Best Travel to Pondicherry
162 kms from Chennai, the Union Territory of Pondicherry lies on the east coast of India. The city of Pondicherry is the capital of this Union Territory.
The origin of the city is shrouded in mystery and enveloped in legends. Excavations in the Arikamedu area near Pondicherry, shows the remains of a flourishing trading port, which has trade links with Rome, more than a century before the Christian Era. So if you travel to Pondicherry, don't miss the glorious remains of Arikamedu, which are on display in the Pondicherry museum.
Fondly called the French Riviera of the East and capital of the erstwhile French India, the city has an ambience to that. A cosmopolitan place, it is also home to an ashram founded by Aurbindo Ghosh, the great revolutionary and mystic of the 19th century India.
Places to see
Sri Aurbindo Ashram
The Ashram has grown into a center for the practice of integral Yoga. In the main building is located the Marble Samadhi, where Aurbindo and the Mother have been laid to rest.
Promenade
The 1.5 km long promenade running along the sea beach is the prime attraction of Pondicherry. On the sea front are several landmarks like the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, famous French Governor Dupleix, the elegant war memorial erected by the French, and the 27 m tall lighthouse.
The Pondicherry Museum
The museum displays a rich past of Pondicherry, since the pre-Christian era, down to the present day. It offers an insight into the art and social life of the region during the many dynasties which rules here.
How To Get There
Air:
The nearest major airport is at Chennai, 162 km away. Vayudoot Air service has regular flights from Chennai to Pondicherry.
Rail:
Trains ply regularly from Chennai to Pondicherry.
Road:
State Government buses as well as private buses, and taxis ply regularly from Chennai to Pondicherry.
