Delhi, Indian Union Territory

The Capital city of India, Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many empires, which have left behind a surplus of monuments that are the magnificence and glory of past ages. A city, which traces its history to Mahabharata, the great epic tale of wars, fought between alienated cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas for the city of Indraprastha. Mughals ruled Delhi in series starting from Qutab-ub-din to Khiljis, to Tughlaqs. The city of Delhi passed on to the hands of the British in 1803 AD. It was only in 1911, when the capital of British Empire was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi, that Delhi got its present prestige. After independence also, a kind of self-rule was conferred on the capital but it largely remained a chief commissioners government. In 1956 Delhi was converted into a Union territory and gradually a Lt. Governor replaced the chief commissioner. In 1991, the national capital territory Act was passed by the parliament and a system of diarchy (a form of government having two joint rulers) was introduced under which, the elected Government was given wide powers; except law and order which remained with the central Government. The actual enforcement of the legislation came in 1993.

Delhi, the capital of India, is one of the fastest growing cities in India. Historically, the city has long since been leading in political importance with succeeding dynasties choosing it as their seat of power, between the 13th and the 17th centuries. The countless faces of the city are simply fascinating. In some places it remains a garden city, tree wrinkled and with beautiful parks, but in some places it can also be crowded with Heavy traffic. Turbaned Sikhs, colourfully dressed Rajasthani and Gujarati women working in offices, Muslim shopkeepers along Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, Tibetans and Ladakhis in the street stalls along Janpath and Kashmiris in the handicraft emporium around Connaught Place, all add to the cosmopolitan feel of the city. Tall skyscrapers, high-class residential colonies and busy commercial complexes can be seen along with the ancient historical monuments. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. Old Delhi which looks entirely different from New Delhi area, is about 6 Km north of the city center.

History of Delhi
Delhi has a long history, including a history as the capital of several empires. The earliest architectural relics date back to the Mauryan empire. Eight major cities have been located in the Delhi area. The first four cities were in the southern part of present-day Delhi.

Geography of Delhi
Location: Delhi, Capital of India and the third largest city in India, lies at an altitude of between 700 and 1,000 feet (213 and 305 meters) and covers an area of 1,485 square kilometres. Situated on the Yamuna River (a tributary of the Ganges River) Delhi is bordered on the east by the state of Uttar Pradesh and on the north, west, and south by Haryana.

Climate : Map of DelhiDelhi is situated on the banks of river Yamuna in the northern part of India. Once a part of the Aravalies, today Delhi has only the Ridge area to tell the story of the greenery this place once had. Himalayas are in the North of Delhi. The capital of India is a land locked city. The distance from the sea gives Delhi an extreme type of continental climate. The summers in Delhi are very hot and winters very cold. The temperature range varies from 45 degrees in summers to 4 degrees in winters. The winters are marked by mist and fog in the mornings and often sun is seen in the afternoons. The cold wave from the Himalayan region makes winters very chilly. In summers the heat wave is immense and adequate precaution has to be taken before going out in the hot summer afternoons. The best season to visit Delhi is during the spring seasons of February to April and August to November. The bloom season of February and March make Delhi colorful. This time of the year brings greenery on the face of Delhi.

Cuture of Delhi
Delhi Culture is diverse in nature.More than half the residents come from areas outside of the Delhi region.The culture of Delhi represents the culture of all the states of India in parts. In other words, it is a kind of synthesis and reflection of the culture of India, as a whole. Being the capital of India, New Delhi has also become the main center of politics, from where all the decisions are made and policies passed. However, the city does have a history of its own which has made some impact on its cultural scenario.

The Capital city of India, Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many empires, which have left behind a surplus of monuments that are the magnificence and glory of past ages. A city, which traces its history to Mahabharata, the great epic tale of wars, fought between alienated cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas for the city of Indraprastha. Mughals ruled Delhi in series starting from Qutab-ub-din to Khiljis, to Tughlaqs. The city of Delhi passed on to the hands of the British in 1803 AD. It was only in 1911, when the capital of British Empire was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi, that Delhi got its present prestige. After independence also, a kind of self-rule was conferred on the capital but it largely remained a chief commissioners government. In 1956 Delhi was converted into a Union territory and gradually a Lt. Governor replaced the chief commissioner. In 1991, the national capital territory Act was passed by the parliament and a system of diarchy (a form of government having two joint rulers) was introduced under which, the elected Government was given wide powers; except law and order which remained with the central Government. The actual enforcement of the legislation came in 1993.

DelhiNew Delhi, the capital of India, is one of the fastest growing cities in India. Historically, the city has long since been leading in political importance with succeeding dynasties choosing it as their seat of power, between the 13th and the 17th centuries. The countless faces of the city are simply fascinating. In some places it remains a garden city, tree wrinkled and with beautiful parks, but in some places it can also be crowded with Heavy traffic. Turbaned Sikhs, colourfully dressed Rajasthani and Gujarati women working in offices, Muslim shopkeepers along Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, Tibetans and Ladakhis in the street stalls along Janpath and Kashmiris in the handicraft emporium around Connaught Place, all add to the cosmopolitan feel of the city. Tall skyscrapers, high-class residential colonies and busy commercial complexes can be seen along with the ancient historical monuments. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. Old Delhi which looks entirely different from New Delhi area, is about 6 Km north of the city center.

History of Delhi
Delhi has a long history, including a history as the capital of several empires. The earliest architectural relics date back to the Mauryan empire. Eight major cities have been located in the Delhi area. The first four cities were in the southern part of present-day Delhi.

Geography of Delhi
Location: Delhi, Capital of India and the third largest city in India, lies at an altitude of between 700 and 1,000 feet (213 and 305 meters) and covers an area of 1,485 square kilometres. Situated on the Yamuna River (a tributary of the Ganges River) Delhi is bordered on the east by the state of Uttar Pradesh and on the north, west, and south by Haryana.

Climate : Map of DelhiDelhi is situated on the banks of river Yamuna in the northern part of India. Once a part of the Aravalies, today Delhi has only the Ridge area to tell the story of the greenery this place once had. Himalayas are in the North of Delhi. The capital of India is a land locked city. The distance from the sea gives Delhi an extreme type of continental climate. The summers in Delhi are very hot and winters very cold. The temperature range varies from 45 degrees in summers to 4 degrees in winters. The winters are marked by mist and fog in the mornings and often sun is seen in the afternoons. The cold wave from the Himalayan region makes winters very chilly. In summers the heat wave is immense and adequate precaution has to be taken before going out in the hot summer afternoons. The best season to visit Delhi is during the spring seasons of February to April and August to November. The bloom season of February and March make Delhi colorful. This time of the year brings greenery on the face of Delhi.

