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Mahe - The Eyebrow Of The Arabian Sea

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Mahe is a town that is located in the Union Territory of Pondicherry in South India. Covering an area of just 9 square kilometres, Mahe is surrounded by Kerala on three sides and thus, sees a lot of influence from that state in its language and cuisine. Over 35,000 inhabitants exist in the town of Mahe, which has a literacy rate of 98.35% and ranks among the most literate municipalities in the entire country. The town was under foreign (French) rule till 1954 and the remnants of French culture can be seen amongst some of the populace and the architecture. The Government House built in 1855 is a prime example of this.

French Origins Of The Town

Bertrand Francois Mahe de la Bourdonnais, a key constructor of French policy in India, had a lot to do with the name of the town. Two alternating accounts exist about the origins of the town’s name; one which states that it was named so in honour of the Frenchman and another which suggests that Count de La Bourdonnais adopted the already existing name from the town and not vice versa.

Tourist Places In And Around Mahe

The Mahe Palli or Church is an extremely popular centre of religious worship for Christians from the surrounding areas. The Mahe Boat House is a prime attraction here with speedboats, pedal boats and kayaks on offer. Tourists can be seen all throughout the year enjoying the serene landscape of the town.

Best Time To Visit Mahe

The best season to visit Mahe is between October and March.

How To Reach Mahe

Mahe is well connected to other major cities in the country by air, rail and road.

Mahe Weather

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Mahe

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • July
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

How to Reach Mahe

  • By Road
    Mahe is well connected by buses, both private as well as those run by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation. Buses from places like Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur and Payyannur pass through Mahe throughout the day.
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  • By Train
    A few express and local trains stop at Mahe railway station. The closest major railway station (where long distance trains stop) is located 10 kilometers away at Thalassery. Thalassery railway station is well connected to major cities in South India. A taxi ride from Thalaseery to Mahe costs Rs. 200 on an average.
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  • By Air
    The closest airport to Mahe is the Calicut International Airport (located 80 kilometers away). It is well connected to most of the major cities in India and a taxi from Calicut International Airport to Mahe costs Rs. 1,750 on an average.
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