the height of the breeding season.
Karaikal (160 kms from Pondy)
The town is famous for its only Shani temple - one of its kind in India.
Thanjavur (160 kms from Pondy)
Visit the Brihadiswara temple and enjoy the richly sculpted walls. The Palace Museum contains valuable ancient bronze statues.
Kanchipuram - The Temple City of South India ( 130 kms from Pondy)
The golden city is one of the India's seven sacred places of pilgrimage. The huge lovely temples here should be seen for the carved pillars, towers and fine porches. The rich heritage of Kanchi is its massive grandeur and a wealth of design. Some of India's prettiest silk sarees are the products of the skill of Kanchi craftsman.
Kailasanatha temple : Built in that 8th century by Raja Simha and dedicated to Shiva. The main rectangular temple has several intricately carved panels, including one showing a dance contest between Shiva and Parvathi. The outer wall of the enclosure holds 58 small shrines, showing different aspects of Shiva, each with a nandi at its feet.
Sri Vaikuntha Perumal temple:The second historic pallava temple in Kanchipuram is the Vaikuntha Perumal, built in the 8th century by Nandivarman Pallava. The unusual sanctum is in the form of a free-standing, three storey tower, each storey holding an image of Vishnu in the reclining, sitting and standing position.
Ekambareswarar temple :This sprawls over 12-14 hectares with innumerable shrines, mandapas, gopuras and tanks. The Linga in the main sanctum is of sand, representing the element of earth. The temple has five prakaras. A huge mandapa had 1000 pillars once, but only 616 survive today.
Sri Kamakshi Amman temple :It is dedicated to the Goddess Kamakshi is one of the three places of Sakthi worship in the country. It is with Sri Sankara that the temple is more closely associated. The town also hosts the Kama Kodi Pitham established by Adi Sankara.
Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple :
This is built on an elephant-shaped hillock called Hastagiri, on which Brahma himself is said to have made a sacrifice. It has a 1000 pillar hall, two gopurams and a famous ornamental chain said to be carved from a single piece of stone.
Weavers:Kanchipuram is one of the main centres in Southern India for both silk and cotton weaving, with more than 5,000 families in the town involved.
Thiruvannamalai (110 kms from Pondy)
One of the most important Siva temple in the south, the Arunachaleswara temple is situated at the foot of a hill here. The ashram of Sri Ramana Maharishi is 3 kms from the temple.
Gingee (70 kms from Pondy)
Its fort extend over three hills, were built 700 years ago. The fort contains two temples and a mosque besides Kaliyana Mahal, which is court hall a gymnasium and a granary. The most imposing is the Rajagiri fort, which stands 152 m high. It has become famous through a ballad which describes the heroic exploits of Raja Desing, who was chief of the fort under the Nawab of Arcot in 1714.
Chidambaram (75 kms from Pondy)
Chidambaram is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for Saivites. The Nataraja temple is located here is unique where Siva is represented by an idol rather than the customary Lingam. The outer enclosure contains the Sivaganga tank and the Raja Sabha, a 1000 pillar mandapam built between 1595 and 1685 as well as shrines to Parvati and Ganesha.
The hall of wisdom, the Chit Sabha is the main has for worshipping Shiva. It has a roof of gold tiles and houses the Ashoka Lingam, an invisible Lingam said to stand at the heart of the universe, in a small inner sanctum behind the image. The golden hall, the Kanakha Sabha, also with a golden roof, houses the famous image of Nataraja, Lord of Dance. The Natyanjali dance festival is held during "Mahasivarathri" which falls in the month of Feb/Mar.
Pichavaram (20 kms from Chidambaram)
A place of rare scenic beauty with its serene back waters dotted with expensive Mangrove forests.
Kumbakkonam : (68 kms from Chidambaram)
A city of great antiquity, Kumbakkonam is studded with 18 shrines and has also a Math of Sri Shankaracharya of the Kamakoti Pitham. The bathing festival, which is celebrated once in 12 Years at the sacred Mahamakam Tank, attracts numerous pilgrims. The bettel from Kumbakkonam is the choice of connoisseurs all over south India.
