Mahe Thalassery | Timings, History, Images

Mahe, Thalassery Overview

Mahe, also known as Mayyazhi, is a small beach town which is located on the tip of the river Mahe. Although it is situated in the state of Kerala physically, it forms a part of the union territory of Pondicherry. Surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Kerala, Mahe was a part of French India and had several monuments pertaining to the same. With its charming blue sky, emerald greenery, golden sands and cotton clouds, Mahe is the perfect example of the region's unadulterated natural beauty. If you are looking for a quiet family vacation in the lap of nature, then Mahe is the perfect pick for you.

One of the most fascinating things about Mahe is its long and meticulous history, which can be traced back to French India. Many distinctive architectures here illustrate French influence, with one of them being an imposing statue of the Marianne which is a mark of the French Revolution. The government house is where the headquarters for the administration of Mahe is located, and it has beautiful French architecture as well. It also has a mini forest area which is an adventure in its own right. In addition to its fascinating buildings, Mahe is also a gateway to the Arabian Sea, the Mayyazhi River, the coastline comprising of golden sand and Dharmadam Island. Mahe's freedom movement started from this place and hence, a quaint and well-maintained park in the name of Rabindranath Tagore is situated here as well.

Activities in Mahe

A number of humble activities await you in your trip to Mahe. The perfect time to visit this beautiful town of is during sunrise and sunset, when the sublime beauty of the landscape is enchanting. As you take a gentle walk through the sands of Mahe, you can pay a visit to a tall flag mast which is situated here as well. Rediscover the explorer in you as you visit the remains of an ancient fort and a beautiful lighthouse that mark their presence here. If you are a water sports enthusiast, Mahe packs a punch for you. At a distance of about 2 km from Government House lies the boathouse of Mahe, which is frequently flocked to by visitors to enjoy speedboats, kayak boats and pedal boats. Hop aboard one of these boats with your friends and family for an unforgettable experience!

Attractions Near Mahe

Mahe is a getaway to a number of important tourist attractions which you can discover on your trip here. Some of the most popular ones here include:-

1. St. Teresa's church: One of the most popular destinations in Mahe, St. Teresa's Church is a revered shrine visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. The church was built by an Italian priest in the year 1736. It has two very interesting legends associated with its name. The first one narrates that a ship carrying an idol of Saint Teresa stopped in the sea upon reaching the shores of Mahe. The crew aboard the ship concluded that the saint wished to stay in Mahe, and hence the shrine came into being. The other story goes that some fishermen discovered a small statue of Saint Teresa from the water which was then enshrined in a church.

2. Sree Krishna Temple: The Shri Krishna Temple is another revered shrine situated in Mahe and built by freedom fighter Sri. P K. Raman in the year 1941. With the constant support and donations from devotees, the Sree Krishna Temple gradually grew to be the magnanimous edifice that it is today. The temple also has a number of different wings dedicated to the service of the society. Visit this temple for a peaceful rendezvous with the Almighty.

3. St. George Fort: One of the longest standing monuments of Mahe, St. George Fort is a beautiful attraction perched atop a solitary hill. It is another monument whose origin can be traced back to the French and was built mainly to provide protection against the persistent attacks of the Britishers and local rulers. Its magnificent architecture and the mysterious terrain is an ideal destination to explore on the way to a relaxing walk through the landscape of Mahe.

How To Reach Mahe, Thalaserry

The best way to reach Mahe is through trains from stations such as Chennai, Mangalore and Thalassery and Coimbatore. Mahe is situated at a distance of 318 kilometres from Bangalore which can be scaled over 7-7.5 hours if you decide to drive your way there. The shortest route to reach the same is through NH275.