Private Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville
Puducherry, India
Trip Type: Private Sightseeing Tours
Duration: 6 hours
Immerse yourself in the French-inspired history and architecture of Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry by taking a private cultural day tour. This 6-hour private tour explores the French Quarter of Pondicherry followed by a journey to the unique galaxy-shaped city of Auroville. Encounter a wide variety of historical sites and take in the natural beauty of these areas by visiting beaches, parks and botanical gardens.
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Immerse yourself in the French-inspired history and architecture of Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry by taking a private cultural day tour. This 6-hour private tour explores the French Quarter of Pondicherry followed by a journey to the unique galaxy-shaped city of Auroville. Encounter a wide variety of historical sites and take in the natural beauty of these areas by visiting beaches, parks and botanical gardens.Begin your private tour by meeting your guide at your hotel in Pondicherry. First, visit the French Quarter, also known as Ville Blanche or 'White Town'. The French-inspired history and architecture of Pondicherry is evident in the perpendicular streets which are lined with many French colonial style buildings, with long compounds and stately walls. The French language can still be seen on signs and menus, and heard throughout the city.
Next, make your way to Pondicherry beach, which features a long rocky shoreline and a promenade with sea-facing restaurants, a wide pavement and seating. Just before sunset each day, the promenade comes to life with people socializing and enjoying an evening walk. Spend a few minutes strolling by the beach and catch a glimpse of a famous statue of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, "The Father of India". Continue the tour by visiting Barathi Park, The Government Park, which is in the green centre of the French Quarter. Its lush trees provide ample relieve from the scorching sun on hot summer days. The park is often filled with children playing in the ponds, adults relaxing on the benches and families enjoying picnics.
Continue the tour by briefly visiting The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which was built by the French missionaries in the early 1900s. The Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus Pondicherry, as it is referred to in French, is one of the finest Catholic churches in Pondicherry and attained the status of basilica in 2011. Pass through the old Tamil town to visit the Botanical Garden which were laid out in 1826 in the ornate French style, with pruned trees, flower beds and gravel lined paths and fountains. The gate leading to the garden is reminiscent of French architecture.
Take a short drive to spend the final hours of the tour exploring Auroville, a unique galaxy-shaped township was founded in 1968. See notable sites in Auroville including the Matrimandir, a large golden spherical amphitheater that took 37 years to build and is considered the spiritual center of the city, and Auro Beach. The scenery also includes a beautiful large Banyan tree surrounded by lush gardens. Finally, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a small coastal community. At the conclusion of your memorable 6-hour private tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Pondicherry in the early evening.
This 6-hour private tour is operated with just your party and a knowledgeable local guide. Meals are not included, but you may take a break to eat at any point during the tour (at your own expense). Your guide can provide meal suggestions upon request.
Next, make your way to Pondicherry beach, which features a long rocky shoreline and a promenade with sea-facing restaurants, a wide pavement and seating. Just before sunset each day, the promenade comes to life with people socializing and enjoying an evening walk. Spend a few minutes strolling by the beach and catch a glimpse of a famous statue of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, "The Father of India". Continue the tour by visiting Barathi Park, The Government Park, which is in the green centre of the French Quarter. Its lush trees provide ample relieve from the scorching sun on hot summer days. The park is often filled with children playing in the ponds, adults relaxing on the benches and families enjoying picnics.
Continue the tour by briefly visiting The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which was built by the French missionaries in the early 1900s. The Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus Pondicherry, as it is referred to in French, is one of the finest Catholic churches in Pondicherry and attained the status of basilica in 2011. Pass through the old Tamil town to visit the Botanical Garden which were laid out in 1826 in the ornate French style, with pruned trees, flower beds and gravel lined paths and fountains. The gate leading to the garden is reminiscent of French architecture.
Take a short drive to spend the final hours of the tour exploring Auroville, a unique galaxy-shaped township was founded in 1968. See notable sites in Auroville including the Matrimandir, a large golden spherical amphitheater that took 37 years to build and is considered the spiritual center of the city, and Auro Beach. The scenery also includes a beautiful large Banyan tree surrounded by lush gardens. Finally, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a small coastal community. At the conclusion of your memorable 6-hour private tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Pondicherry in the early evening.
This 6-hour private tour is operated with just your party and a knowledgeable local guide. Meals are not included, but you may take a break to eat at any point during the tour (at your own expense). Your guide can provide meal suggestions upon request.
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