Puducherry (Pondicherry)
is Provence on the Indian Ocean
Welcome to Puducherry (Pondicherry)
The union territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry; generally known as ‘Pondy’) was under French rule until 1954. Some people here still speak French (and English with French accents). Hotels, restaurants and ‘lifestyle’ shops sell a seductive vision of the French-subcontinental aesthetic, enhanced by Gallic creative types and Indian artists and designers. The internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot just north of town, Auroville, draw large numbers of spiritually minded visitors. Thus Pondy’s vibe: less faded colonial-era ville, more bohemian-chic, New Age–meets–Old World hang-out on the international travel trail.
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Puducherry (Pondicherry) activities
Indian Cooking Class in Pondicherry
The class starts at 10:00am and, accompanied by your cooking teacher, you will go to the Goubert Market, a traditional Indian market of Pondicherry, by auto-rickshaw to buy ingredients and prepare a typical Indian lunch. It is a great occasion to discover the market and its scents and color. As we are located in Pondicherry, we propose mostly South Indian meals, but please discuss with the chef if you prefer North Indian cooking.After you finish ingredient shopping and return to the center, with the instruction of our chef Manisha, you will learn how to recognize Indian spices and vegetables, how to mix them, and how to prepare a delicious traditional South India style meal. Chef Manisha is happy to answer all your questions regarding food in India. After cooking you will share your meal served in banana leaves during a convivial moment at Sita’s garden. You will be given a booklet with the recipes of the day and detailed explanations about vegetables and spices.
Pondicherry and Auroville Private Full-Day Tour
Pickup will be arranged from centrally located hotel in Pondicherry at 8:30am by our experienced professional driver with well maintained air conditioned private vehicle, to visit the below famous tourist attractions of Pondicherry on this tour, Auroville is an experimental community in southern India. It was founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa as a town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir (prior booking required - if you want get into inside of Martimandir), a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs. Auroville Botanical Gardens protects the region’s tropical dry evergreen forest. Admire the colonial architecture and historic landmarks as you stroll along Seaside Promenade in the former French territory of Pondicherry, and spend some time at the Rock Beach. French War Memorial is dedicated to those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country during World War I. It was built in 1971. Statue Of Mahatma Gandhi is 13 ft height stands on the Beach Road, surrounded by eight magnificent granite carved monolithic pillars. Pondicherry Museum is especially noted for its collection of fine lost wax bronzes form the period of the Chola Empire. The Museum's collection includes 81 Chola bronze sculptures, ranking as one of the largest collections of Chola bronzes. Bharati Government Park - is surrounded by some of the most important government buildings like the Lt. Governor's Palace, the Legislative Assembly, Government Hospital, Ashram Dining Room, the Cercle de Pondichéry private club, and the old Hotel Qualité. Sri Aurobindo Ashram which consists of an interconnected block of houses, including those in which Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for most of their lives. At its centre, in a tree-shaded courtyard, lies the Samadhi, a white marble shrine where their bodies are laid to rest. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus an oriental specimen of Gothic architecture. It contains rare stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ and saints of the Catholic Church. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges - The original structure was built in Greco Roman architecture by Napolean III in 1855, with the architect being Louis Guerre. It is the only church that offers mass in three languages namely French, Tamil and English. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar ancient temple was constructed three centuries ago and still stands in all its magnificent glory. At the conclusion of your 6- 8 hour tour, return in comfort to your hotel in Pondicherry in the early evening.
Pondicherry City Morning Bike Tour Including Breakfast
Meet up at the designated location in Pondicherry at 7:00 am for brief instructions and pike pickup. Then starts the tour at city center and discover some amazing hidden places of the city. Tour starts with the Muslim Quarter also called Green Quarter. Then, you'll continue to Tamil and French quarters with its colonial houses. While riding along the streets of Pondicherry, you will understand what makes it a multicultural place: architecture, urban city design, and of course, the people on the streets. Pondicherry combines French touch with a typical Indian taste. Once back to your departure point, you will be offered a special breakfast: Indian with idly, chutney and sambar or French with baguette, butter and homemade jam. It is served in the garden with hot drinks and fresh juice.
South Indian Coffee Program with live brewing at Pondicherry – Auroville
Mr. Marc, a hard-core Coffee lover from Barcelona [Spain] fell in love with Indian Coffee and settled at Pondicherry. He runs his own Marc’s Café here catering freshly brewed Coffee to his guests.In this session, Mr. Marc would explain guests the brief history of Coffee in India and how one of the most loved beverage all around the world c ame to India.Guests can get to know and taste all the different varieties of Coffee brought from all major Coffee plantations across South India.Guests shall enjoy the show when he himself brews each variety of South Indian Coffee. Try the sample of each Coffee he makes for them.This 2 hours Coffee program ends with a light lunch prepared exclusively for guests.Duration: 2 Hours which consists of an Introduction to South Indian Coffee, its history and followed by live Coffee Brewing and Tasting followed by Lunch.Distance: 10 kms from Pondicherry TownInclusions: Coffee Demonstration and Brewing session, Coffee tasting, Lunch
Pondicherry city sightseeing by Private vehicle
Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry and commonly referred as just Pondy, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. is often famously referred to as the French Riviera of the East, and it is indeed one of the most charming and mesmerising places to visit in South India. Located in the state of Tamil NaduA former French colony, Pondicherry has retained all of its old-world French charms, and despite being miles away from France, the city comes close to giving you a very authentic feel of the French culture and allure. Famous for its brightly painted houses with bougainvillaea laden walls, large boulevards, streets and road signs boasting French names, gothic churches and colonial buildings, serene backwaters and pristine beaches, topped with authentic French cuisine, Pondicherry has a lot to offer.Places to visit: Basilica of the sacred Heart of Jesus, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Mantri Mandir and the unique experimental community of Auroville, Handmade paper factory, Manakulam Vinayaga Temple, French Colony, and shopping at Nehru Street.
Cycling Tour along Pondicherry
Trip start by 07:00 AM, Meet our expert storyteller and start cycling from the French Consulate.Get to know the French Connection of Pondicherry as our guide briefs you the history of every heritage buildings and major landmarks in Pondicherry during the French rule. You will pass through all the major sites of the French Quarters such as the Aurobindo International Institute, the Foyor Solda, the Governor Palace, the Bharthi Park, the Sircle De Pondicherry and so on. By the time you finish your cycling tour, you will have an in depth knowledge of the so called French Capital of India, Pondicherry.