Puducherry formerly known as Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India. It is a former French colony, consisting of four non-contiguous enclaves, or regions, and named after the largest region, Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam were the four non-contigous enclaves of Puducherry. The territory was officially known as Pondicherry until 2006 when it was renamed Puducherry. Puthucherry is a favourite tourist attraction for both Indians and foreigners. Puthucherry is unique as it spreads over three states, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Presently it is a union territory of India but it was a French colony for a long time. Puthucherry has a very rich architectural and cultural heritage. Tourists flock to Puthucherry throughout the year but the best time to visit Puthucherry would be in September, October or November. Puthucherry has various festivals throughout the year and one may choose to visit Puthucherry to coincide with a particular festival or occasion.

Area	480sq.km
Capital	Puthucherry
Languages	Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English and French
Districts	4 (Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanam, Mahe)
Religion	Hinduism (88.67%), Islam (5.46%), Others (5.87%)
Maximum Temperature	40 - 45o C
Minimum Temperature	25 - 30o C
STD Code	0413
Population
Total	9,73,829
Males	4,86,705
Females	4,87,124
Literacy	90 %
Road length (total)	2251Kms
Total No. of motor Vehicles (1995-96)	1,41329
No. of telephone lines	39339
No. of telephone exchanges	16
Per Capita electricity consumption	161KWH
Net State Domestic Product (1996)	26185 lakhs
Per capita income	Rs 11677
Per capita investment in (1995-96)	Rs 8311