PUDUCHERRY

puducherry 

literally New Town in Tamil),[6] formerly known as Pondicherry (/pɒndɪˈtʃɛri/; is a union territory of India. It was formed out of four exclaves of former French India, namely Pondichéry (Pondicherry; now Puducherry), Karikal (Karaikal), Mahé and Yanaon (Yanam). It is named after the largest district, Puducherry. Historically known as Pondicherry (Pāṇṭiccēri), the territory changed its official name to Puducherry (Putuccēri) on 20 September 2006.

Puducherry lies in the southern part of the Indian Peninsula. The areas of Puducherry district and Karaikal district are bound by the state of Tamil Nadu, while Yanam district and Mahé district are enclosed by the states of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala respectively. Puducherry is the 29th most populous and the third most densely populated state/union territory in India. It has a GDP of ₹0.21 lakh crore (US$3.3 billion) and ranks 27th in India.

History

Main article: History of Puducherry
The earliest recorded history of Puducherry can be traced to the 2nd century AD. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea mentions a marketplace named Poduke (ch 60). G. W. B. Huntingford suggested this might be a site about 2 miles from the modern Puducherry, which was possibly the location of Arikamedu (now part of Ariyankuppam). Huntingford noted that Roman pottery was found at Arikamedu in 1937. In addition, archaeological excavations between 1944 and 1949 showed that it was "a trading station to which goods of Roman manufacture were imported during the first half of the 1st century CE".

In 1674, Pondicherry (Pondichéry) became a French colony of the French colonial empire. Together with Chandernagor (already French since 1673), Mahé (since 1721), Yanam (Yanaon) (since 1731), Karaikal (Karikal) (since 1739) and Masulipatam (1760), it formed the French colony of French India, under a single French governor in Pondicherry, although French rule over one or more of these enclaves was repeatedly interrupted by British occupations. The territories of French India were completely transferred to the Republic of India de facto on 1 November 1954, and legally de jure on 16 August 1962, when French India ceased to exist, becoming the present Indian constituent union territory of Pondicherry, still combining four coastal enclaves.

Climate

Karaikal is situated on the east coast of India, near latitude 11 N in the deltaic region of the Cauveri, experiences tropical maritime type of climate with small daily range of temperature and moderate rainfall. Karaikal has an annual average rainfall of about 126 cm. 68 percent of which occurs during October to December. The amount of rainfall during the south-west monsoon period is small, being less than 20 per cent of the annual. November is the rainiest month, accounting for about a third of the annual total. The range of variation of annual rainfall is wide.

December and January are the coolest months with the maximum at about 28 C and the minimum at about 23 C°. Minimum temperature as low as 16 C° may sometimes be recorded. The diurnal ranges of temperature are generally small throughout the year, being highest (about 10 C°) in May and June, and the least (about 5 C°) during November to February.

TOURIST PLACES IN PUDUCHERRY

Puducherry is one of the most popular tourist spots for national and international tourists. Out of 274 Paadal Petra Sthalam Shiva Temples, the Puducherry region is owning 1 temple and in Karaikal regions it is having 4 temples which itself a clear proof that the Puducherry territory is also a part of the spiritual and sacramental of Shaivism principles. Besides in Villianur, Bahour and in so many areas of Puducherry region there are so many Shiva temples built up during the golden period of King Chola empire which gives immense pleasure to be proud of that our Puducherry territory was administered under the control of such golden rulers. So visiting such ancient temples would definitely give more spiritual vibrations to the tourists. For every year the Puducherry territory administration also declares official Holiday for performing the grand Car Festivals to the temples situates in Villianur, Veerampattinam that too the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry and the Chief Minister of Puducherry also participates in such grand Car Festival. Besides in Kizhoor, Puducherry which is 22 km. away from Puducherry therein on 18-10-1954 a referendum was conducted to ensure that whether the erstwhile French establishments of Puducherry shall continue with French administration or to merge with Indian Union and finally decided to merge with Indian Union. Puducherry was the residence of Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram still operates from Puducherry. A unique experimental city Auroville, the brainchild of the Mother, whose inhabitants are drawn from all parts of the world is situated on the outskirts of the city. There are several temples, churches, monuments, parks and mosques which attract tourists.

