Puducherry (Goa of South) with Auroville
Duration
1N,2D
Overview
A French colony till 1954, Puducherry (earlier Pondicherry)is a small Union territory in India that retains a distinctly French ambiance and culture. It has a spiritual ambiance, an unspoiled stretch of beaches, and backwaters, and a surprising mix of cuisines. Every year, it attracts thousands of tourists to visit the Aurobindo Ashram, meditate and learn yoga. Food, ocean view, coconut trees, clean air, and peaceful shores, this place has a color for everyone and is definitely a great weekend getaway. Some places have the power to lure you back again and again. Pondicherry is one such place. Natural beauty with blue waters on one side and greenery on the other, multi-cuisine restaurants, virgin beaches, and cheap beer. Nothing like lazing around by the sea. The place has quite a few stunningly picturesque beaches. Pondy is also the place for those who love to try exciting stuff of adventurous sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, etc. The town has an interesting amalgamation of food — sea food, organic food, Italian, Mexican, French, Continental, and Chinese food
Included/Exclude
- A/c Accommodation on twin sharing basis with Daily Breakfast(Only 1 B/F).
- AC car for all the transfers and local sightseeing as per the given itinerary.
- Well-experienced and bilingual driver till the departure.
- All the expenses related to the vehicle (toll, tax, parking, permits, driver batta, etc).
- Hotel Check-in at 12 pm and check-out at 10 am.
- The driver is only available as per the program given above.
- All the applicable taxes.
- No hidden costs.
- The packages do not include Volvo bus tickets.
- Guide charges, entry fees, Camera Charges, Massages, Elephant Safaris, Personal expenses like laundry, tips and telephone calls, Optional Tours, Travel Insurance, etc.
- Optional activities are mentioned in the itinerary & anything not mentioned in the above package.
- In case of payment made by cr card or debit card service charge of 2.5% and 1% will be charged extra.
Tour Amenities
Accepts Credit Cards
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Restaurant
Wireless Internet
Tour Plan
Auroville was conceived as a place of research into the ideal of human unity by the Mother, the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. The idea is to build a futuristic city where people of goodwill can live together in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. Auroville came into existence in 1968.
Its Charter says, "To live in Auroville one must be the willing servitor of the divine consciousness", and describes it as"belonging to nobody in particular, but humanity as a whole, as a place of constant
progress and as a bridge between the past and the future."Located around8kms northwest of Puducherry, Auroville was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. Around 2,000 people live there in settlements with names like Grace, Fraternity, Certitude and Transformation.
Nearly two-thirds of the residents are non-Indians. Architecturally speaking, the buildings are of modern western and traditional Indian elements, set in a rural landscape with deep red earth and widespread forestation, with narrow earth roads linking the settlements. The residents are involved in agriculture, administration, commerce and handicrafts, alternative technology, education, healthcare and development projects, the latter including Aurore Systems, an international award-winning unit involved in solar photovoltaic and thermal systems.
The central Matrimandir, which is not a temple but a place for individual silent concentration, is set in an area of 62 acres at the centre of the emerging township and is seen as"a symbol of the Divine's
answer to man's aspiration for perfection and can Union with the Divino manifesting in a progressive human unity" During the inauguration ceremony of Aurovilloon on 28th February 1968 coil from 124 countries was placed in a lotus-shaped urn and mixed to symbolize universal oneness.This urn is today sited at the centre of an Amphitheatre in the Matrimandir Gardens.
The Matrimandir's 12-sided white marble Inner Chamber hasa70cms diameter optical-quality glass globe at its centre, onto which a shaft of sunlight is focused by way of a roof-mounted heliostat. The light falling on the globe acts as a focal aid to concentration. Introductory videos on the township and the Matrimandir can be seen at the Centre by request.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of the most well-known and wealthiest ashrams in India, with devotees from India and all over the world flocking to it for spiritual salvation. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. It is open to the public daily between 0800-1200hrs and 1400-1800hrs. Children below3years of age are not allowed into the Ashram and photography is
allowed only with permission of the Ashram authorities.
