Location: Pondicherry
Top Things to do in Pondicherry
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The 10 Best 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. 8 days Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Coromandel Coast on Royal Enfield
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
India is best explored on a Royal Enfield motorcycle with its legendary thump. The tour is fully guided and comes with an escort rider to help you navigate through Indian traffic. Our escort rider is a cultural evangelist who will ensure you have an immersive cultural experience of India
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Escort rider to navigate traffic, Hotel for 7 nights, All Fees and Taxes, Entrance charges
Exclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Beverages
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. Motorcycle tour to Pondicherry as a day trip from Chennai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The tour is conducted on a Royal Enfield Motorcycle which is the best way to explore these parts of India. 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 Louis73jameson
We discovered this amazing company on TripAdvisor. They organised a tour on Royal Enfield motorcycles from chennai to 3 cities of ancient Chola empire. We rode to Tanjore,Gangaikonda and D arasuram. The ride was amazing with able guidance of vijay who was our escort rider,guide and friend. The ancient architecture and sculptures were mind blowing. This is the the best way of exploring India. Do it!
5. South India Temple Tour - 14n15d
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Travelers can visit all Arupadai Veedu, Navagraham and Pancha Bootham temples including other important and famous temples in Tamilnadu within 15 days.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, 3 Star Hotels, All Airport Transfer, Sightseeing as per the itinerary
Exclusions: Air ticket & Visa, Lunch & Dinner, Any type of entrance fee & rides, Any other self-expenses, 5% GST
Reviewed By Curious51937979213
Remarkable experience with AIP. Abdul and their team are trustable and friendly. All the hotels what we stayed are fantastic and the travel team made sure everything is in order. Rates are very reasonable and superb service. I have recommended to family and friends already. Will recommend to anyone who are planning a trip to India. Thank Abdul and your team for this unforgettable trip. Keep going…
6. 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!
7. 24 Day 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training course near Aurovile, Tamil Nadu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Yoga Alliance Teacher Training Course in India Open yourself up to the countless opportunities with SANCYA school of yoga's 200-hour yoga teacher training course near Auroville and Puducherry, India. This 200-hour course will help you discover the relationship between mind and body through yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques. SANCYA yoga focuses on how you can heal yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally using five elements, SANCYA School of Yoga is recognized by Yoga Alliance USA. Whether you are planning to start a new career as a yoga teacher, or are seeking a course for deep personal interest and expansion of your yoga knowledge and practice, this teacher training program will give you a firm foundation for both. This 24 days of yoga teacher training course will be unique because you will be guided by three yoga and naturopathy doctors and one yogic pandit.
Inclusions: South Indian Vegetarian food, South Indian Vegetarian Lunch, South Indian Vegetarian Food, 1 Litre Free Bottle Water daily, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Private transportation, Excursion on Week ends
8. 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..????
9. 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.
10. 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 ????????????
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