Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, was once a French colonial enclave in India until 1954 and is currently designated as a Union Territory town, nestled within the southeastern border of Tamil Nadu state. Its enduring French influence is beautifully preserved in the charming French Quarter, characterized by tree-lined avenues, colonial villas adorned in mustard hues, and stylish boutiques that evoke a sense of Old World charm. Along the shores of the Bay of Bengal, a scenic seaside promenade meanders past several statues, notably the imposing 4-meter-high Gandhi Memorial, adding to the town's unique blend of cultures and history.