Pondicherry Heritage Walk

Description

Weighted with a great diversity of history and culture, Pondicherry is one of the best historical places in the country. Explore this magnificent French colony with a heritage walk through lively markets and alleys that are both silent and colourful and witness the dynamism of life in this region. As you walk, you will be able to see the French essence in Pondicherry.  

The French heritage of Pondicherry

Part of the city still retains the French historical presence, whether through the names of the streets or at the heritage level. Strolling through the ancient "white city", where the settlers resided; you will still see thereby crossing its full peaceful and cobbled streets, the imprint of the French in the splendid shaded colonial houses, with tiled roofs, wooden shutters, with their balconies. The city even becomes a base for lovers of art and design.

But this Western influence can also be seen in this way of eating French, drinking, shopping, relaxing. It is India that we discover through the French prism, or perhaps the reverse.

This part of the city is very different on the other side of the town. The other part is full of shops, traffic and crowds.

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

The Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple dedicates to the Hindu god Ganesh. The Sri Vinayagar Temple Manakula has suffered for some time settler attacks that have repeatedly tried to destroy it. Like most temples dedicated to Ganesh every day, an elephant will give you the blessing. You will have to go after 16, however, because it is usually at that time that the animal brought to the temple.

The Basilica Of The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Built-in 1902, this church, located in the French part of the city not far from the sea, is an excellent example of how Gothic architecture and Asian influences can merge. Note the decorated windows that illuminate the interior from the bottom up to the rose windows near the ceiling. Consider about ten minutes for a visit, not more, but it would be a shame to miss one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Christians in southern India.

French Quarter

To get to the French area of ​​Pondicherry, you will have to cross, heading towards the sea, Anna Salai, one of the main routes that run through the city from north to south. Within a few tens of meters, you will find yourself in a completely different world. The India that you have seen up to that moment will disappear. The street food carts, the scooters that speed by your side and every type of animal crouched on the sidewalk, they will leave the space in clean streets, elegant clubs, French cafes, candlelit restaurants, housed in colourful but at the same time sober buildings. Costs soar here; guest houses raise their standards and alcohol can be drunk with fewer restrictions than the rest of the state. If you need to get away from India's crazy traffic for one evening and want to relax with an (expensive) European-style dinner, the French Quarter of Pondicherry is the place for you. 

 Aurobindo Ashram

You cannot be in Pondicherry for even a day and return without a view of the Aurobindo Ashram, one of the must-see places while in the coastal city. A highly spiritual site derived from the strength of the influential community of its nearly 1600 members, the Ashram allows you to connect with your inner self to the extent of peace it seeks to maintain.

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Highlights :
• All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included from the city hotels
• Informative, friendly and professional guide
• Great overview and orientation of the visit
• Guide services for a more personalized experience

Activity :
• Sightseeing

Transport :
Airconditioned transport with driver

• 01 to 03 persons - Sedan cars - Indian make cars like Toyota Etios or Maruti Swift Desire 
• 03 to 05 persons - SUV cars - Toyota Innova or similar
• 06 to 10 persons - Tempo Traveller with 10 seats
• 11 to 18 persons - Mini coaches with 18 seater
• 19 to 42 persons - Coaches with 27 or 42 seater
All the vehicles are air-conditioned

Pickup and Departure :
 Pick up from mentioned city Centre, Railway Station or your city hotel.
 Drop at mentioned city Centre, Railway Station or your city hotel.

• Tour Duration: Half-day 4-5 Hours
• Guide: English speaking guide included
• Assistance: Yes
• Entrance fees included: No
• Vehicle: Air-conditioned
• Driver with a phone: Yes
• Tour Starts Time: 0900 hrs.

Additional : 
• Confirmation will be sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
• Child below 5 years is free.
• No strict dress code is enforced at tour sites except for places of worship, shorts or sleeveless tops are not recommended.
• We recommend comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses/sunscreen during the visit.
• Entrance fees to the monuments are not included and are to be paid directly. Any camera or video camera fees, if any, are to be paid directly

Timings :

09:00 am - 05:00 pm 

Things To Carry :
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable footwear

Advisory :
Special Holidays will not be liable for any dispute arising out of the rental between customer and vendor, guide or any service provider

Confirmation Policy :
The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking Rate is based on a minimum 2 person sharing. We reserve the right to cancel in case the minimum no. of customers required for the visit on any date is not met.

Cancellation Policy :
• If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the visit, 25% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the visit, 50% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the visit, 100% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

Refund Policy :
•The applicable refund amount will be processed within 15 business days

You are required to furnish the correct Email address. As a customer, you agree to accept email as a means of communication and delivery of Travel vouchers and confirmation of your booking. In doing so, you agree not to hold www.specialholidays.com liable for any non-receipt of travel voucher or email confirmation.
As an additional measure to avoid any misuse of the credit card and to protect our customers, we may request photocopies of your credit card (back and front) and a Credit Card Authorization Payment Form to exclude the possibility of any misuse. As a customer, you agree to cooperate and provide the necessary documents in case required.