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45 Available Tour Excursions in Pondicherry
Embark on a captivating journey with our "Best of Pondicherry: A Private Sightseeing Tour" starting at 9:00 AM. Begin your day at the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram, delving into its spiritual history. Next, explore the charming White Town, a French Quarter, with visits to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Old Lighthouse. After a delightful lunch break, proceed to Auroville, discovering the Matrimandir and its unique philosophy. Continue to the Pondicherry Museum, showcasing the region's rich heritage, and unwind at Bharathi Park's serene surroundings. Conclude your day at the scenic Promenade Beach, offering a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll and sunset views of the Bay of Bengal. At 6:00 PM, your enriching journey through Pondicherry concludes as you return to your hotel or preferred location.
Price: $57.00
Duration: 6 hours
This 1.5-hour Mehendi art class helps you to learn the basic of the ephemeral henna tattoos. During the class, you will be taught how to make the paste, draw extremely fine lines and sophisticated designs.
Price: $11.54
Duration: 1 hours
This private tour takes you to Mahabalipuram famous for its rock cut temples dating back to the 7th century along a lovely sea shore. This tour is available to be done in a private car. We will spend the day exploring this World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram which used to serve as a sea port in ancient times. The highlights include masterpieces like the Five Chariots which are rock cut monolith temples, Arjuna's Penance the giant open air rock relief, the gravity defying Krishna's butterball and the Shore temple which is the last remaining of the 7 Pagodas mentioned by Marco Polo. This package includes pick and drop, private car, lunch, and a professional guide.
Price: $100.00
Duration: 8 hours
You don't just get to know practical instructions to drap a saree. But you would be given insights on the history of the saree, different draping styles, how certain draping style is linked to a particular class of society, some styling is specific to geographical location, and stories of accessories too. At the end of the session, you will be able to tie the saree all by yourself and carry yourself with grace and confidence. We also offer welcome drinks such as warm black tea cool buttermilk or refreshing lime juice depending on your choice. You would get to choose accessories to match your saree. A saree manual will be emailed for future reference. A wide variety of sarees is available for you to select and practice, and most importantly to take some amazing pictures.
Price: $15.78
Duration: 1 hours
Anita’s paternal grandmother lived in Indochina during the French colonization for 40 years. There she learned to cook French, Vietnamese and Cambodian food. Later she came to Pondicherry and with Portuguese and Tamil influence, she enjoyed cooking various fusion dishes, that Anita’s mother, Pushpa, learned and today cooks and shares with people who are interested in trying the cuisine of Pondicherry - very unique with its influence from Vietnamese, Creole, French and Portuguese cuisine. In your 2-hour cooking class, learn 3 dishes from scratch. • Private cooking lesson in a local's home in Pondicherry • Learn how to cook Pondicherry's Créole cuisine, a unique fusion of French and Tamil traditions • Sample a variety of local dishes that you may not find in restaurants • Learn about the history, architecture of Pondicherry, its people, culinary traditions and cuisine If you choose the market tour option, visit a neighborhood market, to buy fresh ingredients for your cooking class.
Price: $99.00
Duration: 3 hours
Experience the cultural richness of Tamil Nadu on a private day tour from Pondicherry to the historic towns of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Explore ancient rock-cut temples, majestic stone carvings, and vibrant local traditions. Witness the architectural brilliance of Mahabalipuram's UNESCO World Heritage sites and immerse yourself in Kanchipuram’s spiritual legacy, including a visit to a traditional silk weaving unit. This curated journey offers a deep dive into South India's spiritual and artistic heritage.
Price: $136.96
Duration: 12 hours
Pondicherry Tour (09:00 AM – 08:00 PM) Vehicle will be reported as per your convenient place in Pondicherry city, later Start from your hotel/Adresses in one of our finely maintained cars. Driven by the English speaking Chauffeurs, will guarantee you an excellent trip in India. Our wide range of fleet can cater to the diversified kinds of clientele, assuring a hassle free and comfortable travel. full day city tour as per the below itinerary also you can add or skip places as per your convenient with in the Pondicherry city limit after completion of tour you will be dropped as your convenient with in Pondicherry city limit Hotel/Adresses.
