Oulgaret, India

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Oulgaret, India

Region: Puducherry


Geographic Coordinates: 11.957000, 79.773700
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 300104
Language: Tamil

Oulgaret, Also known as Uppalam, Is a charming town situated in the Union Territory of Puducherry, India. It’s located on the banks of the Ariyankuppam River and surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes. The town has a unique blend of French and Indian cultures reflected in its architecture, Cuisine, And way of life. The beautiful beaches are one of Oulgaret’s main attractions. Serenity Beach is just a few kilometers away from Oulgaret and offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal.

It’s an ideal destination for those who want to relax amidst nature’s beauty or indulge in water sports like surfing. The Botanical Garden is another must-visit place in Oulgaret. Established by French colonizers during their rule over Puducherry, It has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The garden features a wide variety of exotic plants and trees from all over India as well as other parts of Asia. For history buffs, There are several interesting places to visit such as Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Aayi Mandapam Memorial monument.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh along with his spiritual collaborator Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) after they settled down permanently at Pondicherry (now Puducherry). This ashram attracts thousands every year who come to seek spirituality or simply learn about this great philosopher’s teachings. Aayi Mandapam Memorial monument stands tall at one end of Bharathi Park on Goubert Avenue overlooking Bay Of Bengal offering panoramic views around it with palm trees swaying gently against blue sky backdrop making it picture-perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Foodies will love exploring Oulgaret’s culinary scene which includes both traditional Indian dishes such as dosas and biryanis as well as French-inspired cuisine like crepes and croissants. The town is also famous for its seafood delicacies such as prawns, Crabs, And fish. Oulgaret is a hidden gem in India that offers a unique blend of culture, History, Nature and food. It’s a perfect destination for those who want to experience the best of both worlds – Indian and French. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Oulgaret has something to offer everyone.

So pack your bags and head to this beautiful town on your next vacation!



Important Landmarks

  1. Aurobindo Ashram: This spiritual center was founded by Sri Aurobindo and is a popular destination for those seeking inner peace and tranquility.
  2. Pondicherry Beach: Located near Oulgaret, this beach is known for its picturesque views, clear waters, and serene atmosphere.
  3. French War Memorial: This memorial commemorates the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.
  4. Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple: This ancient temple dates back to the 10th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  5. Botanical Garden: Spread over an area of 22 acres, this garden is home to a wide variety of plants and trees from different parts of the world.
  6. Immaculate Conception Cathedral: Built in the Gothic style of architecture, this cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Pondicherry.
  7. Bharathi Park: Located in the heart of Pondicherry, this park is a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks.
  8. Promenade Beach: Another popular beach near Oulgaret that offers stunning views of sunrise and sunset along with various water sports activities like surfing, kayaking etc.

Primary Industries

  1. Textile industry: Oulgaret is renowned for its textile industry, which produces cotton and silk fabrics.
  2. Leather industry: The town boasts a thriving leather industry that manufactures high-quality leather goods such as shoes, bags, belts, and jackets.
  3. Food processing: Oulgaret has several food processing units that manufacture products like biscuits, chocolates, jams, pickles etc.
  4. Handicrafts: The town has a rich tradition of handicrafts such as pottery work and woodwork.
  5. Chemicals and pharmaceuticals: Several companies in Oulgaret produce chemicals and pharmaceutical products.
  6. Tourism: With its scenic beauty and proximity to Pondicherry city center (10 km), Oulgaret is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination with many hotels & resorts opening up in recent years.
  7. Education sector: There are various educational institutions in Oulgaret including schools & colleges offering courses across different streams such as engineering, arts & science etc., making it an important hub for education in the region.

Noteable History

  1. French Colonialism: Oulgaret was under French colonial rule until 1954 when it became a part of independent India.
  2. Pondicherry University: The Pondicherry University, one of the premier universities in South India, is located in Oulgaret.
  3. Sri Aurobindo Ashram: The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator Mirra Alfassa (The Mother), is located in nearby Pondicherry and has had a significant impact on the spiritual and cultural life of Oulgaret.
  4. Subramania Bharathi: Subramania Bharathi, one of the greatest Tamil poets and freedom fighters from Tamil Nadu who lived during British colonial rule, spent some time in Oulgaret as an exile.
  5. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India and philosopher-statesman was born in Tiruttani near Chennai but his ancestral home is situated at Thiruttani Street in Muthialpet which falls under the jurisdiction of Oulgaret Municipality.
  6. V.O.Chidambaram Pillai : V.O.Chidambaram Pillai popularly known as VOC was an Indian freedom fighter who hailed from Tuticorin district,Tamilnadu.His family migrated to Puducherry when he was young.He studied law at Madras Law College before he returned to Puducherry where he started practicing law.He set up Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company to break British monopoly over shipping industry.VOC’s house still stands at Mettu street,Ouppalam,Oulgarert.

These are just a few examples; there are many more historical events and notable people associated with Oulgaret that have contributed to its rich cultural heritage.


Museums and Things To See

  1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  2. Pondicherry Museum
  3. Bharathi Park
  4. Puducherry Promenade Beach
  5. French War Memorial
  6. Mahatma Gandhi Statue
  7. Botanical Garden
  8. Ousteri Lake
  9. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
  10. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges



Cultural Events

  1. Puducherry International Film Festival
  2. Bastille Day celebrations
  3. Fete de Pondicherry (Pondicherry Heritage Festival)
  4. Maasi Magam festival at Manakula Vinayagar Temple
  5. French Food Festival
  6. Kandoori festival at Sri Kanniga Parameswari Temple
  7. Pongal celebrations in January
  8. Navaratri/Dussehra celebrations in October/November
  9. Christmas and New Year festivities with a French touch

Cuisine

  • Pondicherry Kitchen: This restaurant serves authentic South Indian cuisine and is known for its dosas, idlis, and filter coffee.
  • Satsanga: A vegetarian restaurant that serves traditional Indian dishes such as thali meals, biryanis, and curries.
  • Le Cafe: Located on the Promenade Beach in Pondicherry, this cafe offers a scenic view of the sea along with delicious French pastries and coffee.
  • Surguru: A multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes.
  • La Plancha: This beachside restaurant specializes in seafood dishes such as grilled fish and prawns.
  • Baker Street: Known for its freshly baked bread and pastries, Baker Street also offers sandwiches and pizzas.
  • Kasha Ki Aasha: A cozy cafe that serves organic food made from locally sourced ingredients.
  • The Lighthouse Restaurant: Located inside a lighthouse tower on the beachfront of Pondicherry’s old port area, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the ocean while enjoying seafood platters or vegetarian options like paneer tikka masala or chana masala curry.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Bharathi Park
    2. Mahatma Gandhi Park
    3. Ambedkar Park
    4. Aurobindo Ashram Beach
    5. Ousteri Lake Bird Sanctuary
    6. Botanical Garden, Puducherry
    7. Serenity Beach
    8. Paradise Beach
    9. Chunnambar Boat House
    10. Pondicherry Promenade Beach

    Suitcase

    Adventure Awaits!


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