Cuture of Delhi
Delhi Culture is diverse in nature.More than half the residents come from areas outside of the Delhi region.The culture of Delhi represents the culture of all the states of India in parts. In other words, it is a kind of synthesis and reflection of the culture of India, as a whole. Being the capital of India, New Delhi has also become the main center of politics, from where all the decisions are made and policies passed. However, the city does have a history of its own which has made some impact on its cultural scenario.

Lakshadweep islands look like emeralds in the vast expanse of blue sea. Varying hues of turquoise blue translucent water surround them. It is the only coral island in India that has a rich flora and fauna, to its credit. It is a beautiful island that is worth visiting.Lakshadweep, union territory is located in the Arabain sea of India`s southwest coast, it includes 27 islands witha total area of 32 sq km. The capital is Kavaratti. The calmness and serenity of the place enthralls you. There is complete silence here except for the cry of a seabird, or the sound of the waves lapping the shores. It is one of the favorite places of tourists for water sports, fishing etc. It has a virgin, fragile eco system. It can be described as a ” heaven on earth”. Serene and calm, gorgeous and stunning, pure and clean, the place wins the adoration of everyone. Its calm atmosphere makes you feel ever fresh. It is truly the gift of heaven. Anyone who goes there will be mesmerized by its natural beauty and will become a nature poet.

Origin of Name of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep lies about 220 to 440 Km from the coastal city of Cochin in Kerala. These islands and Cochin are linked by ship and by air. The islands, which were administered at various places, were grouped into a Union Territory in 1956 and the name of this Union Territory was changed to Lakshadweep with effect from November 1, 1973. In 1964 the administration had shifted to Kavaratti Island.

History of Lakshadweep
The history of Lakshadweep is based on old legends and myths, which was passed on from generation to generation. It is said that the first settlement on these islands was by Cheraman Perumal, who was the last king of Kerala. The arrival of the Portuguese in India again made Laccadives an important place for seafarers. They plundered the islands. The finely spun coir was required for ships. The plunderers forcibly landed at Amini to procure coir. In the middle of 16th Century, the Administration of the island passed on to the Muslim house of Arakkal of Cannanore. The Arakkal rule was oppressive and unbearable.

So in 1783, the islanders went to Tipu Sultan and requested him to take over the Administration of Amini group of islands. The seizure of the islands by the British is an example of the political manipulations of the British to establish their supremacy in India. The British brought the Lakshadweep Regulation 1912,which confers limited power of judicial and magisterial status to Amins/Karanis of the islands. The Union Territory was formed in 1956 and it was named Lakshadweep in 1973.

Geography of Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is scattered into many coral islands. The total area of Lakshadweep is 32 sq.km. Lakshadweep lies about 220 to 440 km from the coastal city of Cochin in Kerala. It is the smallest union territory of India. Though smallest in area, Lakshadweep has extensive lagoon area of about 4,200Sq.Km, 20000Sq Km of territorial waters and about four lakh Sq Km of economic zone. The archipelago of Lakshadweep consists of 12 islands, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. There are 10 inhabited and 17 uninhabited islands located between 8 ° – 12 °13` North latitude and 71 ° -74 ° East longitude. Most islands are just 4-5 m above sea level.

The climate of Lakshadweep is similar to the climatic conditions of Kerala. The island experiences a tropical climate. March to May is the hottest period of the year. The temperature ranges from 25 degrees C to 35 degrees C and humidity ranging from 70 -76 per cent for most of the year. The average rainfall received is 1600 mm a year. Monsoon prevails here from 15th May to 15th September. The monsoon period raises temperature to the mercury level between 27- 30 degrees. During the monsoon time, boats are not allowed outside the lagoon because of the violent sea. The presence of the reef maintains calm at the lagoon.

Economy of Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep – FisheryThough smallest in area, the Union Territory of The territory has tremendous economic potentialities because of its vast economic zone. Agriculture is the main economy here. The area under cultivation is about 27.50 sq.km. Coconut is the major crop here with a production of 27.7 million nuts per year. Another major activity is fishery. The island stands first in the per capita availability of fish. Coconut fiber extraction and conversion of its fiber into different products is the main industry in the islands. Under government sector there are seven coir fiber factories. These units produced coir fiber, coir yarn, curled fiber, corridor mat, mat and matting. Boat building was once an important skill, but now has lost significance due to the advent of motorized boats. The gross state domestic product for 2004 is estimated at $60 million at current prices. Lakshadweep is emerging as a major tourist attraction for Indians. This also brings in significant revenue, which is likely to increase. Tourism has become a major source of income here.

Culture of Lakshadweep
Culturally, the people of Lakshadweeep are similar to the people of Kerala. Even the language used is same as that of Keralites. Women chant the folk ballads during household chores. Memories of the past as the arrival of Hazrat Ubaidulla in Lakshadweep, the plunder of the islands by the Portuguese, are kept alive by these ballads. The men have spirited folk dances. Women are very humble and meek. They dress very colorfully and in variety. On houses, furniture and boats. The majority of the people in Lakshadweep are Muslims. There are also Wahabis and Ahamadiyas who are small minority. Almost all the festivals like Id-ul-fitr, Bakrid, Milad-Ul-Nabi and Muharram are celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement.

Districts of Lakshadweep
The enchanting group of coral islands in the Arabian Sea forms the smallest Union Territory of Lakshadweep. This archipelago consists of 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks. Of its 36 islands covering an area of 32 sq km only 10 are inhabited. They are Agati, Amini, Andrott, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan, Minicoy, etc.

Demographics of Lakshadweep
The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti. The main language spoken here is Malayalam except in Minicoy, where Mahi is spoken. According to the 2001 census, population of Lakshadweep is 60,595. Out of which the males constitute 31,118 and the females about 29,477. About 81.49% of the people are literate. More than 93% of the population is indigenous. The local population is classified as scheduled Tribes because of their economic and social condition. According to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes list (modification orders), 1956, the inhabitants of Lakshadweep who and both of whose parents were born in these islands are treated as Scheduled Tribes. There are no Scheduled Castes in this Union Territory. Almost 93% of population in Lakshadweep are Muslims. Muslims are mostly from Shafi School from the Sunni sect.

Flora and Fauna of Lakshadweep
Flora and Fauna of LakshadweepLakshadweep islands are scattered to an area of 220 to 44kms from Cochin. Lakshadweep is blessed with an infinite variety of flora and fauna. The flora of the islands include Banana, Vazha(plantain trees), Colocassia, Chambu (Colocassia antiquarum) Drumstic moringakkai (Moringa Oleifera) , Bread Fruit, Chakka (Artocarpus incisa) wild almond (Terminalia Catappa) etc. Some of the shrubs are Kanni (Scaevolakeeningil), Punna, (Calaphylluminophyllum), Chavok(Casurina equisetifolia), Cheerani (Thespesia Populnea). Coconut trees are the only crop of economic importance in Lakshadweep. These are found in different varieties such as Laccadive micro, Laccadive ordinary, green dwarf etc. The two varieties of sea grass found here are Thalassia hemprichin and Cymodocea isoetifolia. They prevent sea erosion and movement of the beach sediments.