Services Offered By Pondicherry Tourism & Transport Development Corporation
Sight Seeing Tour Daily form City to the Following Places :
1.Sri Aurobindo Ashram 2.Auroville 3.Chunambar Boating 4. Sea Cruising 5.Botanical Garden & 6.Museum.
Timings : 8a.m. to 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
For Further Enquiries Contact :
Tourist Information Bureau 40, Goubert Avenue (Beach Road), Pondicherry - 605 001. Phone: 339497, 333590
LIST OF TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
Government of India Tourist Office, 154, Anna Salai, Madras.
India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), 29, Victoria Crescent, Commander-in-chief Rd.
Tamilnadu Government Tourist Office, 143, Anna Salai, Madras.
Tourist Information Bureau, Goubert Salai, Pondicherry.
Visa Extensions Chief Immigration Office; Foreign Regional Registration Office,9, Village Rd., Madras.
VISITING THE ASHRAM AND AUROVILLE
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
The Ashram main building was the abode of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother during most of their stay in Pondicherry. In the inner courtyard is the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The Ashram is open to all for Darshan during fixed hours every day.
The Ashram is a Registered Trust, founded by the Mother. The Ashram community comprises of about 1200 persons. The inmates live and work in several buildings spread all over the town of Pondy.
Auroville
Auroville, at the moment, is formed of several communities, scattered along the border of Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu. These areas are situated 5 to 10 km. North of the main Ashram Building. Auroville is administered by the Auroville Foundation whose members are nominated by the Government of India.
Accommodation For Visitors
Several guest houses for visitors are maintained by Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Society at Pondicherry. The charges vary according to the amenities available. The meals can be taken either in the guest houses or in the Ashram Dining Room. Whenever possible, it is preferable to book the accomodation in advance. A pass, which should be always carried with oneself, is issued to the visitors from the guest houses where they are staying. For the pass-holders the Ashram gates are open for meditation from 4.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors can attend general talks or cultural programmes organised at the Ashram. They can participate in the evenings. Special passes can be obtained for visiting Sri Aurobindo's room. Visitors can use the facilities of the Ashram library and reading room. If they are staying for a longer period they can, if they like, take up some work in an Ashram department and do it as an offering.
Tour Of The Ashram
At 8.15 a.m. a conducted tour is arranged from the Reception Office and a few departments of the Ashram are shown. The departments are scattered all over the town, so a sadhak accompanies the visitors. The tour generally takes 3 hours by bus. There are no tours on Darshan Days and holidays.
Tour Of Auroville
Daily trips to Matrimandir, Auroville are conducted. For more information contact :
Sri Aurobindo Autocare Services 18 Ambur SalaiPondicherry 605 001 Phone : 2336586
Web : http://www.sriaurobindoautocare.comEmail: autocare@vsnl.com
ACCOMMODATION IN PONDICHERRY
Society Guest Houses
Sea Side Guest House 14 Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 2336494 2221825, 2331716
International Guest House
47, Gingee Salai, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 2336699/ 2221812
Good Guest House 12 Dumas Street, Pondicherry 605 001
Shelter Guest House, 26 Dumas Street, Pondicherry 605 001
Samarpan Guest House 3 Rue Suffren, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 2338972
Ashram Guest Houses
Park Guest House 1 Goubert Avenue, Beach Road, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 4433312
Cottage Guest House3 Rangapillai Street, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 2338434
Oriya Nilayam 7 Victor Asiamonel Street, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 2340125
Local Accommodation (Hotels)
Ananda Inn, Anna Salai-1
Aditya, 104,Kamaraj Salai-11
Pondichery Ashok, Chinna Kalapet-104
Mass, M. M. Salai-5
Ram International, 398, Anna Salai-1
Surguru, 140, S.V. Salai-1
The French Connection
The 'Institute Francais' devoted to research in Indian culture, was established in 1955, by J. Filliozat, the French Indologist. Besides its Indological studies, laboratories for research in Ecology, Cartography, Palynologyand Pedology have since been established here. The results of its research are published in "Publications de l'Institut Francias d'Indologie".
