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Things To Do In Pondicherry: Ultimate 5-Day Pondicherry Itinerary

“When you leave a beautiful place, you carry it with you wherever you go” . Little did Alexandra Stoddard know that her line would describe my travel experience in Pondicherry so aptly. If I had to define Pondicherry in a sentence, then it would probably be “the mesmerizing land of French colonial villas, picturesque avenues, graffiti-decorated walls, quaint cafes, economical fine dining, and gorgeous sun-kissed beaches” . Pondicherry, also called Puducherry , is a Union Territory located in the south of India, bounded by the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most underrated, budget-friendly, and beautiful places to visit in India . Pondicherry has something to offer to people of all age groups. I recently explored the lengths and breadths of Pondicherry & Auroville with my family and it turned out to be one of my best family vacations in India , to be honest. There are plenty of interesting things to do in Pondicherry. So, then the question arises “How many days are enough for Pondicherry?”

I’d say 5 days are pretty much enough to experience and explore the best of Pondicherry. In this Pondicherry travel blog, I’ll share with you my ultimate 5-day Pondicherry itinerary describing the best things to do in Pondicherry .

Best Time To Visit Pondicherry

The weather in Pondicherry is generally pleasant throughout the year and doesn’t border around extremities.

However, you’d want to skip the summer season from April to June and the monsoon period ie. July-September. That is if you wish to properly explore the place.

The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to March . During this period, the heat isn’t sweltering and the chances of rain are slim. Maximum temperature ranges from 28 ° C-32 ° C and minimum temperature ranges from 18 ° C-24 ° C.

Because it is located on the southeast coast of India, there will always be a little bit of humidity that you’ll have to contend with. So book your flights and pack accordingly.

How To Get To Pondicherry

By flight – Puducherry airport (PNY) and Chennai International Airport (MAA) are the two nearest airports to Pondicherry. If you’re residing in Bangalore (Bengaluru) or Hyderabad, then you can catch a direct domestic flight from your city to Pondicherry. Flights from all other Indian cities to Pondicherry have a pit stop that’s either Hyderabad or Bangalore.

By taxi – You can book a direct flight to Chennai and from there, hire a taxi to Pondicherry. The distance from Chennai International Airport to Pondicherry is about 143 km . You’ll take 2 hours and 50 minutes (approx.) to complete your journey. This is not only relevant for Indian travellers but also for all international travellers as Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the only major international airport near Pondicherry that welcomes visitors from both India & abroad.

By train – The closest major railway station to Pondicherry is Villupuram Junction, about 38 km away from Puducherry town. It is well-connected to cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, and Trivandrum . From Villupuram Junction, you can take a direct train to Puducherry railway station. The journey time is about 45-55 minutes. You can also hire a taxi from Villupuram junction to Puducherry town. It’ll take you about 1 hour and 15 minutes (approx.) to complete your journey.

By bus – You can reach Pondicherry by bus too. Private tourist buses run frequently from Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur, and Chidambaram to Pondicherry. Travel time will vary depending on the boarding destination.

Best Places To Stay In Pondicherry – Pondicherry Hotels

Best Pondicherry Hotels Near Beach

If you’re craving a hotel stay by the beachside, then you have the following Pondicherry beachside hotel options to choose from.

1. The Promenade : Check out this beachfront hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

2. Kadal The Beach House : Check out this beach house hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

3. Villa Cavi : Check out this beachside villa and book your stay by clicking here .

4. White Pearl Residency : Check out this hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

Best White Town Pondicherry Hotels

If you wish to stay in the gorgeous White Town, then you have the following Pondicherry White Town hotel options.

1. Palais De Mahe : Check out this White Town hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

2. La Villa : Check out this property and book your stay by clicking here .

3. Le Dupleix : Check out this White Town hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

4. Villa Shanti : Check out this property and book your stay by clicking here .

5. Petit Palais : Check out this White Town hotel and book your stay by clicking here .

6. Grand Hotel D’ Europe : Check out this property and book your stay by clicking here .

Best Pondicherry Resorts

If a laidback resort is your choice of accommodation, then you have the following resorts in Pondicherry to choose from.

1. Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay : Check out this beachside resort and book your stay by clicking here .

2. Ostel.in : Check out this self-service hostel cum beachside resort and book your stay by clicking here .

3. Ocean Spray : Check out this resort and book your stay by clicking here .

4. Lamel Cove Beach Resort : Check out this beachfront resort and book your stay by clicking here .

5. Kavas Yoga Retreat : Check out this resort and book your stay by clicking here .

6. K Resort : Check out this property and book your stay by clicking here .

Best Homestays in Pondicherry

If you’re a homestay kind of person, then take your pick from the following Pondicherry homestay options.

1. Spanish Villa : Check out this homestay and book your stay by clicking here .

2. La Cedille – French Heritage House : Check out this heritage house and book your stay by clicking here .

3. Kariappa House : Check out this guest house and book your stay by clicking here .

4. La Closerie – Bay of Bengal : Check out this homestay and book your stay by clicking here .

5. Queens Paradise : Check out this travel sustainable property and book your stay by clicking here .

The Ultimate 5-Day Pondicherry Itinerary

Things to do in pondicherry on day 1.

Tip -> Start around 7:30 am-8 am.

On the first day of your Pondicherry trip, you’ll be covering the following :

• Enjoy a morning stroll along Rock Beach
• Take a tour of Bharathi Park
• Relish an authentic south Indian breakfast at Surguru Restaurant
• Spend time at Aurobindo Ashram
• Visit Immaculate Conception Cathedral
• Attend aarti at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple
• Have a delightful lunch at The Smoothie Bar
• Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Enjoy evening coffee and snacks at Baker Street
• Admire the sunset at Serenity Beach
• Relish the fine dining dinner experience at Villa Shanti

1. Enjoy a morning stroll along Rock Beach

Imagine ocean waves rhythmically kissing your feet as you leisurely walk on the soft brown sand, enjoying the wind in your hair and the sight of the early morning sun. Can there be a better start to the day than losing yourself in the beauty of nature?

Rock Beach, also called the “Promenade Beach” , is a gorgeous public beach with an iconic palm tree-lined promenade that runs along it’s 1.5 km long coastal stretch.

Because the beach is clean, well-maintained, and visitor-friendly, visiting it is one of the best things to do in Pondicherry.

It’s called the “Rock Beach” due to the presence of boulders and rocks throughout it’s coastline.

During your stroll on the beach, you’ll come across several important sites and monuments like the Gandhi statue, the lighthouse, the War Memorial, the statue of Joan of Arc, and the tourist information centre.

You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the beach – watching the waves crashing into the rocky sea wall on one side and admiring the graffiti-decorated walls along the promenade on the other.

There are several snack stalls on the beach in case you crave a quick bite. You’ll also find some amazing restaurants along the promenade where you can unwind and enjoy some food and drinks later in the day.

Note: Visitor timing is 6 am-8 pm. Entry is free of charge.

2. Take a tour of Bharathi Park

Bharathi Park is a cute picnic spot located bang opposite the Gandhi Statue on the Promenade beach. At the entrance of the park, you’ll see a standalone white structure with stunning architecture called the “Aayi Mandapam”.

The Bharathi Park is a well-kept lush green landscape where you’ll find statues, stone carvings, fountains, old sculptures, ponds, lawns, and colourful flower beds. The peaceful surroundings have a soothing effect on your senses.

There is a walking/jogging track that covers the entire length and breadth of the park. It has a separate play area as well, making Bharathi Park one of the best things to do in Pondicherry with children.

Note: Open from 6 am to 8 pm. Entry is free of charge.

3. Relish an authentic south Indian breakfast at Surguru Restaurant

After all the walking and exploring, it’s time to have a scrumptious breakfast at one of the best places to eat in Pondicherry. Surguru is a pure vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious, authentic south Indian food.

A chilled-out ambiance, friendly staff, prompt service, and hot, fresh, lip-smackingly good soul-filling food make this restaurant an obvious breakfast choice for locals and tourists alike.

My food recommendations would be Pongal, Idli, Ghee Roast Dosa, Mysore Masala Dosa, and fresh fruit juices (pineapple, watermelon ).

4. Spend time at Aurobindo Ashram

Located in the heart of White Town on Marine street is one of the most popular landmarks of Pondicherry called the Aurobindo Ashram .

Founded in the year 1926 by yoga guru, poet, and philosopher Aurobindo Ghosh himself, the ashram is a centre of spirituality where you can experience a divine sense of serenity like no other!

When you enter the ashram, you’ll first come across the visitor’s centre where you can watch a short film that explains the life and principles of Sri Aurobindo, besides the history of the place.

Then, you walk towards the Samadhi (shrine) of Sri Aurobindo & The Mother. It’s a white marble structure wonderfully decorated with fresh flowers. You can sit and meditate around the shrine for a while, soaking in the tranquil vibes.

There’s a library on the ashram premises which you can visit to get a better idea about the place and it’s founders, thanks to a well-compiled photo gallery. You can also buy books, photos, CD’s, DVD’s and other souvenirs from the Ashram bookstore.

Note: Visitor timings are 8 am-12 pm and 2 pm-6 pm throughout the week. Entry is free of charge. Photography is prohibited.

5. Visit Immaculate Conception Cathedral

A trip to Pondicherry is incomplete without exploring it’s architecture. So after spending time at the Aurobindo Ashram, visit one of the oldest and most beautiful churches of Pondicherry called the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Admire the cathedral’s royal white and gold exteriors and classical yet vibrant interiors with stained windows, chandeliers, and colourful frescoes being the standout characteristics.

The calm energy inside the cathedral makes visiting this place one of the most relaxing things to do in Pondicherry.

Note: Visitor timings throughout the week are 7 am-12 pm & 3 pm-8:30 pm. Entry is free of charge.

6. Attend aarti at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. The temple is within walking distance from the Aurobindo Ashram.

It is said that the temple existed even before the French colonization period. Therefore, it forms an important part of Pondicherry’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a classic example of gorgeous Dravidian architecture with teakwood and gold used generously.

The intricate carvings, grand idols, and gorgeous fresco paintings are truly mesmerising. There is a divine feel to performing the aarti at this beautiful and holy place of worship.

