Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville

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6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

On this six-hour tour explore the major sights of the former French colony of Pondicherry and visit the unique township of Auroville. Pondicherry, or Puducherry as it is now called, remained under French rule until 1954. Even today, French influence is visible everywhere. Auroville is an experimental township that was founded in 1968 and is today home to people of several nationalities.

Highlights:
• French quarter
• Statue of Mahatma Gandhi
• Bharati Park
• Matrimandir - Auroville
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram

What's Included

02 bottles of mineral water per person
Local English speaking guide
Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Additional food or drink unless specified
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We may pick up travelers from city center hotels / fixed point wiithin city limits. In case pick up is outside central points extra cost shall applicable subject to distance applicable.

OR
Meeting point

We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and your Guide will take you on a tour of the city. As you drive around you will notice the French influence in the facades of the mediterranean style houses, the local bakeries and the roads and avenues. French is still spoken by the locals although English is widely understood.  Pondicherry is also referred to as the ‘French Riviera of the East’. Visit the old French quarter and note the contrast with the newly constructed parts of the city. Take in the sights of the long, rough shoreline from the beach promenade. Visit Bharati Park, the green centre of the city. Other major attractions are the Government Park, the Botanical Gardens and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Also, go to Gandhi Mandappam that has the tallest statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the country.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Next drive to Auroville, which literally translates to the ‘City of Dawn’. People from over 50 nations of the world reside here and the architecture of the township reflects this universality. Visit Matrimandir, a golden flower shaped meditation centre and spend some time there in silent contemplation.  Auroville is not a destination but a way of life. Get an insight into the lifestyle of this community at the Sri Aurobindo ashram. After the tour enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (own expense). After lunch you will be driven back to your hotel.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Consider wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes
Supplied by SITA World Tours

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Tags

Day Trips
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Car Tours
DSA non-compliant
Zombie
Zombie Slice
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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