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Chunnambar
(7-km)
Like to Swim, row a boat, or simply watch the sunrise and picnic at the
beach, or go trekking, or feel comfortable on a tree house? Then
Chunnambar is the right place, and to reach Chunnambar in Ariankuppam,
which is just 7-km from Pondicherry (commonly
known as Pondy), one has to go to Cuddalore. Any bus plying from Pondy to
Cuddalore will take one near this spectacular backwater front. A campfire
enthusiast's favourite haunt.
Arikamedu (4-km)
A
historical site, 4-km south of Pondicherry, which revealed local trade
with Romans as early as 2nd century BC, some even believe Roman
settlements existed. Wine seems to have been a major import as excavated
amphora jars suggest. In return, textiles, precious stones and
shell-jewellery left these shores.
Moreover, one will still be able to find the amazing ruins of an 18th
century French Jesuit Mission House here. It was abandoned in 1783.
Ousteri Lake (14-km)
Pedal your way to the enchanting Ousteri Lake. A centuries-old, man-made
water body, which the French made good use of, connecting it to a system
of canals. Verdant crops make it a scenic location. In addition, the lake
serves as a bird sanctuary, sheltering an incredible range of aquatic
species.
FROM PONDICHERRY
Mahabalipuram
(98-km)
Nesting along the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was a 7th
century port of the Pallava kings. The cave temples here were carved out
of a granite hill mostly between the 5th and 8th centuries. Besides, one
will also find the famous Shore Temple to the east and the Chariot temples
to the south.
Chidambaram (74-km From Pondicherry And 65-kms From Karaikal)
The Nataraja temple located at the centre of the town, sprawls over an
area of 40 acres. With the roof of the Sanctum Sanctorum covered with gold
plates. The presiding deity is represented by air and is known as "Akaasa
Linga".
Pitchavaram (70-km)
One can choose one's picnic spot within thousands of acres of lush
mangrove forests. A number of backwater canals criss-cross the area
forming several islands.
Kancheepuram (130-km)
A temple town with a history dating back to 23 centuries, Kancheepuram is
called "The City of Thousand temples". The Ekambareswaran temple
said to be the largest Shiva temple has a 1,000-pillared hall and one of
the tallest 'Gopurams' of 185m in South India. Today, the town is perhaps
more widely known for its lovely silks.
Tiruvannamalai (105-km)
The Arunachaleswara temple, a renowned Shiva temple, is situated at the
foot of a hill here. The ashram of Sri Ramana Maharishi is only 3-km from
this temple.
Gingee (75-km)
Gingee, one of the finest forts in India, is built on 7 hills and still
houses several interesting structures.
Karaikal
(132-km)
On the coastal Bay of Bengal close to Tanjore of Tamil Nadu is Karaikal -
earlier it was part of the Tanjore district. It came under the French East
India rule in 1738. The area of Karaikal is 160-sq-km with a population of
119,978. The Catholic Church "Our Lady of Angels" was built in
1740 and underwent repair and renovation in 1828, but still reminds the
past. Though not a popular tourist destination, there are some spots to
visit like Hindu temples of Lord Shiva and Goddess Ammeiyar. The beach is
1-km away and regular buses ply from Kumbhakonam to Karaikal.
Yanam (444-km)
Yanam was earlier situated in Godavari district of
Andhra
Pradesh. French took hold of it in 1731. The area is 30-sq-km with
population strength of 11,627.
Mahe (650-km)
And on the west coast to the north of Kozhikode in
Kerala there is a
hilly town. Mahe shaded by coconut trees. The area is only 9-sq-km,
population 28,401. The nature and climate is alike kerala, went under the
rule of French in 1721.
FROM KARAIKAL
Tharangambadi (12-km)
Also known as Tranquebar, this former Danish settlement, contains the
fairy tale-like remains of a 400-year-old fort on the seashore.
Poompuhar (35-km)
On confluence of River Cauvery with the Bay of Bengal, lies this ancient
historic port city of the Chola Dynasty also known as "Ksveripoompattinam".
Velankanni (29-km)
The healing powers associated with the Basilica of Our Lady of Health
here, draws pilgrims from all religions and faiths.
Kumbakonam
(60-km)
Kumabakonam is famous for the 'Sarangapani', the 'Kubereshwara', the
'Nageswara' and the 'Ramaswami' temples. The 'Mahamagam' congregation
takes place over here once in 12 years.
Thanjavur (100-km)
Thanjavur rose to glory as a centre of learning and culture during the
Chola reign between the 10th and the 14th centuries. This place is
renowned for its 11th century Brihadeswara temple, the finest of its kind
in South India. Moreover, the Fort Serfoji Museum over here holds the
richest collection of Chola bronzes.
Nagore (12-km)
The Hazrat Meeran Sultan Sayed Shahabdul Hameed Dargah attracts devout
Muslims from far and wide.