The union territory of Pondicherry is a small city on the eastern coast of India. It is also referred to as Puducherry and Pondy. It is a mini-French city in South India and a popular tourist destination in India. Once colonized by the French East India Company, it adopted their culture which can be seen through its architecture to this day.
The city has a laid-back vibe to offer a relaxing break from the bustle and rush of the cosmopolitan lifestyle. From unwinding at the pristine beaches to practicing yoga, or cycling around the town there is much to explore on a one day Pondicherry Sightseeing Tour.
If you are looking for a tranquil getaway with loved ones or to spend time by yourself, visiting Pondicherry will be a perfect choice. The serene beaches and pristine environment make it an ideal destination for a rejuvenating holiday.
Booking a one day Pondicherry sightseeing tour by private cab allows you to explore the city stress-free. You can go around leisurely without worrying about local transport and spend as much time as you want to tour the region.
Quick Menu
- Highlights
- Book this Tour
- Pricing
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- What to Expect
- Itinerary
- Places to Visit
- Terms & Conditions
- FAQs
- Reviews
Highlights of Pondicherry City Tour by Cab
- Full-day Pondicherry Local Sightseeing Tour
- Duration: 9 to 10 hours
- Tour by Private Cab (not shared with others)
- Pickup & Drop: Pondicherry Hotel / Home
- Places Covered: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry Museum, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bharati Park, Paradise Beach, French War Memorial, and Rock Beach.
Book your 1 Day Pondicherry City Tour Package!
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Package Price for 1 Day Pondicherry Local Sightseeing by Cab
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Indica (A/C)
4 Seater / Hatchback Rs.2,399/- |
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Indigo / Etios / Dzire
4 Seater / Sedan Rs.2,599/- |
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Innova / Xylo
7 Seater / SUV Rs.2,999/- |
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Tempo Traveller (A/C)
12 Seater / Mini Bus Rs.4,599/- |
Package Inclusions
- Pick and drop from Hotel / Home in Pondicherry
- Cab for Pondicherry sightseeing as per the above Itinerary
- Vehicle Parking Charges
- Toll-gate Charges if any
- Driver Batta
Package Exclusions
- Entry Ticket Fee at tourist places in Puducherry
- Breakfast, Lunch or any meal
- Lodging / Accommodation in Pondicherry
- Vehicle beyond the mentioned time duration
- Vehicle beyond the designated tour route
What to Expect on your Puducherry Sightseeing Tour
We will ensure you cover as many popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry as possible in a day. Our private cab will pick you up from your place of accommodation early in the morning.
Our day will begin with a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926, the Ashram is popular among spiritual seekers.
Next, we will head to the Manakula Vinayagar Temple. The ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. After offering prayers to the deity we will head to our next stop. You can dig into the history of the region at the Pondicherry Museum before we head to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Seek blessings of the almighty at the church and appreciate its stunning architecture.
Unwinding your mind and soul in the peaceful atmosphere of the church we will head to the next stop on our itinerary. The marvelous Bharathi Park is where you can spend quality time with your loved ones. Our next stop will be the pristine Paradise Beach. You can choose to indulge in water sports or relax by the beach.
Next, we will visit the French War Memorial to pay respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War 1. We will wrap up our day with the stunning visuals of the sun setting over the Bay of Bengal at Rock Beach. After enjoying the breathtaking scenery our cab will drop you at your place of stay.
Itinerary of Pondicherry Sightseeing Trip
Pickup from your Hotel in Pondicherry at 9:00 AM
| S.No | Sightseeing Place | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Aurobindo Ashram | 60 minutes |
| 2 | Manakula Vinayagar Temple | 30 minutes |
| 3 | Pondicherry Museum | 40 minutes |
| 4 | Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus | 30 minutes |
| 5 | Bharati Park | 40 minutes |
| 6 | Paradise Beach | 60 minutes |
| 7 | French War Memorial | 40 minutes |
| 8 | Rock Beach | 60 minutes |
Drop back at your Hotel in Pondicherry by 5:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE: Guests can visit all the Pondicherry tourism places listed above or remove any of the places that they don’t want to visit. In order to include any other sightseeing place, guests can check with their cab provider while booking this Puducherry local sightseeing tour by private car.
