Pondicherry Tour Packages from GoldBox Holidays bring you to Puducherry, a union territory on the Bay of Bengal about 150 km south of Chennai. The town was under French rule until 1954, and its old quarter still has mustard-yellow villas, straight tree-lined lanes and French street names. Visitors come for the sea front, the cafes and bakeries, and the calm of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. Further up the coast, Mahabalipuram has some of the finest rock-cut monuments in India. The one package here is a 3-day bus tour from Bangalore that covers both towns.
Popular Pondicherry Tour Packages
This tour makes an easy long weekend from Bangalore.
- Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram Tour Package from Bangalore - 3 days and 2 nights by bus from Bangalore. Suits couples, friends and families who want the sea, some history and a slower pace.
Places you will visit
- Promenade Beach - the rocky sea front along Goubert Avenue, best for early morning and evening walks.
- White Town - the French quarter, with old mansions, churches and small cafes.
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram - a meditation centre in the middle of town, where visitors are expected to keep silent.
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple - a much-loved Ganesha temple a short walk from the ashram.
- Auroville - an international township north of town. Day visitors see the golden Matrimandir from a viewing point.
- Mahabalipuram - the Shore Temple, the Five Rathas and the carved rock called Arjuna's Penance, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best time to go
December to March is the pleasant season, after the northeast monsoon rains of October and November. Days are warm and evenings are breezy. April to June is hot and humid, so plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning and late afternoon. In the rains, the sea turns rough and boat trips may be stopped. Long weekends and year-end holidays fill hotels quickly, so book early for those dates.
How to choose the right package
Pondicherry is roughly 300 to 320 km from Bangalore, about 7 to 8 hours by road. A bus tour takes away the driving and planning, and three days give enough time for both towns. Couples and friends enjoy the cafes and heritage lanes. Children usually like the sandy beaches outside town. Pilgrims can spend quiet time at the ashram and the temples. Those who want more freedom in Pondicherry can hire a local scooter or cab for Auroville. For more of this coast and beyond, see our Tamil Nadu Tour Packages, Madurai-Rameshwaram-Kanyakumari Tour Packages and South India Tour Packages.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I spend at Mahabalipuram?
Half a day covers the Shore Temple, the Five Rathas and Arjuna's Penance. Start early, because the stone gets very hot by noon.
Which Pondicherry beaches are good for a swim?
The Promenade is rocky and not meant for swimming. Sandy beaches such as Serenity Beach and Auroville Beach are better, but always follow the lifeguards and local warnings.
Can we go inside the Matrimandir at Auroville?
Most day visitors see it from the viewing point. Going inside for the silent concentration session needs an advance booking with Auroville.