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 The
origin of Pondicherry is buried in legends. According
to one view, the town was once called Vedapuri and was a
seat of Vedic culture, and the abode of Sage Agastya. Prof.
Jonvean Dubrouil, the French archeologist believes that the
Ashram of Agastya was on the very spot where the main
building of Sri Aurobindo Ashram stands today.
Arikamedhu
It is an archaeological site at a distance of 20 kms from
the Pondicherry town. Recent excavations here have revealed
some Roman coins, wine jars and other remains, which prove
that Arikamedhu was the earliest Indo - Roman trading
centre.
Auroville
The city of Dawn as it is also called was established in
1968. People from many parts of the world have settled down
here making it a microcosmic replica of the world - a number
of different communities living in harmony. There are about
40 settlements in Auroville.
Bharati Museum
The house of the famous poet Subramaniya Bharati at Easwaran
Dharmaja Koil Street has been made into a museum.
Bharatidasan Museum
Another poet Kanaksubburatnam wrote under the name of
Bharatidasan, he scaled the same heights in poetry as
Bharati had done. His house at Perumal Koil Street has also
been made into a museum.
Boat House
The boathouse is on the bank of river Chunnambar at a
distance of 8 Kms from Pondicherry.
Botanical Garden
The garden was laid out in the year 1826. Many plants were
brought here from the different parts of the country and
also places like Ceylon and Reumian.
Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus
A church dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus with
beautiful stained glass windows depicting scenes from life
of Jesus Christ.
Government Square
The Governor's Square encloses a beautiful garden which has
a monument Aayi Mandapam at its centre. There are some
carved monolithic pillars, which were brought to Pondicherry
from Gingee in 1751.
Pondicherry Museum
Here are many artifacts that belong to the bygone era of
Pondicherry. The relics of the Chola, Pallava and the
Vijaynagar periods trace the history of this place.
Promenade
An ideal place for a stroll, the Promenade is a 1.5Km long
walk built along the beach. On the beachfront, there are
statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Jeanne d'Arc and Dupleix, a war
memorial, the Heritage building and an old lighthouse that
is 27 metres tall.
Raj Niwas
This palatial building is completely French in style and was
the residence of Joseph Francois Dupleix. It is now the
residence of the Lieutenant-Governor of Pondicherry.
Shri Aurobindo Ashram
Shri Aurobindo, a famous poet established the Ashram in
1920. The Samadhi in the Ashram premises is the final
resting place of Sri Aurobindo and the mother. The Ashram
has become a centre for the practice of Yoga and a place of
learning. The ashram activities include agriculture,
industries, art and culture.
Thiruvakkarai
Thiruvakkarai or Tiruvakkarai is at a distance of 30 kms
from the Pondicherry town. The first Wood-Fossil Park of the
country is situated here. The Chandramouliswara Temple is
another tourist destination in this place.
Pondicherry Beach
Pondicherry has a beautiful unpolluted beach that is 1.5km
long.
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