Raj Nivas

Raj Nivas is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, located in the White Town area of Puducherry city. Housed in the former Palais du Gouvernement built during French colonial rule in the 18th century, it exemplifies French colonial architecture with heritage facades, arched verandas and landscaped gardens. Surrounded by Bharathi Park, it remains an important heritage landmark and administrative building reflecting Puducherry's French colonial history.

Visitors can expect to view the heritage French colonial building from the exterior and its well-maintained landscaped gardens. The palace is located opposite Bharathi Park in White Town and features colonial-style architecture with arched doorways, pillared verandas and heritage facades. Public access is restricted and requires prior permission; interior access is limited and guided visits are conducted under supervision. Photography is generally allowed only for the exterior and gardens.

Raj Nivas was originally built as the Palais du Gouvernement in 1766 as the residence of the French Governor of Puducherry. The structure was destroyed and rebuilt during the French colonial period and served as the seat of French administration until 1962. After Puducherry's de facto transfer to India, it became the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry and remains a prominent example of French colonial heritage architecture.

The building is a significant symbol of Puducherry's French colonial heritage and Indo-French architectural style. It represents the administrative and cultural legacy of French rule in Puducherry and is an important heritage landmark within the White Town French Quarter, reflecting the city's unique colonial townscape and history.