Price: $80.00
Duration: 8 hours
You may enter the center of Chola history at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a world heritage site and where the great monarch Rajendra Chola I constructed his capital and topped it with the majestic Brihadisvara Temple. You can see the exquisite carvings, the majestic towering vimana, and the revered Chola Ganga Tank, which is said to have been dedicated using water from the Ganga itself, at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The temple, where legend, devotion, and history come together to tell the tale of an empire that once spanned seas, is more than simply a monument; it is a living testament to the Cholas' strength, creativity, and vision.
Price: $125.00
Duration: 8 hours
This private tour takes you to Mahabalipuram, famous for its rock-cut temples dating back to the 7th century, along a lovely seashore. The company is recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and is a winner of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award. We will spend the day exploring this World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, which used to serve as a seaport in ancient times. The highlights include masterpieces like the Five Chariots, which are rock-cut monolith temples; Arjuna's Penance, the giant open-air rock relief; the gravity-defying Krishna's butterball; and the Shore Temple, which is the last remaining of the 7 Pagodas mentioned by Marco Polo.
Price: $100.00
Duration: 8 hours
This self-guided audio tour takes you through Pondicherry's unique French colonial heritage in Tamil Nadu, unlike most Indian cities with British roots. Starting at the Marquis Dupleix Statue in White Town, you'll stroll along Promenade Beach and deeper into this quaint and colorful former French colony. Discover significant buildings including the rare baroque Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the vibrant Hindu temple Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam, and the French Consulate's colonial mansion. Learn about Joseph Francois Dupleix who transformed this fishing village and hear stories about great figures like Dr. Ambedkar and Nehru. Walk through both White Town's colonial charm and Black Town's lively temples and colorful markets, ending at bustling Goubert Market where you can explore amazing local food and coffee shops.
Price: $5.99
Duration: 1-1 hours
Puducherry arts and craft is a delightful experience and we are very fortunate that even today our rich art and craft culture is preserved in the Murungapakkam Village. Experience the famous art and craft of Puducherry by walking around the houses and small joint of Puducherry village, explore the rich art, closely observe the off beat museum, shops, galleries showcasing handicrafts etc.
Price: $12.28
Duration: 2 hours
Journey from Pondicherry to Velankanni, a sacred pilgrimage site nestled along the coast. This day trip offers a scenic drive through Tamil Nadu's lush delta landscape, culminating at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. Explore the peaceful shrine precincts, engage in meaningful rituals, and feel the restorative energy of the coastal environment. This tour emphasizes reflection over rush, allowing you to absorb the atmosphere and significance of this healing destination before returning to Pondicherry in the evening. - Scenic private tour with pick-up and drop-off from your hotel - Fully guided experience at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health - Emphasis on reflection, rituals, and community engagement - Support local livelihoods through a responsible travel approach
Price: $130.00
Duration: 13 hours
Experience the charm of Pondicherry, where French elegance meets Tamil tradition on a guided full-day tour. Explore the city’s highlights, including the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the fascinating Pondicherry Museum, and the Sacred Heart Basilica, a Gothic church adorned with beautiful stained-glass windows. Wander through the picturesque French Quarter, filled with pastel-colored buildings, cozy cafés, and artistic corners that reflect the city’s colonial heritage. Savor a flavorful lunch at a local café and taste Pondicherry’s signature French-Indian fusion dishes. Visit Auroville, a unique township promoting peace and unity, and marvel at the golden Matrimandir before relaxing with a leisurely walk along the scenic Promenade Beach. • Full-day Pondicherry tour with an English-speaking guide • Visit the city’s top attractions showcasing its vibrant culture and rich history • Enjoy convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off within Pondicherry city
Price: $64.20
Duration: 8-9 hours
Kolam is a traditional art originated in South India. It is a tradition for women to practice it every morning by putting ephemeral patterns on the front door. It is a way to meditate and also to invite Goddess and prosperity to their home. In this 1.5-hour class, you will not only learn how to make kolam, but also get some insight about Indian culture. Both children over 6 years old and adults are welcome to experience this unique culture of India!
