Southern Sojourn 1 - Les tour de Pondicherry

Soon it was morning. I woke up around 8-8.30, did all the morning chores, and went out, looking for a place to have breakfast. By the time I went out it was well past 9 in the morning, but still none of the shops were open. Moments later I came to know that it was a festival day, where the people worship all items of iron. Yes it was the Viswakarma Puja of South India. however, found an idli shop, and officially had idli, from where it actually belongs to. It was great, which was served with  many types of chutneys. After gorging on to the idli, we moved ahead straight to the french colonies, for visiting Shri Aurobindo Ashram. Some info on this Ashram.

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a well known and wealthy ashram 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. The Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, an Indian freedom fighter, poet, philosopher, and yogi.

Mirra Alfassa (also known as ‘The Mother’) was one of Aurobindo's followers, who was born in Paris and was so inspired by his philosophy that she stayed on in Pondicherry. After 24 November 1926, when Sri Aurobindo retired into seclusion, she founded his ashram. With Sri Aurobindo's full approval she became the leader of the community, a position she held until her death. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust,which she had registered after Sri Aurobindo's death in 1950 continues to look after the institution.

It is open to the public daily between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the ashram and photography is allowed only with permission of the ashram authorities. 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.It is located on Rue De La Marine. (Rue means Street in French). Now in the heritage part of the town, all the streets are named in French.

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram during the day time. Once you go inside the premises, there is feel of peace and serenity. You would be pulled to be in that place for a longer time because of the peaceful atmosphere inside the Ashram.

By the time darshan and visiting The Sri Aurobindo Ashram was over, it was around 11am. And the heat of the sun was making walking along the heritage area uncomfortable. It is advisable, to carry an umbrella or hat, and glares are must. Also carry enough of fluids.

Thanks to the shaded paths in the French colony, there was some comfort in walking that stretch. Here is how the colony looked during the day time.

Snaps of the French Colonies on Rue de la Marine...

 Continuing with the walk came across this yellow mansion, which was tightly guarded.

Consulat General de France

I was wondering what is it all about so much security for this house. Only moments later came to know the reason.

Soon enough came to know, that this was the French Consulate, situated at Rue de la Compagnie. 

This is the entire mansion of the French Consulate from the beach promenade. Isn't it huge!!

Within few minutes, we came on the beach promenade. It is very beautifully maintained. The Promenade in the main town Puducherry is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the Union Territory.

Some streetscapings on Goulbert Avenue. It's the name of the road, which runs parallel to the coastline.

Establishments on Goulbert Avenue.

The War Memorial

The War Memorial. It was built in 1971. Every year on 14 July (Bastille Day) the memorial is beautifully illuminated and homage is paid to those brave martyrs. Btw, Pondy is a litter free city.

 The Goulbert Avenue, along with the beach promenade.

The granite pillars of Gandhi statue.

The Promenade Beach, also known locally as the Rocky Beach.

After this we planned to return back to our hotel as it was now getting very hot, and roaming in that heat was becoming tough, however, the humidity was less that day. Now, while returning I remembered that the hotel guy suggested us to visit The Église de Notre Dame des Anges which means The Church of Our Lady of Angels in English. So took an auto ride for this. It was not so far though.


The Église de Notre Dame des Anges (The Church of Our Lady of Angels), in Rue Dumas, is notable for its masonry – which uses the finest of limestone mixed with white of the egg – making for a texture identical to that of white marble. It is modeled on the Basilica at Lourdes, in southern France.The imposing façade presents paired Doric columns below and ionic above. In front of the church is a statue of Our Lady with the infant Jesus in her arms. The interior design consists of eight barrel vaults and a central dome pierced with eight circular openings.

The Église de Notre Dame des Anges from outside.

After getting down in front of the Church, went inside this church. It was really beautiful inside the cathedral. Here are some pics.

The Altar.

The prayer area.

The Promenade and Rue Dumas from the portico of the Church.

As were running short of time, so didn't stay in the church for long. By the time we left the church, the hotel guy gave a call to inform the details regarding the car, and also that we just had 1hr in hand, which means we are going to miss some sites in the city, including the famous Auroville. Auroville (City of Dawn) is an experimental township which is situated 8 km north-west of Pondicherry in East Coast Road. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Richard (also known as The Mother). It is also a part of the Aurobindo Ashram Trust.


However en route, We took a glimpse of Bharathi Park and the Raj Bhawan, here known as Raj Niwas.

Bharathi park from outside.

The compound wall of Raj Niwas.

 

 

 

 

 

After this we returned back at our hotel, got freshened up, and then checked out. By the time we checked out of the hotel, the car did arrive, so loaded all the luggage in the car. The journey to Madurai would be pretty long, so it was advised to us to have our lunch before leaving. Did so, and before boarding the car, bought a bottle of the water from a near by departmental store. all these caused us a delay of further 1hr! So Around 3 we set ahead for our next destination, Madurai.

We said au revoir to Pondicherry, and moved ahead for a long ride till Madurai. What happens next? How was the journey? To know all these look out for my next post. Till that time, keep reading!

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Banjara_the nomadic