Area	:	492 sq km		Union Territory Portal
	Population	:	974,345
	Capital	:	Pondicherry
	Principal Languages	:	Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English and French

History and Geography
The territory of Pondicherry comprises of the former French establishment Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam, which lie scattered in South India. Pondicherry, the capital of the territory was once the original headquarters of the French in India. It was under the French rule for 138 years, and merged with the Indian Union on 1 November, 1954. It is bounded on the east by the Bay of Bengal, and on the three sides by Tamil Nadu. About 150 km south of Pondicherry on the east coast lies Karaikal. Mahe is situated on the Malabar Coast on the Western Ghats, surrounded by Kerala. It can be reached from Calicut Airport, which is 70 km from Mahe. Yanam is situated adjoining the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, and is about 200 km from Visakhapatnam airport.

Agriculture
Nearly 45 per cent of the population of the Union Territory is engaged in agriculture and allied pursuits. Eighty seven per cent of the cultivated area is irrigated. Paddy is the predominant crop followed by pulses. Mahe region contributes in the plantation wealth of this territory. Crops like coconut, areca nut, condiments and spices are grown here. Pulses, groundnut and chillies are the other rainfed crops grown in Yanam.

Power
The Power requirements of the Union Territory of Pondicherry are met by availing share of power from the Central Generating Stations, and by purchasing power from the neighbouring State Electricity Boards viz., Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Kerala State Electricity Board, and from the Pondicherry Power Corporation Limited.

Tourism
Pondicherry still possesses a rich French cultural and architectural heritage. The erstwhile French Town ensconced in 4 boulevards, a well-planned town, neatly laid roads and vibrant beaches are the foremost attraction for the tourist.

Pondicherry is otherwise, well known for its spiritual abode. The Ashram of great spiritual thoughts founded by Sri Aurobindo and his disciple The Mother' is the matchless place of interest. Sri Aurobindo Ashram houses devotees who live here permanently. The Union Territory is secular to the hilt. Home to a number of temples, churches, and mosques, the place is an ideal hotspot to any pilgrim of any religion. Thirunallar, the only Saneeshwar Temple in India is in Karaikal region.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry

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Arikamedu, an interesting site excavation for scholars, revealed Indian Roman trade between 2nd Century B.C. and 2nd Century A.D. Arikamedu is also on its way to be an Archeological Tourism Complex with facilities like small museum, research facilities, public amenities sound and light shows, etc.

For a visiting tourist, choices for accommodation are many. From star hotel to budget hotel, from beach resort to heritage hotels, one has plenty of choices to stay. The Heritage hotels are a recent attraction added to Pondicherry. Income tax holiday for 5 years make Pondicherry an ideal destination for investors.

Auroville

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