Pondicherry

MINIMUM 3 NIGHT PACKAGE IS SUGGESTED FOR COMFORTABLE SIGHTSEEING OF PONDICHERRY.

The history of Pondicherry is recorded only after the arrival of Dutch, Portuguese, British and French colonialists. By contrast, nearby places such as Arikamedu, Ariyankuppam, Kakayanthoppe, Villianur and Bahur, which were colonised by the French East India Company over a period of time and later became the union territory of Pondicherry, have recorded histories that predate the colonial period.

Product or Product (a marketplace) was a Roman trading destination from the mid 1st century[6]. Product has been identified as possibly being Arikamedu (now part of Ariyankuppam), located about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the modern city of Pondicherry. The area was part of the Pallava Kingdom of Kanchipuram in the 4th century. The Cholas of Thanjavur held it from the 10th to 13th centuries until it was replaced by the Pandya Kingdom in the 13th century. The Vijayanagar Empire took control of almost all of the south of India in the 14th century and maintained control until 1638 when they were supplanted by the Sultan of Bijapur.

In 1674 the French East India Company set up a trading centre at Pondicherry and this outpost eventually became the chief French settlement in India. Five trading posts were established along the south Indian coast between 1668 and 1674. The city was separated by a canal into the French Quarter and the Indian Quarter.

During the Anglo-French wars (1742–1763), Puducherry changed hands frequently. On 16 January 1761, the British captured Pondicherry from the French, but it was returned under the Treaty of Paris (1763) at the conclusion of the Seven Years’ War.[8] The British took control of the area again in 1793 at the Siege of Pondicherry amid the Wars of the French Revolution and returned it to France in 1814. When the British gained control of India in the late 1850s, they allowed the French to retain their settlements in the country. Pondicherry, Mahé, Yanam, Karaikal and Chandernagor remained a part of French India until 1954 when it was incorporated into the Indian Union with the rest of French India.

On 18 October 1954 in a general election involving 178 people in Pondicherry Municipal and Commune Panchayat, 170 people were in favour of independence and eight people voted against. The de facto transfer of the French Indian territories form French governance to the Indian union took place on 1 November 1954, and was established as the union territory of Pondicherry. However, the formal de jure transfer of territory agreement between France and India was signed on 16 August 1962.

Climate

The climate of Pondicherry is classified by the Köppen climate classification as tropical wet and dry (As),[13] similar to that of coastal Tamil Nadu. Summer lasts from April to early June when maximum temperatures reach 41 °C (106 °F). The average maximum temperature is 36 °C (97 °F). Minimum temperatures are in the order of 28–32 °C (82–90 °F). This is followed by a period of high humidity and occasional thundershowers from June till September. The northeast monsoon sets in during the middle of October and Pondicherry gets the bulk of its annual rainfall during the period from October to December. The annual average rainfall is 1,240 mm (49 in).[14] Winters are warm, with highs of 30 °C (86 °F) and lows often dipping to around 18–20 °C (64–68 °F).

Tourism

Pondicherry is a tourist destination in South India. The city has many colonial buildings, churches, temples and statues which, combined with the town planning and French-style avenues in the old part of town, still preserve much of the colonial ambience.

While the sea is a draw for tourists, Pondicherry no longer has the sandy beaches that once graced its coastline.[citation needed] The breakwater to the harbour and other hard structures constructed on the shore caused extreme coastal erosion and the sand from Pondicherry’s Promenade Beach was permitted to disappear entirely. As a result of the city’s seawall and groyne construction, the beaches further up the coast to the north have also been lost. An enormous deposition of sand has accrued to the south of the harbour breakwater, but this is not a commodious beach and is not easily accessible from the city. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, located on rue de la Marine, is one of the most important ashrams in India, founded by the renowned Freedom Fighter and spiritual philosopher Sri Aurobindo Auroville (City of Dawn) is an “experimental” township located 8 km north-west of Pondicherry.

There are a number of old and large churches in Pondicherry, most of which were built in the 18th and 19th centuries. A number of heritage buildings and monuments are present around the Promenade Beach, such as the Children’s Park and Dupleix Statue, Gandhi statue, Nehru Statue, Le Cafe, French War Memorial, 19th Century Light House, Bharathi Park, Governors Palace, Roman Rolland Library, Legislative Assembly, Pondicherry Museum and the French Institute of Pondicherry at Saint Louis Street.

Puducherry Botanical Gardens is located south of the New Bus Stand. Chunnambar Backwater resort is situated 8 km from Pondicherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road. This tropical resort is flanked by a creek on one side. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam on Manakula Vinayagar Street is a Hindu temple, which houses Lord Ganesha. Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Pondicherry i.e. before 1666.

Thirukaameeswarar Temple is one of the ancient temples located in a rural town called Villianur (the ancient name is Vilvanallur, from “Vilva marangal niraindha nalla our”) which roughly translates as nice with archery trees is located about 10 km away (towards Villupuram) from Pondicherry. This temple is renowned as Periya Koil “Big Temple”. The prime god is Lord Shiva and the prime goddess is Goddess Kokilambigai. There are other Hindu gods such as Murugan, Vinayagar, Thakshanamoorthy, Perumal, Bhramah, Chandikeshwarar, Natarajar, Navagrahah, and 63 Naayanmaars. The pioneers[clarification needed] in this temple say that the age of this temple is about 1000 plus years. It is thought to have been built by one of the Chola kings. There is also a huge temple pond. The Ther Thiruvizha procession is celebrated at this temple.

