MAHE – A FRENCH RIVIERA IN THE MALABAR COAST

 

Pondicherry or Puducherry, a union territory of India is not only famous among the domestic tourists for beautiful beaches and French settlement but also has become a coveted destination for international tourists for Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. Millions of international tourists arrive and stay there for months together either to enjoy the beaches or to attain spiritual liberty staying in the hermitage.

It seems that a mini France resides in the town of Pondicherry where the dwelling houses, restaurants, hotels, and even office buildings depict the presence of French architecture all over the town.

The union territory of Pondicherry has four districts viz. Pondicherry, Yanam, Karaikal, and Mahe. Out of four districts, Pondicherry and Karaikal are bound by Tamilnadu on three sides and Yanam is bounded by Andhra Pradesh on three sides. But surprisingly, the other district, Mahe is situated on the Malabar Coast of India bounded by Kerala on three sides, and perhaps it is the smallest district of India with a total area of 9 sq. km.

How Mahe became a part of Pondicherry

French people came to India for trade and commerce in the seventeenth century like British and finally made a settlement in four locations of southern India which subsequently became the French colony. After the war with the British, based on the “Treaty of Paris” (1763), the French got back all the colonies despite losing the battle.

After independence, the French colonies together got annexed with the Republic of India and hence the areas of French the settlement were placed within the administrative territory of Pondicherry. Thus, despite the distance gap of 620 km, Mahe became a part of Pondicherry.

How to Reach Mahe

Mahe railway station is located in the town itself and caters to the main railway track connecting all major cities of southern India. The nearest airport is Kozhikode in North Kerala, located at a distance of 87 km from the town. The public transport plying between southern Kerala and Wayanad district crosses Mahe town and hence the regular connection is available from all major cities of Kerala.

Boarding & Lodging

Different category of hotels including star ranking hotels is available in Mahe suiting to the budget of all types of tourists. The hotels located near the confluence of the river and overseeing the Arabian Sea can have a clear view of the beauty of the sunset.

Since the district is encircled by Kerala on all sides, the influence of Malayalam culinary can be observed. But the restaurants serving French cuisine are also welcomed by the local people for a change. In addition to the types mentioned above, normal continental and Indian common food are also available in the town.

Places to Visit

Walking down the streets of downtown, you can clearly find a replica of mini France in almost all the old structures. Of course, buildings and structures constructed in the post-independence period show local influence to a great extent.  A brasille (French pastry) and a cup of cappuccino in a restaurant on the street can refresh you to stroll along the streets of the town or on the bank of Mahe River in the lights of the setting sun.

The major tourist attractions are:

St Teresa’s Church

Tagore Park

Government House

Museum

Hillock and St George’s Fort

Boat House and Amusement Park

Light House and Water Front

Boating in Mahe River

Since all the locations are within a radius of around 3 km, tourists can simply visit all the places on foot and enjoy the riviera from the bank of Mahe River. The evening can be spent on the Hillock to have a panoramic view of the town on one side and the setting sun on the horizon on the other side.

The tourists can also visit Kappad Beach, around 45 km south of Mahe on way to Kozhikode. Apart from the beauty of the beach, it has important relevance as Vasco Da Gama, the great explorer landed on the beach in 1498 and the rest was history.    

My Experience

Since my visit to Mahe was on way to Kalpeta, district headquarters of Wayanad from Kozhikode airport, I could only spend a day reducing my stay at other locations. It was really a unique experience, as my visit to Pondicherry was long back and I hardly remembered the colonial infrastructure of the place.

I clearly remember spending the evening on the waterfront, viewing the setting sun on the western horizon, enjoying the cool breeze of the sea with a cup of coffee.

It was not only the place that allured me, but the entire ambiance of the place looked to be in the total holiday mood with tourists and local people moving on the roads in a leisurely manner tempted me to visit the place again with some more time to be spent in Mahe to have the flavor to the maximum.

I shall definitely suggest the tourists or travelers visiting North Malabar Region to spare at least one day to this French Riviera.              

 

Backlink

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERWVg9Bavto