Chennai (Madras) Tours
Pondicherry in a day from Chennai to experience french legacy
4.5
Pondicherry in a day from Chennai to experience french legacy
By Five Senses Tours
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About
This is a day trip from Chennai organized in a private car. The highlights include a visit to Aurobindo Ashram, which is dedicated to Sri Aurobindo Ghosh the philosopher and revolutionary, French heritage walk followed by French lunch, the lovely esplanade beside the Bay of Bengal, visit to a unique handmade paper factory and Auroville the global village.
This tour is organized by Five Senses Tours, a private limited company recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). The tour has been designed to support local livelihoods by way of employment of local guides, and supporting local businesses in line with the mission of the company to ensure travel dollars stay where they are spent.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-99
Duration: 12h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Full time guide
- Lunch
- Private transportation
- Guide
- Entry/Admission - Pondicherry
What's not included- Breakfast
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 18983P12- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Lunch is planned in a traditional south indian restaurant
- Most travellers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 18983P12
From
â‚ą15,642.39
per adult (price varies by group size)
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- JoĂŁo F0 contributionsChennai VisitVery nice experience! Guides were really nice, transportation was great and water was provided on board! The lunch provided was a full Indian experience with great qualityWritten 7 December 2024
- euro_traveler_20190 contributionsAn amazing cultural experienceWe had a great time seeing the sights in kanchipuram and mahabalipuram. Kannan was so kind and knowledgeable about the temples, history, culture and religion. He also took us to see hand silk weaving/sari making and a tour of stone carving which was incredible Definitely recommend!Written 7 December 2024
- Destination5749490 contributionsExcellent tour. Magic views and good explanations.Very nice tour, the guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating. We also visited a UNESCO world heritage site. I learned a lot and the sights are amazing!Written 6 December 2024
- Sightseer114958223570 contributionsBest place to buys unique collection of Sarees - Shrus EternityRecently I had been to Chennai for my vacation. Buying sarees is a mandatory in my checklist whenever I visit India. I usually love shopping in T.Nagar as it gives me loads of choices. This time i wanted to explore a new place. So i was searching for a good saree shop around T.Nagar and landed on Shrus Eternity's Insta page. I was in love with their sarees collection even before i touched down in chennai. I went to Shrus with my mom & aunt(I always need support when it comes to shopping :)) The variety of saree collection was really good. My favourite was their Kanchipuram silk sarees and silk cotton sarees. The staff were kind & patient and helped me through the details of the sarees. It was overall an amazing shopping experience. They also have a floor dedicated for home & lifestyle products. They also have domestic & international shipping.Written 3 December 2024
- Explorer222346240840 contributionsExperiencing indian history and sightseeing ancient templesWe booked a tour for the Mahabalipuram temples. We were picked up directly from our hotel and were driven to the temples with a private car. We started our tour with a visit to the shore temple and continued onwards from there to all the different temples and structures. Our tour guide Kannan provided extensive information on the history of every sight that we visited and answered all of our questions, not just the ones about the temples but all others about different topics as well. We could enjoy a nice view over the entire area from the top of the old light house and had the opportunity to buy traditional stone carvings from a master stone mason. At the end of our tour we shared an excellent traditional Indian meal with our guide near sights. It was an amazing experience which I can recommend to anyone visiting Chennai for the time.Written 3 December 2024
- spangledragon0 contributionsInsightful trip into Chennai's British past, brought alive through buildingsIt felt typically British as we meandered around the old part of Chennai in the rain, but it did not dampen the guides enthusiasm! Hareesh took me on a tour of a range of British buildings in Chennai, explaining the history of the British time in the city and the changes they made. Meeting at Egmore station, he explained the different architectural influences on the building from British to Persian. We walked onto the Main station, learning about the effect on Chennai of the railways and the new modern metro system currently being installed. We then took the train for a stop, and took in the Ripon Building, which seemed so incongruous and, well, British, in a very Indian setting. It is still a government building, albeit with the odd addition of an Aircon unit. We passed the railway HQ, complete with a steam train, and finished with a walk around the University of Madras, which is an enchanting campus close to the beach. All in all a very interesting few hours, As a British I'm glad we did a few positive things in India, despite our aggressive colonial past. Hareesh speaks excellent English and is a very engaging guide who made time for a lovely cup of coffee. Communication from 5senses was good throughout.Written 26 November 2024
- Maps251994563760 contributionsInformative and surprising Chennai experience.Our second day tour with 5 Senses covered many interesting sites in Chennai itself. We again had Kannan as our guide and Mohan as our driver. The positive experience with them both is expressed in our review of our day trip to Mamallapuram the day before. We were not rushed and Kannan provided many historical "quirks" and stories about a number of the sites that we would otherwise have been unaware and this added greatly to the experience. Again we enjoyed a delicious meal but this time he walked us through a typical Northern Indian Thali while comparing it with the Southern Indian Thali we had on the Mamallapuram tour. A thoughtful consideration. Based on both our tours with 5 Senses we would highly recommend them.Written 24 November 2024
