Top Pondicherry Art & Culture

Take a private full-day tour of Pondicherry and Auroville and delve into the history of the French in India. Head to the historic French quarter in Pondicherry and visit attractions such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Barathi Park, Government Park, Old Town, and the botanical gardens. Stroll along Pondicherry Beach, and go to Auroville — a popular spiritual community founded in 1968. Learn about the history and traditions from your guide on a tour that includes private guide and transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

If you’ve ticked off the sights and are eager for more in-depth cultural experience, then this family-friendly workshop has you covered. Perfect for both kids and adults, this hands-on lesson teaches the time-honored Indian tradition of Mehendi, decorative designs drawn on hands and feet. Learn the history of the ancient art form as you make your own natural paste then practice tracing lines, building up to elaborate patterns.

Hop a vintage-style bicycle to discover French, Tamil, and Muslim neighborhoods in the scenic, seaside city of Pondicherry. Traveling by bike isn't only a fun way to get around town—you’ll also be able to cover more sights in less time. Speed down cobblestoned streets and beachside promenades, getting a peek at colonial architecture and flower-filled public parks. A garden breakfast is included, with your choice of French or South Indian.

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.

A town that is full of life one day may face the wrath of God and within a short span of time turn into rubble. Dhanushkodi is one such example it is now a town of just a few fishermen and remnants of its history. Though Dhanushkodi has been officially named a ghost town or city of the dead, it doesn’t give goosebumps. Instead, the charm of this ‘city of the dead’ will indeed make one’s heart long to come here again and again

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.

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.

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.

Puducherry has some of the best temples of India and is the perfect territory to awaken your religious aspirations and beliefs. Not only because of the historical and famous temple in Pondicherry  but also because of the tranquil atmosphere the place imbibes.

South India is known for its lush scenery and standout attractions, but the best entry-point into the picturesque region is through its craft traditions. During this unique and instructive lesson, you’ll discover the art of Kolam, rice powder-painted patterns that Indian women draw in front of their homes. Both children and adults are welcome to this family-friendly workshop, which gives insights into local cultures.

On this day excursion from Pondicherry, visit the largest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is situated in the town of Thiruvannamalai, about 60 miles from Pondicherry. After a tour of the temple, visit the nearby Ashram (monastery) of the Saint and Philosopher, Sri Ramana Maharshi, who lived here until his death in 1950. Highlights • Drive through the South Indian countryside  • Visit to Arunachaleswarar Temple, the largest Shiva temple in the world • Visit to Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram

On this day excursion from Pondicherry, visit the largest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is situated in the town of Thiruvannamalai, about 60 miles from Pondicherry. After a tour of the temple, visit the nearby Ashram (monastery) of the Saint and Philosopher, Sri Ramana Maharshi, who lived here until his death in 1950. Highlights • Drive through the South Indian countryside  • Visit to Arunachaleswarar Temple, the largest Shiva temple in the world • Visit to Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram

Experience the popular gateway Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites near to Chennai, known for its picturesque beauty, carved temples and rock-cut caves, heritage and culture on this guided day trip to Chennai's most perennial favorite gateway.

Travelers visiting Pondicherry will find Arikamedu mentioned in a lot of tourist brochures, as it should be, but sadly enough there is very little information to be had. And a visit to the site itself reveals nothing of the historical significance and the archaeological bounty that lies buried in layers of soil beneath the crumbling ruins of the French Mission House. Indeed, it is quite futile to go to Arikamedu unless you accompanied by someone who has knowledge of its past - stretching back to 2nd century BCE, and beyond! At the site, there is no information board, or a person to explain the history of the place.

Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Have you ever heard that places in Pondicherry are known for preserving the remnants of French heritage with Indian culture? And offering a jolly good time to tourists? From its beaches to historical monuments and from its temples to churches, Pondicherry is an interesting tourist destination in India. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings and corners of Pondicherry. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

Experience Pondicherry like a local with a professional tour guide. Choose an option with Bicycle or E-Bike or Walking Tour Ride In the streets of white town, Tamil Quarters and Muslim quarters Aesthetic Kolam Experience in 19th Century Tamil Quarters.

• 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.

Venture away from Pondicherry to visit the Pichavaram mangroves and Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu. The Pichavaram mangrove forest is one of the largest in the world and is home to a variety of wildlife including almost 200 species of birds. Then head to the city of Chidambaram to see the Thillai Nataraja Temple, a religious complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of Tamil Nadu’s most architecturally beautiful structures.

If you are running short on time or just come down to explore tourist destinations in and around city, half day city tour is the best option. We have picked up all the spilled pieces together and created a beautiful garland of it in our Trails of Pondicherry tour, an unmatched heritage experience with awesome stories to understand a city's existence, culture and lifestyle.

One of the finest forts in India, it has three different hilltop citadels and a massive boundary of thick walls and cliffs. Owing to its enormous structure the fort is fortified to the extent that Shivaji, the Maratha king, named it as the "most impregnable fortress in India." The British called it the “Troy of the East”.

Explore the beautiful town of Auroville, the famous Indian city built with the hands of the 60s flower power era, visit diverse and spiritual benchmarks including the Savitri Bhavan and Art & Culture centers. Highlights: 1. Walk on the open fields of the Matrimandir Viewpoint and marvel at the stunning monumental structure. 2. Learn about the spiritual significance of the Matrimandir for yoga practitioners and enthusiasts. 3. Experience a variety of activities that foster mindfulness and creativity on your visit to the Arts & Culture Centers. 4. End the tour on a peaceful stroll on the street lined with trendy markets and cafés.

On this day trip from Pondicherry, explore the wide expanse of mangrove forests in the village of Pichavaram. Take a boat ride through the mangroves and discover several of the 200 species of birds that call it home. Next visit a 10th century Hindu temple in the neighbouring town of Chidambaram. The temple is dedicated to God Nataraja, the dancing incarnation of God Shiva. Highlights : • Boat ride through the  Mangrove Forests of Pichavaram • Over 200 species of birds • Visit to the world famous Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram

On this six-hour tour explore the major sights of the former French colony of Pondicherry and visit the unique township of Auroville. Pondicherry, or Puducherry as it is now called, remained under French rule until 1954. Even today, French influence is visible everywhere. Situated at a distance of 7 miles from Pondicherry is Auroville, an experimental township that was founded in 1968 and is today home to people of several nationalities. Highlights: • French quarter • Statue of Mahatma Gandhi • Bharati Park • Matrimandir • Sri Aurobindo Ashram

The union territory of Pondicherry is a former French colonial settlement that is home to various cultures. Experience the diversity of the city through a delicious meal prepared by your host. Your meal is inspired by a multitude of cultures including French, Vietnamese, Cambodian, South Indian, Portuguese, and Creole cuisine. Help prepare a few dishes and then sit down with the family to enjoy a nice meal.