EXPLORING PONDICHERRY
Pondicherry is a union territory and beach-side union territory situated in the boundaries of Tamil Nadu, famous for its fusion of Indian and French culture, this place is bound to give you a colorful and unforgettable travel experience. Until, 1950’s Pondicherry was under French influence comprising of a large French population with French-style architecture, shops, cafes, and churches. Also known as the French capital of India, Pondicherry is definitely going to give you a vacation experience abroad. Every spot at this place with adorned with elegance and fusion of different cultures, architecture, cuisines, beaches, and meditation hubs. The place is also quite famous for its colorful beaches and awesome nightlife with exotic vibes and magnificent history. Here is a list of places you surely do not want to miss out on during your trip to Pondicherry. Colorful Pondicherry with French-style architecture. Paradise Beach- 1) Visit this beach located at Chunnambar, which is going to amuse with its crystal blue waters and golden and white sands. 2) To enjoy the exotic and picturesque view, there are shacks built on the beach for a lounge-like experience and changing rooms for your convenience. Booze and swimming are not allowed at the beach, while the place has arrangements for fishing. 3) You can reach there through Cuddalore Road and it opens at 9 AM. Weekends are very crowded and packed at the beach. Golden sand at Paradise Beach. Sir Aurobindo Ashram- 1) This Ashram was founded by Sir Aurobindo in 1926 and is a popular tourist spot for visitors who seek to achieve peace and tranquility. 2) The Ashram is also famous for its giant library in various subjects like strength training, asanas, swimming, and sports. If you are a fan of spirituality and meditation, this place is perfect for attaining solitude. 3)The place is located at Marine Street and opens at 8 AM. Peaceful Ashram of Sir Aurobindo. Serenity Beach- 1)For a day full of sightseeing, Serenity Beach is a place full of aesthetics and refreshments. 2) Serenity Beach is a perfect place for your family or couple to picnic with soft sunlight and rejuvenating air. This beach is also surrounded by blue waters and golden sand. 3) It is located at Kottakuppam and is open throughout the day. Eye-catching views of Serenity Beach. Arikamedu- 1) Arikamedu is an important archaeological site, said to have been built in the 19th century with the Roman essence of history. 2) Glassware, beads, red and black ceramic statues, lamps, and stones present here will take you back to ancient roman history. 3) Arikamedu is a very underrated spot of historical and archaeological importance for our country. Magnificent archaeological site of Arikamedu. Promenade- 1)This place is a walking arena with rocky terrain and a shore of blue waters. 2) A heaven for photographers and long walks and eating haul, this place is popular for evening walks, sprawling cafes and restaurants around with a refreshing atmosphere of sea breeze and stalls for cotton candies. 3) Walk around the place and you are bound to have a great eating and gala time. Beautiful walking arena of Promenade. Auroville- 1)Auroville is a spiritual Ashram working with an aim of uniting humans of all walks of life irrespective of their status, caste, creed, or religion and to ignite the spirit of unity and harmony. Also known as the ‘City of Dawn’, the place serves as a meditation hub where one can achieve peace with his/her inner self. 2) The architecture of Auroville comprises a golden globe-like structure and many people all over the world come here for spirituality. 3) The place is located in the Viluppuram district. Divine Ashram of Auroville. Auroville Beach- 1)Auroville Beach is one of the most famous beaches of Pondicherry with a wonderful sea view and forest view. 2)Surfing is a common adventure sport here and a perfect escape from busy city life. People also come here for meditation and a tropical view. 3) The beach is open 24/7 for its visitors. Crystal clear waters of Auroville Beach. Chunnambar Boathouse- 1)Chunnambar Boathouse or ‘Plage Paradiso’, is boating plus picnic plus dining experience with sun lounge. Located at the merging point of backwaters of Chunnamber River and the Bay of Bengal, the place will provide you with an unforgettable boating experience comprising of sailboats, rowed boats, pedaled boats, jet skiing, and motorboats amidst the mangrove trees. 2) The boathouse also has many restaurants for continental food and beverages and beach sports to enjoy. 3) The boathouse is located before the national highway and you can reach there by ferry. An unforgetful place of Chunnambar Boathouse. Rock Beach- 1)Rock Beach is one of the most picturesque locations on the earth with worth witnessing landscapes and sunsets. Like other beaches of Pondicherry, Rock Beach also has sparkling blue waters, golden sands, and rocky shores. 2)You can expect crowds on weekends but the beach remains clean and fresh throughout the year also serving street food and delicious snacks. 3) The beach is situated in White Town and is open 24/7. Mesmerizing view of Rock Beach. Old Lighthouse- 1) Serving as a place for the great historical importance of 19th-century architecture, the Old Lighthouse is a magnificent milestone of engineering still navigating ships even after several years of construction. 2) Lighthouse is a perfect place for photography and learning history. 3) It is situated at Goubert Ave, White Town. The magnificent Old Lighthouse of Pondicherry. Immaculate Conception Cathedral- 1) This Cathedral is a perfect representation of Portuguese and Roman architecture like the ones situated in Goa. 2)Also known as ‘Samba Kovil’, Immaculate Cathedral is a very beautiful tourist attraction. 3) It is located at MG Road and opens at 7 AM. Breathtaking architecture of the Cathedral. Pondicherry Cuisines- This portion of the blog is for authentic Pondicherry dishes which you must try on your
Assam- A Hidden Paradise of Culture
