On virtually any large scale map of India, the state of Tamil Nadu is shown as covering the whole of the south-eastern corner of the sub-continent. Yet, a three-hour drive south along the coastal road from Tamil Nadu’s capital Chennai takes you past some border/customs posts and signs telling you that you are now entering the territory of Puducherry.
The latter is also known as Pondicherry and represents a remnant of the former French colonies in India. It is not part of Tamil Nadu, but (together with three other small, physically unconnected areas) belongs to the Union Territory of Puducherry. It has its own administrative structures, limited law-making powers—and sets its own duties. Alcohol, as a result, is significantly cheaper here than in Tamil Nadu and there is much more choice.
The town has a pleasant feel to it and some of the buildings add an almost European ambience.
The old—now disused—lighthouse dates from the 1830s.
Not far from there, on the beach promenade, is this memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
When I took the photo below, I thought it was a statue of Nehru. It turns out to depict Édouard Goubert, the mayor and first chief minister of Puducherry (in 1963/64).
There are several green spaces. This monument is situated at Bharathi Park, in the heart of the town.
Given the history of Puducherry, it is not surprising that you find several Catholic churches here. This is the Church of Our Lady of Angels on Dumas Street.
Many of the restaurants in Puducherry offer French dishes and baguettes/pastries were on the breakfast menu of our hotel. However, when we travel we generally prefer to stick to the local cuisine—which was exceptionally good and interesting here.
