FRENCH FLAVOR IN INDIA:PONDICHERRY
History!!!
Pondicherry is an union territory comprising of four isolated small places called mahe,karaikal,yanam and the biggest pondicherry.While rest of India was ruled by the British Raj,Pondicherry managed to retain its French rule till the year of 1954 when it joined rest of India. Pondicherry is very distinct in its French favour even after 50 years of Independence. It has distinct white town and black town each with its own distinct features. It has the unique bi-lingual status where French is a official language along with Tamil.
French street names( Rue de xxx) and an excellent sea promenade it is quite a place worth visiting!!!!
Places to visit!!!
AUROVILLE:
Auroville is also called the city of dawn. This city is still being built. Work on it started in 1968 under the guidance of Sri Ma, the companion of Sri Aurobindo, the great spiritual leader and freedom fighter. The city is a unique venture. It strives to be a model city where people from all communities from around the world will forget their differences and live in harmony as part of the same community. At present the city spreads over 50 square kilometers and is inhabited by about 1700 people, though the capacity is of 50000 people. A circular cover of green surrounds Auroville. The center of the township is marked by the Matri Mandir (temple of the Mother). It serves as the spiritual center of the town. The chief feature of the structure is a 30 meter high globe. The town of Auroville is divided into industrial, residential, cultural, and international zones. Two areas are marked as Green area and Peace area. Auroville is one of the highlights of tourism in Puducherry.
Located on the outskirts this place should be visitied by all religious or not!!
LE CAFE':
This iconic cafe/restaurant has existed on the pondicherry promenade for more than five decades now.Opens early at 4.00 am, its an excellent spot for relishing on that fresh tea and croissant with the Sun rise to all its glory!!!!
PARADISE BEACH:
Located 10 kms out-skirt of the main town ,this is a pristine beach accessible only by boat!!! The 15 min boat ride will take you to this strip of golden sand where one can take bath in sea!!!
Notre Dame de:
Located on Mission Street, this cathedral, which bears a strong resemblance to a church in France, was built in 1791 in the place of a former church. The imposing façade presents paired Doric columns below and ionic above. In front of the church is a statue of Our Lady with the infant Jesus in her arms. The interior design consists of eight barrel vaults and a central dome pierced with eight circular openings.
French War Memorial:
The French War Memorial on Goubert Avenue is solemn reminder of those brave soldiers who laid down their lives, for their country during the First World War. Every year on the 14th July (Bastille Day) the memorial is beautifully illuminated and homage is paid to those brave martyrs.
