A map showing the enclaves part of the union territory of Pondicherry (Puducherry)

Pondicherry, now officially named Puducherry, is a union territory in Southern India. It consists of a number of enclaves in three different states:

• Pondicherry — a cluster of 11 enclaves in Tamil Nadu, containing the main town and capital of the territory
• Auroville — a popular spiritual and religious site near Pondicherry
• Thirubhuvanai — a village at the outskirts of Pondicherry, home to Chola-era temples
• Karaikal — an enclave further south in Tamil Nadu
• Mahe — two enclaves in Kerala
• Yanam — an enclave in Andhra Pradesh

All of these enclaves were under French occupation before they were peacefully handed over to India. Each enclave shares a mixed cultural heritage, combining its South Indian roots with a French colonial past.