North-East India also said to be the paradise of our country is home to a variety of distinct cultures and folk traditions. The region is also home to renowned tribal culture with ethnic groups including people from various different religions and backgrounds. Northeast is also renowned for its climate, evergreen flora and fauna, its rivers and tributaries, enchanting folktales, and many places with pollution free and fresh breeze. The rural essence of the northeast is the main reason for it being called an unexplored paradise. In this blog, we will be talking about how Assam as one of the northeastern states, is a perfect example of India’s varied and prestigious folk culture and why you should visit Assam to witness its unique cultural richness. The entire region is a perfect blend of mystic glory, art forms, delicious food, and environment-friendly habitat. This blog will try to give its readers all the reasons why you should explore northeast India because of its high significance of folk traditions and culture. The word ‘Assam’ is derived from the word ‘asama’ meaning ‘pearless’, referring to now an extinct language. Assam is famous for its tea plantations all over the world. Assam is also known as the ‘land of red rivers and blue hills’. People of Assam are known as Axomiyas and the native language of the state is Axomiya or Assamese. Assam City Experience the most scenic landscapes in Assam. Art and art forms- Art Forms- 1) Assam’s art and culture are a combination of different ethnic-culture groups. This art is a fusion of Indo Burmese, Mongolian and Aryan culture. 2) Assam is also rich in folk music largely influenced by its history of the Ahom Dynasty and British rule. Classic music of Assam is divided into Ojapali and Borgeet which is a combination of narrative performance. Sattriya and Devdasi, the popular folk dances of Assam, derive their significance from the time of Mahabharata and Ramayana. 3) During the time of Bihu, folk dances are performed by both boys and girls, also accompanied by gagana, dholak, and flute. You can witness classic Bihu performances at Kamakhya Temple and at the garden houses of Albert Hall Museum. 4) Sattriya Nritya is the form of classical Assamese dance that is said to be prevalent since the 15th century. Sattriya Nritya is performed to depict various mythological tales. Tourists here also enjoy dances like Bagurumba which are performed in colorful clothes and beautiful hand formations. This tribal dance is also called the “butterfly effect” as hand movements in the dance resemble the movement of butterflies and birds. If you plan on visiting Assam, several streets and classic theatre performances are bound to impress you. Sattriya Nritya performances also take place at ‘Ankiya Naator Bhaona’. Art- The state is also famous for its jewelry making and use of ruby and mina, terracotta work, cotton and silk spinning, and weaving. Woodcraft and instrument making are also quite famous factors about the state. A trip to Assam will bring you back with authentic silk, cotton, and handloom collection. Various paintings and manuscripts are also said to have originated from the place. Witness various theatre and street performances in Assam. Classic art miniatures of Assam Myths and Religion- Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism are the religions mostly practiced in Assam. One of the oldest temples of Indian history known as Kamakhya Temple is situated in Assam. It serves as a religious pilgrimage to lakhs of tourists every year. If you are a fan of history and storytelling, tales of Kamakhya Temple are surely going to amuse you, one of the most famous tales being Lord Shiva’s tandava and dropping of ornaments by Parwati. Assam has a rich history of Buddhism since the time of King Kumara as well. During your visit to Assam, 12 historic temples are definitely going to amuse you. Visits to Asvakranta Temple, Sukreswar Temple, Bageswari Temple, and Devi Temple are surely recommended for your visit. Kamakhya Temple is one of the most popular religious sites in Assam. Food- Rice, fish, and chicken are widely eaten in Assam. The Assamese version of fish curry called Machor Tenga is highly recommended. Baked fish with mustard served on leaf called Patot Diya is also a popular dish here. On your visit to Assam, Khar, the traditional appetizer is highly recommended for medicinal purposes related to stomach problems. Even, Gordan Ramsay came to India to try recipes of local food like Machor Tenga and fishcakes. He also learned the use of fresh spices like chilies and garlic. Spices in Assamese food are used directly in food in its fresh form instead of drying them up and then using them. For trying authentic food in Assam, you must visit Terra Mayaa Restaurant, Reboti Chat House, King Chilly, and Missing Kitchen. Assamese Thali is a surely recommended authentic dish for your visit. Lifestyle- 1) As Assam is famous for its handloom and handicraft industry, dresses made of handlooms called Mekhela Chador are worn by women. Assamese men wear dhoti-Ghamosa. During your tourist stay, dressing up in Assamese attire is highly recommended. If you are a culture enthusiast, visit during the traditional festival of Bihu. 2) Rongali Bihu is celebrated in the month of April to celebrate the onset of the sowing season. Then comes the Kangaali Bihu, celebrated in the month of October to celebrate the harvest season. In January, Magh Bihu is celebrated to celebrate the feasting season with bonfires. Assam caters to a large number of tourists during Bihu. Although, Bihu is a non-religious festival, folk music and dance performed by people are worth witnessing. 3) The state witnesses a huge portrayal of culture giving you a huge reason to be an audience. A great majority of Assam lives in rural areas whereas Guwahati and Dispur have undergone vast industrialization and urbanization. The state comprises a number of rivers, forests, and hilly terrain. Agriculture is widely practiced here, most of