The fauna includes aquatic creatures like Colorful Butterfly fish, Parrotfish, Surgeonfish, different types of eels, dolphins, turtles, rays, flying fish and tuna. Porcupine, puffer fish, Damselfish, and Sea anemones can also be spotted. Molluscan forms found here are the money cowrie (cypraea monita). Other cypraeds found here are cypraca talpa and cyprea maculiferra. Among crabs, the hermit crab is the most common. The commonly seen vertebrates are cattle and poultry. Oceanic birds generally found in Lakshadweep are Tharathasi (Sterna fascia) and Karifetu (Anous solidus). They were found in one of the uninhabited islands known as PITTI. This island has been declared as a bird sanctuary.

Transport of Lakshadweep
The Agatti Aerodrome on Agatti Island is currently the only airport in Lakshadweep. From April 2007, a private carrier, Kingfisher Airlines, has commenced flights to and from Agatti. Kingfisher connects Kochi and Bangalore to Agatti. The other islands are linked by a helicopter or boat service. Permits and transportation (can be arranged from Kochi in Kerala.

Government and Politics of Lakshadweep
The Administrator of the union territory is Shri B.V.Selvaraj. He is appointed by the President of India, under Clause (1) of Article 239 of the Constitution of India with effect from 22nd December, 2006.The Administrator is the Head of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. He is also the Chairman of Lakshadweep Development Corporation and SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Recreational Tourism and Sports). He functions ex-officio as the Inspector General of Lakshadweep Police.

Education in Lakshadweep
The schools of Lakshadweep follow the curriculum followed in the schools of Kerala. Informal community based education plays an important role here in creating awareness in biodiversity, climate change and livelihood. Children learn about the marine wildlife by playing in the sea, collecting shells, going fishing with their father and so on. Children participate in workshops and seminars.

IGNOU study center at KavarattiThere is a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya school at the Minicoy Island and a Kendra Vidyalaya school at Kavaratti. In all the islands classes 1 to 10 follow the Kerala pattern Malayalam medium. The plus two Kerala pattern is available at MGSSS Andrott, JNSSS Kadmat and GSSS Minicoy. Classes I to XII of CBSE pattern is available at GSSS, Kavaratti. There is one IGNOU study center at Kavaratti. DIET is being established in Lakshadweep.

Educational facilities up to class XII are available in Lakshadweep. For all other higher courses students are sent to the mainland colleges. MBBS/BDS Entrance examination coaching classes are usually conducted at Kavaratti Island.

Sports inLakshadweep
People of Lakshadweep are interested in water sports facilities like kayaking, sailing, paddleboats, inflatable motorboats, glass bottom boats and water skiing. These are available in the islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadamat and Minicoy.

Chandigarh is the richest city city in India with a per capitia income of Rs 67,370 and Chandigarh has the largest number of vehicles per capita. Chandigarh is also known as Shopper`s Paradise. Nehru described Chandigarh as “unfettered by the traditions of the past, a symbol of the nation`s faith in the future.”

Origin of name of Chandigarh

The name of Chandigarh was obtained from the name of the temple Chandi Mandir, which was located at the site were the city is now located. The deity of this temple was `Chandi`, the goddess of power and there was a fort beyond the temple, known as `garh`. Thus the name of the Chandigarh was partly derived from the name of the deity of the temple `Chandi` and the fort `garh`. Thus, the name Chandigarh was evolved and the meaning of Chandigarh means fort of the goddess of strength.

History of Chandigarh
In 1947, the British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan.Unfortunately, the region of Punjab was also split between India and Pakistan. Then there was a need for a new capital for Punjab, as the old capital `Lahore` became part of Pakistan during the partition. Of all the town schemes put forward, Chandigarh project quickly assumed prime significance because of Jawaharlal Nehru`s personal interest in it. In 1948, under the leadership of chief architect Mr. P.L. Verma the construction of this capital city began.

Geography of Chandigarh
Chandigarh lies in the Northern part of India. It is located in between Punjab and Haryana and shares its borders with the Haryana in the south and Punjab in the north. It covers an area of approximately 114 km². It is located near to the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas in Northwest India. The exact cartographic co-ordinates of Chandigarh are 30.74° N 76.79° E. It has an average elevation of 321 metres. The surrounding districts are of Mohali and Ropar in Punjab and Panchkula in Haryana. The boundary of the state of Himachal Pradesh are not too far from its north.

Economy of Chandigarh
Chandigarh Food IndustryThe major population of Chandigarh consists of people who are serving government or those people who are retired from government service. Chandigarh has a well developed market as well as a banking infrastructure. The important industries are paper manufacturing, basic metals and alloys and machinery. There are other industries that are related to food products, sanitary ware, auto parts, machine tools, pharmaceuticals and electrical appliances. Chandigarh is the richest city city in India with a per capitia income of Rs 67,370. The impact of this high per capita income can be seen in the increased consumption of electricity, petrol and mobile phone and Internet connectivity. The IT Park of Chandigarh is making attempts to break into the IT world. multinational corporations including .Quark, Infosys, Dell, Ranbaxy have offices in the suburbs of Chandigarh.

There are the presence of three major offices of trade promotin organizations in Chandigarh. The 3 are:
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( PHDCCI) and
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Government and Politics of Chandigarh
The administration of Chandigarh lies in the responsibility of the President of India acting through the Administrator. The administrator acts as the Financial Commissioner, thus enjoying the financial powers of the state. The major departments that come under the government section are Industries, Education, Finance, Excise & Taxation, Vigilance, Sports, Animal Husbandry, Health, Social Welfare, Rural Development, Environment, Engineering, Urban Planning, District Administration, Tourism, Transport, Food & Supplier and Housing.

Transport of Chandigarh
Chandigarh Local TransportChandigarh has a well-developed network of public transport but most of the inhabitants of Chandigarh use their own vehicles to travel within the city. This includes a large number of two wheelers as motorcycles and scooters. Chandigarh has the largest number of vehicles per capita. There are wide and well maintained roads with ample parking lot. Public buses run under the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU), which provides local transport as well as inter-state transport services. People use rickshaws for travelling short distance. School-going children, housewives and the elderly usually commute by auto. The heavy traffic roads have rickshaw lanes.