Places to Visit in Pondicherry in 1 Day
1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
The founder of Aurobindo Ashram, Sri Aurobindo Ghosh established it with the aim to help people attain inner peace and moksha. He laid down its foundation on November 24th in 1926 when he was surrounded by disciples after retirement from politics. It is a place not to miss on your Pondicherry sightseeing tour by cab.
The Ashram is renowned for its amazing structure, including a library and main building that can be accessed only with gate passes from the Bureau Central or guest houses inside. There’s also an entire spiritual center made up of four houses where Mother and Sri Aurobindo lived for different intervals during their lifetime.
- Must See / Things to Do: Perform collective meditations at Ashram and playground, visit samadhi, exhibition, and films
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM as general and for visitors from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
2. Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Situated behind the Raj Niwas, Manakula Vinayagar ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The ancient Hindu shrine is estimated to have been established around five centuries ago. The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a magnificent example of South Indian architecture. The traditional Dravidian style can be seen in all its glory with beautifully decorated friezes and stucco figurines.
The sanctum houses a grand idol of Vinayaka called Vellakkaran Pillai. The deity is worshipped here by many people from all over India. The temple is a popular destination for devotees, especially on the 18th day of the Brahmotsavam festival. Vinayaka Chaturthi is another major fest here celebrated with great zest and fervor.
- Must See / Things to Do: Offer prayers and marvel at the beautiful architecture.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 5:45 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9.30 PM in the evening.
- Entry Fee: Free
3. Pondicherry Museum
The Pondicherry Museum exhibits a wide range of artifacts displaying the city’s rich cultural heritage. Popular among history buffs on this one day Pondicherry sightseeing tour, it allows visitors to explore the past of Pondicherry. You can witness artifacts excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India from the Arikamedu heritage site. These establish the importance of Pondicherry as a trade port for the Romans, the Cholas, and the French from 1st Century BC to 2nd Century AD.
The museum houses impressive Bronze sculptures and stone carvings depicting the vibrant life during different dynasties like Pallava or Chola period. The museum also houses a wealth of French colonial history in Pondicherry. It is a perfect place for those who want to learn more about Pondicherry’s rich history.
- Must See / Things to Do: Walk back into the era of French Colonialism.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 10 per adult and INR 5 per child
4. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Pondicherry is a Roman Catholic church built by French missionaries in 1908. It was granted status as an official basilica in 2011 and now ranks among one of the most revered 21 other Basilicas in the country. It is the largest church in Puducherry, built in Roman-Byzantine style architecture.
The church is a unique Latin-rite cross shape with 50 meters in length, 48 meters in width, and 18 meters in height. It has beautiful stained glass windows that make it more impressive than other churches in South India. The beauty of the Basilica is enhanced by 24 main columns that hold up its structure. These are engraved with biblical words and you can see pictures of 28 saints inside, all related to devotion to Jesus’s Sacred Heart.
- Must See / Things to Do: Worship the almighty and see the magnificent architecture of the church.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
5. Bharati Park
Puducherry is a French colonial city with stunning views. The scenic Bharathi park, also known as the Place du Gouvernement is government-owned and operated green space that adds to the old-world charm of this historic location. It is located near the downtown area which can be found in the heartland section surrounded by thick trees from all around giving you that relaxing feel while sitting on the lush grass carpet under blue skies.
The iconic Park Monument in the middle of this beautiful park is dedicated to Aayi, a famous lady courtesan. Other prominent tourist attractions that surround it are Raj Nivas which houses the legislature for state government. The Government of Puducherry created a park in the 1950s and named it after their great Tamil Nadu poet, Bharathisadan.
- Must See / Things to Do: Unwind amidst the natural beauty of the park.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
6. Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is an idyllic beach and one of the most visited places on this Pondicherry city tour by cab. To reach here you have to take an hourly ferry across backwaters that wind its way through scenic views for about 30 minutes before reaching your destination at Paradise Beach or Plage Paradiso, as it is known locally.
