Puducherry | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Puducherry 
 
 
 
 Puducherry Map 
Introduction 
Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a Union Territory located on the 
southeastern coast of India. With a land area of 483 square kilometers (186 
square miles) and a population of 1,394,467 as per the 2011 Census, Puducherry 
boasts a long coastline spanning 45 kilometers. The territory is divided into four 
administrative districts: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Each district 
town is situated in coastal areas and functions as an enclave within the 
surrounding states. 
Geographical Features 
Puducherry has diverse geographical features, including inshore waters, inland 
water bodies, and brackish water areas. The region encompasses 675 hectares of 
Page 2


Puducherry 
 
 
 
 Puducherry Map 
Introduction 
Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a Union Territory located on the 
southeastern coast of India. With a land area of 483 square kilometers (186 
square miles) and a population of 1,394,467 as per the 2011 Census, Puducherry 
boasts a long coastline spanning 45 kilometers. The territory is divided into four 
administrative districts: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Each district 
town is situated in coastal areas and functions as an enclave within the 
surrounding states. 
Geographical Features 
Puducherry has diverse geographical features, including inshore waters, inland 
water bodies, and brackish water areas. The region encompasses 675 hectares of 
Puducherry 
 
 
inshore waters, 1.347 hectares (3.33 acres) of inland water, and 800 hectares of 
brackish water. The capital city of Puducherry is situated on the east coast, while 
the other district towns are Bahoor, Thirukanoor, Nettapakam, Koodapakkam, 
Pudukuppam, Sedarapet, Abhishegapakkam, Mudallarpet, Kirumampakkam, and 
Embalam. 
Districts and Locations 
The Union Territory of Puducherry is composed of four administrative districts. 
Puducherry district, which includes the capital city, lies on the east coast. Karaikal 
district is located in the south of Puducherry, along the East coast within the state 
of Tamil Nadu. Mahe, the smallest district town, is positioned on the Western 
Ghats and is situated in the Malabar Coast of Kerala, approximately 603 
kilometers away from Puducherry. Yanam district is situated on the coast of 
Andhra Pradesh, approximately 807 kilometers from Puducherry. 
Transportation 
Puducherry has a well-developed transportation network. The district is 
connected by a comprehensive road system, with major towns linked by metalled 
roads. Two national highways serve the region: National Highway 32, which runs 
through the state of Tamil Nadu and connects to Puducherry city, and National 
Highway 332, which starts from Puducherry city and links it to Villupuram. The 
district is also connected by Southern Railways, with a broad gauge rail line 
connecting Puducherry city to Villupuram, a major rail junction in Tamil Nadu. 
Tourist Attractions 
Puducherry is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its French charm and 
picturesque beaches. Visitors from both domestic and international locations are 
drawn to this Union Territory. One of the major attractions is the Aurobindo 
Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo spent his last years. The experimental city of 
Auroville, located on the outskirts of Puducherry, also attracts people from all 
around the world. Other notable tourist spots include Mahe riverside, Karaikal 
church, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and more. 
Page 3


Puducherry 
 
 
 
 Puducherry Map 
Introduction 
Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a Union Territory located on the 
southeastern coast of India. With a land area of 483 square kilometers (186 
square miles) and a population of 1,394,467 as per the 2011 Census, Puducherry 
boasts a long coastline spanning 45 kilometers. The territory is divided into four 
administrative districts: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Each district 
town is situated in coastal areas and functions as an enclave within the 
surrounding states. 
Geographical Features 
Puducherry has diverse geographical features, including inshore waters, inland 
water bodies, and brackish water areas. The region encompasses 675 hectares of 
Puducherry 
 
 
inshore waters, 1.347 hectares (3.33 acres) of inland water, and 800 hectares of 
brackish water. The capital city of Puducherry is situated on the east coast, while 
the other district towns are Bahoor, Thirukanoor, Nettapakam, Koodapakkam, 
Pudukuppam, Sedarapet, Abhishegapakkam, Mudallarpet, Kirumampakkam, and 
Embalam. 
Districts and Locations 
The Union Territory of Puducherry is composed of four administrative districts. 
Puducherry district, which includes the capital city, lies on the east coast. Karaikal 
district is located in the south of Puducherry, along the East coast within the state 
of Tamil Nadu. Mahe, the smallest district town, is positioned on the Western 
Ghats and is situated in the Malabar Coast of Kerala, approximately 603 
kilometers away from Puducherry. Yanam district is situated on the coast of 
Andhra Pradesh, approximately 807 kilometers from Puducherry. 
Transportation 
Puducherry has a well-developed transportation network. The district is 
connected by a comprehensive road system, with major towns linked by metalled 
roads. Two national highways serve the region: National Highway 32, which runs 
through the state of Tamil Nadu and connects to Puducherry city, and National 
Highway 332, which starts from Puducherry city and links it to Villupuram. The 
district is also connected by Southern Railways, with a broad gauge rail line 
connecting Puducherry city to Villupuram, a major rail junction in Tamil Nadu. 
Tourist Attractions 
Puducherry is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its French charm and 
picturesque beaches. Visitors from both domestic and international locations are 
drawn to this Union Territory. One of the major attractions is the Aurobindo 
Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo spent his last years. The experimental city of 
Auroville, located on the outskirts of Puducherry, also attracts people from all 
around the world. Other notable tourist spots include Mahe riverside, Karaikal 
church, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and more. 
Puducherry 
 
 
Puducherry State Information 
Here are some key details about Puducherry: 
? Capital City: Puducherry 
? Date of Formation: 1 November 1954 
? Lt. Governor: Kiran Bedi 
? Chief Minister: V. Narayanasamy 
? Tourist Attractions: Serenity Beach, Plage Paradiso beach, Karaikal Beach, 
Place du Government, Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Mahe riverside, 
Karaikal church, Immaculate Conception Cathedral 
? Festivals: Fire-Walk Festival, Sedal Festival, Mascarade Festival 
? Languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English, and French 
? Size: 483 km
2
 (186 sq mi) 
? Population (Census 2011): 1,394,467 
? Major Crops: Paddy, pulses, coconuts, Areca nut, spices 
? Factoids: Mahe is also known as Mayyazhi or the 'sea's eyebrow.' The 
ancient town of Arikamedu traded pottery, beads, precious stones, and 
textiles with the Romans in exchange for wine, olive oil, and fish sauce. 
? Number of Districts: 4 
Conclusion 
Puducherry, with its captivating blend of French influence and natural beauty, 
offers a unique experience to tourists. From its stunning beaches to spiritual 
retreats like the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, this Union Territory has 
something for everyone. With its well-connected transportation network and rich 
cultural heritage, Puducherry continues to enchant visitors from all over the 
world.