Cultural Day Tour: Explore French Influence in Pondicherry and Unique Auroville
Pondicherry
Immerse yourself in the French influence of Pondicherry and explore the unique township of Auroville on this six-hour cultural day tour. Discover the French quarter, visit the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue, and experience the tranquility of Matrimandir and Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bharati Government Park - 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.

  • Auroville - 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.

What's Included
  • Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local English speaking guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • 02 bottles of mineral water per person
What's Not Included
  • Additional food or drink unless specified
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a six-hour journey to discover the significant cultural landmarks of the erstwhile French colony, Pondicherry, and the distinctive community of Auroville. Known as Puducherry today, it served as a French possession until 1954, with French influences still visible in its urban fabric. Auroville, conceived in 1968, serves as an experimental living space for individuals of various nationalities today.

Key attractions:
• French quarter
• Mahatma Gandhi Statue
• Bharati Park
• Matrimandir in Auroville
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram

  • Consider wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes
  • Sunglasses, sunscreens and hats are highly recommended
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
Pondicherry
We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.
Cancellation Policy

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

Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today