Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India. It is a former French colony, consisting of four non-contiguous enclaves, or districts, and named for the largest, Pondicherry.In September 2006, the territory changed its official name from Pondicherry to the vernacular original. Puducherry consists of four small unconnected districts: Puducherry, Karaikal and Yanam on the Bay of Bengal and Mahé on the Arabian Sea. Puducherry and Karaikal are by far the larger ones and are both enclaves of Tamil Nadu. Yanam and Mahé are enclaves of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala respectively. The territory has a total area of 5492 km²: Puducherry (city) 1293 km², Karaikal 1160 km², Mahé 19 km² and Yanam 130 km². It has 900,000 inhabitants (2011). The climatic condition of Pondicherry varies greatly due to variation in altitude and proximity towards Himalayan ranges. There are two distinct climatic regions: the predominant hilly terrain and the small plain region. The climatic condition of the plains is very similar to its counterpart in the Gangetic plain, i.e tropical. Summers are relatively hot and winters are chilly with temperatures going below 0°C. The lowest temperature recorded is -3.0°C at Mukteshwar and highest is 43.2°C at Pantnagar. Pondicherry comes under Himalayan region with Alpine conditions characterized by cold winters with snowfall for quite a long time, good rainfall in the monsoon, and mild summers. The overall climate of the state is salubrious and it attracts millions of visitors every year to have its natural charm with religious flavour. Official languages of Puducherry are French, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. Status of each languages varies differently with respect to each district. When communicating between districts of different languages, generally English is used for convenience. Puducherry was the setting for the first third of the Booker prize-winning novel Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Lee Langley's novel A house in Pondicherry was likewise set there.Some Novels of M. Mukundan, former employee of the French Embassy and Malayalam Writer. Puducherry was the setting for the first third of the Booker prize-winning novel Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Lee Langley's novel A house in Pondicherry was likewise set there. Some Novels of M. Mukundan, former employee of the French Embassy and Malayalam Writer

Karaikal Mahe Pondicherry Yanam

Keezhoor : There is a huge banyan tree near the village here. The canopy of the 400 year old tree covers a few acres at the very least. This is one of the oldest banyan tree in the whole of South India. Keezhoor is just off the road to Villianur. Gingee : For those for an ‘off the beaten track’ experience, Gingee is the ideal place. Located around 68 Kms. from puducherry. Gingee is home to a huge fort complex (stands tall on the 800 ft hill), spread over three hills with the ruins of a place, a temple, a mosque, a granary, an auditorium, stables and even a harem among other structures. Start off early in the morning as the heat will become unbearable once the sun is up. Take stocks of food and enough drinking water. Singavaram : Singavaram is about 4 km from Gingee. The temple of Lord Ranganatha, is on top of the hill. This 7th Century Cave Temple is a good specimen of South Indian type of rock-cut-shrine. The idol of Lord Ranganatha in a reclining posture, measures 24 ft in length, it is said to be bigger than the idol in Srirangam Marakanam : As per Roman records, this coastal town had been a major port in the 1st Century AD. Kelveli tank near here is an important winter refuge for thousands of migratory birds. Thalavanur : Located about 16 km from Gingee. Thalavanur is home to the Shatru Malleswaralayam rock cut temple. This temple was built by the Pallava King. This is a fine example of temple architecture built without the use of conventional materials. Mandagapattu : Mandagapattu is home to a 7th Century Cave Temple, which is most probably one of the earliest Pallava shrines discovered in the area. Mandagapattu is located 60 Kms. north-west of puducherry. 2 Kms east of the road leading to Gingee. This 7th Century Cave Temple is comparable to those at Mamallapuram and Trichy. Panamalai : Located around 75 km west of puducherry on the road from Villupuram to Vettavalam, this village is home to the Talagrishvara Temple. This 8th century shrine belonging to the Pallava period was built entirely out of red granite. Vedanthangal : Vedanthangal is 105 km from puducherry just off the NH to Chennai. Vedanthangal is a bird sanctuary. The sanctuary attracts numerous water fowls and provides their main nesting site. The best season to visit is from November to February. The sanctuary is open from 0600 – 1800 hrs. Thiruvannamalai : 102 Kms. from puducherry, Thiruvannamalai is celebrated for the Arunachala Temple. One of the largest temples in South India, built between the 16th and 17th centuries by the Vijayanagara kings. The main deity here is Siva. The tallest of the gopuram here is over 66 m in height. The 1000 pillared hall and the gopuram have some excellent carvings. Ramana Maharshi Ashram is one of the South India’s most sought after spiritual centers and it is the home of Samadhi of Sri Ramana Maharshi. Chidambaram : Just 58 kms from puducherry. This is one of the most important temple towns in Tamil Nadu. The Nataraja Temple is famous for its sculptures and massive structure. The Annamalai University here specializes in Tamil Studies and Carnatic music. Sri Aurobindo Ashram:founded in 1920, is the residence where the Sri Aurobindo and revered Mother Mirra Richard, popularly known as Maa, spent the most part of their life. This place attracts many thousands of people each year. This is the saddle of peace; Aurobindo preached his ideas of a peaceful community from this