Chandigarh is well connected by road. The two main National Highways (NH) connecting Chandigarh with the rest of the country are: NH 22 and NH 21. Chandigarh has two Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), one for the North, East and South located in Sector 17, which has regular bus services to most major cites in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi. Chandigarh has a small railway station. Regular train connections are available to the national capital and to some other junctions like Kalka, Ambala, Amritsar, Bhiwani, Howrah, and Sri Ganganagar. Chandigarh also has a domestic airpor. The regular flights that operate from here are Jet Airways, Air Deccan and Indian Airline.

Demographics of Chandigarh
Chandigarh had a population of 808,796 as per the 2001 Census. About 56% of the population constitute males and females about 44%. The sex ratio is 777 females for every 1,000 males. Chandigarh has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 76% and female literacy of 68%. The major religious groups are Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. Hindus constitute about 75.5%, Sikhs about 21%, Muslims about 2.72% and Christians about 0.78% of the population. The major languages spoken by the people are Hindi and Punjabi. Some also uses English. A very small group of people uses Urdu.

Chandigarh – Punjab UniversityEducation of Chandigarh
Chandigarh is keen in providing education to all students irespective of class, caste, sex, religion or sect. The main educational institutes are the Punjab University, the Punjab Engineering College and the Government College of Arts. Among the new teaching and research institutions established in Chandigarh in the decade of the 1960s are the Postgraduate Institution of Medical Education and Research and College of Architecture. There are number of specialized institutions have been established here, making the city a base for higher education.

Festivals of Chandigarh
The people of Chandigarh are secular beings. They celebrate all festivals ansd rituals. All religious days are celebrated and all people enjoy irespective of caste or religion. There are 46 temples, 21 Gurudwaras, 4 churches and 4 mosques. There are people of different religions living here. They are Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Sikhs, Janis, Buddhists and others. Out of which, Hindus and Sikhs form the majority population. All people live here in harmony and happiness. Throughout the year, the people celebrate many Festivals, Exhibitions, Carnivals and Fashion Shows.

Flora and Fauna of Chandigarh
The flora found here are terrestrial & aquatic plants, major ones being Dalbergia, Prosopis, Albizzia, Ficus, Azolla, Hydrilla, Nelumbo, Typha, Phragmites, Zizyphus Mauritiana, Syzgium cumini, Ipomoea aquatica, Cyprus and Grasses. The fauna includes animals like Smooth Indian Otter, Hog Deer, Wild Boar, Flying Fox, Wildcat, Squirrel, Fruitbat, and Common Mongoose. A variety of birds are found here like Great Crested Grebe, White Necked Stork, Adjutant Stork, Glossy Ibis, Pintail, Gadwall, Eastern Purple Heron, Brahminy, Mallard, Wigeon, Spotbill Duck, Coot, Tailor Bird, Peafowl, and Ruddy Sheduck.

SnakeThe reptiles and amphibians found here are 7 species of turtle and 4 species of snakes, Frogs, Tortoise, and Toads. The wetlands are also home to fishes. The wetland waters are a natural habitat for 16 kinds of fishes. The important ones are Abeo, Catla, Puntius, Cirrhina, Channa, Mystus, Notopterus, Cyperinus, Ambasis ranga. Some of the endangered species found here are Indian Skimmer, Yellow-eyed Pigeon, Rufous-vented Prinia, Scaup Duck, Falcated Teal, Testudine turtle, etc.

Media in Chandigarh
The major newspapers of Chandigarh are Dainik Bhaskar, Dainik Jagran, The Hindusthan Times, The Times of India, Parvasi, The Financial World, The Tribune etc.

Sports in Chandigarh
Rowing at ChandigarhThe people of Chandigarh are interested in sports like, hockey, badminton, volleyball, cricket, football, tennis, and badminton. The people are also interested in adventure sports like paragliding, trekking, water sports, yachting, boating, rowing, sailing and sculling. Chandigarh has stadium for football, tennis, badminton, athletics etc. Chandigarh has the distinction of having maximum number of tennis courts in the world. There is also a sports complex that affords facilities for hockey, badminton and volleyball.

Getting There
Air: Chandigarh airport is 12 kms. from the City Centre. Jet Airways and Indian Airlines connect Chandigarh with, Delhi, Leh and Amritsar.
Rail: Chandigarh Railway Station is about 8 kms. from the City Centre in Sector 17. Shatabdi Express and Himalayan Queen offers two train connections every day between Chandigarh and Delhi.

Nearly 71 per cent of the 10 lakh population is accounted for by the service sector, which the administration says is pushing up the per capita income. On the other hand infant mortality and death rate have gone down. Add to this, the beauty that surrounds Chandigarh – tree-lined boulevards, proximity to mountains, a lake and the cleanliness, all make it a favourite candidate for the rich. “The city is right at the foothills of the Himalayas, the per capita income is high here. Everything that one wants is here,” says Hot Millions restaurant Director Aman Bir Singh.

ChandigarhThe city boasts of a better lifestyle and more leisure opportunities for the young, who are understandably delighted. Not only are the levels of education high, the city is fast becoming an IT hotspot, with the Chandigarh Technology Park attracting an investment of Rs 400 crore so far and projects an export of about Rs 1000 crore in the next three years. The definite makings of the richest city in India are also visible in the light of the fact that Chandigarh is the capital of two of the wealthiest states in the country – Punjab and Haryana. And it`s not only youngsters who are thinking of making Chandigarh their home, pensioners and landlords are also making a beeline for the city.

Daman and DiuSmall yet an important union territory of India, Daman and Diu, is located in the Vibrant state of Gujarat. The lands are blessed with nature`s gifts as sun, sand and palm-fringed beaches. The greenery, tranquility and serenity of the place attract tourists. The beginning of September and end of May is the ideal period for exploration and fascination. The place evokes a great deal of mirth and excitement. It`s a perfect destination for tourists.

History of Daman and Diu

During the early stage, i.e. from 8th to 13th century, Daman and Diu was part of Goa and during that time Goa was a stronghold of the Chowda Rajputs who were later expelled by Waghalas who in turn were expelled by Muslims in1330. The Portuguese ruled Goa for 451 years (1510-1961). Albuquerque entrenched himself in the Island of Tiswadi in1510. When Bahadur Shah was attacked by Humayun he entered into an alliance with the Portuguese and allowed them to construct a fortress on the Island and keep up a fort there.

Later many attempts were made by the rulers of Gujarat to oust the Portuguese from the Fort of Diu. But their attempts never did succeed. The Treaty of 1543 finally confirmed the termination of Diu to the Portuguese. The other most important event that occurred in the history of Daman and Diu is the `Operation Vijay`, which happened before the midnight of December 16, 1961, ending the colonial rule.

