Pondicherry covers an area of 480 sq. kms consisting of the four coastal regions of Pondicherry,  Karakkal, Yanam and Mahe. These where former French possessions situated on the eastern coast along the three states of Tamilnadu, Andhrapradesh and Kerala, transferred to the Indian Union in 1954. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial. The world famous Sree Aurobindo Ashram is situated here.