- Maps251994563760 contributionsExcellent Day Tour to MamallapuramThis was the first of two tours we had with 5 Senses Tours in Chennai. Our guide was Kannan who was very punctual and personable. The trip to Mamallapuram was very comprehensive covering all the major sites. As we are not familiar with the Hindu dieties, Kannan was very patient in explaining the stories depicted in the carvings. His commentary was easy to follow and knowledgeable. He also took us to an impressive Jain temple and explained much about this particular religion. Lastly he took us to lunch for a delicious South Indian Thali and educated us on what each dish was and how they should be eaten. We also had an excellent, safe and careful driver in Mohan.Written 24 November 2024
- Clarissa C0 contributionsPrivate tourAn outstanding journey through history, culture, and breathtaking architecture. This tailored experience allowed me to explore the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site at my own pace, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in India’s rich history. The tour began with a prompt pick-up from my hotel. The guide accompanying me was knowledgeable. One of the highlights was the flexibility of the tour. Unlike group tours, this private setup allowed me to linger at sites that intrigued me the most and skip areas that were less appealing. I also appreciated the opportunity to explore local shops and try some authentic South Indian cuisine, which added a personal touch to the experience.Written 23 November 2024
- 425cp0 contributionsA nice visitThe Trip is very well organized. Ramesh is a very good guide, taking care, taking time, explaining... Visit ended with a good lunch.Written 17 November 2024
- APapaNC0 contributionsA day to remember touring Chennai!Satish is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide in the history and places of significance in Chennai. Our tour included discussions about the regions history, religious sites, and architectural locations like lighthouse #4 on the beach. I highly recommend you take a tour of Chennai with Satish and take a deep dive into one of India’s premier cities!Written 15 November 2024
- M5291WUantonk0 contributionsFirst trip to IndiaIt has been my first time to India. This experience would not be as good if I did not had the tour to Mahabalipuram. The sightseeing were astonishing and my guide, Ramesh told me all about those monuments and he has been so proffesional in making photographs and navigating atiund other groups to gain the best view. I have really enjoyed the tour. In the end of the tour we have tried tasty athentic local food. Overall, I am happy about my trip but now I really one day is too little for visiting Tamil Nadu. AntonWritten 14 November 2024
- Sanders7370 contributionsGreat city tour!5/5. Ganesh was an amazing tour guide! Super knowledgeable and entertaining! Great little tour in a city that needs a guide. Be tough seeing any of this without the local talent!Written 14 November 2024
- spangledragon0 contributionsHistory, colour, sound and soul. Fascinating trip.An early start, but worth it to get time at the temples before they close at 12. Avoiding the cows on the motorway, we drove through the outskirts of Chennai and through padi fields and palm trees to reach Kanchipuram, the town of a thousand temples. We stopped for coffee which was good. Hareesh, our guide, was full of information about the history of the town, it's prominence as a pilgrimage location within India and about the three main temples we visited. His English was excellent, and we learnt more about the Hindu faith and rituals, and made offerings ourselves with his guidance . Of particular interest was the 3500 year old mango tree which defies biologists and produces four different fruits! He took some lovely photos of us in the way, and we also visited a centre to see silk weaving and a family silk business. A great trip, made better by a super guide and driver (who guided us safely through some "interesting" traffic).Written 14 November 2024
- benlT9445GN0 contributions10/10! will book this company again10/10 recommend this tour. Guide Satish (and driver) were supremely helpful, friendly, and attentive. We visited multiple temples and museums, and were provided with extra information and context all along the way. We will be booking another tour with this company. Well done!Written 13 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
15 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Lucy O
London, UK1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Solo
The whole trip was a breeze start to finish. The journey to and from Pondicherry went by so quickly. My guide Kannan took the time to explain all the different sights and also gave me tips for other places in Tamil Nadu which was a bonus. We also went for a great lunch! I would thoroughly recommend Five Senses Tours to solo travellers, it was so nice to have someone explore the sights with you who has all the knowledge to help guide you through.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
modoranlucian
Paris, France12 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
I highly recommend this trip. During my 7-day stay at Chennai I made several trips around with various local agencies. But I especially appreciated “the five senses tour” as it proposes an all-inclusive trip with a pick-up from the hotel a perfect schedule that allow you to enjoy freely of all highlights.
I also have only words of appreciation about Mr. Kannan, the guide who accompanied me on this trip. If I were to resume in two words his behavior: curtesy and competence, it wouldn’t be enough.
I learned a lot of things from his well-documented explanations.
He is a particularly careful person to detail that enhances the comfort of the trip: water, sunshade, climbing and lowering the car.