Everyone, irrespective of their religious choice and beliefs, must visit this temple. Participating in the temple’s Ganesh aarti is one of the most spiritual things to do in Pondicherry.

Note: The temple timings are 5:45 am-12:30 pm & 4 pm-9:30 pm. Entry is free of charge. You can enquire about the aarti timings at the temple itself.

7. Have a delightful lunch at The Smoothie Bar

Head to The Smoothie Bar to relish the best fresh smoothies, shakes, and juices in town. The cafe also offers mouth-watering continental and European bites to go along with the refreshing drinks. It’s one of the cheapest and best places to eat in Pondicherry.

The Smoothie Bar offers a cozy indoor seating area. Staff members are warm and polite and the service is quick.

I’d recommend you to try their Tender Coconut Jelly, Very Berry Smoothie, Lean Machine Shake, Choconut Smoothie, Veg Burger, Veg Au Gratin, Veg Stuffed Croissant, Non-Veg Croque Monsieur, Chicken Burger, and Fruit Medley Fruit Salad.

8. Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry. The church is situated near the railway station, on the south Boulevard of Pondicherry town. It has an interesting amalgamation of French and Indian architecture.

The Roman Catholic Basilica is an important pilgrimage spot for local Christians, as can be seen in the well-attended mass sessions.

The Basilica displays striking Gothic Revival architecture features like long pointed arches, large stained glass windows, spires, and ribbed vaults.

Note: Visitor timings are 6 am-6 pm (Mon-Fri), 6 am-5:30 pm (Sat), & 5:30 am-7:30 pm (Sun). Entry is free of charge.

9. Enjoy evening coffee and snacks at Baker Street

Baker Street is a concept store that serves the most appetizing traditional French cuisine and baked items in Pondicherry.

The food joint offers it all – hot coffees, teas, juices, French bread, quiche, pastries, tarts, sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, pizzas, lasagnas, chocolates, cookies, ice creams, and viennoiseries (croissants, pies, donuts, etc.) !

If that wasn’t enough, the Baker Street menu also offers authentic French main course (both veg & non-veg) food options, including fresh seafood . It has a vibrant ambiance and the staff is extremely cooperative and welcoming.

I’d recommend you to try their Chocolat Eclair, Vanilla Eclair, Capuccino, Palmier, Butter Croissant, Veg Pitta Sandwich, Chicken Olive & Cheese Quiche, Spinach & Cheese Quiche, and Chocolate Mille Feuille.

10. Admire the sunset at Serenity Beach

One of the most fun things to do in Pondicherry during the evening is to admire the sunset at Serenity Beach.

Located near Kottakuppam, the beach lies on the outskirts of Pondicherry. It isn’t as long a coastal stretch as Rock Beach but still paints a lovely picture at dusk.

Friendly waves hitting the shore, colourful fishing boats, a wide variety of seashells, and a sturdy black rock wall are some common sights at Serenity Beach.

The idyllic sunset hues in the sky make visiting the beach a lovely experience. It ain’t your typical tourist attraction as it still needs a bit of development to be more visitor-friendly.

Note: Visitor timing is 6 am-6 pm. The approach road to the beach is narrow and in a bad state.

11. Relish the fine dining dinner experience at Villa Shanti

After an eventful first day of exploring Pondicherry, it’s time to top it off with a memorable fine dining experience at Villa Shanti.

Villa Shanti is one of the best places to eat in Pondicherry as it serves exquisite Indian and European food made from the choicest of local, fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Be it the pleasant open ambiance with the patio and vertical garden or the minimalistic contemporary and intimate seating, Villa Shanti impresses you with it’s attention to detail. The bar area with the dramatic wall painting essentially sums up the vibe of this restaurant.

I’d recommend you to try their Tandoori Veg Platter, Watermelon & Tomato Gazpacho, Garlic Naan, Dal Makhni, Vegetarian Risotto, Pesto and Cashewnuts Pasta, Prawn and Pomelo Salad, Tiger Prawns with Carrot Cashewnuts & Spinach, Mutton Rogan Josh, French Creme Brulee, Chef’s Crumble, and Colonel .

Note: Call the restaurant and book your table in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Things To Do In Pondicherry On DAY 2

Tip -> Start at 8:30 am.

On the second day of your Pondicherry trip, you’ll be covering the following :

• Enjoy an appetizing breakfast at Cafe Des Arts
• Visit Chunnambar Boat House and set off to Paradise Beach
• Taste the best brewed coffee and smoothies at Bread and Chocolate
• Visit the Notre Dame Des Anges Church
• Shop at Meraki
• Indulge in the fine dining experience at La Villa

1. Enjoy an appetizing breakfast at Cafe Des Arts

Begin your day by having a sumptuous breakfast at an attractive 19th-century French bungalow turned cafe called Cafe des Arts.

At the entrance is a cute Instagram-worthy yellow graffiti wall where a rude female attendant/manager with a weird, snobbish attitude will greet you and do you a favour by inviting you in (just being honest here).

Once you step inside, you’ll see an attention-catching rickshaw in the middle of an open garden outdoor seating. To your left is an indoor seating arrangement with skillfully arranged furniture in each room of the bungalow.

The vintage artsy decor and old-world charm make you forget the arrogant attendant’s negative vibe. South Indian actor Rajinikanth’s cutout inside one of the rooms takes the cake for me as far as eccentricity goes. There is a mini store inside the premises as well, just in case you wish to buy some organic food items.

My breakfast recommendations to you would be their Veg Omelette, Crepe with Berry Coulis, Waffle with Ice Cream scoop and House Pancake Syrup, Baguette Sandwich, Croque Monsieur, Banana Nutella Crepe, Diabolo (soda) with Hibiscus syrup and Macchiato Coffee.

Note: Open from 9 am-6 pm. The cafe doesn’t take reservations and remains closed on Tuesdays.

2. Visit Chunnambar Boat House and set off to Paradise Beach

Post your breakfast, head to the Chunnambar Boat House. The boat house is basically a ferry service centre cum departure point from where you’ll hop on a boat to set off to Paradise Beach.

Entry to the Chunnambar Boat House costs Rs. 10 per person and the parking fee is Rs. 30 . The ferry ticket charge for Paradise Beach is Rs. 354 per person and the journey time is about 15-20 minutes.

Once you step off the boat, a signboard will guide you to Paradise Beach. On reaching the beach, you’ll see why the place is rated as one of the best things to do in Pondicherry.

An endless stretch of pristine white sand coupled with stunning shades of turquoise blue water makes for some jaw-dropping scenery. The beach is dotted with bamboo tents, a beach volleyball court, beach shack restaurants, washrooms, and an occasional treehouse.

If it’s too sunny, you can take shelter under any of the bamboo tents that double up as resting points. And if you’re lucky like me, then you might even get to hijack a treehouse with your family/friends.

The elevated view of the beach from the treehouse is simply surreal , to say the least.

With a generous breeze flowing throughout the day, you can sit here and tirelessly stare at the ocean waves kissing the shore for hours. The phrase “nature porn” aptly fits the paradisiacal sight on display.

With the help and guidance of the beach staff, you can indulge in several interesting activities like jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and horseriding.

Enjoy strolling along the soft white sand, admiring the ocean waves playfully flirting with your feet. Since the water is clean and warm and the current isn’t too strong, the beach is safe and suitable for swimming.

Kids will have a field day building sand castles and playing in the water. There are lifeguards present in every small pocket of the beach to ensure the safety of the visitors and manage any untoward incident.

You can enjoy your lunch at any of the beach shack restaurants. The restaurants typically serve milkshakes, cold coffees, juices, soft drinks, sandwiches, burgers, and cutlets.

The last return ferry to Chunnambar Boat House is at 5:30 pm. The relaxed, idyllic, and laidback vibes of Paradise beach not only make it one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry with your family but also an automatic inclusion in your Pondicherry itinerary.

Note: Visitor timings are 9:00 am – 6:00 pm .

3. Taste the best brewed coffee and smoothies at Bread and Chocolate

After a satisfying beach day, it’s time to taste some of the best brewed coffee and smoothies in Pondicherry at the wonderful Bread and Chocolate.

Located on Marine street near Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Bread and Chocolate is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Pondicherry. It is the perfect combo of charming ambiance and delicious food & drinks.

Beautiful flower canopies on the outside give it a pleasant vibe. The restaurant serves smoothies, savoury bowls, sandwiches, tarts, croissants, artisan teas, juices, and the best authentic Subko brewed coffee.

They also have a niche B&C store downstairs from where you can buy chocolates, organic coffees, and coco powders (made in Auroville).

I’d suggest you to try their Super Green Smoothie, PB & B smoothie, Chocolate Smoothie Bowl, Chocolate Croissant, Baklava Croissant, Palmier, Subko Flat White Coffee, Subko B&C Cold Brew, Miss Saigon Bowl, B&C Marg Pizza, and Mad About Mustard Sandwich.

4. Visit the Notre Dame Des Anges Church

Out of all the churches that I visited in Pondicherry, I found Notre Dame Des Anges Church to be the most visually pleasing.

Located in the French White Town, this place holds the distinction of being the only church that offers mass in 3 different languages ie. English, Tamil, and French.

The lovely pink facade of the church grabs your attention even from a distance. The church has a Greco-Roman style architecture with vaulted ceilings, arches, and stained glass windows .

The pastel colour shades used in the interiors of the church make the carvings and sculptures look like delectable desserts, not even kidding!

However, the church does need some repair and maintenance work when compared to other churches in Pondicherry. But the serene atmosphere more than makes up for the little imperfections.

Note: Church timings are 5:30 am-12 pm and 4 pm-8 pm.

5. Shop at Meraki

A trip to Pondicherry White Town is incomplete without some quality shopping. And the Meraki Lifestyle Store (on Rue Surcouf Street) is an ideal place to do just that.

A one-stop shop for fashion, home, and lifestyle products , Meraki offers you a diverse range of items and accessories handcrafted by designers from all across India.

At Meraki, you can shop for clothes, jewellery, bags, perfumes, essential oils and diffusers, footwear, sunglasses, luxury home decor items, etc. Right next to the store is the Meraki Eatery Teahouse where you can stop by for a quick bite or a drink.