KARAIKAL

St. Luke – Sacred Heart Church, Puducherry

Puducherry railway station
Puducherry is connected by a railway branch line from the five-way junction at Viluppuram and Chennai. The railway line is a broad gauge line with 16 originating Trainsand 17 Terminating Trains
Velankanni church
Velankanni Church is situated in the south of Karaikal and on the coastal line of the Bay of Bengal. The church is dedicated to the Lady of Health, also known as the Madonna of Velankanni, who is renowned for possessing miraculous powers. Constructed in the memory of Virgin Mary and the Heavenly Mother, the church is popular as a Sacred Arogya Math Church among natives.

It is believed that the site was once visited by the Heavenly Mother with Jesus in the 16th or early 17th century. Besides, it is also said that the Mother appeared in the dreams of Father Arulappa and expressed her desire of having a church in her name. For constructing the same, Arapulla along with JP Dsouza, an engineer, finally established an Annai Velankanni Church at the site.

Possessing a 97 feet Belfry, the church was established in 1971 and was opened during 1972. The offerings are made to God in different shapes of candles such as in case of jaundice, a liver shaped candle is offered. The preservation centre at the church exhibits golden or silver replica of the organs that have been presented to God after their disease has been cured.

Representing Gothic style of architecture, the buildings of the church are painted with white colour while the roofs of the church are covered with red tiles. People believe that the Goddess performed three miracles at different sites which provided a platform for construction of the Basilica. The premises of the church witnessed the appearance of Mary with the baby Christ, the rescue of the Portuguese sailors from dangerous sea and the curing of a lame buttermilk vendor.

After the safe landing of the Portuguese sailors, they constructed a chapel, whose annual feast is organised in the month of September. Besides this, the church organises Holy masses in eight languages namely, English, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Marathi, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu.

Navagraha temle

Navagraha Temples, dedicated to nine grahas in Hindu mythology, form a group of nine different temples that are located in and around Karaikal. Featuring the architectural styles of the Chola Empire, the grahas enshrined in the temples are believed to have association with the nine celestial bodies.

The Suryanaar Temple is the only one dedicated to Graham or the celestial body while the other eight are ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The six temples of the group are known as Thevaram hymns and are believed to be constructed between the 5th to the 10th centuries.

Saneeswara temple 

Saneeswara Temple is an ancient temple situated at Thirunallar at a distance of around 5 km from Karaikal. Dedicated to Lord Dharbaranyeswara, one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva, the temple is the only shrine located in Thirunallar. The holy place is frequented by number of tourists and pilgrims especially during Shani Amavasyas and Sani Peyarchi festival, which is celebrated once in two and a half years.

The site is popular among devotees as it is believed that Lord Brahma worshipped at the site for obtaining salvation. Lord Dharbaranyeswara appeared to him in the bushes of Kusa grass and later the temple has been constructed on the same site. The image of Lord Saneeswara in a standing pose is enshrined on the left side of Lord Dharbaranyeswara in the inner sanctum of the temple.

The main entrance of the temple is adorned with the images of four Saiva saints namely, Appar, Sundarar, Thirugnanasambandar and Manickavasagar. Besides, the beautiful stone carved images of sixty three Nayanmars are represented at the Southern pragara of the temple. Tourists visiting the temple can also see the images of Sorna Vinayaga and Subramaniar on the western side of the temple.

Besides, the temple also houses a holy tank, known as Nala Theertha which is believed to have miraculous powers. It is believed that pilgrims suffering from Shani dasha should take bath in the tank to get rid of problems and ill effects caused by the Graham.

Sri kailasanathar temple

Sri Kailasanathar Temple is believed to be 200 years old but was reconstructed during the Pallava reign. Located opposite to the Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, the temple was constructed in parts during the French period.

One of the oldest existing temples in Karaikal, it is dedicated to Lord Kailasanathar and Goddess Soundrambal. The temple is adorned with four elaborated doorways out of which the entrance to the shrine of Subramaniar faces west.
Sri Nithya kalyana temple
Sri Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is renowned for housing an idol carved out by using single stone. Depicting the lying posture or Ananthasayanam, the idol is similar to the one enshrined at Sri Rangam, also known as Sri Ranganathar Swami Temple, at Trichy.