Responses to all my requests were met promptly and accurately. He is a perfect travel companion and a very good person.
Two days after “Pondicerry tour”, I was very happy to do with him “St Thomas foot steps’ an extremely interesting half day tour proposed by “Five senses tour”
To resume : the trips with “the five senses tour” in company of Mr Kannan exceeded my expectation and I extremely recommend them.
I also have only words of appreciation about Mr. Kannan, the guide who accompanied me on this trip. If I were to resume in two words his behavior: curtesy and competence, it wouldn’t be enough.
I learned a lot of things from his well-documented explanations.
He is a particularly careful person to detail that enhances the comfort of the trip: water, sunshade, climbing and lowering the car.
Responses to all my requests were met promptly and accurately. He is a perfect travel companion and a very good person.
Two days after “Pondicerry tour”, I was very happy to do with him “St Thomas foot steps’ an extremely interesting half day tour proposed by “Five senses tour”
To resume : the trips with “the five senses tour” in company of Mr Kannan exceeded my expectation and I extremely recommend them.
Written 1 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walter S
43 contributions
Oct 2017 • Business
A colleague and I spent a weekend in Chennai and decided to take a trip to nearby Pondicherry with 5 Senses Tours. While we expected to spend the day in Pondicherry, we ended up seeing a whole lot more including Auroville and Mahabalipuram. One of the highlights for me (and where I loaded up with gifts to take home) was a paper factory in Pondicherry - just a really cool and surprising experience! Our tour guide Kannan was great; bursting with knowledge, eager to help and adaptable to our desire to make changes to our agenda during the trip. Overall very satisfied with the trip, would use 5 Senses again and would recommend them to anyone looking to explore the area in and around Chennai.
Written 1 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and i very much appreciate this review. It was our pleasure in organising the French legacy and spirituality tour to Pondicherry for you both. Hope to see you again in some of our other culture tours.
Written 2 November 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Departure12308860075
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Solo
Worst experience i ever had. Had to give $50 to check in
Otherwise they told that it was impossible to fly. Students choose cheap flights because they can't afford huge amount of money. Will never choose this flight again.its ribbing people.
Otherwise they told that it was impossible to fly. Students choose cheap flights because they can't afford huge amount of money. Will never choose this flight again.its ribbing people.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is posted under the wrong business. The reviewer has posted about an airline ticket price while this tour has no flight component and nor has this person taken this tour. I have requested TripAdvisor to remove this but it has not been done. I hope they remove it as this is clearly not making sense !
Written 19 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GoPlaces32694521040
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Business
Thanks for everything. It was a very experience. From check in till check out, we had a great experience. Quite expensive, but worth it. Thank you.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aliezzeddine1
Dubai, United Arab Emirates86 contributions
A beautiful day. I was lucky, the weather was great. Kannan with a great guide.
A nice and well organised tour. You will enjoy it
A nice and well organised tour. You will enjoy it
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DSehgal
New Delhi, India46 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
I booked a day trip from Chennai to Pondicherry for my parents and they are talking about it even after a month. 5 Senses made a customised tour for them and even went ahead to further customise it on the day of travel. Mahabalipuram was not included in the original plan, but 5 Senses included it on the last minute, without any extra charge.
Car used for the trip was exceptionally clean and the driver was very courteous.
I would highly recommend the services of 5 Senses.
Car used for the trip was exceptionally clean and the driver was very courteous.
I would highly recommend the services of 5 Senses.
Written 18 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for sharing your views on the tour. Vijay and Kannan were delighted to host you both. I am glad you enjoyed both Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry. It was our pleasure.
Written 9 May 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thanuja S
1 contribution
Oct 2018 • Family
Kannan our tour guide is very knowledgeable about the history of Pondicherry. We felt like he was genuinely interested in helping us know about the history and culture of the sites we visited in Pondicherry. He was very accommodating and he made sure our kids were safe and had fun during the trip. The itinerary Five senses provided was very thorough and covered many of must see places in Pondicherry. They were also knowledgeable of entrance fees and age restrictions for kids. Last but not least, Driver Gopu did a great job as well.
Written 14 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandon941
Palo Alto, CA1 contribution
Oct 2018 • Family
We had a two day trip to Pondicherry. Kannan made everything run smoothly even when plans changed because we were running late, the kids were tired, or the boat operators were on strike. He was great with the kids, and they quickly warmed up to him. Kannan was also very knowledgeable about the cultural sites we were visiting.
Written 14 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emmanuelle F
10 contributions
Sept 2018 • Solo
Wonderful experience on the road to Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry. Thanks to the kindness and professionalism of my guide Vijay and our super driver, I spent 2 unforgettable days. Very interesting visits, as diverse as unexpected. A night in Pondicherry very exotic. A stroll in Auroville surreal. A lot of sharing with the guide. I highly recommend this tour
Written 24 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.