Geography of Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu are the smallest union territories of India. The district of Daman is situated on the west coast of India between the parallels 20o27`58″ and 20o22`00″ of latitude north and between the meridians 72o49`42″ and 72o54`43″ of longitude east of Greenwich. The total are of the district is 72sq.km. Damanganga River divides Daman into two parts.

Economy of Daman and Diu
Agriculture is an important economy of Daman. The important crops grown here are paddy, ragi, groundnut, pulses and beans, wheat, banana, sapota and mango. Through the provision of irrigation facilities double cropping has been introduced. The Damanganga Projectwhich is located in the Dadra and Nagar Haveli, is a joint venture of the state of Gujarat and Goa and the Union Territory of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Fishing is also a main economic activity here. Cattle, buffaloes, sheep`s and goats are the main livestock.

Government and Politics of Daman and Diu
Being a Union Territory, Daman – Diu is ruled by the Central Government and all officials are treated as the employee of the Central Government.

Culture of Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu has a rich multi faceted cultural heritage. The people of Daman and Diu follow the same customs and traditions as that of the people in Gujarat. The people live according to the Hindu system prevailing in the adjoining Gujarat territory. They observe sacredly the customs of birth, marriage, sacred thread and other ceremonies. Dance and Music are a part and parcel of their life. We find an amalgamation of cultures i.e. tribal, urban, European and Indian. This amalgamation is reflected in the people`s dances. Various Portuguese dances are still in vogue.

Demographics of Daman and Diu
The territory constitute an area of 112 sq. km. The capital of the territory is Daman. The population of the area is about 1,58,059. Out of which, there are 92,478 males and 65,581 females. The literacy of the state is 81.09%. Out of which the male literacy rate is 88.40% and the female literacy rate is 70.37%. The sex ratio is 709 females per 1000 males. The main languages spoken by the people are Gujarati and Marathi.

Division of Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu are the second smallest union territory of India. The territory has two districts namely, Daman, Diu. Daman and Diu are actually two parts, both on the seaside and both enclosed by Gujarat. Daman is near Surat in the South of Gujarat while Diu is near Junagadh in the Saurashtra Peninsula of Gujarat. Daman is a small part in the Gulf of Khambhat (cambay) while Diu is an island joined to the mainland of Gujarat by a creek.

Education of Daman and Diu
Coast Guard SchoolAbout 6.94% of the children under the age group 6-14 are dropouts. Education sector is facing a major set back here. The Education Department does not have an independent director and an in charge officer. Those appointed are from Delhi or some other places who do not have knowledge about the proceedings in the UT. They are unaware of the different educational schemes and rules and often mislead the parents. At the school level, things are going from bad to worse. The illiterate parents are unaware of the importance of education. Some of the schools are Coast Guard School, Machhi Mahajan School etc. The government sanctions grants to the schools only for Std V to X, therefore Std I to IV is under the management`s responsibility. They are free to recruit anybody for these posts. No qualified teachers are appointed because recruitment is preferred only for the UT candidates. The children do not have much knowledge of computer. The schools follow an outdated syllabus.

Transport of Daman and Diu
Taxi service is available between Daman and Vapi. The nearest railway station is Vapi, which is just 12 kms. All major local trains are accessible at Vapi. Other near by railway station is at Valsad junction. The Mumbai Ahmedabad National Highway connects Daman via Vapi. The nearest airport is at Mumbai. Here, international and domestic flights facilities are available.

Floating in splendid isolation, east of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of 572 emeralds islands, islets and rocks known as Andaman and Nicobar Islands.These Islands are described as the Tourist`s Paradise. It lies in the Indian Ocean and comprises of two islands namely, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. These Islands separate the Andaman Sea to the East from the Indian Ocean. These islands float in isolation at the east of the Indian Mainland. These islands are an archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Andaman and Nicobar islands are beautifully described as Emerald Islands. This island stretches over a length of more than 700 kms.

From North to South there are 36 inhabited islands. These islands are beautifully covered with evergreen forests and hills. The sandy beaches Andaman & Nicobar Islandsmeandering the coastline are covered with coconut palms that dance in the air to the rhythm of the sea. The beauty of the island depicts the rare gift bestowed by God. Nature in all its beauty is replenished here. The beauty of this place attracts many tourists. Once you visit this place, you feel like resting on Mother Nature`s lap. The tranquility of the place is like nature`s lullaby. The beauty of the place enchants anyone and every one.

Origin of name of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The name Andaman is believed to have come from Handuman, which in Malay language means god Hanuman. The god Hanuman was known to the Malayas as “Handuman”. The name Nicobar in Malay language means land of the naked people.

History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
In the prehistoric times, the aboriginal tribes are believed to have inhabited the islands. In the Andaman Islands, the various Andamanese people diversified into distinct linguistic, cultural and territorial groups. During the 17th century, the islands provided a temporary maritime base for the ships of the Marathas. In the year 1789, the British inhabited the place. In 1950 Andaman and Nicobar Islands became an Indian Union Territory. On 26 December 2004, tragedy struck Andaman and Nicobar islands in the form of Tsunami, which was 10 meter high, following the 2004 Indian Ocean Earth Quake. About 7,000 people were believed to have lost their lives in this tragedy.

Geography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Map of Andaman & Nicobar IslandsThe total area of Andaman Islands is about 6,408 km square that of the Nicobar Islands. This island is located in the Bay of Bengal, 1255 km from Calcutta and 1190 km from Chennai. There are over 572 islands in the territory, of which 38 of them are permanently inhabited. Most of the islands are in the Andamans group, 26 of which are inhabited. The smaller Nicobars comprise of 22 main islands and are locatyed at the South of Andamans. The two important islets of the Nicobar islands are the Ritchie`s Archipelago and Labyrinth Islands.

The Andamans and Nicobar Islands are seperated by a channel. The Islands are located between the latitudes 6° to 14° North and longitudes 92° to 94°. The islands have the maximum altitude at the Saddle Peak, which is formed of limestone, sandstone and clay. Around 50,000 hectares of land here are under cultivation. The island experiences a tropical climate. There is no extreme climate except the rains and tropical storms in late summer. The island has medium to heavy rain during the Monsoon, from May to mid September and November to mid December.

Economy of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
About 7,171 sq km of the Andaman and Nicobar islands are covered by forests. A total of 48,675 hactares of land are used for agricultural purpose. There are reports of occurrence of gold, limestone, nickel, selenite and sulphur. There are also a number of Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Shell Craftssmall scale, village and handicrafts units. Two units are export oriented in the line of fish processing activity.There are also shell and wood based handicraft units. Medium sized industrial units are engaged in the production of polythene bags, PVC conduit pipes and fittings, paints, fibre glass and mini flour mills, soft drinks and beverages, etc. Small scale and handicraft units are also engaged in shell crafts, bakery products, rice milling, furniture making , etc.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation has also developed in the field of tourism, fisheries, industries and industrial financing. The number of export-oriented units is also increasing in the agro-processing sectors. The Andaman and Nicobar Integrated Development Corporation has made its presence felt in civil supplies, tourism, fisheries, industries, and industrial financing activities. The Oil And Natural Gas Commission is continuing the exploration for oil and gas there. Farming and fishing are the main sources of income here. Tourism is also another source of income for the state.