There are shacks along the main entrance where people can buy fresh coconut water and other local snacks. The ferry from the boathouse is a sight to behold and also offers an opportunity for photographers. After your ride through these beautiful waters filled with mangroves and birdlife, you will be able to take some great shots on land as well.
The water at Paradise beach is rough and deep, so it is not ideal for swimming but you can try fishing. You can rent fishing rods or nets here as well. There are plenty of water sports options available on the beach.
- Must See / Things to Do: Indulge in photography and water sports
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
7. French War Memorial
The French War Memorial is a beautiful structure located in the heart of Goubert Avenue. This memorial was built to honor all those who lost their lives during World War I. It was reconstructed in 1970. The memorial is one of the most pristine places to visit in Pondicherry.
Surrounded by plush green escapades and some splendid gardens, this war memorial serves as a reminder that freedom exists today. The memorial offers a pleasant experience to all visitors. It is one of the most visited places in the city on July 14th, with an annual ceremony that beautifully illuminates its monument during these celebrations.
- Must See / Things to Do: Pay homage and enjoy the greenery.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
8. Rock Beach
Rock Beach or the Promenade Beach as it is commonly referred to by locals, offers a magnificent view of telluric sunsets over crystal clear water. It is a must visit attraction with your one day Puducherry local sightseeing tour by private car. The beachfront starts at the War Memorial Building and ends right before Dupleix Park where you can find many cafes with outdoor seating areas that provide stunning aerial views of this beautiful scene.
Besides enjoying the stunning scenery you can relish drool-worthy seafood and coffee at the beachside cafes. The beach also has several significant landmarks such as the old Heritage Townhall, the old lighthouse, Dupleix’s Statue, the War Memorial, and the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. You can take a guided tour of these landmarks if you wish to delve into the heritage of Pondy.
- Must See / Things to Do: Relax and walk along the beach while enjoying the sunset.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week
- Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do on your Pondicherry Sightseeing Tour
Pondicherry wins hearts with its uniqueness and beauty. Ideal for a one day trip, the city offers much in terms of sightseeing, shopping, and food.
What to Shop during your One Day Puducherry Local Sightseeing Tour by Cab?
Pondicherry is known for being among the most popular French colonies in India and you can still spot the influence of French culture across the town. The markets offer traditional crafts and arts alongside the most fashionable products catering to tourists from across the globe.
You can buy leather products and textiles like satin, corduroy, twill, chambray, poplin, oxford, and Khadi. Pottery, perfumed candles, and semi-precious stones are also widely available. You can purchase French antique furniture and Tibetan handicrafts as souvenirs from your one day Pondicherry sightseeing tour.
What to Eat during your One Day Pondicherry Local Sightseeing Tour by Cab?
Rooted in French colonial culture, Pondicherry offers a French aesthetic ambiance and a wide variety of food. You can gorge on the best cuisines, including French, Continental, South Indian, and North Indian. Chicken Biryani, Multani Paneer Tikka, Pineapple Sheera, Minced Beef Patties, and Medu Vadas are must-try dishes. You can also enjoy freshly baked bread and baguettes at the delightful bakeries of the city.
Terms & Conditions
Travelers are requested to follow the given itinerary for 1 Day Pondicherry Local Sightseeing tour package. Ideally this 1 day Pondicherry local sightseeing tour package cannot be customized, if guests prefer to visit set of places in Pondicherry local tour, they can check the possibility of the same with the listed car rental companies and request for a custom quote.
The time spent on each Puducherry tourist attraction is to be followed as per the Itinerary schedule. In case of any delays or additional time spent at a particular place, driver or car rental company will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary.
Please also note that if a particular Pondicherry sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it will not be covered from the list of sightseeing places. Please check the possibility of visiting an alternate place with cab vendor before you book the tour.
FAQs
Ideally, no. you can check with listed Pondicherry cab vendors before booking the tour on any possibility to customize the tour. Additional charges might apply.
The beautiful city of Pondicherry has something engaging for all types of travelers. You can comfortably visit all sightseeing destinations in Pondicherry by booking a private cab. It will ensure your trip is hassle-free and you spend time as per your convenience at each spot. Explore the city truly and at a slow pace without worrying about transport and time. Capture the beautiful moments of your trip and make memories of a lifetime without rushing.