Another institution dedicated to keeping French tradition alive in Pondicherry, is the Alliance Francaise, which conducts French language classes and arranges cultural programmes and talks in French.
The Romain Rolland Library, the public library, has an invaluabale collection of more than 60,000 rare French Books.
Houses Of Bharathi, Bharathidasan And Ananda Rangapillai
Subramanya Bharathi, the Tamil poet-revolutionary whose pen was an important weapon during India's freedom struggle, sought refuge in this French enclave when the British made life impossible for him elsewhere in South India. At No. 20, Easwaran Koil Street, where he lived in Pondicherry, Bharathi composed some of his finest patriotic songs and such immortal works of Tamil literature as the Panchali Sabadham, Kannan Pattu and Kuyil Pattu.
Bharatidasan, another great poet, was inspired by Subramanya Bharathi, whom he regarded as his guru. He won the Sahitya Akademi award for his play "Pisirandayar". He lived at No.95, Perumal Koil Street. The houses of both Bharathi and Bharathidasan are now maintained as memorials and are places of pilgrimage for Tamil-lovers.
Ananda Rangapillai lived at No. 69-C, Rue Rangapillai (Maison Ananda Rangapillai). His palatial house is an excellent piece of 18th century architecture, a unique blend of French and Eastern styles. Ananda Rangapillai is the famous diarist of Dupleix's time. The records he maintained of the events between 1736 and 1760 are an invaluable source of information on the history of Pondicherry and the French India that age.
Jipmer
The Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research is one of the six such outstanding medical institutions in India. Situated in sylvan surroundings, JIPMER is a complex of artistically-designed modern buildings and includes, on its campus, a 600-bed Teaching Hospital and the Students' and Nurses' Hostels. Residential Quarters for the staff and a playground.
Museum
Occupying the premises of what was formerly the Government Library is the Pondicherry Museum - a treasure-house of antiques. Besides a section on French India with rooms done in typical French style, the museum devotes sections to Archaeology, Geology, Sculpture, Bronzes, Arms, Print, Handicraft and Art.
The pride of the museum is a cot supposed to have been used by Dupleix and a pousse-pousse -the rickshaw look-alike that was a popular mode of transport in 18th century Pondicherry.
Beach
For sun-bathing, swimming or merely strolling, Pondicherry's beach and the 1 1/2 km-long promenade alongside, are the most delightful parts of the city. On the beach front is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi surrounded by eight, exquisitely carved monolithic pillars and a War Memorial raised by the French in honour of those who died in World War I.
Raj Nivas
The former palace of Dupleix is now the residence of Pondicherry's Lieutenant Governor. Across the road from Raj Nivas is the Government Park.
Botanical Garden
The gardens were planned by C.S. Perrotet and laid out in 1826. They have been meticulously maintained ever since. The garden preserves a large variety of exotic species of plants.
Temples
There are more than 350 temples in and around Pondicherry, 75 of them dedicated to Vinayakar.
The Varadaraja Temple and Villenour's Thyirukameswarar Temple both date to the 12th century. Inscriptions found in the former relate the existence of a Sanskrit College in Pondicherry.
The Car Festival of Thirukameswarar Temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Other celebrated temples are: Manakula Vinayakar temple, Tiruvandar Siva temple, Chengazhunir Amman temple and the Bahur temple of Srimoolanathar.
Churches
The large number of 18th and 19th century Churches in Pondicherry is yet another legacy left by the French.
Notable are: The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception, the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Eglise de Notre Dame de Lourdes and the Chapel of the Sisters of Cluny.
GETAWAYS
places of interest near Pondicherry
Tamil is one of the oldest living languages of India and Tamilian culture is even older. The entire southern India has a rich cultural heritage.
Following are the names of important cities and tourist attractions near Pondicherry with some information about them.
Chennai (170 kms from Pondy)
The capital of Tamil Nadu and India's fourth largest city, Madras is regarded as the gateway of South India. Madras is a city of courtesy, charm and culture, values of another day, another age, but still cherished here amidst the bustle of a modern metropolis. It has some splendid monumental municipal buildings and a number of broad avenues and gardens.