Standing on the Bharathiar Road, the temple is situated close to the Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple. Besides housing the idol of Lord Vishnu, the temple premises also have shrines of Alamelu Thaayar and Aandal. Tourists and pilgrims throng the temple in large numbers during the celebrations of Rama Navami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Hanuman Jayanti and the entire month of Margazhi.
Sri Parvatheeswara temple
 Sri Parvatheeswara Swami Temple, also known as Sri Parvatheeswara Temple, is dedicated to Lord Parvatheeswara, one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva. The west facing temple is believed to be built around the 8th century, during the reign of Pallavas. Representing the Chola architectural style, the temple was thought to be reconstructed during the ruling period of the Cholas.

The site is one of the four places in Karaikal region that was visited by Thirugnanasambandar, a saint who sang Pathigam in honour of Sri Parvatheeswara Swami. The temple celebrates Vijayadasami, Kadaimuzhukku, Thiruvadhirai and Surasamharam festivals.

 Mahe Tourism

Formerly a part of Kerala, it is today a Union Territory. The picturesque little town with a French flavour, originally called Mayyazhi, was renamed Mahe, after the Frenchman who captured it. The St. Teresa's Church is famed all over Malabar for the efficacy of prayers said here. People of all religions converge here from all over Kerala and even from as far as Singapore, Sri Lanka and England during the fete (October 5 - 22), considered an especially auspicious time.
Mahe location
Mahe, situated on the West coast of Kerala, is a former French colony in India. Geographically situated in Kerala, politically Mahe forms part of Puduchery Union Territory. It lies south of Mahe River near where the river meets the sea. Mahe is famous as a brisk trade centre of foreign liquor. You can see an array of foreign liquor shops in Mahe. Liquor is  rather cheap here.

Mahe History
The history of Mahe is closely associated with a statue named Marianne, a proud symbol of  the French revolution. The freedom struggle of Mahe gathered momentum from this place. Hence, this place is now well maintained as a park, in the name of Rabindranath Tagore.
The headquarters of Mahe administration is the Government House, which is a fine example of the French architecture. There is a mini forest area behind the Government House. From this point, the Arabian sea, the coastline with golden sand, the Mayyazhi River and the Dharmadam island can be seen.
Mahi Tourist Attractions
Other attractions include a tall flag mast, a lighthouse, remnants of a fort and the sunset. In addition to these, Mahe Boathouse, 2 km. from the Government house, in the Mahe River welcomes the visitors with speed boats, pedal boats and kayak boats. Some other places of interest are Thacholi Othenan’s Fort, Puzhakal Juma Masjid, St. Teresa’s Church, Sree Krishna Temple, St. George Fort, Puthalam Bhagavathi Temple and Sree Narayana Madam.
Accommodation
The Government Tourist Home near the Government House, the Zara resort on the railway station road, the Arena hotel near the Mahe Sports Club and the Municipal Tourist Home provide excellent accommodation.
Located 28 kms. South of Kannur, 8 kms. south of Thalassery Nearest Railway Station is Mahe.  Nearest major Railway Station is Thalassery
Nearest major Bus Station is also Thalassery
Nearest Airports are Mangalore (150 kms) and Kozhikode (90 kms).
The Mahe River
Mahe river, which runs across Thalassery was named as English Channel by the British as it separated the British territory from the French ruled territory

Beach on Mahé

Mahé is located in Seychelles MahéMahé

Major islands
Mahé
Area 157.3 km2 (60.7 sq mi)
Length 26 km (16.2 mi)
Width 17 km (10.6 mi)
Coastline 111.3 km (69.16 mi)
Highest elevation 905 m (2,969 ft)
Highest point Morne Seychellois
Administration
Seychelles
Group Granitic Seychelles
Sub-Group Mahe Islands
Districts multiple
Largest settlement Victoria (pop. 35000)
Demographics
Population 77,000 (2014)
Mahé is the largest island (157.3 km²) of Seychelles, lying in the northeast of the nation in the Indian Ocean. The population of Mahé was 77,000, as of the 2010 census.[1] It contains the capital city of Victoria and accommodates 86% of the country's total population. The island was named after Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, a French governor of Mauritius.

Mahé's tallest peak is Morne Seychellois at 905 m (2,969 ft), which lies in the Morne Seychellois National Park. The northern and eastern parts of the island are home to much of the population and the Seychelles International Airport which opened in 1971. The southern and western parts have Baie Ternay Marine National Park, Port Launay Marine National Park, and University of Seychelles. The Sainte Anne Marine National Park lies offshore, as do Conception Island, Thérèse Island, Anonyme Island and several smaller islands.