The Ashram was set up in 1926 by Aurobindo Ghosh, one of India's greatest philosopher-poets, who originally came to Pondy to escape persecution by the British. It was after arriving in Puducherry, that he immersed himself in the spiritual realm and discovered the power of yoga. His philosophy was deeply rooted in yoga and his writings inspired a number of followers. One of them was a Parisian mystic, painter and musician called Mirra atlases, who was so inspired by his philosophy that she stayed on in Puducherry and was instrumental in the establishment of the Ashram. After Aurobindo's death in 1950,
the running of the ashram was entrusted to his chief disciple and companion, Mirra Silvassa.
The idea of Auroville or the city of Dawn's conceived by The Mother. She died in 1973 at the age of 93. The Ashram'sinfluence can be felt in most of Puducherry. The main Ashram building is where the mortal remains of Aurobindo and the Mother are kept. Their'Samadhi'or mausoleum, which is generally surrounded by supplicating devotees, is in the central courtyard under a frangipani tree and is
covered daily with flowers.
Some of the Ashram's facilities like the Library and the main building(during collective meditation)can be accessed,only after obtaining a gate pass from the Bureau Central or some of the ashram
guest houses.
Manakula Vinayagar Temple place of worship-it is situated just behind Raj Nivas and shares a close distance with Aurobindo Ashram. The ancient temple was constructed three centuries ago and still stands in all its magnificent glory. In Tamil "Manal" means sand and "Kulam" means pond near the sea, earlier which was full of sand around the pond.
So the people called the god Manal Kulathu Vinayagar which translates as God near the pond of sand'.The temple is dedicated to the worship of the LORD GANESHA. The monumental interiors of the temple are decorated with forty incarnations and forms of LORD GANESHA, carved on the stone walls of the temple. The golden spire forms the superstructure of the temple and is the steeple that crowns the place of worship.
Within the premises of the temple lies the shrine devoted to LORD MURUGAN. The architecture in which the temple structure is stylized is typical of the Deccan era and bears similarities with temples of other states of South India. Manakula Vinayagar Temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Pondicherry before 1666.
During the tenure of Dupleix, there were attempts to destroy the temple but the temple was finally spared owing to strong protests from the Hindu population and the threat of British and Maratha invasion of the territory. Devotees and pilgrims gather in large numbers in the temple every day to offer their prayers to the reigning deity and to seek the blessings of LORD GANESHA. The pilgrims are entertained by the temple elephant Lakshmi who gathers coins from the tourists and showers blessings through her trunk. The stone carvings and the golden shrine create a blissful aura around the temple making it a true abode of the temple deity, LORD GANESHA Festivals: Brahmothsavam The Mega festival of LORD Manakula Vinayagar is celebrated every year for 24 days during the month of August and September.
Apart from this, an elephant can also be found here.
The Puducherry Museum has an excellent gallery with sculptures and has the remains of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. One can go through the history and legendary French colonial details in the section of the museum. This Museum is located on Saint Louis Street and is open on all days except Mondays and national holidays between 10:00-17:00 hrs. The museum is located in the former Law Building. The museum has a collection of rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and artefacts excavated from Arikamedu(an ancient port just 7 km).
Bharati Park is in the green centre of the French Town and its lush trees provide ample relief from the scorching sun on a hot summer day. With children playing in the ponds, on the hill or in the traffic park, grown-ups sitting or lying on granite benches, families on a picnic and occasional sit-ins of striking citizens, the park is the most appreciated public area in the town. Strolling under the cool trees is as dynamic as it gets unless people rush to the spot when an occasional movie is being shot.
The Aayi Mandapam has become the unmistakable centre from which four lanes divide the Park into almost equal parts. The area is dotted with ancient sculptures and not-so-ancient statues.