6. Indulge in the fine dining experience at La Villa

End your day with an unforgettable gastronomical experience at one of Pondicherry White Town’s best fine-dining restaurants – La Villa. Located a stone’s throw from Meraki, La Villa is a haven for all food lovers.

Be it the romantic ambiance of the outdoor garden seating or the classical French bungalow relaxed vibe of the indoor seating, La Villa wins you over with it’s charm even before serving the first dish on your plate.

The restaurant offers a delectable spread of Continental & Italian cuisines. La Villa’s 7-course tasting menu is a must-try . Each course is crafted to perfection, with the serving staff giving you a detailed explanation about every dish.

The food quality is fabulous and the food presentation is top-notch, thanks to the chef paying attention to every little detail. The staff is courteous and the service is swift.

My food recommendation to you would be their well-curated 7-Course Tasting Menu (both veg & non-veg) .

However, if you’re ordering A la carte, then I’d suggest you try their Ricotta Apricot & Walnut Salad, Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce, Vegetable Coconut Curry, Thai Inspiration Noodle Salad, Prawns Coconut Curry, Vanilla Panna Cotta, Lemon Tart, and La Villa’s Special Dessert.

Note: Call the restaurant and book your table in advance to avoid any last-minute disappointment.

Things To Do In Pondicherry On DAY 3

Tip -> Start at 7 am .

On the third day of your Pondicherry trip, you’ll be covering the following :

• Visit the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram
• Have a hearty breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan
• Take a boat ride in the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
• Relish the fine dining lunch experience at Coromandel Cafe
• Enjoy a sunset stroll on Eden Beach
• Have a scrumptious dinner at Bay of Buddha

1. Visit the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram

Located in the Cuddalore district of Chidambaram town, the Thillai Nataraja Temple is one of the most fascinating places to visit near Pondicherry. A 1 hour 50 minute drive (65 km) from Pondicherry gets you to this magnificent Hindu temple.

The Thillai Nataraja Temple is dedicated to Nataraja ie. the dancing avatar of Lord Shiva . The temple depicts Lord Shiva as the Lord of Dance performing the “Ananda Tandava” , meaning the “dance of delight”.

Built in the 10th century by the Chola dynasty and renovated later by the Pandya dynasty in the 12th-13th century period, the temple is of immense religious significance for followers of Hinduism , Shaivism , and Vaishnavism . The Thillai Nataraja Temple is one among the five holiest temples of Lord Shiva.

The temple is a mammoth structure with as many as 9 gopuram gateways ie. towers with extremely intricate carvings . The temple complex consists of courtyards, halls (sabha), mandapas, shrines, and ponds.

It exhibits an impressive Dravidian style of architecture , with the golden roof and the 1000-pillared hall (sabha) being the striking features of the temple.

In case you reach the temple between 8:50 am-9 am , you may also get to attend the aarti , which is a one-of-a-kind spiritual experience.

You’ll find deities of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha inside the temple. Spread over a massive area of 40 acres, the Thillai Nataraja Temple is truly an architectural marvel and one of the best things to do near Pondicherry.

Note: The temple is open to visitors from 6:00 am-12:30 pm and from 4:30 pm-10:00 pm.

2. Have a hearty breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan

After a delightful spiritual experience at the Thillai Nataraja Temple, it’s time to enjoy a hearty south Indian breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan.

The restaurant comes on your way to the temple so you can make a pit stop at it while returning back from the temple.

Idli, Masala Dosa, Ghee Roast Dosa, Podi Masala Dosa, Mini Tiffin meal, and fresh fruit juices – orange and pineapple are some of their must-try breakfast items.

The food is delicious, fresh, and light on the wallet. Hospitable staff and quick service ensure that you don’t have to wait for your food for long.

You’ll find Adyar Ananda Bhavan in Pondicherry too. It’s one of the best and cheapest restaurants in Pondicherry.

3. Take a boat ride in the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Post your breakfast, head to the Pichavaram Boat House near Chidambaram. Pichavaram is home to the world’s 2nd largest mangrove forest.

Located between the northern Vellar estuary and southern Coleroon estuary, the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is spread over an area of 1100 hectares. Boating is one of the popular activities in these mangroves.

At the Pichavaram Boat House, you have the option to enjoy a boat ride through the enchanting mangrove forests with your friends and family.

You can purchase tickets for either a row boat ride or a motor boat ride . Do not worry about the safety standards, as size-appropriate life vests are provided to every passenger taking the boat ride.

The tariff for a 4-seater row boat is Rs. 400, and for a 6-seater row boat is Rs. 600. A row boat ride covers a distance of 1 km in the mangroves, taking a duration of 40 minutes (though they say 1 hour) .

The tariff for an 8-seater motor boat is Rs. 1,800 ( Rs. 230 per person ). A motor boat ride covers a distance of 2 km in the mangroves, taking a duration of 40 minutes . In addition to the tariff, you’ll also have to pay a maintenance toll of Rs. 30.

Having tried both rides, I’d recommend you take the 40-minute motor boat ride.

Sailing through the mangroves is an exhilarating experience. The thick lush stretch of mangrove trees forming innumerable small mangrove tunnels leaves you awestruck.

With the boatman maneuvering the boat skillfully through the mangrove tunnels, you get to see the flora and fauna in all their glory.

In fact, inside certain tunnels, you may have to bend your head down to avoid getting hurt by the mangrove trees. So you get to have the Matrix stunt experience for free, in addition to the boat ride.

My boatman was crazy enough to make the motor boat dance and perform wheelies.

To summarize, all I can say is boating through the Pichavaram mangrove Forests is a must-try activity and one of the most adventurous things to do near Pondicherry with family.

Note: If you pay your motor boatman an extra Rs. 250- Rs. 300, then he will give you an additional 10-minute ride on the motorboat.

4. Relish the fine dining lunch experience at Coromandel Cafe

Return from Pichavaram to Pondicherry for lunch. It is time for you to relish a fantastic meal at Coromandel Cafe – an upscale cafe set inside a beautifully restored French colonial villa.

Also known as La Maison Rose , the Coromandel Cafe, located on White Town’s Romain Rolland Street, is one of the best and most romantic places to eat in Pondicherry.

The cafe prides itself on using only fresh local ingredients and sourcing the best produce from it’s suppliers.

As far as the cafe’s ambiance is concerned, the outdoor garden patio seating is charmingly pleasant.

Whereas the indoor seating has a classy, intimate, and contemporary vibe to it. The gorgeous chandeliers and warm lighting give you a cozy, welcoming feel.

The food presentation is elegant and appeals to your senses. The innovative and attractive plating reflects the chef’s artistry. Every dish tastes lip-smackingly good, with the fresh and distinct flavours leaving a lasting impression on you.

My food recommendations to you would be their Goat’s Cheese Pizza, Truffle Fettuccine, Pink Hummus, Mango Pad Thai Salad, Fish & Chips, Crispy Prawn, Chef Vicky’s Spicy Capsicum Chicken Pizza, Flower Cooler, and Passionfruit Twist.

5. Enjoy a sunset stroll on Eden Beach

Post your lunch, head to one of Pondicherry’s most alluring beaches – the Eden Beach.

Eden Beach is the first beach in Pondicherry to get the coveted “ Blue Flag ” tag. The beach was awarded the prestigious tag by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

The Blue Flag tag is given to beaches that are clean, safe, environment friendly, and well-equipped with all the facilities of international standards for tourists.

From the parking lot, a scenic pathway that runs across a picturesque backwater on either side gets you to the beach.

Clean soft sand, a chilled breeze, beautiful turquoise blue waters, and a gorgeous shoreline greet you at Eden Beach. The tides are safe for you to take a dip and indulge in a nice swim session.

Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the beach while admiring a ravishing sunset.

The picture postcard-like natural beauty on display is truly breathtaking. The beach has a kid’s play area and is equipped with washroom and changing room facilities.

You’ll specifically enjoy your walk back from the beach to the parking lot, thanks to the magical sunset hues that make the backwaters look immaculate and other-worldly.

Note: Beach timings are 6 am-6 pm. Entry and parking are free of charge.

6. Have a scrumptious dinner at Bay of Buddha

Your dose of Vitamin Sea doesn’t quite end with the stroll at Eden Beach as it’s now time for you to enjoy a lavish meal at the finest beach view restaurant in Pondicherry – the Bay of Buddha.

Located next to the iconic Light House alongside the Promenade beach, Bay of Buddha offers you unrestricted gorgeous views of the sea. It is situated on the 3rd floor of the popular Promenade Hotel.

Thanks to a lovely open terrace setting, Bay of Buddha is an ideal place for a romantic date with your partner.

The dim lighting and foot-tapping music further add to the overall charm of the restaurant. The restaurant predominantly serves Pan Asian cuisines like Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, and Korean.

It also has an attractive terrace bar where the bartender weaves his magic and serves you refreshingly delicious mocktails & cocktails.

The food is fabulous and the service is exceptional. Their terrific hospitality ensures that you leave the restaurant with smiles on your faces and memories to cherish.

My food recommendations to you would be their Veg Sushi Platter, Vegetable Dim Sum, Veg Thai Green Curry with Jasmine Rice, Korean Barbequed Jumbo Prawns, Nasi Goreng, Seafood Sushi Platter, Basil Cheesecake, Shirley Temple, Tropical Storm, and Bay of Buddha Iced Tea.

Things To Do In Pondicherry On DAY 4 & DAY 5

On the last 2 days of your Pondicherry trip, you can explore an underrated hidden gem of a place called Auroville. There are plenty of interesting things to see and do in Auroville , the comprehensive details of which can be seen in my previous blog article that I’ve linked here.

Still, for your convenience, I’ll arrange it in an itinerary form so that trip planning becomes easier for you.

Things to do in Auroville, Pondicherry on Day 4 :

• Have breakfast at Auroville Bakery (Boulangerie)
• Explore Auroville Matrimandir through an inner chamber meditation session
• Shop at La Boutique De Auroville
• Have lunch at Right Path Cafe (Cafeteria)
• Visit Unity Pavilion
• Explore Savitri Bhavan
• Enjoy an evening coffee at Marc’s Cafe
• Spend time at Quiet Beach
• Relish dinner at Tanto’s Pizzeria

Things to do in Auroville, Pondicherry on Day 5 :

• Have breakfast at Bread and Chocolate
• Do a Sadhana Forest walking tour
• Visit Auroville Botanical Gardens and enjoy an organic farm lunch
• Experience aquatic therapy at Quiet Healing Centre
• Enjoy dinner at Naturellement Garden Cafe

I hope my comprehensive 5-day Pondicherry itinerary with a detailed list of things to do in Pondicherry helps you plan your trip better. Pondicherry is the perfect place to enjoy a winter vacation with your family and friends.