Theosophical Society
The Society was founded in 1875 by Madame Blavatsky Colonel Olcott. The Headquarters were moved to Madras in 1882 and housed in an elegant mansion surrounded by 120 hectares of beautiful gardens in Adyar on the banks of the river. The 400 year old Banyan Tree in the grounds spreads over an area of 40,000sq.ft. is one of the world's largest tree.
Other Worth Visiting Places
Elliot's Beach in Adyar, just south of it is Kalakshetra; a famed school dedicated to traditional South Indian dance forms and crafts and carnatic music. Birla Planetorium built in memory of B.M. Birla, the well known industrialist and visionary, the Planetorium is considered to be the most modern in the country.- Other buildings worth looking out includes, the Wesleyan Church, the Armenian Church of the Holy Virgin Mary, Pachiyappa's Hall, Wallajah Mosque and the Thousand Lights Mosque.
Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram (130 kms from Pondy)
Mahabalipuram is famous for its beautiful rock cut temples build over 12 centuries during the Pallava days. It is one of the greatest concentrations of temple art in India, with fourteen cave temples, eight monolithic rathas, a host of the fragmentary sculptures and of course, the famous shore temples.
Shore Temples : Every travellers talked to Mamalapuram as "Seven Pagodas" which some claim to mean that there were originally seven temples on the shore, six of which have now slipped into the sea. The existing temple is considered as World Heritage Monument. The Whole is set in one large temple courtyard surrounded by statues of bulls and lions. There are three shrines, with unusually, Shiva and Vishnu sharing their quarters. There are also the remains of a number of Mandapams and other buildings within in the courtyard.
Arjuna's Penance : This is a massive bas relief, 27m long and 9m high high carved along the curve of the hill just behind the buss stand. It is thought to be one of the largest in the world. It is commonly known as Arjuna's penance. Dominated by the massive elephants, it is a mass of details, with extraordinary lively animals, people and Gods, all gathered together.
Krishna Mandapam :A rock cut temple of the mid seventh century tells a story from the life of Krishna.
The Cave Temples :The rock cut temples are clustered together, along with a number of other fragmentary sculptures, on the massive granite outcrop to the west of the village. A vast granite boulder lodged on the edge of a smooth rocky slope is known as Krishna's butter ball. Next to this is the Ganesha Ratha, a small, free standing monolithic shrine, carved between 665-80. The Varaha temple has a small rock cut shrine with a mandapam and bathing tank in front. It was dedicated to Vishnu, and was probably carved between 640-74. The next major temple is the Mahisanardini cave, built between 640-74 and dedicated to Shiva. It is a triple celled temple with a mandapam in front.
The Five Rathas :
Also known as the Pancha rathas, after the five Pandya brothers of the Mahabharatha, these stand clustered together, about 1km south of the main village. Monolithic temple cars, they are some of the earliest examples of what later become one of the main architectural features of southern temples.
Crocodile Bank (20km from Mamallapuram)
Backed by the Worldwife fund, Crocodile Bank was set up in 1976 to provide a captive breeding program for the, rapidly vanishing species of native Indian Crocodiles. The Crocodile bank has around 2,000 crocodiles of six different species and a number of other reptiles, including tortoises, turtles and snakes. Open from 8.30am - 5.30 pm.
Cholamandal Artist's Village (40km from Mamallapuram)
It is created as a Co-operative by a former head of the Madras School of Arts, painter, sculptors and even photographers from all over South India have gathered in this tiny village and have turned into a hive of artistic activity. Open 6am - 8pm.
Tirukkalukkunram (16 kms from Mamallapuram)
Thirukkalukkunram, with its hill top Pallava temple, famous for the two eagles which come to be fed by a priest everyday. Legend has it that they are two ascetics who upset Shiva and were turned into birds. Everyday they start in Varanasi, and make their way south to Rameswaram making pit stops at several particularly favoured temples on route.
