Location: Pondicherry
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The 10 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Pondicherry, Union Territory of Pondicherry
Pondicherry’s bougainvilleas, crumbling cathedrals and leafy boulevards might occasionally make you wonder if you’re in the south of France instead of a former French colony. But it's also unmistakably Indian, with colorful festivals, the famous monument of Aayi Mandapam, and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Quiet beaches stretch north and south from town, good for swimming and sunrise strolls.
Restaurants in Pondicherry
1. Trip to Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple from Pondicherry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Airavatesvara Temple is a UNESCO world heritage site along with other Chola temples built between 10th to 12th century AD. Its unlike the Brihadeshwara and Gangaikonda Cholapuram temples is a smaller in size and wonderful work of art and architecture. It has lot of exquisite carving and was built associating the concept of Nitya Vinoda which means perpetual entertainment The city of Gangaikondacholapuram was probably founded by Rajendra chola before his 17th year. Most of the Chola kings who succeeded Rajendra were crowned here. The Vimana with its recessed corners and upward movement presents a striking contrast to the straight-sided pyramidal tower of Thanjavur but with octagon shape of Dravidian architecture. As it rises to a height of 182 feet (55 m) and is shorter than the Thanjavur tower with larger plinth, it is often described as the feminine counterpart of the Thanjavur temple.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Parking Fees, Fuel surcharge, Gratuities, Bottled water, Driver
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By Guide24965328299
Went to the Cathedral and joined Tamil congregation for Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Service was cast to screens as church full. Flashing bright lights at side altars. It was build for the French inhabitants in the past. Toilets outside were poor. They closed early and were in complete darkness. Also went to Our Lady of Angels, a lovely church, bright and welcoming, and has a image of St Teresa of Calcutta outside. Also visited the Temple for a short visit as it was closing its doors for the afternoon.
2. Pondicherry day trip from Chennai by Wonder tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Take a trip to Pondicherry, a charming, laid-back seaside town with a unique Franco-Tamil culture. See the city’s lovely architecture, and enjoy its delicious food, gentle sea breeze and laidback pace of life.
Inclusions: Lunch, Private car, Hotel pick up and drop off, Entry/Admission - Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Entry/Admission - Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper, Entry/Admission - Statue Of Gandhi, Entry/Admission - Auroville, Entry/Admission - French heritage walk, Guide
Exclusions: Breakfast, Beverages
Reviewed By thegoguy
I had a blast touring the bustling Sowcarpet Market in Chennai with Rajesh. I'm a vlogger so Rajesh had to take extra time to allow me to properly film the shots that I wanted to capture, which he did. He also explained the important facts of the market and the food so that I could get myself situated in this maze of history and food. All in all, an awesome experience. I highly recommend you book this tour!
3. 2 Day Royal Enfield Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
We ride along coast on Royal Enfield Classic Motorcycle to explore World Heritage site of rock cut monuments in Mahabalipuram and French heritage at Pondicherry. An escort rider ensures ease of navigation through the traffic.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Escort rider , Entrance charges, Royal Enfield Motorcycle, Helmet
Exclusions: Lunch & Dinner, Personal & Accident Insurance for travellers, Guards, Jacket and Gloves
Reviewed By James B
Thanks Vijay for a wonderful day trip on a Royal Enfield. Due to my time constraints we had to modify the plan, but I still managed to have a great experience on the road. Winding in and out of Kanchipuram, the silk Saree capital, we were greeted by groups of wedding parties in their vivid red and glistening gold sarees, illuminating the streetscape. There is nothing like exploring India on an Enfield, it is totally immersive, you are part of the action, see it, hear it, smell it, taste it, while feeling the thumping Enfield engine propel you along for more. Then into the sanctuary of the temple with informative descriptions by Vijay of the stories, legends and history of this very holy site. Thanks for a great day! James
4. Best of South India in 15 days with guide, hotels and car
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
In this South India tour over 15 days, guests will experience the unique culture of the 3 South Indian States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. We will explore the architectural marvels built by patron Kings over the last 1000 years. We will also unravel the mysteries behind colourful rituals in magnificent temples. World heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram, Brihadeswar temple as well as Hampi will be the key highlights. The tour also includes a blissful 24 hours on a house boat in Kerala over the backwaters of the Arabian Sea!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Private car, 13 nights accommodation in hotels, 24 hours in houseboat with all meals in Alleppey, Guide, All entrance charges
Exclusions: Food and beverages, Activities like boating
Reviewed By marthahG6435DB
I came to chennai on work and was alone on a weekend. So decided to book a day trip to Pondicherry through Five senses tours as their reviews were very good. It was a lovely day and the tour company was both professional and friendly. Our gudie balaji was very informative as he was born and brought up there. He also ensured we got a very good feel for the French heritage. He took us to magnificent churches and also took us on a architecture walk along the French quarters. I enjoyed Auroville the most. The tranquility at the dome was absolute. All arrangements by Five senses tours were impeccable. They send a clean and air-conditioned car. The driver was safe and courteous. Out guide Balaji was there to pick us in morning and was with us till the drop back at night . He had also organised simple and delicious lunch. It was a fully paid tour so no hassles and Five senses organised everything so I could just seep in the beauty of Pondicherry!
