South India Pondicherry White House French Colony Vlog [S1-Ep14]
White House French Colony Pondicherry: Overview
The White House is a historic structure that may be found in Pondicherry, India’s French Quarter. The White House served as the official residence of the French Governor when Pondicherry was a French colony. The structure was built in the 18th century and is a beautiful illustration of colonial architecture.
A two-story structure with white walls and arched doors called the White House. The design has a courtyard in the middle, a well-kept garden surrounds it, and it is fashioned in French architecture. Large windows, elaborate balconies, and carved pillars are just a few of the elaborate decorations that can be seen on the building’s façade.
Pondicherry was a significant hub of trade and business during French colonization. The French constructed a thriving port that attracted traders worldwide to the city and provided riches. During this period, the White House served as the seat of government, and the French Governor utilized it to hold significant gatherings of local and foreign dignitaries.
Visitors can explore the streets, cafes, and stores in Pondicherry’s French Quarter, which are famous tourist attractions and still have a French feel. The region is renowned for its vibrant structures, quiet streets, and laid-back ambience. The Governor’s Palace, the French War Memorial, and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are just a few of the numerous other ancient structures visitors may see in the French Quarter.
Places to Visit in Pondicherry’s White French Colony
The White French Colony of Pondicherry, commonly referred to as the French Quarter or the Ville Blanche, is a pleasant neighbourhood that draws tourists with its colonial buildings, cobblestone lanes, and lovely beaches. The following are some of the prominent attractions in Pondicherry’s White French Colony:
1. White House:
The French Governor once lived in the White House, a historic structure during the colonial era. Visitors to the region must see it because it serves as the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry today.
2. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges:
The French Quarter is home to the stunning white Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges church. It is well-known for its stunning architecture and beautiful carvings, and it’s a superb location to take in Pondicherry’s natural beauty.
3. Sri Aurobindo Ashram:
The French Quarter has a spiritual community called the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It was established by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, one of his students, and is an excellent resource for learning about their philosophy and beliefs.
4. Beach Promenade:
Famous beach Promenade Beach is close to the French Quarter. It’s a beautiful area to unwind, stroll, and enjoy the stunning sea view. The beach is particularly well-known for the Mahatma Gandhi statue and the renowned Le Cafe eatery.
5. Auroville:
The experimental community of Auroville is around 10 kilometres from the French Quarter. The Mother started it in 1968 to create a community where individuals from different cultures might coexist. It’s a fantastic location to discover the sustainable living and take in the distinctive architecture.
6. Botanical Garden:
The French Quarter has a lovely area called the Botanical Area. It was founded in 1826. A diversity of plants and trees, including uncommon species from all over the world, can be found there.
7. Matrimandir:
The distance from Pondicherry’s French Quarter to Matrimandir is 14 km. You must either drive yourself or hire an autorickshaw to get to Auroville.
Auroville is free to visit, although there is a required introduction movie on the Matrimandir in the visiting area. After watching the video, you can get passes for the Matrimandir observation point, about 1 km from the visitor centre. You can take a free electric shuttle from the visitor centre or walk to the viewing point.
Between Matrimandir and the visitor’s centre, there are a few more places to discover. The International Zone includes noteworthy sites like Inuksuk, the Unity Pavilion, Bharat Nivas, Savitri Bhavan, and Tibetan Pavilion. To see these locations will require at least two to three hours.
They live the traditional Indian way of life in the Auroville Ashram. Within the Ashram is a residential area where one can live while learning yoga and meditation. The Matrimandir in Auroville can be visited without a ticket and is free of charge.
How to reach White House French Colony Pondicherry
The White House is conveniently close to several transit options and is situated in Pondicherry’s French Quarter. Here are a few methods for contacting the White House:
By Air:
The distance between Chennai International Airport and Pondicherry is roughly 135 kilometres. You can go to Pondicherry from Chennai by bus or taxi.
In a train:
Pondicherry has a railway station well-connected to important Indian cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Call a taxi or board a local bus to the French Quarter from the train station.
By Bus:
A sophisticated bus system links Pondicherry to other South Indian cities. Regular buses travel to Pondicherry from Chennai, Bangalore, and other cities. Take a local bus or hail a cab to the French Quarter from Pondicherry.
By Car:
Driving is another way to get to Pondicherry from nearby cities. The city has excellent road connections, so you may get to the French Quarter by renting a car or driving your automobile.
Conclusion
Visitors can taste French colonial culture and history in India by visiting the lovely and distinctive White French Colony of Pondicherry. Visiting Pondicherry’s French Quarter or Ville Blanche is a must for anybody interested in history, culture, or architecture because of its well-preserved colonial architecture, charming streets, and stunning beaches.
The French Quarter has plenty to offer for everyone, from the iconic White House and the imposing Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges to the tranquil Promenade Beach and the meditative Sri Aurobindo Ashram. A trip to the region is complete with visiting the fascinating Auroville experimental village and the stunning Botanical Garden.
Overall, the White French Colony of Pondicherry is a singular and endearing location that has managed to embrace its Indian roots while simultaneously preserving its French colonial legacy. It’s a beautiful location to discover and take in the splendour of India’s rich cultural diversity and heritage.
People Also Ask:
Pondicherry French Colony History
Puducherry’s history can be divided into two eras: pre-colonial and colonial. The Pallavas, who ruled the kingdom from 325 to 900, began the pre-colonial era. The Chola dynasty lasted from 900 to 1279, and the Pandya dynasty, which ruled from 1279 to 1370, followed. From 1370 to 1614, the city was governed by the Naikship of Gingee of the Vijayanagara Empire. From 1614 to 1638, the Sultan of Bijapur ruled the city after capturing it. Portuguese and Danish traders used it as a hub for trade.
Hotels In French Colony Pondicherry
- Hotel De L’Orient
- Le Dupleix
- Villa Bayoud
- Le Château
- Executive Inn
- Chaplin Hotel
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