Vedanthangal bird sanctuary (100 kms from Pondy; 50 kms from Mamallapuram)
Originally established in 1798, the official sanctuary covers only 30 hectares of Marshy land on the edge of Lake Vendanthangal. Unofficially, the bird's breeding ground covers an area of about 10 square kilometers, with habitats, including woodland, marsh and open grass, as well as several other lakes. It is an extraordinarily crowded place, with up to 1,00,000 birds of different species being recorded at peak season. As many of them are migratory, the best time to visit is from November to February, at the height of the breeding season.
Karaikal (160 kms from Pondy)
The town is famous for its only Shani temple - one of its kind in India.
Thanjavur (160 kms from Pondy)
Visit the Brihadiswara temple and enjoy the richly sculpted walls. The Palace Museum contains valuable ancient bronze statues.
Kanchipuram - The Temple City of South India ( 130 kms from Pondy)
The golden city is one of the India's seven sacred places of pilgrimage. The huge lovely temples here should be seen for the carved pillars, towers and fine porches. The rich heritage of Kanchi is its massive grandeur and a wealth of design. Some of India's prettiest silk sarees are the products of the skill of Kanchi craftsman.
Kailasanatha temple : Built in that 8th century by Raja Simha and dedicated to Shiva. The main rectangular temple has several intricately carved panels, including one showing a dance contest between Shiva and Parvathi. The outer wall of the enclosure holds 58 small shrines, showing different aspects of Shiva, each with a nandi at its feet.
Sri Vaikuntha Perumal temple:The second historic pallava temple in Kanchipuram is the Vaikuntha Perumal, built in the 8th century by Nandivarman Pallava. The unusual sanctum is in the form of a free-standing, three storey tower, each storey holding an image of Vishnu in the reclining, sitting and standing position.
Ekambareswarar temple :This sprawls over 12-14 hectares with innumerable shrines, mandapas, gopuras and tanks. The Linga in the main sanctum is of sand, representing the element of earth. The temple has five prakaras. A huge mandapa had 1000 pillars once, but only 616 survive today.
Sri Kamakshi Amman temple :It is dedicated to the Goddess Kamakshi is one of the three places of Sakthi worship in the country. It is with Sri Sankara that the temple is more closely associated. The town also hosts the Kama Kodi Pitham established by Adi Sankara.
Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple :
This is built on an elephant-shaped hillock called Hastagiri, on which Brahma himself is said to have made a sacrifice. It has a 1000 pillar hall, two gopurams and a famous ornamental chain said to be carved from a single piece of stone.
Weavers:Kanchipuram is one of the main centres in Southern India for both silk and cotton weaving, with more than 5,000 families in the town involved.
Thiruvannamalai (110 kms from Pondy)
One of the most important Siva temple in the south, the Arunachaleswara temple is situated at the foot of a hill here. The ashram of Sri Ramana Maharishi is 3 kms from the temple.
Gingee (70 kms from Pondy)
Its fort extend over three hills, were built 700 years ago. The fort contains two temples and a mosque besides Kaliyana Mahal, which is court hall a gymnasium and a granary. The most imposing is the Rajagiri fort, which stands 152 m high. It has become famous through a ballad which describes the heroic exploits of Raja Desing, who was chief of the fort under the Nawab of Arcot in 1714.
Chidambaram (75 kms from Pondy)
Chidambaram is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for Saivites. The Nataraja temple is located here is unique where Siva is represented by an idol rather than the customary Lingam. The outer enclosure contains the Sivaganga tank and the Raja Sabha, a 1000 pillar mandapam built between 1595 and 1685 as well as shrines to Parvati and Ganesha.
The hall of wisdom, the Chit Sabha is the main has for worshipping Shiva. It has a roof of gold tiles and houses the Ashoka Lingam, an invisible Lingam said to stand at the heart of the universe, in a small inner sanctum behind the image. The golden hall, the Kanakha Sabha, also with a golden roof, houses the famous image of Nataraja, Lord of Dance. The Natyanjali dance festival is held during "Mahasivarathri" which falls in the month of Feb/Mar.
Pichavaram (20 kms from Chidambaram)
A place of rare scenic beauty with its serene back waters dotted with expensive Mangrove forests.