It is a wonderful amalgamation of rich history, vibrant culture, fabulous food, impressive architecture, sublime nature, and thrilling adventure. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets to Pondicherry this winter and create unforgettable travel memories!

SHARE the blog “Things To Do In Pondicherry: Ultimate 5-Day Pondicherry Itinerary” on your social media to help your friends, followers, relatives, and travel partners plan their trip to Pondicherry.

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Vaibhav Mehta

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[…] Founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and designed by architect Roger Anger, Auroville is situated about 10 km north of the beautiful city of Pondicherry. […]

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Thanks for the blog.Nice to know about 5 days Pondicherry itinerary information.

Dear Vaibhav the way you explain a place, its very clear that you are a traveller at heart and you really wish people to experience all things good that you have experinced. I read your blog on Pondicherry. it’s very helpful, detailed info with lovely pictyres. keep up the good work dear

Thank you Meghna mam. Glad you liked the blog and found it detailed and helpful. Makes the effort worth it. And yes, the love for travel and spreading the joys of travel is eternal!

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Check out the best Rameshwaram itinerary !

The Best Pondicherry Itinerary for 3 days in 2024

Pondicherry (officially known as Puducherry) is a historic beach town in India that has everything – colonial architecture, a modern seaside promenade, historic sites, and golden beaches.

Here I'll share with you the perfect Pondicherry itinerary for people who can spare only two to three days in this beautiful city. And it's not just one, because one plan doesn't fit all.

This article covers what to do in Pondicherry in 3 days along with recommendations for a longer trip. I have the perfect Pondicherry tour plan for every type of vacation.

But before all that, as always, I will start with a brief background of this heritage town.

Click here to jump to the Pondicherry Trip Plan if you are short on time.

Pin the image below to save on Pinterest!

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

Pondicherry – A Brief Background

Located on the Eastern coast of India, Pondicherry is often called the French Rivera of India.

In the 17th century, the French came to a small fishing village called Putucerri, which roughly translates to “new village” in Tamil.

They transformed it into a grand port town called Pondicherry. It was renamed Puducherry in 2006, but it’s still popularly called by the anglicized name.

The prime attraction of Pondicherry is its French vibes. The pastel-colored residential buildings, cute art cafes, and whitewashed monuments reflect an unmistakable essence of French aesthetics. It’s like discovering a piece of France in India.

However, the French colony is just about 10% of the entire area of the Union Territory.

When I first drove down to Pondicherry, my imagination ran wild, and I thought I will be greeted by those Instagram-friendly French alleys. Instead, we drove into the overcrowded streets, large Dravidian-style temples, mosques, bustling bazaars (markets), locals clad in traditional attires and a riot of colors. That’s just another coastal town in South India for you. Sinjana's travel notes

In a 3-day trip we will cover both sides of Pondicherry. Let's check out the plan.

Pondicherry Itinerary for 3 days : A Quick Walkthrough

Since the check-in time for hotels is usually 1 p.m. or 2 p.m., it's a good idea to explore the city a bit before you check into the hotel.

If you are travelling with kids then inform the hotel of an early check-in. The ideal itinerary I've described may be too hectic when you are traveling with kids, so I have also given an alternate itinerary later.

My Ideal Pondicherry Itinerary for 3 days

Day 1 in Pondicherry:

• Reach Chunnambar Boat House by 10 am. Then take a boat to Paradise Beach.   
• Trip to the Botanical Garden before you reach your hotel
• Have fresh local seafood for lunch and take some rest. 
• Start your evening walking tour in White Town. The hot Pondicherry roads would have started to cool down by now
• Have dinner at a cafe on the promenade or the Heritage Street

Day 2 in Pondicherry:

• Head to Auroville in the morning and enjoy brunch at Auroville’s cafes
• If you are an archeology enthusiast, then head to Arikamedu, or If you love nature and forests, then head to Pinchavaram Mangrove forest
• Come back and watch the sunset at Serenity Beach

Day 3 in Pondicherry:

• Enjoy shopping and walking in the heritage street, before your return journey.
• If you're driving to Bangalore, it's great to stop at the enormous Ginjee Fort located 67 km from Pondicherry on the way to Bangalore. You won't have the time or energy to trek in the fort and then drive all the way to Bangalore. But just stop there, explore the well-maintained gardens, and be stunned at the magnanimous fortress.

Don't have three days to travel? Here's a modified Pondicherry itinerary for 2 days .

Day 1 : Reach Pondicherry early by overnight train or drive. Start with Chunnnambar Boathouse , Paradise Island, and then reach your hotel to freshen up. Reserve the evening for a walking tour of the white town of Pondicherry, the Promenade, and the Rock Beach

Day 2: Start with a morning trip to Auroville, explore the local markets Then visit the Serenity beach before you head back from Pondicherry.

Traveling with small kids or elderly parents? Here's a modified 3-day Pondicherry itinerary for a family trip.

Early check-in at the hotel to freshen up.

Then start with the Botanical garden which is cool even during the hot afternoons because of the greenery.

Then explore the promenade, the rock beach, and the white town.

Visit Auroville, have lunch there, and then take a break in the hotel to escape the hot sun.

After a short rest, reach the Chunnambar boathouse park, and take a ferry to the paradise beach to enjoy the sunset.

Visit the temple and shop and explore the heritage street, before you leave for your hometown.

A Pondicherry itinerary for 4 days will include everything in the 3-day plan, plus an amazing trip to Mahabalipuram – a treasure trove of ancient Indian architecture.

Or if you are more interested in the historic fort, you can skip the Arikamedu trip and hike the Ginjee fort on day 2.

Short on time? Here's a quick glance at my top recommendations for this trip, so that you can book them at one go.

My Top Recommendations For Pondicherry

🚲Book an unique bike tour of Pondicherry in a vintage-style bicycle

🚘Prefer AC car in the hot weather? Book the best tour to discover Pondicherry in one day including Auroville . This is highly recommended for trips with kids and elderly people.

🛏️My top recommendation for stay in The Promenade , overlooking the Promenade Beach

🧑🏼‍🍳Want to try something exciting? Book a highly rated Indian Cooking class in Pondicherry

How to reach Pondicherry?

I have traveled to Pondicherry via road trips from Bangalore. However, there are several ways to reach Pondicherry via public transport. 

Pondicherry has its airport, so you can land directly in Pondicherry. However, it’s a small one and the chance of getting a direct ticket is scarce.

Chennai is the nearest city with a bustling international airport which is only 150 km from Pondicherry. It’s connected by the ECR highway so you can reach it in 2.5 hours.

✈️Flying soon? Get Airhelp to earn up to $700 compensation for delayed or canceled flights! Use coupon code ETPOUTS8 to avail 8% discount! 🧑‍✈️

You can also book overnight buses from Bangalore to reach Pondicherry in the morning.

There are overnight trains to Pondicherry as well, but you need to book it in advance. The advantage of an overnight train journey is that you can sleep comfortably and reach Pondicherry early in the morning.

People in Chennai can easily visit Pondicherry for a day trip or over a normal weekend.

For us living in Bangalore, Pondicherry is about 300 km away. But you should leave early, by 5 am so that you can avoid traffic and reach Pondicherry at 11 am.

After that, the road is mostly good if you follow the map on the link. Some parts of the highway (about one-fourth of the road) are quite rough. But it’s a smooth enjoyable drive overall once you enter the Eastern Ghats of India .

Day 1 in Pondicherry: Paradise Beach and White Town Tour

I have tried and tested two other itineraries and have come up with the best one here. In fact, on my recent trip, I planned it all and wanted to visit the Thirukameswarar Temple in Pondicherry on the way to our hotel.

The plan was a total flop because the route to the temple had very bad roads and the temple was closed when we reached. What’s worse, we had to miss the amazing NH32 tollway leading to Pondicherry which is a driver’s delight.

Anyway, I try out these experiments, learn from them, and curate the best itineraries for you. So let me take you on a virtual trip to Pondicherry following my ideal itinerary.

Chunnambar Boat House – the first stop

Chunnambar Boat House is the most popular gateway to the beautiful Paradise Beach. This is where you can buy tickets to different types of boats that will take you to Paradise Beach.

The rate starts from Rs. 150 per person and increases depending on your choice of ride. The entry fee to the park itself is Rs. 7 only and it's a nice place for families with kids to enjoy.

Paradise Beach – My favorite beach in Pondicherry

Paradise Beach is slightly isolated from the rest of Pondicherry. The seclusion doesn’t prevent tourists from thronging into the place because it’s that beautiful.

It’s undoubtedly my favorite beach in Pondicherry and one of the most beautiful beaches in India . The best way to reach this island-like place is by boat from Chunnambar.

You can also drive to Paradise Beach, but you have to park your vehicle about 1 km away. The walkway from the backwaters to the beach is also very charming.

You can spend some time walking on the soft golden sand and bathing in the Bay of Bengal before you return to the boathouse.

Drive to Botanical Garden

Depending on how much time you spent in Paradise Beach, you can either go to the hotel, have lunch and take some rest, or first visit the Botanical Garden.

The botanical garden of Pondicherry is a colonial gem that was laid out by the French in 1826. This 22-acre large green oasis stands out for its French style in the middle of an old Tamil locality. The French architecture, the pruned trees, flower beds, and over 1500 varieties of exotic plants make it one of the best botanical gardens on the peninsula. Besides these, the garden boasts a toy train ride, an aquarium, a musical fountain, and a Japanese rock structure.

Open times: 10 am to 5 pm

French Colony walk

After a trip to the botanical garden, it's time to have lunch and freshen up at your hotel. By this time, it must already be 2-3 pm.

Pondicherry is quite hot and humid throughout the year, so it is a nice idea to relax and go out for a walk by 5 p.m.

This is why staying close to the French colony is recommended. This is one part of Pondicherry where you have a lot to do and see in the evening till night.

