Yanam district, part of the discontiguous union territory of Pondicherry (Puducherry), is a small enclave within Andhra Pradesh. The population is only 32,000 which is surprisingly low for a district by Indian standards.

Understand

Yanam was once a French colony. The French presence is seen in the stained glass work of the local church dating back to 1769 and at the French cemetery. Yanam has its share of fascinating stories about French ghosts haunting the French colony. Some people still speak a little French even though only Telugu is understood by the majority.

Get in

• When coming from Vijaywada/Eluru side, turn off NH5 at Alamaru (165 km from Vijaywada, 100 km from Eluru), and go via Mandapetya and Ramachandrapuram to Yanam (approximately 50 km).
• If you come from Rajahmundry, come south on NH5 (towards Vijaywada/Eluru), and turn off at Dowlaiswaram and go to Ramachandrapuram (approximately 60 km).

Get around

Yanam can be seen by walking alone because the total area is only 30 sq.km.

See

• The Catholic Church Built in 1846. French furniture and decorations.
• Draksharamam Temple. The height of the Lingam is around 14 ft. in this temple.
• The Grand Mosque Space for 200 people to pray.
• Manikyamabika Devi Temple 16 km from Yanam.
• Palais de justice, Thiagaraja Street. Ancient French Court House. The ground floor is the court and the first floor is the residential quarters of the Judge. (updated May 2015)
• Venkanna Babu Temple Rue Vichenou. The idol in this temple has big moustaches.
• Yanam Ferry Road is very scenic it has terrific views of the river.

Do

• Riverside walk. Enjoy the iodinised air since it is located over the banks of the Gauthami Godavari River. (updated May 2015)

Buy

• Abhiruchi Sweets (Draksharamam). (updated May 2015)

Eat

• Nallam Restaurant, Near Bypass. (updated May 2015)
• Sri Vaibhava Dhaba Restaurant, Near Essar Petrol station. (updated May 2015)

Drink

• Durga Bar, Near Bypass. (updated May 2015)

Sleep

• 1 Anand Regency Hotel, Bypass, ☏ +91 884 232 3236. (updated May 2015)

Go next

• Kakinada, 35 km
• Palakollu,
• Machilipatnam, 165 km
• Rajahmundry , 63 km. The cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh.
• Visakhapatnam Port, 170 km