Pondicherry is a union territory of southeastern India.The territory consists of four districts that cover 492 square kilometres. The district of Pondicherry includes the port of Pondicherry, the capital of the territory.

The district of Yanam is on the Coromandel Coast. The district of Mahe is on the Kerala coast. The fourth district is Karikal. The French were defeated by the British in the struggle for an Indian Empire in the early 1800's, but the four districts remained under French rule. This fact accounts for the scattered nature of the four districts.

Pondicherry is a well-cultivated, prosperous region, with good links to other parts of southern India. Visitors enjoy glimpses of French administrative, cultural, and judicial ways of life that have survived from the period of colonial rule. Alongside its ancient temples and monuments, Pondicherry is renowned for its Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and Auroville, the international township of humanity.

Most of the people are Hindus. The next largest group is formed by Muslims, except in the district of Pondicherry, where Christians rank next to Hindus. More than 55 languages are spoken in the territory, but only five are official. These languages are Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English, and French.

All the regions enjoy a coastal climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The rainy season lasts from July to September. Almost half of the people of Pondicherry are engaged in agriculture. The main crops are cotton, peanuts, rice, and sugar cane. In the district of Mahe, coconuts are abundant.

Tourist Centres: Pondicherry is a living monument of French culture in India. There are over 14,000 French nationals in Pondicherry.
Among the places of interest are the Sri Aorobindo Ashram, Government museum, Bharathi and Bharathidasn Memorial museum., Government square, Botanical garden, French Institute, Sacred Heart of Jesus church, Joan of Arc, Manakula Vinayagar temple, Ananda Rangapillai mansion, Auroville and Boat Club at Chunnambar river. Pondicherry tourism has introduced a package of holiday and adventure sports.

The part of the Pondicherry Union territory called Karaikal lying in an enclave of Tamil Nadu about 130 Kms south, has got important places such as the Arasalar boat club, Thrunallar Sanishwar temple, and Karaikal Ammaiyar temple.