Pondicherry - Tourist Information
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Pondicherry - Tourist Information
Bharati and Bharatidasan Memorial Museums
The former is in 20 Eswaran Koil Street where the famous Tamil poet-patriot lived after arriving in 1908 in search of refuge. The latter is in 95, Perumal Koil Street, the home of Kanakasubhuratnam who adopted the name meaning disciple of Bharati which was become the second place of literary pilgrimage.
Jawahar Toy Museum
Jawahar Toy Museum, Goubert Salai, has a small collection of costume dolls (dancers, professions) from different states; a 15 minutes diversion.
The Botanical Garden
The Botanical Gardens (entrance South of City Bus Stand) which was opened in 1826 has a variety of rare and exotic plants and an aquarium with exhibits showing local methods of coastal fishing.
The Government Park
It is laid out with lawns, flower beds and fountains( one at the centre is of Napoleon III period), in front of the Raj Niwas, the residence of the Lieutenant Governor. The park was originally the site of the first French garrison, Fort Louis, destroyed in 1761 by the British.
Ariyankuppam (Arikamedu)
A historical site, 4kms south of Pondicherry, which revealed local trade with Romans as early as 2nd century BC. Some even believe that Roman settlements existed here. Moreover, you will find the amazing ruins of an 18th century French Jesuit Mission House here. It was abandoned in 1783.
The French Cemetery At Karaikal
In the French cemetery on Rue de Marche (Market Street), administrators, landlords, port officials, women and children are buried under curious headstones with interest-evoking inscriptions. There is also an aged, tiny chapel within the walls.
Park Monument (Aayi Mandapam)
The most beautiful public space in town is the green and shaded Government Park, in the heart of Pondicherry. Standing smack in its centre is Aayi Mandapam. Built in Greco-Roman architecture, un-sinfully white, during the reign of Napoleon III-Emperor of France. It bears the name of Aayi- a 16th century courtesan, who razed down her home and replaced it with a reservoir. To appease a passing king, angry at having mistaken her candle-lit residence for a holy place. It was from this lake that Napoleon's men quenched their thirst, some 300 years later. Napoleon, charmed by the story, ordered a monument to Aayi.
Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion
Ananda Ranga Pillai was the celebrated dubash of Dupleix, the governor of Pondicherry while it flourished under French glory. Pillai's compilation of diaries serve as a storehouse of information on 18th century French India. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings on the west side - then known as "natives quarters." Its architecture represents a curious mix of French and Indian styles.
Pondicherry - Tourist Information
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