Walk in the heritage street marveling at the old colonial buildings.

The Vylial street stands out large canopies of trees on both sides providing a natural shade to the narrow lanes.

You will find cute cafes, heritage buildings transformed into boutique hotels, colorful rickshaws, and rental bikes. You can rent a bicycle if you want.

Aurobindo Ashram

Our first stop in the evening walking tour was the Aurobindo Ashram. This is a large community of 2000 members including 400 students and 1600 devotees.

Aurobindo Ashram is a peaceful abode that is open to visitors between 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

You need to keep your shoes outside and maintain complete silence on campus.

Phones should be switched off or on silent mode, and photography is prohibited. There is no entry fee, and even the community members who are in charge of the safekeeping of the shoes left outside refuse payment.

Bharathi Park

Located in the White Town right across the magnanimous Governors’ Residence is the Bharthi Park. Described as the historic heart of French Pondicherry it was here that “la Compaigne Des Indes” was established for trade between India and Europe.

The Park monument in the picture also known as Ayi Mandapam was raised in memory of a French courtesan lady named Ayi. She is said to have destroyed her own house to create a water reservoir for the city. The land here was used as a military training center by the French for 150 years.

As you leave the park through the exit gate you will come across a Nehru statue on one side and the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue on the other side facing each other. Behind the Mahatma Gandhi statue is the Seaside Walk starting with the rock beach.

The Rock Beach and Seaside Promenade

Rock Beach is explained by its name itself. The stretch from Rock Beach to the Promenade Seafront is a pedestrian’s dream. With vehicle restrictions in place, you can freely hop along the gorgeous area stopping, posing, and clicking wherever you want. This part looks as polished as a first-world European city but is lined with monuments and street art showcasing great Indian icons. Bathing is prohibited in Rock Beach, but I saw many people doing so anyway.

The Mahatma Gandhi statue , Bhimrao Ambedkar memorial , the French War Memorial dominate the starry Promenade.

Cafes and hotels have a synchronized color scheme and architecture that’s a great blend of French and Indian styles.

Don’t forget to include the beautiful Sacred Heart Basilica, Lady of Des Angels Church, and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church on this walking tour.

Check out the complete account of the walking tour of the French colony of Pondicherry and Auroville in our next post.

Note: Vehicle restriction in the area is taken seriously. We saw multiple illegally parked cars that were booked by the police in front of our eyes.

I try my best to give you all the information that you need to explore the place on your own. However, guided tours and experiences are a great way to socialize and take the best of a place, especially on your first trip.

Discover Pondicherry in a day using these tours

🌟A Heritage Walking Tour of Pondicherry

🌟A guided city tour in air-conditioned car with complimentary refreshments

Dinner at the Heritage Street

End the day with dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants or cafes on Heritage Street. Or you can also head to the promenade for food, music, and the sea breeze at night.

Day 2 in Pondicherry

You can begin the second day at Pondicherry with a wholesome breakfast at Le Cafe. All the hotels I have recommended later in the post have a sumptuous buffet spread for complimentary breakfast as well.

After breakfast we will start with a tour of Auroville. Then we can either visit Arikamedu and Murungapakkam art village, or we can go for a day trip to Pinchavaram Mangrove Forest.

Auroville – A City of its kind

Auroville is an experimental self-sustained city that was created by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple and spiritual collaborator of Rishi Aurobindo, who is fondly remembered as the Mother.

A Parisian by birth, she met Rishi Aurobindo in Pondicherry and worked with him in popularizing yoga.

Auroville was a vision shared by the Mother and Aurobindo. The Matrimandir in the picture is a place for guided meditation.

Entry to the large garden surrounding the Matrimandir is restricted to maintain a calm ambiance inside.

There are a large number of cafes serving the most delicious sandwiches, salads, shakes, etc. You can easily spend 2 hours here, have a fulfilling brunch, and head out for the rest of the exploration.

Auroville Beach or Auro Beach is located close by. It’s relatively less crowded and peaceful than the others.

You can book a guided tour to Auroville at just 10 Euros

Arikamedu is an archeological site where the ancient ruins of the Roman Empire were found. This is evidence of the existence of trade relations with Europe in the ancient ages.

On our first trip, we went with our family and tried to reach Arikamedu. But we got stuck in a narrow lane and couldn’t find our way.

So don't waste your time and book a tour of Arikamedu . This historic archeological site must not be missed. You will meet your guide at the church gate of The Sacred Heart Basilica.

Murungappakkam Art Trails

If you choose to visit Arikamedu instead of a day trip to Pinchavaram Mangroves, then a walking tour of Murungapakkam is unmissable. It is a government-run art and craft village which gives you a unique insight to the art history of Pondicherry through audio-visual guides and live demonstration.

Book a tour of Murungapakkam here. It is a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Pinchavaram Mangrove Forest

If you are not much into archeology, you can head to the Pinchavaram Mangrove Forest located about 60 km away from the White Town.

If you don’t have your car you need to hire one for the same. This is the second largest Mangrove Forest in the world next to Sundarbans of Bengal.

Separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow strip of sand the vast expanse of water-body covered with Mangroves attract a large variety of migratory birds during the winter season.

Book a private group tour to Pinchavaram Forest and Nataraja Temple in Pondicherry.

Including the journey, you will need at least 3 hours for this trip from Pondicherry.

Serenity Beach

Another beautiful beach in Pondicherry which is not as popular as the others Serenity beach.

Make no mistake, even the not-so-popular beaches have a lot of people, especially during the peak season of November to January.

It is a sand beach with rock strips protruding into the sea in between. Rewind after the long day at Serenity Beach while watching the beautiful sunset.

While the beaches are open till 11 pm it’s advisable not to stay there after 7 pm.

So, if you have the energy to hit the streets at night you can head to the Promenade once again. Le Cafe, the famous French cafe in the Promenade is now open for 24 hours!

Day 3 of Pondicherry Trip Plan

This is the day to end your 3-day trip to Pondicherry and head home. If you are on a road trip from Bangalore , you can spare some time for shopping and then stop at Ginjee Fort for about an hour or so.

Shopping at Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a great place for exploring street markets. Apparels, paintings, and local handicrafts also called “Pondicherry Bommai”- all available at cheap rates are a pleasure for any thrifty shopper. It's so nice to just look at it even if you don't buy it.

On our day of return, the heritage street was filled with Ganesha idols on sale for Ganapathi puja. On any day you'd find local handicrafts on sale in this area.

Other great places for shopping are Promenade, Gandhi Market, and Bharathi Park Market.

Gingee Fort

Gingee is a small fort town close to Pondicherry which is right on your way to Bangalore. It’s impossible to not notice the imposing hill forts on both sides of the road while driving.

We didn’t have the energy to go for a full trek to all the four forts here but we stopped and roamed around the foothills. The place is beautifully maintained with free toilet facilities, gardens, and dustbins. There is no entry fee for the forts.

Where to Stay in Pondicherry?

My favorite area to stay in Pondicherry is in and around the White Town which is on the Eastern coastline. Many Colonial French-style houses have been transformed into boutique hotels on Heritage Street.

We stayed at the Shenbaga Hotel , a 4-star luxury hotel located 1.5 km from the White Town. All major attractions of Pondicherry’s French colony were within a walking radius of the hotel.

Trivia: As of today, Shenbaga Hotel is the tallest hotel in Pondicherry offering the best panoramic view!

The second-best option is to stay in Auroville , which is a self-sustained city within Pondicherry. It is close to the White Town, but you have to book your stay there from their official website.

Other hotels I recommend based on location and reviews:

• The Promenade – This was my top choice on the last trip but missed it by whiskers.
• Le Pondy (luxury beach and lake resort)
• Hotel Atithi (mid-budget hotel opposite Shenbaga Hotel )

I hope this detailed and exhaustive travel guide to Pondicherry will help you plan your next vacation. Let's conclude with some frequently asked questions about Pondicherry.

What is the best time to visit Pondicherry?

Given the hot and humid climate throughout the year, the best time to visit Pondicherry is in the winter, that is, between December and early February. It is in fact one of the best places to visit in December in India .

How many days are enough for Pondicherry?

You need at least two days to explore Pondicherry and Auroville. A three-day trip will be ideal if you are commuting from Bangalore or any nearby city. If you're planning a family vacation four days will be enough to explore Pondicherry, go for excursions nearby, visit Mahabalipuram, and enjoy the culinary delights.

How much does a Pondicherry Trip cost?

Pondicherry is much cheaper than Goa as a beach holiday destination. You can book premium rooms in Auroville at as little as Rs. 1500 per night and can also book beachside luxury resorts at higher prices.

There are many boutique hotels and homestays starting from less than Rs. 1000 and going up to Rs. 30000/-. Going around in Pondicherry is cheap, by hiring a cycle or an auto-rickshaw, or even a manual rickshaw.

Is Pondicherry safe for solo women travelers?

Pondicherry is very safe for women. Not just the promenade beach but even the interior town which is not so glamorous. The people are very well-behaved and especially respectful towards women. However, they have a conservative outlook. Outside the French colony, short clothes will invite stares. It is advised not to stay on the beaches after 7 pm, except for the rock beach and the promenade of course. White Town has great nightlife too.

That's the end of my short travel guide to Pondicherry. If you liked the post, share it to plan your next vacation with your family. Here are some other beach-town itineraries that you can check out:

• Rameshwaram in 2 days
• Mahabalipuram in 1 day
• Goa in 3 days

Liked the post? Please share with your friends and family, and plan the trip now. Or you can save this guide to plan later.

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Love reading your post. Reminds me of my visit to this place almost a decade ago. Thanks for the lovely share.

thank you so much. Glad to rekindle your travel memories.

I had never even heard of Pondicherry before reading your post, thank you 🙂 And great job on the blogpost, I know how much work it takes to do one like yours, great read!

Cheers from Stockholm Sweden 🙂

Thanks Ann.

I’d definitely love to have a look around Auroville, I love it when people try to create something a bit different and experimental inside a city 🙂

I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your next post thank you once again.