Price: $9.62
Duration: 1 hours
Come and discover the taste of Indian cuisine! Learn how to prepare a traditional South Indian lunch with a variety of rice, a main gravy (veggie, fish or chicken), some side dishes and a dessert. We offer mainly 30 different recipes and you can chose the ones you like or the ones you have never heard of. We have a wide range of vegetarian and vegan items, too. Book this class and share this wonderful experience with you family and friends!
Price: $28.21
Duration: 4 hours
Walk in the French Quarters is a charming way to absorb the city's rich colonial history and cultural blend. The neighbourhood is renowned for its stunning colonial buildings, showcasing a mix of French, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Indian architectural styles. Street cafes, landmarks and a beach are the other highlights.
Price: $26.00
Duration: 2 hours
Explore Pondicherry's rich culture and heritage in a full day tour. The tour is organised by Five Senses Tours, a company recognised by the ministry of tourism. The highlights include a visit to Aurobindo Ashram, which is dedicated to Sri Aurobindo Ghosh the philosopher and revolutionary, French heritage walk followed by lunch, the lovely esplanade beside the Bay of Bengal, visit to a unique handmade paper factory and Auroville the global village. This tour is organized by Five Senses Tours, a private limited company recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). The tour has been designed to support local livelihoods by way of employment of local guides, and supporting local businesses in line with the mission of the company to ensure travel dollars stay where they are spent.
Price: $115.00
Duration: 8 hours
Experience the Beauty of Pondicherry explored in a Day City Tour with some interesting explanations by the Organizer about the Sites. Suggesting good dine & wines in the city, have a leisure shopping on the roadside handicrafts shops, clothing and eatables. Enjoy the sizzling Water rides on the backwater of Pondicherry and spend sometime in the Clean Beach Dunes of "Paradise Island"
Price: $46.94
Duration: 7-8 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: INR
- Languages: French
- Climate: Tropical
- Timezone: Asia/Kolkata
- Population: Approximately 657,209.
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is from October to February.
- Visa Requirements Citizens of most countries, including the US, EU, and UK, require a visa to enter India. Options include e-visas, visa on arrival for certain nationalities, and traditional visas obtained from Indian embassies or consulates.
About Pondicherry
Pondicherry, a former French colony, offers a unique blend of Indian and French cultures. This charming city is known for its well-preserved French Quarter, beautiful beaches, and spiritual sites like Auroville and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Visitors are drawn to its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant markets, and delicious local cuisine. The city's rich history and cultural diversity make it an appealing destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and cultural exploration.
Pondicherry Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of India
- Duration Range: Half-day or Full-day
- Group Size: Private or shared tours
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is from October to February. Pack light, breathable clothing and sunscreen. Respect local customs, especially when visiting spiritual sites. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash is advisable.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $200
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. **French Quarter**: Known for its colonial architecture and vibrant streets. 2. **Auroville**: A spiritual community founded by Mirra Alfassa, offering a peaceful retreat. 3. **Sri Aurobindo Ashram**: A spiritual center dedicated to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo. 4. **Promenade Beach**: A scenic beach perfect for sunset views and evening strolls. 5. **Bharathi Park**: A beautiful park with a mix of French and Indian architectural influences.
Popular Activities
Pondicherry offers a variety of activities, including yoga and meditation retreats, visits to local markets for shopping, and water sports like surfing and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the city's vibrant art scene and enjoy the local cuisine at various restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Pondicherry's cuisine is a blend of French, Tamil, and other South Indian flavors. Signature dishes include French-inspired pastries, seafood curries, and traditional Tamil dishes like idlis and dosas. Noteworthy restaurants include those serving French-Indian fusion cuisine.
Getting Around
Pondicherry is accessible by air via Chennai Airport, followed by a road trip. Local transportation includes taxis, auto-rickshaws, and bicycles. Renting a car is not necessary for exploring the city itself, but it can be useful for visiting nearby attractions.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is from October to February. Pack light, breathable clothing and sunscreen. Respect local customs, especially when visiting spiritual sites. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash is advisable.
Culture & Customs
Pondicherry has a rich cultural heritage with influences from French and Indian traditions. Visitors should respect local customs, especially when visiting spiritual sites. The city celebrates various festivals, including the Pongal harvest festival and the French Heritage Festival.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..