A union territory that has a different twist to much of India, not to be missed is Pondicherry.

A rich French history intermingled with that of India makes this an interesting territory to travel to as well as offering weary travelers a short break from a more traditional India which is popular with both international and domestic travelers.

Pondicherry is also known as Puducherry, it is a union territory and spans into several states in southern India.  It was formed in 1962 out of the four former colonies of French India: Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and Karaikal along India’s south-eastern Coromandel Coast, stretches into the state of Tamil Nadu; Yanam, which is farther north along the eastern coast in the delta region of the Godavari River and surrounded by the state of Andhra Pradesh; and Mahe, which lies on the western side of the Malabar coast surrounded by the state of Kerala. The territory’s capital is the city of Puducherry (Pondicherry) in the Puducherry sector, just north of Cuddalore.

Pondicherry is not a state but a union territory.  The major difference is that a union territory is a separate administrative division within India’s government where as states have their own local government.

The History of Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a unique tourism opportunity for those thinking of visiting the area it has a different atmosphere to much of India owing to its being a former French colony.  In 1956 the four former French colonies were assured of maintaining their special administrative status and Puducherry is the only union territory with certain special provisions to maintain this, they include legislative assembly and French being an official language.

The geographic and cultural divergence saw the French losing the ability to keep their power in French India.  The French found themselves with a lack of clear boundaries with India, a lack of military might, economic factors and quite simply the fact that the size of the territories was insignificant in both size and population.  In the end there was little the French could do to hold onto these colonies in the long term.

The French Influence on Pondicherry

The influence on the people of Pondicherry has however remained, there a quintessence of French culture found here which can be seen in the grand colonial mansions, stately boulevards and stunning promenades. Despite being somewhat scattered the 4 enclaves of Pondicherry have preserved their French heritage and cultural identity and fused it with that which has become decidedly “Indian” bringing together the best of both worlds.

The natural beauty of the area is mesmerising, stunning to the point of bringing many tourists to a stupor, golden sea shores and exquisite sunset cruises on the water are something many people could get used to.  Moonlit dinners and silent lagoons set ones imagination soaring.  It is a place of singular beauty that many will not want to leave behind.

Shopping in the area is very cheap and a spectacular way to take a piece of Pondicherry home with you.  Bargaining is good here and many shoppers will manage to get goods for a price that satisfies bothe the shopkeeper and the customer.