Pinned this so that we have this when planning a trip to Pondicherry. The archeological sites look quite interesting.

thanks for reading. I’m sure you will love exploring Pondicherry

Pondicherry looks like a nice place to visit, I have heard of Auroville, would love to visit one day

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Attractions to Visit in Pondicherry in 2 Days

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Places to Visit in Pondicherry on Day 1

Sri aurobindo ashram.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on Rue de la Marine is one of the most renowned and wealthiest ashrams in India. Set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo, philosopher and poet, the ashram is a perfect spot for spiritual seekers looking for a quiet and serene place. The work done by the vibrant community here has achieved global recognition. The Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lies in the central courtyard of the ashram where the followers meditate. The ashram has a library for those interested in knowing more about their teachings. Among other things near the ashram, there is a beautiful Ganpati temple which has a stunning architecture making it worth visiting. There is a market nearby where you can shop for some great local stuff. You May Also Like:   Pondicherry Tour Packages From Coimbatore                                    Pondicherry Tour Packages From Cochin

Best of Bangalore

Paradise Beach

Paradise beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is one of the most beautiful beaches and among the best places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days. You can reach the beach by taking a ferry from the backwaters which is a very enjoyable 20-30 minutes journey. The beach is located in an isolated area which adds to its feeling of calm and peace. It’s the perfect place to relax on the soft sand, next to the waves surrounded by greenery all around.  Paradise beach is a very picturesque spot. Photography, bird watching and water sports are some of the leisure activities you can do at the beach. The beach is located at Manaveli Rd, Chinna Veerampattinam. It is best enjoyed during sunrise and sunset but at certain hours of the day, it is advised to stay away from deep waters due to high current. Also Read:  Water Parks In Melbourne

Top Experiences To Do in Paradise Beach

Best of North Goa

Auroville was set up as an experimental ‘Universal Town’ where people from all across the world and cultures come together to live in peace. It is located at about 15 kilometres from Pondicherry and was inaugurated in 1968. Currently, over 2,800 people from over 195 different nationalities officially stay in the township. The Aurovilleans live with their core principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness'. The place is an epitome of peace and tranquillity. Its unique architecture has garnered a lot of attention from tourists that come here from all over the world. One of the main architectural attractions here is the ‘Matrimandir’ with a 30 m high globe and lotus shaped base. The entry is free of cost and you can visit between 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays. On your trip to this  city, Auroville is essential on your list of places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days.

Best of Coorg

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

The Statue of Mahatma Gandhi, located on the beach front of Pondicherry was inaugurated on 26 January 1965. It was built by the famous sculptor Roy Choudhary and today it is one of the major landmarks in the city. The 13 feet high statue is surrounded by eight pillars which delicately carved out of monolithic granite that were brought from Gingee Fort. It is believed that a tunnel is built under the statue that leads to the fort but it still remains unexplored. Large number of tourists flock to see the statue which is located in the middle of a garden at Dumas Street. Promenade beach lies close to this and people visiting the beach also pay a visit to this place. Get Best Discount On  Efteling Park Tickets

Best of South Goa

Basilica Of Sacred Heart Of Jesus

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Pondicherry for 2 days. The church was set up by French missionaries in 1908 and the statue inside was placed in 2011. The church has a marvellous gothic architecture with Biblical text in Latin engraved at the entrance. The insides are adorned with exquisite glass paintings, beautiful windows and the interiors are painted in moss green, scarlet and white. The church is synonymous with tranquillity. If you are looking for some quiet space to relax and feel at peace, you must visit this beautiful church. It is located in the MG road area and can be visited on all days. Planning a trip to Pondicherry? Checkout:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mangalore                                                                           Pondicherry Tour Packages From Trivandrum

Best of Chennai

The Pondicherry Museum

The Pondicherry Museum is an absolute delight for art lovers and history enthusiasts. It is located on the Saint Louis Street. The museum has a gallery with a great collection of artefacts, sculptures, coins, handicrafts from the French colonial times and also from the Pallava and Chola dynasties, excavated from Arikamedu, a city that had trade relations with the Romans. The museum is ranked for one of the largest collections of Chola bronzes. One of the major attractions here is the central space which has three curious transport mechanisms - a coach, a palanquin and an earlier version of the rickshaw (called pousse-pousse). The museum is open on all days except Mondays. You can visit the museum between 10 am to 7 pm. A visit to the museum is usually on everyone’s list of things to do in Pondicherry for 2 days. Explore Now:  Singapore Water Park

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French War Memorial

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Places to Visit in Pondicherry on Day 2

Pondy bazaar.

Pondy Bazaar is an absolute paradise for shopping enthusiasts. This market has a range of handicrafts and artefacts helping you pick the best souvenirs from your trip. Shopping at Pondy Bazaar should definitely be on your list of things to do in Pondicherry for 2 days. A lot of artisans sell their gold and silver art pieces that are a must-buy. The bustling local market has a lot to offer in terms of food. You must try some incredible local cuisines and explore the nearby cafes. A local guide may accompany you who will show you the best in this area and also share some amazing stories about the place adding to your delightful experience. Checkout:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mysore                     Pondicherry Tour Packages From Visakhapatnam

Best of Gokarna

Rock beach also known as Promenade beach is one of the most famous places in Pondicherry. In close proximity to the Mahatma Gandhi Statue and the Old Lighthouse, visiting the Rock Beach is among the top things to do in Pondicherry in 2 days. It is a central part of the city and is a must visit spot to enjoy the true beauty of this city. You can try a lot of great traditional cuisines and seafood at restaurants nearby and the area also serves some amazing street food. You can visit Rock beach at sunrise or sunset to witness the stunning views, click some great photographs and take a walk along the beach. It is a favourite picnic spot and sightseeing places in Pondicherry where you can enjoy solo or with your group of friends or family.

Best of Mahabalipuram

Old Lighthouse

Just opposite the famous Mahatma Gandhi statue on the beach road, you have another remarkable landmark of Pondicherry, the Old Lighthouse. The lighthouse was initially set up in 1836 and then rebuilt in 1970. The graceful 29 metre high structure which is now converted into a museum is worth a visit due to its historical importance. On climbing 10 floors of the lighthouse and going on top, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire city. A lot of commercial activities, music festivals and cultural events are held around this area. Since it is at a close distance to other tourist spots like the Mahatma Gandhi Statue and Rock Beach, we recommend this among places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days. The timings to visit this place are from 8 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The entry fee is 10 INR.  Also Checkout:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Nagpur                             Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mumbai

Best of Varkala

Manakula Vinayagar Temple

The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha. The temple was built before the year 1666 which is even before the French had come to settle in Pondicherry. Devotees and tourists flock to this shrine every day to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The temple has beautiful stone carvings and the golden shrine gives the holy place a sacred aura. The magnificent temple is of historical significance as it has survived several invasions. The temple elephant named Lakshmi greets tourists and collects coins from them. You can visit the temple between 5:45 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The temple is among the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry for 2 days.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden at Pondicherry is a peaceful and beautiful garden with some of the most exotic variety of flora. Most of the exotic plants introduced by the French are still found surviving in the garden. The sprawling 22 acres garden has more than 1500 species of plants with their names and other interesting details written on placards placed next to it. The garden has six fountains of which one is a musical and dancing fountain having two shows in the evening on weekends. It also houses a Japanese rock structure, toy train rides and an aquarium. You can visit the park between 10 am and 5 pm on all days.

Chunnambar Boathouse

Chunnambar is about 8 kilometres from Pondicherry. The place is known for its beautiful Paradise Beach which has a lot to offer in terms of water sports and other activities. Away from the busy and fast life of the city, a visit to this serene town will be a great relaxing experience amidst the pristine sand and crystalline waters. The Chunnambar Beach and Backwater Resort offers boating and backwater boat tours which are among the best things to do in Pondicherry for 2 days. Enjoying a relaxing boat ride while absorbing the scenic beauty of the environment can be a super joyful experience. You can take a boat ride between 8 am to 6 pm on all days. The area has a multi-cuisine restaurant and other options for food.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Immaculate Conception Cathedral also known by its local name ‘Samba Kovil’ is a Roman Catholic Church located on Mission Street. The church was built in 1791 by French missionaries who came to settle in this region. The magnificent church has great architecture with breathtaking designs on both the inside and outside. The design is a mix of Indian and French styles. The intricate designs and works of art on the walls of the church make it a great place for art lovers. It has a huge bell hanging at its bell tower. Since it’s a place of worship, you must maintain the decorum in the church premises. The church is located very close to the beach and you can visit that as well. Get Great Deals On  Madame Tussauds Dubai Tickets

Café Xtasi is one of the most popular cafes in Pondicherry and is known for its delicious food. It is among the top favourites of the locals as well as tourists. You can start your day with some delicious breakfast at this café or visit this place after a long tiring day for some amazing delicacies. The café is located close to Auroville and other major landmarks. The ambience of this place is very warm and welcoming. Most of the items on their menu are highly rated and the place has earned many regular visitors. It is the perfect spot to hang out with friends or family and enjoy some appetising food. Do Checkout:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Chennai                         Pondicherry Tour Packages From Kerala

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Aurobindo Ashram or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual group (ashram) situated in the union territory of Pondicherry. The ashram was a small community that expanded over some time as more and more disciples of Aurobindo Ghose gathered around to seek spirituality. Aurobindo Ghose founded this ashram after he left his political career and aspired to inherit spiritualism in his life. A few followers of Aurobindo joined him in the ashram with the same aim of seeking spirituality. Located in eastern Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram has become a hub of tourists who are inclined towards divinity and simplicity in their lifestyle. The ashram is popular not only in India but also in other countries because of the work put forth by the community towards the healing of humanity. The ashram in its initial days only had a few buildings but later, as more and more people joined, the ashram grew bigger and presently, it consists of many small buildings that are adjacent to each other. The ashram provides all the basic needs of its members for living a healthy and simple life. There is a library in the ashram where members can read and learn about the history and teachings of the place. Also, there are various cultural facilities like dance, theatre, music, arts, and sports for the all-round development of the members. The ashram is managed by a board of five trustees who make sure that the legacy and vision of Aurobindo Ghose remains in the ashram.History of Aurobindo Ashram:After quitting politics, Aurobindo Ghose spent most of his time writing and meditating in the ashram. From 1910 to 1920, the ashram had a few members alongside Aurobindo who all lived a simple life involving reading, writing and doing their daily chores. In 1920, Mirra Alfassa or “The Mother” who was regarded as the “spiritual collaborator” of Aurobindo returned to Pondicherry and lived in the ashram. Soon, more and more people came in the ashram and it gradually became a community under the umbrella of Aurobindo and the Mother. In 1926, the formal foundation of the ashram was done and this resulted in more and more people coming to the ashram. From just 24 people in 1927 to 150 in 1934, the ashram started to grow like a community. Over the years, as the ashram grew in numbers more and more departments were formed and the sadhaks looked after the departments as a part of their sadhana. Today, the ashram is spread throughout the town in around 400 buildings and houses more than 2000 sadhaks. Highlights of Aurobindo Ashram:-Aurobindo Ghose founded the ashram in 1926 after quitting his career in politics -Mother (Mirra Alfassa) companion of Aurobindo carried on the legacy of the ashram after Aurobindo’s death in 1950.-One of the biggest Ashrams in India, Aurobindo Ashram housing more than 2000 people living and serving each other. -Auroville, the city of dawn was the brainchild of Mother. Auroville is associated with the ashram in its ideological structure and well-being.-Aurobindo Ashram publishes many periodicals about the essence of spirituality and peace in life-It takes around 2-3 hours to see the entire ashram 

Rock Beach, often referred to as the Promenade Beach or Pondicherry Beach is a beachfront located along the Bay of Bengal. The coastline of this beach is 1.5 km long and starts at the War Memorial built at the beginning of the beach, while ends at the Dupleix Park built at the Goubert Avenue. Unfortunately, this beach is not open for taking dips in the sea or any water sport activities, but many visit the place during sunrise and sunset for walking, jogging or taking a stroll. The beach is clustered with tetrapods along the coastline, while a concrete pathway has been constructed which is flanked with cafes, restaurants and pubs. These restaurants serve various cuisines including French, Indian, Arabic and Chinese. Some of the places have live band performances that attract many tourists. The restaurants and pubs do not allow any customers after midnight and shut down before 1:00 AM.Apart from restaurants, there are shopping boutiques that sell textile materials, home décor and souvenirs for you to take home. The various hotels built around the beach provide several stay-at options for foreigners and local travellers. There are no vehicles allowed on the concrete and paved path, but there is a parking space provided at the entrance where you can give a fee of NR 5 and let the watchman take care of your vehicle.One may encounter various hawkers and vendors selling balloons, neon bands and tiaras whose presence may be vexing. The beach is not as crowded on weekdays as it is on weekends.

The Raj Niwas building is constructed on the foundation of a hotel named Hotel De La Compagnie. This is the government house of the Pondicherry and is a blend of both Indian and French architecture. The previous name of this Raj Niwas is Palais du Government. The Raj Niwas isn’t open to public but it is one of the attractions in Pondicherry. Most of the people who went on a trip to Pondicherry will surely pay a visit to this Raj Niwas to enjoy the Indo-French architecture. The monolithic pillars, fountain are the biggest asset of this Raj Niwas. They enhance the look of the construction as well as add royalty too. The public can go into the Raj Niwas on some special days and occasions only.Location:White TownPondicherry 605001Best Time To Visit:The Best Time To Visit: Raj Niwas will be between 12 pm and 1:30 pm as you will be allowed into the house. The point to remember here is the passes are limited to 40 per day.TimingsThe Raj Niwas will be open between 12pm and 1:30 pmDistance Between Pondicherry Bus stand and Raj NivasThe distance from Pondicherry bus station to Raj Nivas is 2.6 kms which can be travelled in 4-5 mins.Image Credits: thehindu.com

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A first-time guide to Pondicherry, India

Jun 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Pondicherry shows traces of its French past, as well as its Tamil present © Sompol / Shutterstock

Scoop up an 18th-century French town and plop it down in the middle of coastal Tamil Nadu , India , and voilà : you have Puducherry .

More familiar as Pondicherry, this breezy city was under French colonial rule from the late 17th century until 1954. Although indisputably Tamil, Pondicherry still holds onto countless traces of its Gallic past, from pastel-hued heritage hotels and churches to an abundance of croissant-slinging cafes, particularly in White Town, its French Quarter.

While Pondicherry’s abundance of French food and architecture are among its biggest draws, it’s also an old favorite among spiritually inclined visitors, many of whom are more interested in visiting temples and ashrams than they are in wolfing down coq au vin and crêpes Suzette .

Whatever Pondicherry experiences you seek out, here’s all you need to know to plan a perfect trip to this singular city.

When should I go to Pondicherry?

Although Pondicherry is attractive year-round, the best time to visit Pondicherry is between January and March, when temperatures are at their coolest and there’s little chance of rain. Things start to heat up in April, with temperatures rising through June before slowly dropping again in July, when the southwest monsoon begins. The rains often continue through the end of the year, with the northeast monsoon arriving in the Pondicherry area in October.

How much time should I spend in Pondicherry?

It depends on what you want to do. With three full days in Pondicherry, you’ll have enough time to see the main sights at a relaxed pace and spend a day in nearby Auroville. With four or five days, you can tack on a day trip or two. Over a week or more, you’ll have time to relax and get a feel for the rhythm of life in the city, with time left over to attend a yoga retreat at a nearby yoga center.

Is it easy to get to and around Pondicherry?

Yes. Pondicherry has a relatively new airport, though since flights are limited, many visitors opt to fly into Chennai , 145km (90 miles) away, then continue onward by bus or private taxi (count a minimum of three hours’ drive). Trains depart for Puducherry from Chennai Egmore; the trip takes roughly 4 hours.

Getting around Pondicherry is equally straightforward. The city is mostly flat, with well-maintained roads and pavements that make getting around on foot a breeze, especially if you base yourself in or near White Town. Auto rickshaws are easy to hail off the street (just negotiate in advance), and there are plenty of taxi companies for destinations further afield. If you’d prefer a bit more independence, bicycles and scooters are also widely available to rent from outfits such as JP Two Wheeler .

Top things to do in Pondicherry

Experience pondicherry’s spiritual side.

Pondicherry is home to numerous spiritual sites, the most famous of which is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram , founded by Bengali philosopher Sri Aurobindo and his French collaborator Mirra Alfassa (widely known as “the Mother”). The ashram is a major hub for spiritual life in the city; curious visitors can explore it and learn about ashram activities by taking a tour, or dropping by for an evening meditation session. It’s just around the corner from the Manakula Vinayagar Temple , a centuries-old temple to Ganesh whose colorful interiors are adorned with intricate friezes displaying mythological scenes.

Go gallery hopping

Pondicherry is a great place for art lovers, with galleries in addition to museums and shops selling local creations. Must-sees include the Puducherry Museum , with its centuries’ worth of art and artifacts, and the adjacent Puducherry Contemporary Art Gallery, a government-run space that launched in 2022 to display more-modern expressions of creativity. A 10-minute walk north, Tasmai, a Centre for Art & Culture showcases the works of contemporary artists from Pondicherry and surrounding areas.

Visit Auroville and its golden Matrimandir

Just north of town, Auroville is a “universal township” where residents from around the world live together in an experimental community. Founded by the Mother in 1968, it has continued to grow over the years into the large, spread-out town that it is today. The key attraction here is the Matrimandir , a golf-ball-shaped golden dome at the center of the community. You can make a reservation to visit the interior or drop in to see it from a viewing platform near the visitors center, which doubles as a small shopping complex selling everything from musical instruments to incense, all made by Aurovillians.

My favorite thing to do in Pondicherry

If you love exploring cities on foot, Pondicherry will feel perfect. I particularly love strolling along Goubert Ave (Beach Road) at sunset, when large crowds of families, couples and roving cotton-candy vendors head out on one big evening walk along the seafront . The vibe is super-festive.

A good place to start is at Our Lady of the Angels (Notre Dame des Anges) , a massive church with a huge arched ceiling adorned with pale-blue, jasperware-style tiling. From here, you can cut across the Joan of Arc Park to Beach Rd and continue north – the road continues for about a kilometer before merging with St Louis St.

How much money do I need for Pondicherry?

It’s easy to have a great time in Pondicherry on a tight budget – but the city also has plenty of higher-end places to dine and spend the night. Budget travelers will find a range of guesthouses and homestays to choose from, as well as casual restaurants serving modestly priced dosas and other Tamil and South Indian favorites. If you’ve got more cash to spend, you’ll find lots of deluxe restaurants and hotels, many housed in heritage buildings.

Basic room for two: ₹800–1200

Room for two in an upscale heritage hotel: ₹7,000–₹16,000

South Indian filter coffee : ₹25

Espresso drink: ₹120

Cocktail: ₹400–500

Vegetarian thali at a casual restaurant: ₹150

Dinner for two at an upscale restaurant ₹1,600–₹2,000

What to pack for a trip to Pondicherry

Expect heat and humidity no matter when you visit. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothes made from natural fibers plus a wide-brimmed hat are ideal for staying cool (or at least trying to). Comfortable shoes are a must – especially sandals that are easy to slip on and off if you plan to visit temples. Don’t forget the mosquito repellent, especially if you plan to be outside at dawn or dusk.

The best day trip from Pondicherry

Perhaps the most popular spot within easy day-tripping distance of Pondicherry is the Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) , a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves a collection of intricately carved Pallava temples and edifices, most dating to the 7th century. In the opposite direction, the city of Chidambaram is a great spot for a half-day trip. Its draw is the massive Thillai Nataraja Temple , an exquisitely carved Chola-era complex dedicated to Nataraja (Hindu deity Shiva in his cosmic dancer form).

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The Perfect 2 Day Pondicherry Itinerary

Looking for a quick getaway in India? Here’s the perfect Pondicherry Itinerary that guides you on where to stay, which places to visit, how to reach and which cafes to eat at.

The charming coastal town of Pondicherry is the perfect location if you’re looking for a short, sophisticated beach holiday in India. This is where French heritage meets Indian culture. With its history, spirituality, world class cafes and beautiful landscapes, Pondicherry offers a great blend of experiences for you.

Our goal at Wander Smartly is to make your travels smarter and help you have the best experience on your trips. My friends took me to Pondicherry on my bachelorette trip and it was so much fun, yet an elegant and serene experience at the same time. In this article, I share all the details you would need to best spend two spectacular days in Pondicherry.

