Introduction

Easily accessible from the main town of Pondicherry, at Karaikal you can take a look at the tombs of who’s who of 19th century Pondicherry. Take a trip to the French Cemetery on Rue de Marche (French for Market Street), and pan through the curious tombs of a veritable section of people, from administrators, landlords, port officials, women to children, who lay buried under headstones with thought-provoking inscriptions. Within the walls of the cemetery, you will also come across a weathered, tiny chapel that suffuses the place with an old-world charm. It is a very beautiful cemetery, and a walk around its ageing tombstones invokes nostalgia for the glorious days of yore.

Special Attributes

It is a beautiful cemetery where the 19th century who's who of Pondicherry lay buried under curious headstones with interest-evoking inscriptions. 

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately, avoid wearing short or revealing clothes. 

Connectivity

You can hire a private taxi or take an auto-rickshaw from Pondicherry city centre to the French Cemetery in Karaikal. 

Enjoyed by

Backpackers

Exposure

If you are visiting in the morning, the sun will be mild and you can enjoy a stroll in the cemetery. But in noon the sun can be harsh, especially in summer months. You can do better with a sunshade, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water. 

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

You can make a trip to the popular Karaikal Beach later in the day after a visit to the cemetery. 

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

The place is best explored early in the day when the weather is pleasant. 

Type of site

A 19th century French cemetery