Government and Politics of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The different political parties of the island are Manoranjan Bhakta (INC)INC, BJP, BSP, CPM, NCP , CPI (ML)(L) , LJNSP, SWD (Swaraj Dal). In the elections, Manoranjan Bhakta (INC) won from Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Rtd Lt. Genera Bhopinder Singh is the governor of the island.

Transport of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Travel to Nicobar Islands is restricted and only Indian Nationals engaged in research can visit the place. There are exceptions for tourists with special permits. Tourists can reach these beautiful islands by means of air, sea and local transport. There are five weekly flights between Calcutta and Port Blair. And four flights between Chennai and Vishakhapattnam connect the islands to the mainland. Five weekly flights between Calcutta and Port Blair and four flights between Chennai.

There are 3 to 4 ships sailing in the Andaman`s and Calcutta and Chennai on the mainland. There is one ship sailing from Vishakhapattnam every two months. The Shipping Corporation of India runs these sailings. People can also make use of ferry. There are local buses, bicycles, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, and taxis available for local transport on the islands.

Districts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The islands are divided into two:
The Andaman Island and
Nicobar Island.

Andaman district has an area of about 6408 sq km and Nicobar Islands have an area of about 1841 sq km. The biggest island in the Andaman Group is the Middle Andaman Island, which has an area of 1536 sq km. The biggest island in the Nicobar Group is the Great Nicobar Island, which as an area of 1045 sq km. The smallest island in the Andaman Group is the Ross Island, which has an area of 0.8 sq km. The smallest island in the Nicobar Group is the Pillomillow Island, which has an area of 1.3 sq km.

Demography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The total population of the island is 356265 (according to the 2001 census). Out of which the males constitute 192985 and the females 163280. The Literacy Rate of Males is 1,46,536 and the females 1,06,409. The major languages spoken are Nicobarese, English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Punjabi.

Culture of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a unique culture, where is a blended harmony of different religions, languages and ethnic groups. The island is known as Mini India. The capital of the country, Port Blair has a cosmopolitan character. All important festivals are celebrated with equal enthusiasm by all religious groups.

Flora and fauna in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
In the South Andaman forests, there is abundant growth of epiphytic vegetation as ferns and orchids. In the Middle Andamans there are mainly deciduous forests. In the North Andaman region there are mainly climbers. In the North Nicobar Islands, there is complete absence of evergreen forests. Grass lands are common in Nicobars, while decidious forests are common in Andaman Islands. There are more than 200 varieties, out of which 30 are considered to be of commercial.

There are many varieties of forest mammals found in these regions. The spotted deer of different varieties as Axis, Barking deer and Sambar deer are found here in abundance. There are about 26 species of rats and 14 species of bats. There is also presence of species called Cephalopoda, which includes Octopus, Squid, and Nautilus etc. There are many corals, fishes and sea horses here.

Education in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The major institute of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the Regional Medical Research Institute and is affiliated to the Pondicherry Institute and another institute of reputation is the Tagore Government College of Education.

Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
With the population number dwindling by the day, Government of India is taking every serious measure to keep these native tribes concentrated. The tribal inhabitants of Andaman and Nicobar Islands counts to five in number. They dwell in a scattered fashion, inhabiting several islands of this group. With a distinctive culture, language and habit, the aboriginals are mostly unapproachable to the civilised society still today. Although, some of the natives have made efforts to reach out to modernity, the specified tribes are basically hostile towards advancement. And this very characteristic has made them unique to the island culture.

Penal Settlement, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The oppressing English rulers had long since attempted to establish a colony miles away from the mainland. The continuous subjugation of the Britishers on the `natives` revolting and rebelling against the ruling class, had made several Indians stand up against the tyranny. Quite obviously, the British were not happy about it, and had arrived to a decision to construct a specialised colony for heinous murderers against the backdrop of the Andaman and Nicobar. In the initial years of the 1800`s, a few survey ships were sent for mapping the area, due to the severe onslaughts of the native tribes of the islands. Initial setbacks were dispensed with, and a punishment cell was finalised on 15th January 1858, by annexing several of the archipelago.

Dadra and Nagar HaveliDadra & Nagar Haveli is described as the ` land of natural beauty`. It is the union territory of western Indian lying between Gujarat and Maharashtra states.The thriving green forests, zig zaging rivers, the mountain ranges, gorgeous landscaper all bewitches us. It`s a favorite spot of tourists and once you go there you will never feel like returning back. This is an ideal place for anyone who is hunting for tranquility and peace. The long network of trees, streams, rivers and the tranquil climate makes it an excellent holiday destination. One can see nature in all its beauty replenished here.

History of Dadra & Nagar Haveli

In AD 1262, the Kohli chieftains of the Dadar and Nagar Haveli was defeated by Rajput invaders and the region became under their clutches and they ruled Ramnagar, which was a small state that included Nagar Haveli in its territory. They dominated the region till the mid-18th century, when the Marathas acquired Nagar Haveli.

After prolonged encounters between the Portuguese and Marathas, the Maratha Government assigned aggregate revenue of Rs. 12,000 to the Portuguese as compensation to ensure their friendship. Their aim was to keep away from the English and to procure their support against the Mughals. The Marathas established friendship with the Portuguese and signed with them a treaty in 1779. According to this historic treaty of friendship, the Maratha-Peshwa agreed that the Portuguese would be allowed to collect revenues from Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which consisted of 72 villages, then known as parganas. This treaty was signed to the extent that the Portuguese will only collect the revenue in compensation for their loss of a warship called `Santana` which had earlier been captured by the Marathas but not surrendered to the Portuguese inspite of their many entreaties.

The Portugese ruled the region till it was liberated on 2 August 1954. The people of Dadara and Nagar Haveli established a free administration, which was merged in to union of India in 1961. On 11 August 1961, Dadara and Nagar Haveli were merged with the Indian Union as a Union Territory. Ever since, its liberation from the Portuguese rule, a Varishtha Panchayat was working as an advisory body to the administration. The panchayat was dissolved on August 1989 and Pradesh Council for Dadra and Nagar Haveli was announced. As per the Constitutional amendments at all India level, Dadra and Nagar Haveli District Panchayat and 11 village Panchayats were constituted.

