Statues of Francois Dupleix

Statues of Francois Dupleix

Statues of Francois Dupleix, the Governor, were commissioned in Pondicherry and in France in honour of his able administration. Originally, the2.88 meters tall structure was erected over six exquisitely carved granite pillars. The statue of Joan of Arc, a typically French marble statue commemorates the heroic spirit of French damsel, Jeanne d’ Arc. It is set in triumphant posture as well as laid out garden in front of the L’Eglise de Notre dame des anges, the famous church of Pondicherry.

Subramanya Bharathi house

Subramanya Bharathi

Tamil poet-patriot, Subramanya Bharathi came to the French ruled Pondicherry and found it to be peaceful. He penned down some of his finest patriotic poems and romantic compositions. His residence is converted to a museum and is literally a pilgrimage for the Tamilians. He too has struggled for the freedom of India through creating enlightenment among people as to know what is going on.

Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

The magnificent mansion, Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion, the famous Dubash (Indian representative of a European ruler) of the French Governor Francois Dupleix is one of the oldest surviving buildings of the west side - then known as Ville Noire or the Black Town. The mansion was built around 1738 and is a unique combination of French and Indian architectural styles. Pillai’s diaries are preserved here and provide good information of the 18th century French India.

Elegant French War Memorial

The elegant French War Memorial on the famous Goubert Avenue was erected in honour of the soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. The war memorial is beautifully illuminated during the annual commemoration held on Bastille Day, the 14th of July. Its sounds really great when a tourist hear that people are remembered for their services. The soldiers have fought for the safety of their place and people. We must respect and honour those who really strove hard for the safety of the place and the people.

Monuments and Buildings in Pondicherry

A place looks beautiful and neat only if there are good buildings with special artifacts. Some of the monuments, memorials and museums in Pondicherry are briefed below.
They are Aayimandapam, French War Memorial, Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion, Bharathi Memorial Museum, Bharathidasan Museum, the Statue of Dupleix, The Statue of Joan of arc, 19th Century Lighthouse, Place Du Gouvernment, Jawahar Toy Museum, Pondicherry Museum and Library and Arikamedu.

Aayimandapam

The magnificent Aayimandapam is a white monument and is elegantly set at the lush Government Park in the heart of the city. It was built in the 16th century in Greco-Roman architectural style during the reign of Napoleon III the emperor of France and this is the most recognizable monument of Pondicherry. It commemorates the 16th century courtesan named Aayi. This is a historical place. The Greeks are known for their minute architecture. They have put a lot of effort in the growth of the place. This is a great honour to Aayi.

Pondicherry pet Elephant

church pondicherry

Hindu Mounds on the Beach on Pondicherry

Pondicherry Image

Pondicherry Beach

Tourist Spots in Pondicherry

When people visit a new place they closely watch the place, its nature and beauty, the buildings, the people’s cultural and traditional set up, their food, clothing and their mannerisms. They watch out places where they could relax a bit so that they could be tension free and spend the time happily for a while. Nature gives wisdom, joy, pleasure, relaxation and it teaches many things essential in life. Some places may be breezy and cool all the time. Some places may be colourful. People have different tastes and likings. But for sure the spots in Pondicherry will really be entertaining and time to be leisurely.

Beaches and Backwaters

People both young and old have a liking in something or the other. Even when at home when there is rain we find kids playing in the water. They make paper boats and enjoy their time. Likewise people love the time they spend in the sea shores and beaches. Some of the beaches to be visited in this territory are the Serenity Beach, the Paradise Beach, Karaikal Beach, Mahe Beach and Yanam River Cruise. Let’s get to know about the specialties of these beaches in detail.

The Serenity Beach is 1.5 kilometers long. It’s a beautiful site to watch as it is cool and clean. This beach is ideally suited for relaxation, swimming and sun-bath. The pleasant breeze from the Bay of Bengal makes us to have a stroll or jog or sit in the parapet by the sea. The beach has a history behind it as this witnessed the bloodiest of the battles between the French and the British. The sea front is graced by an impressive statue of the Mahatma (M.K.Gandhi) set amidst eight exquisitely carved pillars and wonderful war memorial commemorating the soldiers who lost their lives during the World War I. The Lighthouse and the 284 meters long New Pier are located further south.

The next is the Paradise Beach. This is called Plage Paradiso. This is located at Chunnambar near the mouth of the backwater. This is located about 8 kilometers away form Pondicherry towards Cuddalore Main Road. It is a perfect place for leisurely holiday and beach sport. The visitors can sail to the backwaters to the sands and pitch up a cozy sea side tent. One can see playing dolphins if cruised into the sea.

The next is the Karaikal Beach. This beach is an excellent place for watching the rising sun. The tourists can see the view of the slowly flowing Arasalar River meeting the sea which is simply breathtaking. The boating club on the beautiful backwaters of the Arasalar provides pedaller, motor and rowing boats to the tourists. The beautiful Mahe beach is a beach resort which is 22 kilometers south of Kannur in Kerala and is bordered by lush palm trees. There are numerous fishing hamlets. The Yanam river cruise is located in coastal Andhra Pradesh. Its beauty is enhanced by the spectacular Goringa Godavari River which meanders through rich mangrove forests.