Excursion Overview
Pondicherry, or Puducherry as it’s officially known, is completely unique with a French colonial history dating back centuries. It was the capital of French India; its leafy boulevards, shuttered windows and petanque pitches clearly illustrate it’s faded European past. Today it attracts artists, sculptures, writers and spiritual seekers and this has resulted in a somewhat bohemian feel. Our tour starts off by exploring Pondicherry’s cobbled streets and its Catholic churches before heading to Auroville, an experimental township known as the planned ‘City of Dawn’. Today around 1700 people live in Auroville’s communes; two-thirds of them are non-Indian. The idealistic ideas surrounding Auroville are that of peace, harmony, sustainable living and divine consciousness. Even for sceptics, this is a highly fascinating place to visit. Please note Auroville is not open on Sunday afternoons.
Excursion type:
- Outdoor
- Indoor
- Culture
- History
Excursion Gallery
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First time clients of Holiday Architects and what a memorable trip they planned and delivered for us. Lisa and Clare put together 5 weeks of criss-crossing Sri Lanka and Rajasthan in India, whilst their excellent partners on the ground made sure we had the best experience possible. What made it so special were the quirky places we stayed, the unique experiences scheduled just for us and above all the generosity of our drivers and the many guides willing to share their personal insights on local customs and culture. It goes without saying we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Holiday Architects if you are planning that special trip and thank you Lisa and Clare, we loved it all!
Debbie O'Shea,
”
“
We recently booked a holiday to India; we were helped all the way by Clare, who put together a wonderful itinerary for us. Whilst in India, we were really well supported by the local team. Our driver was fabulous and really looked after us. India is a truly amazing country with so much rich history, culture, wildlife and scenery. Above this, the people we met were friendly, interesting and interested, and a joy to meet. Thank you for a truly memorable trip.
HA India client,
”
Meet our India expert
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Clare is dedicated to all things India and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Clare Burkey
Destination Manager
Clare’s travelled all over India and loves nothing more than planning holidays that reflect you. Whether it’s temples, tea, trains or tucked-away towns, she’s got the experience (and enthusiasm) to make it unforgettable.
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