Pondicherry Karaikal

Travel to Karaikal

History of Karaikal

Several explanations have been offered for the origin of the name “Karaikal”. One interpretation suggests that the name comes from the words “Karai” and “Kal”, which can be associated with “lime mixture” and “canal”. It has therefore been suggested that Karaikal could mean a canal constructed with a lime mixture.

In 1738, Dumas negotiated with Sahuji of Thanjavur for possession of Karaikal, the Karakalcheri Fort and several villages. On 14 February 1739, the French took possession of Karaikal, Karakalcheri Fort and eight dependent villages.

More villages were subsequently transferred to the French. Under a treaty signed on 12 January 1750, Pratap Singh ceded 81 villages around Karaikal to the French and cancelled the annual rent payable for the villages.

This represented the entire French territory around Thanjavur when the French surrendered to the British in 1761. The territory subsequently changed hands between British and French control before finally being returned to the French in 1816-1817 under the Treaty of Paris of 1814.

The formation of the Karaikal National Congress and the Students Congress in 1947 represented the first concrete expression of the people's desire to end French rule.

French rule officially came to an end in 1954. The de facto transfer of power took place on 1 November 1954, followed by the de jure transfer on 16 August 1962.

How to Reach Karaikal

By Air

The nearest airport is Trichy, located approximately 168 km from Karaikal.

By Train

The nearest railway station is at Nagore, approximately 10 km from Karaikal.

By Road

Karaikal is connected by road with Chidambaram, Trichy, Nagapattinam, Nagore, Velanganni and Thanjavur.

Fairs and Festivals of Pondicherry

The fairs and festivals of Pondicherry offer an excellent insight into the culture of the region. The area is home to several temples and has a strong French cultural influence.

Fire Walking Festival

The fire-walking festival is one of the most impressive traditional celebrations. Participants observe austerities and fast for around 40 days before taking part in the ritual. On the main evening, they take a purification bath and walk barefoot across the fire.

Sedal Festival

Sedal is another traditional festival in which devotees perform acts of penance and participate in religious processions after observing various rituals.

Masquerade Festival

The Masquerade Festival is celebrated during March or April and reflects the French influence in the region. People walk through the streets wearing colourful masks and costumes accompanied by music and dancing.

International Yoga Festival

The International Yoga Festival is held in Pondicherry and attracts yoga followers from around the world. It includes demonstrations, talks, healthy food and cultural programmes featuring Indian music and dance.

Mangani Festival

The Mangani Festival of Karaikal Ammayur Temple is celebrated annually in July and features a colourful fair.

Masimagam Festival

During the Masimagam Festival, held on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Masi, thousands of people gather near the sea for ritual bathing. Deities from numerous temples are carried in ceremonial processions to the coast.

Monuments of Pondicherry

Government Park and Aayi Mandapam

Government Park is one of the most beautiful public spaces in Pondicherry. At its centre stands Aayi Mandapam, built in Greco-Roman architectural style during the reign of Napoleon III.

The monument is named after Aayi, a sixteenth-century courtesan whose story is associated with the construction of a water reservoir that later supplied the city.

Arikamedu

Arikamedu is an important historical site located approximately 4 km south of Pondicherry. Excavations have revealed evidence of trade with the Romans as early as the 2nd century BC, including amphorae, glass beads, precious stones and other objects.

Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

Ananda Ranga Pillai was the famous Dubash of Dupleix, the governor of Pondicherry during the period of French prosperity. His mansion, completed around 1738, is one of the historic buildings preserved in the city.

Statue of Dupleix

The statue of François Dupleix was erected as a tribute to the former governor of Pondicherry. The structure was originally placed at Place du Republique and was later relocated to the waterfront area.

Place du Gouvernement

Place du Gouvernement is an excellent example of French town planning in Pondicherry. The complex includes the Government Palace, now known as Raj Nivas, former courts and other historic buildings.

19th Century Lighthouse

The old Pondicherry lighthouse began operating on 1 July 1836. The tower stood approximately 29 metres above sea level and its light could be seen from a considerable distance at sea.

French War Memorial

The French War Memorial is located along the Pondicherry waterfront and honours soldiers who lost their lives during the wars.

Statue of Joan of Arc

The statue of Joan of Arc stands in the garden in front of the Church of Notre Dame des Anges.

Churches of Pondicherry

The French missionary influence of the 17th and 18th centuries resulted in the construction of several important churches. These include the Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus, Notre Dame de l'Immaculée Conception and Notre Dame des Anges.

Pondicherry Museum

The Pondicherry Museum houses historical objects, bronze sculptures, temple lamps and archaeological artefacts. It also preserves objects discovered at Arikamedu, including Greek and Roman amphorae, Chinese pieces and beads made of glass and precious stones.

French Cemetery of Karaikal

The French Cemetery of Karaikal provides an insight into the history of the town during the 19th century. It contains old tombstones of administrators, merchants, port officials, women and children, along with a small chapel.

Hotels in Karaikal

• Citi Plaza Hotel Karaikal
• Government Tourist Home Karaikal
• Nanda Hotel Karaikal
• Paris International Hotel Karaikal
• Prabhu Hotel Karaikal