Geography of Dadra & Nagar Haveli
The Dadra and Nagar Haveli is one of the union territories in Western India. It is wedged Damanganga Riverbetween Maharashtra and Gujarat. Its capital is Silvassa. Its located on the western side of the foot hills of the Western Ghats and about 40% of the geographical area is covered with forests. It lies between the parallels of 20o and 20o25` of latitude north and between the meridian 72o50` and 73o15` of longitude. The major river Damanganga and its tributaries criss-cross the U.T and drain into Arabian Sea at Daman. The west, north and south of the territory is surrounded by the Valsad district of Gujarat and towards the south and southeast by Thana and Nasik districts of Maharashtra. Towards the northeast it is surrounded by the ranges of Sahyadri Mountains (Western Ghats). The land has a hilly terrain and the soil is rich and fertile. The river Daman-Ganga and its three tributaries intersect the terrain. The climate of the region is warm and moist during the summer months but less warm during the monsoon months. The southwest monsoon is from June to September. During this time there is profuse rainfall. The rainfall is about 250 to 300cm. The winter months are generally pleasant.

Economy of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Agriculture is the main economy of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The region has about 23,627 hectares under cultivation. 40% of the geographical area is covered with forests. The major occupation of Adivasis who represent 79 percent of the total population is agriculture. The agriculture is dependent on the amount of rainfall. The main crops cultivated here are paddy, ragi, small millets, jowar, wheat, tuvr, oilseeds, sugarcane and pulses. Brinjal, tomato, cabbage, and cauliflower are the main vegetables grown here. Forestry is an important economic resource of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It consists of teak, sadra, khair, mahara, sisam etc. Forests constitute about 43 percentage of the total geographical area. A forest-based industry producing `Katha` out of Khair wood has also been set up. Besides agriculture, Government is running a poultry breeding / demonstration farm. There is a well equipped veterinary Hospital and two veterinary centers. The farm animals include cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and other animals.

There are four industrial estates in the territory. Manufacturing is the main economy in Dadra and Nagar Haveli as the taxes are low as there is no exice. The products that are manufactured here are spectacle frame, flooring tiles, art silk fabrics, chemicals, detergent powder, electrical fixtures, watches etc. The items that are exported are forest products, rubber foam etc. There are about 118 lift irrigation schemes at various places of the territory. A multiple irrigation project at Damanganga is in its final states. Here, power is made available from the from the Central sector power generating stations. The entire territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are electrified.

Government and Politics of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The Dadara and Nagar Haveli is a rich inheritance of Portuguese culture, with a generous measure of Indian ness mixed in. From 1954- 1961, the Varishta Panchayat of Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli administrated the country. It became a Union Territory in 1961 and at present is represented in the in the Parliament of India; the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The political parties of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are BJP, BSP, CPM , INC , NCP, SHS, SP ,BNP , etc.

There are 122681 electors and 128 polling stations in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The polling percentage is found to be 69.04. The Administrator is the head and under him comes the Secretary of Finance.

Division of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The territory consists of two sections: Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Dadra consists of three villages and Nagar Haveli consists of 69 villages. The headquarters of the district Dadar and Nagar Haveli is Silvassa.

Demographics of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
According to the 2001 census, there are 2.20 lakhs of people residing here and about 62% of the population consists of tribals. This territory is the homeland of various tribes as Dhodia, Kokna and Varli. The Dhodias and Dublas are mainly confined to the Northern part of the territory whereas the Koknas and Varlis and found all over. The Varlis constitute 62.94 % and the Koknas and Dhodias comprise 16.85 and 16.90 % respectively of the tribal population, 2.29 % Dublas, 0.08% Kathodis, 0.84% Kolghas and 0.08% Nayakas. The languages spoken by the people are Hindi, Marathi and Gujarathi.

Culture of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The major population constitutes the tribals. They have their own rituals and colorful Tarpa Dancefolklore. They celebrate a number of occasions and functions. No occasion for them is complete without a folk dance. The major dances are Tarpa, Dhol, Bhavada and Gherria. All feasts of Hindus, Muslims and Christians are celebrated in this territory. But the tribal celebrations differ. The Varli and Kokna tribals celebrate Diwali in the name of Barash. Kokna tribes celebrate Akhatrij where ladies are the main participants. Divaso is celebrated by Dhodia and Varli tribes. Rakhi-Bandhan is celebrated by Dhodia. Other festivals are Bhawada amongst Varli and Koli tribes, Kali Puja by all tribes after harvesting of crops and Gram Devi before harvesting.

Flora in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Dadra and Nagar HaveliThe climate favors the growth of forests in the region. 43% of the geographical area constitutes forests. The trees found here are teak, sadra, khair, mahara, sisam etc. The prominent places of tourist interest are the beautiful gardens on the banks of river at Silvassa and Khanvel. A tourist complex at Khanvel named `Van Vihar` has been set up. The major picnic points are Van Ganga , Vandhara Garden on the Damanganga River and Bai Udyam. There is also a Deer Park and a Tribal Museum.

Transport in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The nearest railway station is Vapi on the Western Railways. All major Mail/Express trains are available at Vapi including August Kranti Rajdhani, Satabdi, Ahinsa, Karnavati etc. The nearest airport is at Mumbai. Dadra and Nagar Haveli do not have its own road transport system. It avails of Gujarat and Maharashtra state transport system. Total road length is about 342 km.

Puducherry is known as the mystic city and it has a cosmopolitan setting. French influences are still afresh in the atmosphere of Pondicherry. It is even described as the Window of French culture. It is an enigmatic city, which has earned fame for its colonial structures and serene ambience. The well-planned town, neatly laid roads, beautiful esplanades architecturally imposing churches and public buildings and the statues of Joan of Ark and Joseph Francois attracts anyone and every one. The churches and the beaches are main tourist attractions in Pondicherry. Once you reach there you will never feel like returning. The beauty of the place enthralls you and you will feel as if you are one with the nature. Such is the magnificence of the place. There are many credits for Puducherry. Puducherry is known as the IT Hardware Capital of India. It is even known as the Education Hub of South India.

Origin of name of Puducherry

Puducherry was formerly known as Pondicherry. It is one of the Union Territories of India. Earlier Puducherry was a French colony and it consisted of four non-contiguous districts. The largest out of them was named as Pondicherry. In September 2006, the territory changed its official name from Pondicherry to Puducherry, which in Tamil means “New Village”. It is also known as The French Riviera of the East (La Côte d`Azur de l`Est).

