Raj Niwas
4
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
366 within 5 kms
Attractions
77 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
126 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
55
Average
30
Poor
4
Terrible
5
Donna_in_India
New York City, NY603 contributions
Dec 2019
An interesting combination of Indian and French architecture, Raj Niwas, is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governors of Pondicherry. Completed around 1738, it is a beautiful "house".
Built in typical Indian fashion there is a courtyard on the ground floor of the house. Beautifully carved wooden pillars surround the courtyard. Decorated masonry columns of European design support a first floor terrace.
Outside a water monument is placed in the middle of a well-maintained garden. The lawns are decorated with sculptures. Two canons sit on either side of the main gate. Unfortunately you will only get a glimpse of the elegant white mansion from outside the gates since it is not open to the public.
Built in typical Indian fashion there is a courtyard on the ground floor of the house. Beautifully carved wooden pillars surround the courtyard. Decorated masonry columns of European design support a first floor terrace.
Outside a water monument is placed in the middle of a well-maintained garden. The lawns are decorated with sculptures. Two canons sit on either side of the main gate. Unfortunately you will only get a glimpse of the elegant white mansion from outside the gates since it is not open to the public.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AtTrip2019
Bengaluru, India12 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
We made the online booking for the Raj Nivas visitors tour and waited for the confirmation (You can get the instructions from the Raj Nivas Wiki page on how to do this). After waiting for a week, I contacted them through phone only to know that the confirmation is given only on the day before the requested date of booking depending on the Lt. Governer's schedule which is perfectly understandable. We did get the confirmation through email on the morning (Yes that morning) of the requested date at 10 AM and since we were staying close to Raj Nivas, we could make it. We got there at the appointed time 12 PM (I think it is always 12 PM) and after the customary checks were ushered into the reception area. The staff was pleasant and we were shown a video on Raj Nivas and its history. On that day, my wife and I were the only visitors. After the short 10 minute video (approx), the staff took us on a tour of the first floor of the building where we were able to see a wonderful collection of antiques from furniture to crockery to a grand piano. We got pictures taken at multiple places by their official photographer (We are not allowed to take photos with our phones). We also visited a temple inside the premises which was also a nice experience. We were then asked to wait for a few minutes in the reception area after the complete tour. We then got the surprise of our life when we were ushered into the office of the Lt. Governor and got an opportunity to spend a few minutes with 'Madam Sir' (Watch 'Yes, Madam Sir') Kiran Bedi herself. She was extremely welcoming and spoke a few words of encouragement after which she gave us a small packet which contained a seed as art of the Raj nivas's grow a tree initiative. We then got a photo taken with the Lt. Governor!!! It was a wonderful experience to visit the Raj Nivas. The photos were shared with us over phone and email on the same day and they came out really good. We really appreciate the opportunity given to the general public to interact with the Lt. Governor and know more about Raj Nivas. On special days, like the 26th of Jan, the entire building is lit up with lights and the garden area is open to the general public.
Written 5 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the warm appreciation.
It is a pleasure to receive visitors as part of the initiatives of Hon'ble Lt Governor Dr Kiran Bedi; to transform this to a People's Nivas.
Gratitude ..
Written 28 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mailtonehagarg1
New Delhi, India40 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
It was office and bungalow of Governor of Pondicherry. You are not allowed to go inside but yoy can click pictures from outside
Written 3 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amrit Pal S
Bengaluru, India26 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
You will not be allowed inside. This is the place where Governor of Pondicherry stays. You can just stand outside and click the pics. Its opposite to Bharathi park and very near to Pondicherry assembly and Meuseum
Written 12 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asoka P
Chennai (Madras), India21 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
The former residence of the Governor of the French East India Company is an excellent piece of colonial architecture standing in the middle of Pondicherry. It now houses the Raj Bhavan. I enjoyed watching the change of guards in the evening.
Written 5 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sekhar10
Chennai (Madras), India1 contribution
May 2013 • Solo
It is office and bungalow of Lt.Governor of Pondicherry.Nobody is allowed in side, but you can visit the building from a distance. The building is decorated with colourful lights on August 15th and January 26th. The building was constructed by French rulers.
Written 3 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deadman17
Mumbai, India543 contributions
Jan 2020
The place is the residence of the LG of Pondicherry and hence entry is not permitted. One can however have a look at the expansive garden and the intricate carvings on the various statues.
Written 30 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Honisoiquimalypense
Derby, UK1,304 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Guarded by gendarmes with their red Kempis, this is the official residence of the lieutenant governor of Pondicherry. You can’t get in however, so you peer through the gates! Really not worth the effort unless you are on a rickshaw trip!
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margery P
Southampton, UK177 contributions
Jan 2020
Present Governor is a Lady and in their Police Force.
Parking not allowed so you have to walk down.
Very impressive building with lovely gardens.
Parking not allowed so you have to walk down.
Very impressive building with lovely gardens.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PROF.HARAGOPAL MATHSYARAJA
Hyderabad, India826 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
It is here that Lt Governor of Pondicherry lives and its Official building. One can enter and meet the Governor with prior appointment which we did. It has Two levels. One the First floor there is meeting and dining halls.Beautiful place.
Written 28 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Sachin, how do I book for a visit to the raj nivas? I ve heard that there's some online booking for the same but I couldnt find it.
Written 6 July 2018
I am bound to visit Raj Nivas, Was wondering where can i park my vehicle? And even wanted to know that if there is any locker/other facility for keeping the cellphones as Cellphones arent allowed inside.
Written 27 October 2017
There is a parking facility outside the campus for visitors .
The confirmation mail to the visitor request has clear guidelines on this.
These are the responsibility of the visitor .
Written 27 October 2017
can you tell me in which city is raj niwas in pondicherry
Written 9 August 2017
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing