1. Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Begin your one day Chennai to Pondicherry tour with the visit to the Manakula Vinayagar Temple enshrining Lord Ganesha. This peaceful gem of Pondicherry was built before the arrival of French and the deity was more popular as Bhavaneshwar Ganapathy. As there was sand near the pond next to the temple this sacred complex is referred to as Manal Kulathu Vinayagar where Manal means sand while Kulam means pond in Tamil.

Devotees would appreciate the marvellous incarnations of God Ganesha skillfully carved on the walls of the temple. It is believed that the French Jesuits and missionaries had tried to destroy the temple several times but was saved by the Hindus. Set over 8000 sq feet of land the temple faces the east near the Bay of Bengal. It also has a shrine with the idol of Lord Murugan.

A magnificent golden Vimana reflects traditional South Indian architectural style. Gold plated Kodi Kambam with a height of 18 feet is a true spectacle. Outer mandapam, Maha Mandapam and the striking rajagopuram appeals visitors. Golden chariot made of 7.5 kg gold donated by devotees is a remarkable feature of the glorious temple.

Legends state that a renowned saint named Thollaikkathu Siddhar attained Samadhi in the premises of this temple 300 years ago.

Must see \ Things to do:Temple elephant called Lakshmi

2. Aurobindo Ashram

A frequently visited sightseeing spot of Pondicherry is the Aurobindo Ashram that was founded by famed guru, poet and yogi, Sri Aurobindo. He withdrew himself from politics and moved to Pondicherry in 1910. On reaching Pondicherry he started pursuing his spiritual works with a small number of disciples following him. The number of followers started increasing and he then formed an ashram along with his collaborator, Mirra Alfassa. Today it has emerged as a community with around 2400 sadhaks or members of the ashram.

Administered and maintained by the Aurobindo Trust, the ashram focuses on the principle of Inner Yoga. After Sri Aurobindo, Mother took care of the ashram.

In the centre of the ashram under a frangipani tree we have the samadhis or mausoleums where the bodies of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother are laid. Sadhaks can perform yoga or sadhana on their own pace according to their nature. Situated on the Marine Street, the ashram is often thronged with visitors from various parts of the world seeking spiritual bliss.

Must see \ Things to do:Gain a relaxing experience visiting the celebrated ashram

3. Botanical Garden

Venture to the beautiful Botanical Garden of Pondicherry with our one day Pondicherry tour by private cab. Walk through the park and admire the amazing collection of 1500 species of plants and trees brought by the French from various parts of the world. Learn about the various species of plants as the details regarding their species, medicinal value and amount of oxygen generated are mentioned in a board placed near every plant.

The 22-acres expansive garden with a magnificent display of plants organised into 28 themed plots is a must visit for the travellers. Visitors would be captivated with the wonderful musical fountain show organised in the weekends. Narrow pathways meander through the garden that has several palm, cork, eucalyptus and rosewood trees.

French Colonist planted crops in this place as a part of their research to identify the crops that can be grown in this region. Later it got developed into a botanical garden with the strenuous efforts of C.S Perrottet in 1831. A Traversing through the Toy train can be great fun especially for the kids.

Must see \ Things to do:Look for the notable Japanese rock structure

4. Pondicherry Museum

The next stopover of the full day packed Pondicherry trip is the inspiring museum of Pondicherry. It has an astounding collection of bronze statues of god and goddess made during the ancient dynasties. A section of the museum displays the collection of bronze and stone carved sculptures dating back to the Chola and Pallava dynasty.

Some of the notable pieces include the relics from the Roman settlements. Besides enjoying the splendid collection of coins, handicrafts, crockery, guns and swords, visitors can also view the fossilized trunks of ancient trees.

Located at the St. Louis Street the museum also highlights French culture with the display of French furniture, paintings and artwork.

Must see \ Things to do:Ancient lamps made during the ancient dynasties

5. War Memorial

One day Pondicherry tour takes you to the historical landmark, the War Memorial located on the Goubert Avenue in White town opposite to the Gandhi Statue. It was constructed as a tribute to the martyrs who died in World War in 1914-1918.

It is a graceful monument with four white tall pillars and a statue of a soldier with a bending head holding a rifle in his hand. Designed by the sculptor Gaston Petit and an architect named Delafon, it is a must visit spot.

Watch for the bronze plaque on the wall of the monument that lists the soldiers’ names who died in the war. It also bears an inscription that states “aux combattants des Indes Francoise morts pour la Patrie, 1914-1918” which means French fighters who died for their country in 1914-1918. On July 14 the memorial is decorated and illuminated as a commemoration to the brave soldiers.

Must see \ Things to do:Capture the wonderful structure in your camera

6. Gandhi Statue

Take a short detour to the Gandhi Statue situated opposite to the War Memorial. Bapuji’s 4 meter high statue stands amidst the eight granite pillars which erected in 1866. The iconic statue was unveiled on January 26 1965 and is considered to be one of the biggest statues of the father of the nation in Asia.

A square platform in from of the Gandhi’s idol is built with the purpose of conducting cultural programs. Below the inspiring statue there runs a tunnel leading to the Gingee Fort which has been closed by the government.

Must see \ Things to do:Admire the wonderful tribute to the great man

7. Promenade beach

A wondrous place of visit with the one day fully packed Pondicherry tour is the Promenade beach situated on the Goubert Avenue. A key attraction of the beach is the 1.5 km long promenade that runs from the War Memorial till the Dupleix Park.

Walk along the promenade of this amazingly fascinating beach or sit by the gorgeous shore. Visitors often visit the beach to enjoy the mesmerizing sunset or the sunrise views.

Must see \ Things to do:Look for the old lighthouse

8. Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus

One day Pondicherry local sightseeing tour gives you an insight into the religious roots of this wonderful city with the visit to the holy Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus. This celebrated religious monument is an example of Gothic Architecture. An awe inspiring brown and white church was established by the French missionaries in 1908.

A century old church boasts of being the first basilica in Pondicherry. Its walls are skillfully decorated with Terracotta motifs and twin spires. Stained glasses of the spiritual complex exhibit the events from the life of Jesus Christ. A key feature of the more than a century old church is the graceful exteriors.

Must see \ Things to do:Pay your obeisance to the Lord

9. Auroville

One day Chennai to Pondicherry tour takes you to the tranquil attraction of Pondicherry, the Auroville City. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Auroville was built with the intention of promoting human unity by Mirra Alfassa who was more popular as the Mother.

Also known as the City of Dawn, it was designed by Roger Anger in the shape of a galaxy. People from different parts of the world despite of their differences in caste, creed, religion and cultural backgrounds live here in harmony.

Two thousand people are residing in the unique township which has been divided into different sections like industry area, cultural zone, peace area and residential zone. Take in the grandeur and splendour of the magnificent temple called the Matrimandir. An architectural masterpiece is built over 62 acres of land in the centre of the international township.

Must see \ Things to do:Enjoy the magnificence of the temple

10. Auro Beach

Your one day Pondicherry journey ends with the visit to the majestic Auro Beach or the Auroville Beach. As it lies at a distance of 12 km from Pondicherry it is less crowded than the other beaches. One can spot surfers early in the morning.

Travellers also visit the place to enjoy the enticing sunset and sunrise views. Walking along the sparkling blue waters and majestic waves is a rewarding experience for the tourists.

Must see \ Things to do:Wander along the coastline