5. BLive Electric Bike Tours - Picturesque Pondicherry
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 62 reviews
• Bike past the quaint and quite by lanes of French Quarters to encounter local scenes of Pondicherry’s life. • Try paper-making at one of the oldest paper making units in the town. • Ride through spiritually charged Aurobindo Ashram and unwind yourself on wheels. • Refuel with French inspired dessert at a heritage building, now home to an award-winning restaurant.
Inclusions: E-Bikes, Trained Tour Captain, Guided Tour, Safety Gears, Sling Bag., Refuel with French inspired dessert at a Heritage building.
Exclusions: Alcoholic beverage, 2-wheeler & LMV rentals, Tips
Reviewed By irajansoni
We started our Ride in the morning 7 AM and we roam in the Real Blue city with the Dashing E bike...We have seen multiple attractions of the city..If you are in jodhpur Don't miss out this opportunity..????
6. Pondicherry City Bike Tour with Breakfast
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 22 reviews
Cycle around French, Muslim and Tamil quarters of Pondicherry city on a vintage-style bicycle during this early morning 2-hour guided tour. Explore quiet city before people starts their activities. Once back from your trip, enjoy an Indian breakfast with traditional South Indian idly, chutney and sambar or a French breakfast with baguette and jam. Both are offered with a home-made fresh juice and hot drinks.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Coffee and/or Tea, Driver/guide, Use of helmet, Use of bicycle, Local taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By Traveler409030
Manisha is the best. We came with 3 small kids and she thought us how to make samosa and cupcakes. The kids did almost everything. All the staff are so nice and welcoming.
7. Travel through Time - Pondicherry
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 8 reviews
This tour is a conversation, engaging people in the layers of history present here. We will talk and walk through the French Quarter, weaving through time and memoirs, entering doorways of the past.
Inclusions: Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By brockc486
Experienced an excellant walking tour with Poonam. Learned more about Pondicherry, its varied history and passages of colonialization. Our knowledgeable and competent guide highlighted Pondicherry's diverse architectural sites, allowing this particular visitor a much vaster understanding and respect for Pondy's historical adaptations. Thank you so much Poonam ????????????
8. Ancient Caves with Temple & Backwater (16 Days)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
On this 16 days tour explore the Ancient Caves of Ajanta & Ellora, visit the marvelous Temple of South India, and rejuvenate in the Backwater of Kerala. You will also visit Hyderabad the city blessed with extraordinary wealth of historic monuments. All airport transfers, sightseeing and excursion will be provide in an air conditioned vehicle, with private government licences local tour guide in each city. You will travel in flight on Mumbai - Aurangabad - Hyderabad - Chennai sectors.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 15 Nights accommodation in selected price category hotels., Bottled drinking water in car , English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city)., Deluxe air-conditioned private vehicle with chauffeur as per tour program., Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary., Government taxes.
Exclusions: Mumbai - Aurangabad - Hyderabad - Chennai flight fare approx INR 15000 per person., Camera charges at monuments , Meals other than mentioned in inclusions., Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc., Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
Reviewed By KaranK1003
Jammu division has snowfall but not in Jammu city. If you are scares to go to Kashmir, go to Patnitop in Dec end or January and you will out of the world experience of snowfall, you can also visit Poonch, Kishtwar, Doda, Bani, Basohli, Sarthal to get views like you are in a foreign country. Enjoy Jammu
9. Pondicherry Sightseeing Tour Including Transportation to Chennai
Start your 10-hour day trip from Pondicherry with a drop-off in Chennai. Witness the French buildings in the French Quarter, visit the Shri Aurobindo Ashram, the Ganesha Temple, the Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Gandhi Statue on the boulevard.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup in Pondicherry and drop-off in Chennai, Driver/guide, Transport by private vehicle, 1 bottled water per person
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By Arleyriff
First this travel agency help us to customize our 14 days road trip in Tamil Nadu at a fair price, but alos booked our train tickets and some of our hotels along the way... Showing not only the best of what professionalism is, but also patience and creative ways to make our trip the most interesting it could be. But when the Covid19 disrupted everything, they really did their absolute best to help us to get back home in time and again, at the cheapest way possible, organizing our flight back home, our transfer to a hotel in Chennai in between etc. Mrs Mahimai Julie R, Senior Manager, really went beyong the call of duty to help us, showing an extraordinary professionalism and patience doing so and I will never be able to thank her enough to make it happen... So, we were able to go back home with one of the last plane leaving India before the the total lockdown of Chennai airport. That is why I can only highly recommand this travel agent and agency for any traveling option you may wish when everything will be back into normal or problem you may encounter while doing so... Thanks again and forever!
10. Historic Temples Tour in Pondicherry
Puducherry has some of the best temples of India and is the perfect territory to awaken your religious aspirations and beliefs. Not only because of the historical and famous temple in Pondicherry but also because of the tranquil atmosphere the place imbibes.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by private vehicle, Fuel surcharge, Gratuities, Parking Fees, Bottled water
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Special Darshan Fees (wherever it's necessary)
Reviewed By Guide24965328299
Went to the Cathedral and joined Tamil congregation for Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Service was cast to screens as church full. Flashing bright lights at side altars. It was build for the French inhabitants in the past. Toilets outside were poor. They closed early and were in complete darkness. Also went to Our Lady of Angels, a lovely church, bright and welcoming, and has a image of St Teresa of Calcutta outside. Also visited the Temple for a short visit as it was closing its doors for the afternoon.
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