Mahé was first visited by the British in 1609 and not visited by Europeans again until Lazare Picault's expedition of 1742. The French navy frégate Le Cerf (English: The Deer) arrived at Port Victoria on 1 November 1756. On board was Corneille Nicholas Morphey, leader of the French expedition, which claimed the island for the King of France by laying a Stone of Possession on Mahe, Seychelles’ oldest monument, now on display in the National Museum, Victoria.

In August 1801 a Royal Navy frigate HMS Sibylle captured the French frigate Chiffonne on the island. Mahé remained a French possession until 1812 when it became a British colony. It remained a colony until 1976 when Seychelles became an independent nation.

Mahé's forests have rare endemic plants found only in Seychelles, such as the critically endangered Medusagyne oppositifolia (the jellyfish tree), the carnivorous Nepenthes pervillei (Seychelles pitcher plant), and many unique species of orchid.

Mahé had a huge land reclamation project due to a shortage of housing, in the areas of Bel Ombre and the Port of Victoria.

PONDICHERRY

 Auroville Ashram

Conceived as the 'Universal Town', the Auroville Ashram is an experimental township - the idea is to create a city where people from across the world of all cultures and traditions come and live together in peace.

Started by the Maa, a disciple of Shri Aurobindo in 1960s - the project was supported by the Govt. of India, and the UNESCO passed a resolution in 1966 commending this as "a project of importance to the future of humanity". The town was officially inaugurated in 1968.

The architecture of the city is as interesting as the concept. The city is planned in a circle of radius 1.25kms, and the center of the city is the famous Matrimandir along with the gardens surrounding it. Just outside this are the industrial zone, the cultural zone, the peace zone, and the residential zone. Outside this, the entire city is surrounded by a "green belt" - this is supposed to act as a barrier against urban encroachment, a wildlife habitat, and sources of food/timber/etc. This entire area was created out of a wasteland, demonstrating the ability to conserve nature while developing a town.

The main attraction here is the "Matrimandir" - you can watch an introductory video about the concept of the city, and sit here in silence to concentrate. With water pooling in from different sides, the sound of the water and cool breeze which always flows, provides a perfect atmosphere for meditation. The mandir is an architectural masterpiece with a 30m high globe with a lotus-shaped foundation urn. The entry is free of costs, and you can only buy the tickets in person at the venue, not online. The walk from the entry gates to the center takes around 10-12 minutes.

The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to actually just sit in one of the cafes, and talk to some of the residents here about their experience of living in the city - you would be surprised to find out how much the people living here love the concept and the life.

Bharathi Park 

Bharathi Park is a well planned and well maintained park flanked by some of the most important government buildings on all the sides. Serving as a popular tourist attraction since the times of British, this place is ideal to relax and unwind.

Chunnambar Boat House 

The beach of Chunnambar is near the origin of the backwater. The sand is clean, and the water is crystal clear. It is a perfect place for one to spend a day out playing water sports and bathing in the sun. A short cruise is organized for the visitors which gives them a fantastic overall view of the serene beauty of the waters. One can also spot dolphins playing around in the water. It is a must-visit for the nature lovers.

People from near and far, from all over the world visit the place. It provides a serene environment away from the noise and fast-moving life of the city. One can self-introspect or spend a relaxing time at the beach by alongside the waters. Chunnambar is surrounded by greenery all over. It offers a beautiful view.

The stream of water alongside Chunnambar is a natural stream and is not very deep. There is a shelter provided which houses the bags and also offers some food and water bottles. Changing rooms are provided as well. It is a place which can be enjoyed and is worth visiting for every age group.

Rock beach

Rock beach or Promenade beach or Gandhi beach known by all these names the beach perfectly placed in the heart of the city. Situated in a busy, vibrant part of the city which makes this beach irrestible to visit.

It is an amazing experience to sit on the mighty rocks and let the waves drench you with water when they hit against the rocks. The blue water turns whitish and sprayed all across. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore line, we are pretty much sure this beach won't let you down.

From a tourist point of view the beach is easily reachable from primary transport stand by shared autos.

Special in Rock Beach: Evening stroll just as the sun is about to set or a early morning walk as the sun is about to rise.
Seaside Promenade

One of the things that does justice to Pondicherry's French Roots is its beautiful Seaside Promenade. The area is well maintained, clean and beautiful and you can actually feel foam spray on your face while sipping a cooler in one of the many cafes at the promenade. Whether you're visiting during the sunny day or the starry night, the Seaside Promenade is equally feel good.