ashram. The ashram is comprised of many buildings and the inmates are a diversified community of around 1,200 members with 400 students of the Centre of Education. This ashram has different departments to maintain the basic needs of its members. Members engage in various activities in farms, libraries, gardens, and small-scale industries like printing press. The ashram draws lots of respect as the Samadhi place of Sri Aurobindo and the mother. Pichavaram : Pichavaram is located 15 km east of Chidambaram. Pichavaram on the mouth of the three rivers is a cluster of over 50 tiny islands amidst hundred of canals in the mangrove forest. Row boats are available on hire. Take a guide along as it easy to get lost in the maze of tunnel like canals. Gangaikondacholapuram : This historically significant town is 88 km from puducherry. This town is home for magnificent ‘Brihadeeshwara temple’ (like the temple in Tanjavur). Palais du Gouvernement:an eighteenth century building, presently known as Raj Nivas is a main attraction in Pondicherry. Raj Nivas, the residence of Pondicherry's Lieutenant Governor, is not open to the public. The old court, which houses the Legislative Assembly, is also seen in this building.One of the main attractions for the tourists is the monolithic pillars, brought from Gingee Fort after its capture in 1751. Another attraction is the water monument placed in the middle of a well-maintained garden, which is the monument of the reminiscence of the introduction of good drinking water scheme for the population. Poompuhar : This small village on the mouth of the river Kaveri was one of the major port of the Cholas. Poompuhar has a decent beach. Mamallapuram: This historic sea-side resort is an open air museum displaying legacy of the Pallava architecture. It is also known for its natural beauty, vast stretch of glorious sandy beach, and delicious sea food. The world famous shore temple here is one of the oldest temples in the south and has been listed among the world heritage sites of UNESCO. The unique temple was built during the seventh century during the reign of Rajasimha. The five Rathas, Arjuna's penance 14 caves and Mandapam and sculpture museum along the beach side are found here. Nagore : 176 Km from puducherry, this coastal town is world famous for the tomb of the Muslim Saint Hazrat Miya. Pondicherry Beach:The traveler looking for secluded beach and calm relaxing moments, Pondicherry beaches offer you all. The soothing and cool waters, soft breeze, clear and sparkling sands and superb seclusion, the nice environment attract you to this beach paradise. If you look for, you can spend much time with the only company of a lone seagull or a sandpiper. Resorts, cafeterias, restaurants and cottages offer the required cuisine and accommodation. The beaches have cool and calm atmosphere and are perfect location for sunbathing or a quick dip in the roaring sea. Tharangambadi : Tharangambadi is a coastal town 24 km south of Chidambaram. Interestingly this sleepy little town was an important Danish settlement. The remarkably intact Danesh Fort, which overlooks the sea was built in 1620. Auroville City:A real example of community living and gradually flourishing, Auroville is conceived as a ‘Universal Town’. This is a place were people with different nationalities, beliefs and culture live in harmony. This amazing city of community living was started in 1968 by the Maa, renowned disciple of Shri Aurobindo, and now the development is going on. The main feature of this city is that many countries constructed permanent pavilions, which reflects the customs, beliefs and culture of their countries. Really a Universal town, the populations speaks different kinds of language, nearly 50 languages are spoken here. A major draw here is Matrimandir, a modern architectural marvel, with a globe as high as 30 meters and have lotus-shaped foundation urn. Velankanni : 184 km from puducherry, Velankanni, is a very popular Roman Catholic pilgrimage centre and is home to the imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. Karaikal : In and around Karaikal there are many tourist important places, and holy Shiva and Vaishnava temples are situated which are all recorded in the holy books of Nayanmars and Alwars. Many places of interest are in the Karaikal region in the view of tourist and pilgrim. Nagapattinam : Located around 170 km from puducherry this fishing town was a former Chola Port and a major centre for Buddhism and it served as emporium for textiles and spices. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:constructed in Gothic style, is a highly revered religious destination in Pondicherry. Lot of visitors and believers are thronging to this church to offer prayers. One can be blessed by seeing the wonderful stained glass windows highlighting the life of Jesus. Every year this church witness growing rush with thousands of devotees from different place visiting this place. This gigantic church is one of the most attractive churches in Pondicherry. Other Places: The other places around Karaikal are Nagore, Tranquebar, Velankanni, and Chidambaram. These places are all religious and historical places. These places belong to the state of Tamilnadu. Thus to sum up Puducherry is one of the treasures to India when comes to tourists spots. It is due to the economy, the facilities and the peaceful situations people abroad select such towns and cities to visit and enjoy. Not only do people enjoy they do learn a lot about the land, the people, the culture, the languages and finally get influenced by the conditions which are suitable for them. Puducherry is surely a boon to India. One can say that it is because of the French rule and the culture that those people made the people adapt to the foreign culture and things have become easier and finer to both the people throughout the territory as well as for the tourists.