Full Day Guided Tour of Pondicherry with lunch and hotel pickup

Pondicherry , India

Full Day Guided Tour of Pondicherry with lunch and hotel pickup

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About this experience

Explore Pondicherry's rich culture and heritage in a full day tour. The tour is organised by Five Senses Tours, a company recognised by the ministry of tourism.
The highlights include a visit to Aurobindo Ashram, which is dedicated to Sri Aurobindo Ghosh the philosopher and revolutionary, French heritage walk followed by lunch, the lovely esplanade beside the Bay of Bengal, visit to a unique handmade paper factory and Auroville the global village.

This tour is organized by Five Senses Tours, a private limited company recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). The tour has been designed to support local livelihoods by way of employment of local guides, and supporting local businesses in line with the mission of the company to ensure travel dollars stay where they are spent.

Available options

With pick and drop

sedan<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Vegetarian south Indian lunch. Any change in cuisine will attract extra charges

Guide

Full time guide

Detailed itinerary

Sri Aurobindo Ghosh is arguably the most famous citizen of Pondicherry. The tour begins with a visit to his memorial at the Aurobindo Ashram. Guests will get a brief experience of his life and times as well as his philosophy and revolutionary ideas. The memorial also has a section on Sri Aurobindo’s famous disciple Mirra Alfassa. It is the perfect place for meditation.

A French heritage walk is organized through the heart of the city where one can see glimpses of exquisite French style of architecture. This heritage walk will help you appreciate the French connection with Pondicherry.

We visit a unique factory which makes hand made paper. Sri Aurobindo Paper Factory started 50 years ago and makes paper from 100% cotton rag pulp. In this visit guests will experience how the paper is produced from cotton rags and then processed with techniques like silk screen printing and marbling.

A walk through the famous promenade of Pondicherry facing the lovely Bay of Bengal follows this.

Post lunch we travel to Auroville, the radical concept of a global village where thousands of people from across the world have given up their nationalities and are living as global citizens.

Auroville was conceived with the vision that- “There should be a somewhere on earth, a place which no nation could claim as its own, where all human beings of goodwill who have a sincere aspiration could live freely as citizens of the world and obey one single authority, that of the supreme truth; a place of peace, concord and harmony…”.

Guests will also get to see the various ways in which its citizens practice sustainable way of life.

Matri Mandir is a giant dome for silent meditation. Guests can see it from outside on a day visit. Note permission for meditating inside has to be taken one day in advance in person.

What's not included

Breakfast

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

2 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Lunch is planned in a traditional south indian restaurant

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.