Touted as the French Riviera of the East, Puducherry is situated on the east coast of India, 135 kms south of Chennai. A former French colony, Puducherry was earlier known as Pondicherry.
Though the city is very much an Indian city, it has retained its French influence. Tree-lined avenues and Mediterranean style houses will encourage you to believe that you are in a different land. Puducherry became a Union Territory after its integration into India.
The Union Territory of Puducherry consists of four small unconnected districts: Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam and Mahé. Puducherry and Karaikal are bordered by Tamil Nadu, Yanam by Andhra Pradesh and Mahé is enclosed in by Kerala.
Auroville is among the prime magnets which attract tourists to Puducherry. The French Quarter, the creole food, the arts, crafts and music of the former French colony are added attractions.