Around it stand a number of stately buildings: Raj Nivas, Museum, houses an interesting collection of excavated artefacts from the Roman Times and heritage from the French Period. Towards the east, hidden behind a thick wall and huge trees lies the former French bandstand on which the French Army Band used to play.
Chunnambar has situated 8 km from Puducherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road. This tropical paradise is flanked by a quiet-flowing creek on one side. You can sail downstream to the sands and pitch up a cosy seaside tent for yourself.
Overnighting within the tree-houses on the backwater provides a relishing experience of the great outdoors. The beach at Chunnambar also known as Plage Paradiso or 'Paradise Beach' is located near the mouth of the backwater. The sand is pristine and the water is clean. It's an ideal place for sunbathing and beach sports. A short, pleasant cruise into the sea from here could reward you with the memorable sight of playful dolphins in their natural habitat, horsing around. Chunnambar Beach and Backwater Resort, a PTDC enterprise, has boating, backwater boat tours, trekking and picnics on Paradise Beach for visitors and their friends and families.
The resort offers various kinds of rental boats (speed, motor, sail, rowed, paddled and pedalled) in addition to beach volleyball and other beach sports. Seagulls the multi-cuisine restaurant cum bar is a stone's throw from the backwater. It specialises in Chinese and Tandoori food. The restaurant too has a view of the backwaters.
It is an ideal setting for a theme party or an offbeat get-together. It also serves food in the huts just outside the restaurant. You can also order a picnic lunch at the beach and you will be served there in style. Here accommodation is available on the three tree top houses that offer you the bliss of eco-tourism.
You can read a novel, paint, listen to music, meditate or even stay overnight, all on the top of a tree!'Sunrise Panorama' (a two-storey tree top house) gives you an unrestricted view of the backwater up to its mouth. 'Palm house' on the other hand overlooks the artificial pond and the park.
'Nest bird' is the perfect abode for the adventure-loving folks; it has a rope ladder that leads to a small balcony. All in a tree house Location Pondicherry to Cuddalore Road, Nonankuppam, Puducherry.
Paradise Beach is a private beach that is meticulously taken care of and offers a host of benefits - from food and beverages to showers and restrooms, all just a few meters away. Swimming is permitted close to the shore only, as currents can be strengthened further.
Bring a change of clothes if you plan to take a dip. The restaurant shack offers a variety of cuisines and beverages with your meal. The aromas from the kitchen, the rustic ambience, the rustle of coconut trees, the swishing of the waves and the feel of sand between your toes are sure to be etched in your memory for years to come. If you are with friends and family you could also put in a game of beach volleyball. Just ask the friendly staff for the ball.
You may even get a few passers-by wanting to join the game. If not, take up beach chairs and relax with a book or iPad, or stare into the vast expanse before your eyes. Whether it is a couple of hours or the entire day Paradise Beach is a must-do during your trip to Pondy. Located just 8kms.
from the town, along the Cuddalore Main Road, this beach can be accessed only from the Chunnambar Resort via boats. Location of Chunnambar ResortPondy-Cuddalore Road, Nonankuppam, Puducherry 605101 Timings: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily Charges: Entry, Boat Rides, Camera, Food and beverages are all chargeable
Auroville Beach - popularly referred to as Auro beach - as the name suggests is close to Auroville. It is situated on the right side of the ECR, opposite to the road leading to Auroville. Located about 12 km from the mainPuducherry town, its shallow waters and small waves make it an ideal place for swimming.
It is a fairly popular destination and on weekends it can get rather crowded, whereas on weekdays it is relatively less so. Whether it is swimming in the sea, playing on the shore or just taking a lazy stroll; indulge in your desire for clean sands and cool waters.
The beach is also used by surfers - both beginners and professionals - to hone their skills. You can spot them early in the morning. The long stretch of beach has many points of entry and exit. Hotels, GuestHouses and shacks are present along the shore.
Locationoff ECR, (opp Auroville entrance), PeriyamudaliarChavadi, Tamil Nadu.
Duration
1N,2D
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