History of Puducherry
In the fourth century AD Pondicherry area was part of the Pallava Kingdom of Kanchipuram. Following the next centuries Pondicherry was occupied by different dynasties of the South. In the 10th Century AD, Pondicherry was occupied by the Cholas of Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu). In the 13th century, the Cholas were replaced by the Pandyas. Later Pondicherry had to witness a series of Muslim invasions. Pondicherry, as we know now, became wide known on the arrival of the French on the 4 february 1673. 20 years after in 1643, the town became the property of the Dutch before belonging to France in 1699.François Martin who was appointed Administrator following the “traité of Ryswick”, restored stability to Pondicherry and developed the town. Dumas who succeeded him, followed the principles created by François Martin.During approximatevily 250 years, Pondicherry was a quite a calm town except during the Carnatic franco-english wars lead by Duplex and Clive.

Geography of Puducherry
The territory of Puducherry encompasses an area of 480 sq km with Pondicherry town and villages covering 290 sq km. Pondicherry lies 162 km south of Madras and 22 km north of Cuddalore, Karaikal is about 150 km south of Pondicherry and Yanam about 840 km north-east of Pondicherry on the Andhra Coast. Puducherry is touched by Chidambaram TempleBay of Bengal in the East and is surrounded by four states. On the South it is surrounded by Arcot District, Karaiakl town and its villages covering an area of 161sq km which is surrounded by Tanjavur district, Mahe and its villages covering 9 sq km surrounded by the Kerala state and Yanam covering 20 sq.km within the East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh.

Mahe lies almost parallel to Pondicherry, 653 km away on the west coast. Puducherry`s average elevation is at sea level. The city is protected against the sea by a 2 km sea wall, which has a height of 27 feet above the sea level. Puducherry`s average elevation is at sea level. The town of Chidambaram in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, famous for the Chidambaram Temple, lies 58 km south of Puducherry. For the greater part of the year Pondicherry experiences a hot and humid climate. The temperatures range between 26 degree Celcius and 38 degree Celcius.

Economy of Puducherry
In Poducherry about 45% of the people depend on agriculture for their livelihood. 90% of the total area is irrigated. The predominant crop here is paddy. Pulses are also grown in large areas here. Crops like rice, coconuts, arcanuts, condiments, ragi, bajra, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, spices, groundnut and chilies are grown here. There is a well-established modern diary at Pondicherry. Fishing is an important occupation of the people here. There are about 28 sea fishing villages in the Union Territory. The main products exported in Puducherry are rice, fish, hides, skin etc. There are 23 large-scale industries and 79 medium scale industries here. There are about 5,400 small-scale industries here, which give employment opportunities to nearly 50,000 people.

Government and Politics of Puducherry
The governance and administration of the territory of Puducherry falls directly under the authority in New Delhi. Pondicherry has an elected legislative assembly and a cabinet of ministers. The government is permitted to make laws with respect to specific matters. In many cases, legislations have to require ratification from the President of India. The Centre is represented by the Lt. Governor.

Districts of Puducherry
Puducherry consists of four small districts. They are:
Pondicherry (has a total area of 293 km sq)
Karaikal (has an area of 160 km sq)
Yanam on the Bay of Bengal (30 km sq)
Mahe on the Arabian Sea (9 km sq)

The larger districts are Pondicherry and Karaikal. These two regions are enclaves of Tamil Nadu. Yanam and Mahe are enclaves of Andra Pradesh and Kerala. The towns of Puducherry were divided into French section and Tamil section. In the French Town, the roads are flanked by colonial style buildings with long compound walls and stately gates. The town was divided in a French section and Tamil section, with its respective population and architectural differences and each its own particular streetscapes. The front walls usually have vertical columns and windows are tall are usually painted cream, yellow and pink. In Tamil Towns the streets are lined by verandahs and extended porches. The colors usually painted are green, blue and brown, while the front wall have horizontal and low features.

Sports of Puducherry
Sports of Puducherry The major sports of Puducherry are wrestling, weight lifting, volley ball(beach volley ball), triathlon, tennis, taekwondo, soft ball, shooting, sailing, rowing, judo, hockey, basket ball, badminton, archery , athletics, boxing, cycling, fencing, football etc.

Transport of Puducherry
Puducherry is well connected throughout the state and all over the world by means of air, rail and road. There are the presence of a network of all weather metalled roads connecting every village in the territory. Puducherry has a road length of 2552 km. By air – the nearest airport from Pondicherry is Chennai. It is situated at the distance of 162 km.

Rail: Pondicherry is connected through a meter gauge railway line with Villupuram.
Road: Pondicherry is well connected to most of the major towns of southern India by road.

Demographics of Puducherry
The total population of Puducherry as per the 2001 census is 9,73,829. Out of which males constitute 4,86,705 and the females constitute 4,87,124 of the population. Puducherry has an average literacy rate of 76% which is higher than the national average of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 825 and the female literacy rate is 71%. The language spoken by the people of Pudicherry are Malayalam, Tamil and Telegu. There is a community of French people in Puducherry. There are the presence of a number of French institutions in Puducherry. The people here have a fascination for the French language and French culture. There are also the presence of a number of Indians from Bengal, Gujarat and Orissa.

Culture of Puducherry
The people of Pondicherry wear traditional Indian dresses. Men wear pants and shirts. Women prefer wearing saris, long skirts and blouses. People do not wear beach wear in the city as such dresses will invite unwanted attention. Nudity is banned in Puducherry. There are the presence of Christians,Hindus and Muslims in the territory. All the people of different religions live in harmony here. Puducherry has the presence of a number of temples deicated to Lord Sulramaniar and various forms of ammans viz, Muthumariammam, Angalamman, etc. The festivals celebrated here are Putha Lanthira, Mandolilthira, Koyodan Korothithra, Pandokuloththira, Mandalam vilakku, vishnutheertham, Swamikalyanam, etc. The Mahe district, which is situated near Kerala, celebrates festivals similar to Kerala like Onam, Vishu, Sri Krishna Jayanti, Vinayaga Chathurthi etc.

Education in Puducherry
Schools in Pondicherry provide a very good and serene atmosphere to students. Very good opportunities are given to students for learning different languages and computer. Pondicherry government is giving special attention for IT education to improve IT literacy. Government is very keen to provide computer and Internet access to all middle schools. Government is providing sathu unavu thittam. In this scheme they are giving milk and biscuits in the Morning, lunch in the afternoon, and milk in the evening. This scheme is to encourage students to come to schools.

Puducherry UniversityPondicherry is providing many courses in schools and universities to create a dynamic world-class education system to kindle the fire of knowledge in students. In schools and Universities they provide a program of study that involves a multiyear sequence of courses that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to different courses like commerce, education technology/special education, Economics, English, French, human rights, law, library and information science/library science, political science, Tamil, zoology, medical, distance education, engineering courses etc. the Government of Puducherry gives importance to education in all sectors. As a result Puducherry is known as the education hub of South India.