Kumbakkonam : (68 kms from Chidambaram)
A city of great antiquity, Kumbakkonam is studded with 18 shrines and has also a Math of Sri Shankaracharya of the Kamakoti Pitham. The bathing festival, which is celebrated once in 12 Years at the sacred Mahamakam Tank, attracts numerous pilgrims. The bettel from Kumbakkonam is the choice of connoisseurs all over south India.
Services Offered By Pondicherry Tourism & Transport Development Corporation
Sight Seeing Tour Daily form City to the Following Places :
1.Sri Aurobindo Ashram 2.Auroville 3.Chunambar Boating 4. Sea Cruising 5.Botanical Garden & 6.Museum.
Timings : 8a.m. to 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
For Further Enquiries Contact :
Tourist Information Bureau 40, Goubert Avenue (Beach Road), Pondicherry - 605 001. Phone: 339497, 333590
LIST OF TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
Government of India Tourist Office, 154, Anna Salai, Madras.
India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), 29, Victoria Crescent, Commander-in-chief Rd.
Tamilnadu Government Tourist Office, 143, Anna Salai, Madras.
Tourist Information Bureau, Goubert Salai, Pondicherry.
Visa Extensions Chief Immigration Office; Foreign Regional Registration Office,9, Village Rd., Madras.
VISITING THE ASHRAM AND AUROVILLE
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
The Ashram main building was the abode of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother during most of their stay in Pondicherry. In the inner courtyard is the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The Ashram is open to all for Darshan during fixed hours every day.
The Ashram is a Registered Trust, founded by the Mother. The Ashram community comprises of about 1200 persons. The inmates live and work in several buildings spread all over the town of Pondy.
Auroville
Auroville, at the moment, is formed of several communities, scattered along the border of Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu. These areas are situated 5 to 10 km. North of the main Ashram Building. Auroville is administered by the Auroville Foundation whose members are nominated by the Government of India.
Accommodation For Visitors
Several guest houses for visitors are maintained by Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Society at Pondicherry. The charges vary according to the amenities available. The meals can be taken either in the guest houses or in the Ashram Dining Room. Whenever possible, it is preferable to book the accomodation in advance. A pass, which should be always carried with oneself, is issued to the visitors from the guest houses where they are staying. For the pass-holders the Ashram gates are open for meditation from 4.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors can attend general talks or cultural programmes organised at the Ashram. They can participate in the evenings. Special passes can be obtained for visiting Sri Aurobindo's room. Visitors can use the facilities of the Ashram library and reading room. If they are staying for a longer period they can, if they like, take up some work in an Ashram department and do it as an offering.
Tour Of The Ashram
At 8.15 a.m. a conducted tour is arranged from the Reception Office and a few departments of the Ashram are shown. The departments are scattered all over the town, so a sadhak accompanies the visitors. The tour generally takes 3 hours by bus. There are no tours on Darshan Days and holidays.
Tour Of Auroville
Daily trips to Matrimandir, Auroville are conducted. For more information contact :
Sri Aurobindo Autocare Services 18 Ambur SalaiPondicherry 605 001 Phone : 2336586
Web : http://www.sriaurobindoautocare.comEmail: autocare@vsnl.com
ACCOMMODATION IN PONDICHERRY
Society Guest Houses
Sea Side Guest House 14 Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 2336494 2221825, 2331716
International Guest House
47, Gingee Salai, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 2336699/ 2221812
Good Guest House 12 Dumas Street, Pondicherry 605 001
Shelter Guest House, 26 Dumas Street, Pondicherry 605 001
Samarpan Guest House 3 Rue Suffren, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 2338972
Ashram Guest Houses
Park Guest House 1 Goubert Avenue, Beach Road, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 4433312
Cottage Guest House3 Rangapillai Street, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 2338434
Oriya Nilayam 7 Victor Asiamonel Street, Pondicherry 605 001 phone : 2340125
Local Accommodation (Hotels)
Ananda Inn, Anna Salai-1
Aditya, 104,Kamaraj Salai-11
Pondichery Ashok, Chinna Kalapet-104
Mass, M. M. Salai-5
Ram International, 398, Anna Salai-1
Surguru, 140, S.V. Salai-1
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