 Pondicherry Beach Name

1. Auroville Beach: Auroville Beach or Auro Beach is one of the best beaches in Pondicherry located near Auroville. It is a famous beach in Pondicherry for beautiful seashells, shallow and crystal clear water, and sun-kissed shores. The beach is perfect for swimming and surfing, one can spot surfers, both novices and professionals on the beach early in the morning. Auroville Beach also has some of the best beach resorts in Pondicherry. And it among those few beaches in Pondicherry with shacks.

Things to do at Auroville Beach: Swimming, surfing, strolling, and enjoying the view of Pondicherry lighthouse at night.

2. Promenade Beach: A typical rocky beach, Promenade Beach in Pondicherry is one of the most famous beaches in Pondicherry. It is a 1.5 km long beach, bordered by a long walkway. Tourists, as well as the locals, come here for a morning walk, jogging, and strolling. Vehicle entry is banned on the beachfront area during the evening, which allows people to chill out and relax in peace. Also, the seashore, beach shacks, food cart, and sea-facing cafes and restaurants that enhance the charm of the beach.

Things to do at Promenade Beach: Visit War Memorial and Dupleix Park. You can also enjoy beach yoga, skating and try fresh seafood on the beach.

3. Paradise Beach: One of the most stunning white sand beach in Pondicherry, Paradise Beach, offers utmost charm and tranquillity to every sea lover. The beach has utterly gorgeous views with some interesting water sports to try. The beach has shower rooms and changing rooms for those who want to swim. Also, this is one of the cleanest and best beaches in Pondicherry, maintained by Chunnambar Resort. The beach can be accessed from Chunnambar boathouse in boats and kayaks and one of the most beautiful private beaches in Pondicherry.

Boat operating time: Between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Things to do at Paradise Beach: Beach volleyball, backwater boating, cruising, photography (chargeable) and dolphin spotting

4. Serenity Beach: Serenity Beach in Pondicherry one of the top beaches in Pondicherry that guarantee serenity. There is also a surfing training school near the beach where you can learn surfing under professional guidance. You would also love exploring the vibrant beach cafés and the beachside flea markets. This is a place where you can spend a whole day relaxing, strolling, engaging in fun activities and also eating. Make sure you follow the safety instructions if you planning to surf.

Things to do at Serenity Beach: Surfing, sunbathing and chilling out in beach cafes and shacks

5. Mahe Beach: Lined with plush green palm trees, Mahe Beach in Pondicherry is a virgin beach with a pristine shoreline. Mahe Beach is the best beach in Pondicherry for sunrise and is usually visited by peace seekers and photographers. It is one of the secluded and best beaches in Pondicherry to relax and capture stunning views of the ocean and sunset. There are no shacks and food joints, so you must carry food, water and other stuff like beach umbrella and towels if you are planning to swim.

Things to do at Mahe Beach: Enjoy the most photogenic sunset, try fishing, take a trip to the fishing villages and collect seashells. One of the most thrilling things to do in Pondicherry for you will be hiring a fishing boat and exploring Dharmadam Island with fishermen.

6. Karaikal Beach: Another name that can be added to the list of unspoiled Pondicherry beaches is Karaikal Beach featuring unmatched vista and ample watersport facilities. With shallow and clean water, it is one of the most splendid beaches of Pondicherry, ideal for swimming and rejuvenating vacation. Spend some time relaxing with your family or partner at the beach and don’t be in a rush. The pristine waters and the sun will make it a perfect beaching day for you that also make it amongst the good beaches in Pondicherry.

Things to do at Karaikal Beach: Play beach tennis and volleyball, enjoy canoeing, and kayaking.

7. Quiet Beach: This is one beach location you must not miss on the Pondicherry beaches map. Just as the name suggests, this is a very quiet and peaceful beach in Pondicherry, located 8 km from the city and one of the cleanest beaches in Pondicherry. Enjoy the serene views and soothing sea breeze. Taking a stroll on this beach is one of the most romantic things to do for couples.
8. Repo Beach: Repo Beach is one of the most relaxing beaches in Pondicherry at night and even during the day. The surroundings are peaceful and undisturbed by the rush of noise. This is a good place to be visited with family or partner.
9. The Plage Paradiso Beach: If you’re looking for the best beaches to visit in pondicherry, this beach is the ideal choice. This beach is ideal for spending family some family time and relaxing amidst the serene atmosphere. The beautiful beach is isolated so you’ll have to take a ferry to reach here. The isolation will give you a chance to unwind while listening to the soft sound of the waves crashing against the golden sand shoreline. Spot some birds and spend some time alone on this secluded beach, or enjoy the water sports available with your family and friends.

Things to do at Plage Paradiso Beach: Bird watching, water sports, fishing.

10. Veerampattinam Beach: Lose yourself in the calmness of the ocean whilst surreal ocean waters, this beach is an ideal location to unwind and enjoy the serene environment. It is one of the most offbeat beaches in Pondicherry and to enjoy a leisurely stroll with your partner. Dip your toes in the golden sand of the beach and bask in the glowing sun. Enjoy the mesmerizing sunset and sunrise, soak in the good vibes and the tranquil atmosphere.

Things to do at Veerampattinam Beach: Fishing, sightseeing, jogging

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