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Raj Nivas, Pondicherry
🏛️ Raj Nivas, Pondicherry
💰 Entry Fee: Free (ID required)
📞 Phone: 0413 233 4050
⭐ Rating: 4.0 / 5 (Based on 33 reviews)
📍 Address: Ranga Pillai Street, White Town, Pondicherry – 605001, India
A living legacy of French colonial architecture and one of Pondicherry’s most prestigious heritage sites, Raj Nivas is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Formerly known as Le Palais du Gouverneur, this grand mansion showcases a seamless blend of European and Indian elements and continues to host state dignitaries and special guests.
It was built in 1738 under French Governor Pierre Benoît Dumas, and later completed by Joseph François Dupleix. With antique artefacts, lush gardens, towering columns from Gingee Fort, and vintage colonial furniture, this building is both historic and elegant.
🧭 Location & Getting There
Raj Nivas is located in the heart of White Town, one of Pondicherry’s most charming and historically rich quarters. It is surrounded by colonial-era streets like Rue Ranga Pillai, Rue Saint Louis, and Rue Francois Martin.
✔ Just a 5-minute walk from Bharathi Park and Pondicherry Beach
✔ Located near major attractions like Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Manakula Vinayagar Temple
✔ Easily accessible via auto rickshaws, local cabs, or rented two-wheelers
✔ Nearest landmarks: Mahatma Gandhi Statue and French War Memorial
Whether you’re on foot, cycling around White Town, or arriving by car, Raj Nivas is easy to reach and impossible to miss thanks to its grand white façade and colonial gates.
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🌟 Highlights of Raj Nivas, Pondicherry
✔ Built in 1738 with monolithic pillars from Gingee Fort
✔ Formerly the official residence of French governors during colonial rule
✔ Features a rich collection of 18th-century artefacts, porcelain, vases, and coins
✔ Guest rooms are named after Puducherry’s regions: Mahe, Yanam, Karaikal, Pondicherry
✔ Surrounded by four iconic French-styled streets and gardens with heritage landscaping
✔ Entry is free with registration, but children below 5 years are not allowed
✔ Offers a glimpse of colonial power and elegance preserved in modern governance
🚗 How to Reach
✔ By Air: Pondicherry Airport (domestic flights from Bangalore, Hyderabad); Chennai International Airport is 135+ km away
✔ By Train: Pondicherry Railway Station is ~2 km away; Villupuram Junction (~35 km) offers better connectivity
✔ By Road: Regular buses and taxis from Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad via NH45
✔ Local Transport: Auto rickshaws, rented scooters, or cabs easily available in White Town
💡 Travel Tips
✔ Entry allowed only from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays)
✔ Carry a valid photo ID for entry; prior registration is recommended
✔ Children under 5 years are not allowed inside the premises
✔ No large bags or backpacks permitted inside
✔ Visit during October to February for the best weather
✔ Combine your trip with nearby attractions like Bharathi Park, Pondicherry Museum, and Aurobindo Ashram
📜 History
Raj Nivas, originally known as Le Palais du Gouverneur, is a majestic colonial building that dates back to 1738. It was built under the French Governor Pierre Benoît Dumas and completed during the tenure of Joseph François Dupleix, the Governor-General of French India.
📅 Timings
| Day | Visiting Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed / Holiday |