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Historical and Cultural Tour to Pondicherry

Available in English Hotel Pick up included

Activity Schedule

  • When does it run?

    Daily

  • Duration

    2 Days/ 1 Night

  • Start time

    Start time: your preferred start time
    Duration: 2 Days/ 1 Night

  • Meeting Point
    Pick up from your hotel. (Please mention your hotel name and address at the time of booking. If you do not have this information now, our customer service executives will get in touch and confirm the details)
  • Ending Point

    Your hotel in Chennai.

Key Highlights

  • Pondicherry is a beautiful seaside city with French and Portuguese influence in its architecure
  • Auroville is a unique experiment in community living where people of all faiths and nationalities live in peace and harmony

Overview

On the Coromandel Coast of India lies the Union Territory of Pondicherry. This beautiful seaside city is often referred to as the French Riviera of the East and is famous as the former capital of the French who ruled this region for 300 years.

The origins of the city go back to the times of sage Agastya, a revered saint of South India. Excavations near Pondicherry reveal that a Roman settlement existed here 2000 years ago. It was also the theatre of many a battle between the British and the French and was the capital of French India before it attained its independence, all of which make the city historically very rich.

Apart from the charming atmosphere and excellent restaurants, what attracts most travellers to Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram (a place where people live and pursue spirituality) and its offshoot, Auroville. The ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926, has brought international fame to this coastal city.

Pondicherry is the ideal destination for anyone seeking history, natural beauty and serenity on a vacation.

Itinerary

Day 1:

You will be picked up from your hotel in Chennai, and will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to Pondicherry, which is about 160 kilometres away. Upon arrival, check in at the Ananda Inn. You will stay in a standard room. This beautiful hotel is located in the heart of the city and a 10-minute walk will take you to the beach and the famous Aurobindo Ashram. It has air-conditioned rooms with all modern amenities and a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves a variety of Indian cuisines like Chettinad, Tandoor, Mughalai and Malabar delicacies and international cuisines like Chinese and Continental among others. The hotel also has a spa, a swimming pool and an ayurveda centre offering various rejuvenation packages among others.

Later accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, go for sightseeing of Pondicherry which traces its origin to Saint Gasthya, the revered sage of the South. Excavations near Pondicherry reveal that a Roman settlement existed here 2000 years ago. It was also the theatre of many a battles between the British and the French and was the capital of French India before it attained its independence. visit Auroville. Your guide will tell you more about this city which is situated about 10 kilometres away from Pondicherry and is also known as 'City of Dawn,'. It was founded in 1968 as a tribute to Sri Aurobindo, and was envisioned as a Universal Town where people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs could live in peace and harmony. Spread over 50 square kilometres, the geographical lay-out of Auroville was planned to reflect a striving for unity with the main temple, Matri Mandir at the center. Inside the Matri Mandir is a meditation chamber lined with white marble and a huge crystal, arguably the largest in the world. Stoll around the place and watch an eclectic mix of people go about their daily chores as they live a life devoted to spiritual pursuits.

Later return to the hotel for dinner (payable direct) and to spend the night.

Day 2:

Today after breakfast you will be driven back to Chennai and be dropped at your hotel where the tour ends.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation – Single or sharing twin / triple bedded for a total of 01 night.
  • Meals - Room plus breakfast basis.
  • Transport – Services using an Air-conditioned transport as follows –
  • 1-2 passenger: Ambassador / Medium Car.
  • 3 passengers: Toyota Innova or Chevrolet Tavera.
  • 4-7 passengers: Tempo Traveler.
  • Guide – Local English speaking guide for sightseeing.
  • Entrance fee

Exclusions

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Expenses of personal nature such as table drinks, telephone calls, laundry, camera fee for still or video camera, tips to drivers, local guides.
  • Any airfare, airport taxes, supplement for which are quoted separately if applicable.
  • Supplement for entrance (given as supplement)

Additional info

The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details and local telephone numbers at the destination. They will happily answer any logistical questions you may have.You will travel in an air-conditioned medium-sized car if there are 1-2 passengers. Toyota Qualis or Chevrolet Tavera if there are 3 passengers and a Tempo Traveller if there are 4 passengers.

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