Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments

Pondicherry , India

Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments

Active

(30 reviews)

7h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the Beauty of Pondicherry explored in a Day City Tour with some interesting explanations by the Organizer about the Sites. Suggesting good dine & wines in the city, have a leisure shopping on the roadside handicrafts shops, clothing and eatables. Enjoy the sizzling Water rides on the backwater of Pondicherry and spend sometime in the Clean Beach Dunes of "Paradise Island"

Available options

Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments

Pickup included

What's included

Mineral Water Bottles

Air-conditioned vehicle

Tea or Coffee or Juice

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Evidences are there that this Temple exists from before 17th Century. More Auspicious Fully Air Conditioned Clean and Neat "Vinayak" temple with roof waived by Gold. Elephant "Parvati" Bless the Pilgrims will add gem to its Crown

You will definitely feel the Spiritual aura...while visiting the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, beautifully decorated by the Natural Flowers and People use to meditate here in the serene atmosphere.

Stop 3

The Matrimandir (Sanskrit for Temple of The Mother) is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of Integral yoga, situated at the centre of Auroville initiated by The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The Matrimandir took 37 years to build, from the laying of the foundation stone at sunrise on 21 February 1971 - the Mother’s 93rd birthday - to its completion in May 2008

The beach at Chunnambar also known as Plage Paradiso or 'Paradise Beach' is located near the mouth of the backwater. The sand is pristine and the water is clean. It's an ideal place for sun bathing and beach sports. A short, pleasant cruise into the sea from here could reward you with the memorable sight of playful dolphins in natural habitat, horsing around.

The Pondicherry Museum is an art and history museum located in Pondicherry, India. It is especially noted for its collection of fine lost wax bronzes form the period of the Chola Empire. The Museum's collection includes 81 Chola bronze sculptures, ranking as one of the largest collections of Chola bronze.

AKA the church of Our Lady of Angels is one of the best attractions of Pondicherry. Facing the Bay of Bengal, the church lies at the quite corner of Dumas street and Surcoof Street. One of the old world charms, the church is visited by tourist and locals alike. Experience the bliss of divine and marvel at the marvelous architecture.

Landscaped park featuring a Greco-Roman arch structure, plus flowers, a play area & fountains.

Beautiful Scenic Beach in the City

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Tamil: தூய இருதய ஆண்டவர் பசிலிக்கா), situated on the south boulevard of Pondicherry in Puducherry, India, is an oriental specimen of Gothic architecture. It contains rare stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ and saints of the Catholic Church.[1] In recent years it has become one of the famous pilgrimage spots for Christians.

What's not included

Lunch

Entrance Fee if applicable

Boat/Ride Activities Tickets

Entry into Matrimandir (Subject to Prior day Pre-Booking and Must Have Valid Entry Pass)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN TA

Written guide

EN TA

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

23 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum 2 Travelers required for this Tour

Meeting point

Gather in front of "Statue of Independance" (Gandhi Statue)

About Pondicherry

Pondicherry, a former French colony, is a unique blend of French and Indian cultures. Known for its well-planned streets, colonial architecture, and serene beaches, it offers a distinct charm that sets it apart from other Indian cities. The city is also a hub for spiritual seekers, with the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville nearby.

Top Attractions

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Founded by Sri Aurobindo, this ashram is a spiritual center and a place of pilgrimage for followers of Integral Yoga. It houses a library, a museum, and a meditation hall.

Religious/Spiritual 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Auroville

An experimental township dedicated to human unity and sustainable living, Auroville is a unique community that welcomes visitors to experience its peaceful and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Cultural/Religious Half day to full day Free (donations appreciated)

Promenade Beach

A beautiful beach along the Bay of Bengal, the Promenade is a popular spot for leisurely walks, sunrise and sunset views, and water sports.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

French Quarter

The French Quarter is known for its colonial-era French architecture, charming cafes, and boutique shops. It's a great place to explore the city's French heritage.

Historical/Architectural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Bharathi Park

A beautiful park with lush greenery, a duck pond, and a variety of plants and trees. It's a great place for a relaxing walk or picnic.

Nature/Park 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pondicherry Pizza

A local variation of pizza with a thin crust and topped with fresh vegetables, cheese, and sometimes seafood.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

French Pastries

Delicious pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat, and éclairs, influenced by the French colonial past.

Snack/Dessert Vegetarian (may contain dairy and eggs)

Seafood Platter

Fresh seafood like prawns, crab, and fish prepared in various styles, often grilled or fried.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Filter Coffee

A strong and flavorful coffee made using a traditional filter, a must-try for coffee lovers.

Drink Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Auroville Beach sports in Promenade Beach Fort exploration in Gingee Beach relaxation in Promenade Beach Café hopping in French Quarter Yoga and meditation in Sri Aurobindo Ashram Temple visits in Chidambaram Art gallery tours in Rue Dumas

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the best time to visit Pondicherry as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is lively with various festivals and events.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Tamil, English, French
Widely spoken: Tamil, English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Pondicherry is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a peaceful atmosphere. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use trusted transportation services and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded areas and markets.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Pondicherry Airport • 15 km from city center
Chennai International Airport • 150 km from Pondicherry

By train

Pondicherry Railway Station

By bus

Pondicherry Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable mode of public transport in Pondicherry. The bus network covers most parts of the city and nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter White Town Heritage Town Auroville

Day trips

Mahabalipuram

100 km from Pondicherry • Full day

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock-cut temples, sculptures, and beaches. It's a great day trip from Pondicherry.

Chidambaram

60 km from Pondicherry • Half day

Chidambaram is a small town known for its famous Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is an architectural marvel and a significant pilgrimage site.

Gingee

60 km from Pondicherry • Full day

Gingee is a historic fort town with a rich past. The Gingee Fort is a major attraction, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the region's history.

Festivals

Masi Magam • February/March (date varies each year) Pongal • January (date varies each year) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram early in the morning to experience the peaceful atmosphere and avoid the crowds.
Explore the French Quarter on foot to soak in the colonial architecture and charming streets.
Try local street food like dosa, vada, and French pastries for an authentic culinary experience.
Visit Auroville to experience its unique community and eco-friendly lifestyle. Don't miss the Matrimandir, the spiritual heart of the township.
Use app-based taxi services like Ola or Uber for better pricing and convenience.