PONDICHERRY

Pondicherry : A french town in an Indian Countryside, Pondicherry possesses an atmosphere that is pleasant intermingling of two divergent thoughts. This Union Territory of Pondicherry includes Pondicherry proper and the enclaves of Karaikal and Yanam on the east and Mahe on the Western coast.

The French first esteblished their foothold in Pondicherry in 1673. French names and Indian tongues, policeman's red Kepis, French wine and an exotic blend of India and French cuisine. It all goes into the making of that little bit of difference that sets Pondicherry apart.

State Government : http://www.pondicherry.nic.in

Capital :	Pondicherry
Area :	492 square Kilometers
Population :	974,345 (2001 census)
Literacy :	81.24% (2001)
Language :	Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English, French.
Roads :	1,848 Kms
Railways :	11 Kms
Airport :
Seaport :
Climate :	Pondicherry : 43° - 18° C, Mahe : 35° - 21° C, Yanam : 33° - 22° C, Monsoon : October to December
Best Season :	November to March
Places of Interest :	State Tourism : http://tourism.pon.nic.in
	Karaikal : Enclave in Tamil Nadu, Thirunallur Temple, Dargah and Church, Pilgrim centre, Beach. Mahe : Enclave in Kerala, Beach, Avila Church, Shrine of all faiths (festival in October). Pondicherry : Union Territory (UT), former capital of French India, Aurobindo Ashram, Temples, Handicrafts, Botanical Garden, Library, Memorials, Lighthouse, Aquarium. [BahurTemples. Ousteri (13 Kms) : Lake-side picnic spot.Yanam : Enclave in Andhra Pradesh.]
Festivals :	Pongal, International Yoga Festival (Janauary), Masi Magam (March), Mangani Festival (July), Bastille Day (14th July), Fete De Pondicherry (15 - 17th August).