Tamil Quarter (Heritage Town)

The Tamil Quarter is the western part of Puducherry's Heritage Town, separated from the French Quarter (White Town) by the Grand Canal. Developed during French colonial rule as the native Tamil settlement, it is notable for its dense grid of narrow streets, traditional Tamil houses with pillared verandas and courtyards, historic temples, and bustling bazaars. It preserves Tamil urban architecture and daily life alongside colonial-era heritage.

Visitors can expect a dense, lively urban neighbourhood with narrow streets lined with traditional Tamil houses featuring carved wooden doors, tiled roofs, and street-facing verandas. The area contains busy markets including Goubert Market, historic Hindu temples, small shops, eateries serving Tamil cuisine, and everyday street life. It is best explored on foot or by cycle-rickshaw, with heritage walks connecting temples, markets, and residential architecture west of the Grand Canal.