Overview
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.
Situated at a distance of 7 miles from Pondicherry is Auroville, 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
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Lunch at a local restaurant (beverage excluded)
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 is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
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.
What to expect
-
Bharati Government Park
3 hours
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 Government Park, the Botanical Gardens and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Go to Gandhi Mandappam which has the tallest statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the country. -
Auroville
2 hours
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 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 end of the tour enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (beverage excluded). After lunch you will be driven back to your hotel.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Asia/Kolkata).
Additional Information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville with Lunch
Can I cancel Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville with Lunch for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 6 hours.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- Lunch at a local restaurant (beverage excluded)
- 02 bottles of mineral water per person
- Local English speaking guide
- Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What's not included?
- Additional food or drink, unless specified
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Bharati Government Park, Auroville.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by SITA World Tours