2 Day Pondicherry Itinerary

Day 1: visit mahabalipuram, white town, aurobindo ashram & promenade beach, morning: arrive at chennai and halt at mahabalipuram before reaching pondicherry.

Take a morning flight to Chennai and rent a car to reach Pondicherry. This drive is typically 3 hours long, along the coastal road. The ancient town of Mahabalipuram, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on the way to Pondicherry, and I highly recommend you make a stop there to see the iconic Shore Temple. I am not a religious person, but I do recommend visiting this temple built right by the ocean for its location and architecture.

You can also check out the rock-cut caves, Arjuna’s Penance, and the Five Rathas. Grab lunch at The Wharf, located within the Radisson Blu Resort, a highly rated place with ocean views.

Afternoon: Reach Pondicherry and Check-in

After a delightful sight-seeing expiring and a fulfilling lunch, reach Pondicherry and relax for a bit at your hotel. You must, must plan to stay at White Town in Pondicherry, the best location with French quarters and proximity to the ocean. Staying within White Town gets you the best of your stay in Pondicherry, so ensure you book your hotel in advance.

I’d recommend Villa Shanti as a great place to stay. It is a charming boutique hotel that offers a delightful blend of French aesthetics and Indian hospitality.

Evening: Explore White Town, Visit Aurobindo Aashram and Walk along Promenade Beach

White Town is also known as the French Quarter, the beating heart of Pondicherry’s colonial charm. As you stroll through its narrow, cobbled streets, you will be transported to an era of French colonial architecture and culture. The distinctive mustard-yellow buildings with white facades and colorful bougainvillea will simply make you fall in love with the town.

Grab coffee at Hope Café. It has some funky, psychedelic art on its walls which is quite distinctive and beautiful, to say the least.

Next, visit the iconic Aurobindo Ashram in White Town. Founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926, the Aurobindo Ashram provides a serene and peaceful environment for you to meditate, even for a bit, and seek solace. The beautiful gardens and quiet courtyards offer a conducive atmosphere for some relaxation.

You would need to remove your footwear outside the Ashram but don’t worry, the place is neat and clean.

Next, stroll by the Promenade Beach, often referred to as the “Pondicherry Beach”. You can relax on the benches here while enjoying the sea breeze and the sound of crashing waves. Sounds inviting, doesn’t it?

I’m pretty sure I had the best gelato ice cream in India at Gelateria Montecatini Terme on beach road in Pondicherry. You can continue walking along the promenade till you reach here. With authentic Italian Gelato in multiple flavours on offer, you cannot skip this place on your trip to Pondicherry!

Night: Enjoy dinner at Coromandel Café

Enjoy a great dinner at Coromandel Cafe, known for its cozy ambiance and delectable French-Indian fusion cuisine. Try sitting outside for a great vibe. I loved their desserts on offer, especially the Tiramisu, which tasted like a small piece of heaven in my mouth.

Day 2 – Visit Auroville, Serenity Beach, and Le Café

Morning: breakfast at café des arts and visit to auroville.

Begin your second day with a delectable breakfast at Café Des Arts. This is one of the most popular (with good reason) and instagrammable cafes in all of Pondicherry, making it a must-visit place for you.

Do keep in mind the café opens at 9 am and is closed on Tuesdays.

Auroville is an experimental township located near Pondicherry – it takes about 30 mins to reach from Pondicherry. It was founded in 1968 by The Mother, and was envisioned as a place where people from all walks of life and from around the world could come together in harmony, towards a shared vision of human unity and sustainable living.

Even today, Auroville is home to people from around the world who have come to live, work, and contribute to the community. The residents, known as Aurovilians, come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and professions.

At the heart of Auroville stands the Matrimandir, a breathtaking architectural marvel and the spiritual center of the community. If you wish to visit the inner chamber of the Matrimandir , you would need to make a booking days in advance and reach before 8:30 am on your day of visit.

You would be taken through an exhibition and video presentation and you would be doing a fair bit of walking in Auroville, so remember to wear comfortable shoes. You can also spend some time exploring their souvenir shop, but I personally found the items to be exorbitantly priced. Grab lunch at the café in Auroville, and then head over to Serenity Beach.

Afternoon: Serenity Beach

Serenity Beach, located just a few kilometers north of Pondicherry, is a hidden gem along the Bay of Bengal. It boasts golden sandy shores that stretch for miles, flanked by turquoise ocean waters. The beach offers a stunning backdrop for long, leisurely walks. The icing on the cake is the stone bridge along the ocean, which you must walk along and sit at, for a soothing experience of the ocean.

Evening: Coffee at Le Cafe

Return to Pondicherry and visit Le Café at Promenade Beach. This place, undoubtedly, offers the best ocean view in all of Pondicherry and is a must-visit destination. It is a humble place and you may have to stand in a queue to order your coffee, but it is worth the views you’d be soaking in. Try taking a table upstairs for better views.

Dinner: Farewell Feast

For your farewell meal in Pondicherry, make a reservation at Villa Shanti for an alfresco, fine-dining experience. Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, Villa Shanti retains the colonial charm of its architecture and offers a diverse range of culinary experiences from classic French dishes to Indian-inspired creations.

With this, your two-day adventure in Pondicherry would come to an end. You can travel back to Chennai the next morning and take a flight home from Chennai airport.

Where to Stay

My best recommendation is for you to stay in the French quarters of Pondicherry – White Town. Your experience of Pondicherry will be immensely heightened by staying here. Villa Shanti, in particular, is an excellent place to stay. This heritage villa turned hotel is a haven offering a tranquil and elegant abode in the vibrant area of White Town. The hotel is adorned with a serene courtyard and a lush garden, providing a peaceful oasis within the bustling town. The outdoor spaces are perfect for relaxation, reading a book, or simply unwinding amidst the greenery.

You must book your stay in advance as hotels in White Town tend to sell out quickly.

Best Time to Travel

The best time to visit Pondicherry is during the winter months, from October to March. This period offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the town on foot and other activities.

How to Reach

The best way to enjoy this itinerary is to take a flight to Chennai and reach Pondicherry by road via Mahabalipuram. Pondicherry also has an airport of its own but does not offer direct flights to most cities in India.

Alternatively, Pondicherry has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in South India like Chennai, Bangalore, and Mangalore. Another option is to reach Villupuram Junction, which is approximately 35 kilometers away from Pondicherry. Villupuram is a major railhead and is well-connected to various cities in India.

Local Transportation in Pondicherry

The best way to experience Pondicherry is on foot. Walking allows you to explore the quaint streets, colonial architecture, and nearby attractions at your own pace.

Pondicherry is known for being a cycle-friendly town, and renting a bicycle is a popular option for exploring the area.

Auto rickshaws are a popular and convenient mode of transport within Pondicherry. Negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey, or ensure they use the meter. Auto rickshaws are suitable for short distances and can take you to various destinations within the town.

You can rent a motorcycle or taxi for a full day of sightseeing.

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola operate in Pondicherry, providing an easy and convenient option for booking cabs to specific destinations within the town or nearby areas.

Pondicherry is a destination that seamlessly combines history, spirituality, and gastronomy. With this 2-day itinerary, you’ll have a taste of the unique blend of French and Indian culture that makes this town so special. Make sure to take in the sights, savor the flavors, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Pondicherry. Happy travels!

Drop a comment below to let us know your thoughts or questions! Check more travel guides for India or visit our destinations page for detailed travel guides on places worth visiting.

How many days are sufficient for Pondicherry?

2 to 3 days is sufficient to enjoy the best of Pondicherry

Which is the best month to visit Pondicherry?

October to March is the best time to visit Pondicherry

Why Pondicherry is better than Goa?

The charming coastal town of Pondicherry is the perfect location if you’re looking for a short, sophisticated beach holiday in India. This is where French heritage meets Indian culture. With its history, spirituality, world class cafes and beautiful landscapes, Pondicherry offers a more refined experience than Goa.

Things to do in Pondicherry

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Pondicherry Beach

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Top things to do in Pondicherry

Here is the list of 29 things to do in pondicherry, 1. take a ferry to paradise beach.

Also known as the Plage Paradiso, Paradise Beach is situated in Chunnambar, close to Pondicherry town. Adorned with the golden sand, this famous and highly sought after beach is always swaying in a cold sea breeze. This is a little-isolated beach, and to reach here, you have to take a ferry across the backwaters, which takes around 20-30 minutes, and is one of the most exciting things to do in Pondicherry.

2. Cruise and Spot Dolphins at Chunnambar Boat House

Chunambar is a quaint little hamlet located along Cuddalore Main Road, around 8 km from Pondicherry. This serene town is visited by tourists for its beach, which is know as Paradise Beach, situated near the mouth of the backwater. One of the delightful things to do in Pondicherry is to embark on a cruise and dolphin-spotting adventure at the Chunnambar Boat House. Offering a serene escape along the backwaters, this experience allows visitors to witness the charm of Pondicherry's coastal beauty while enjoying the thrill of spotting playful dolphins in their natural habitat. 

3. Cycle Around to Absorb the Gorgeous French Architecture

One of the most exciting and picturesque things to do in Pondicherry is to tour the beautiful territory on traditional vintage bicycles. You can also go for guided tours around the stunning French Quarters, charming mustard streets, colonial villas and vibrant Tamil settlements. Besides a very picturesque view of the lovely alleys and narrow lanes, you can also marvel at the gorgeous architecture of the French colonial settlements.

4. Relish a Mesmerizing Sunrise

One thing that you must definitely witness while on a trip to Pondicherry is the very mesmerising sunrise. The lovely beaches, or the gorgeous colonies, or even the promenades, are all amazing locations to experience a wonderful orange sun rise above the horizon. This is one of the top things to do in Pondicherry and is sure to stay with you for a long long time.

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Embarking on the thrilling experience of scuba diving is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating things to do in Pondicherry. Beneath the turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal, adventurers can discover a vibrant marine world teeming with colorful coral reefs and fascinating sea life. The underwater exploration not only offers an adrenaline rush but also provides a unique perspective on Pondicherry's coastal beauty, making scuba diving an unforgettable activity for those seeking adventure in this coastal haven.

6. Take a Leisure Walk by the Seaside Promenade

One of the things that does justice to Pondicherry's French Roots is its beautiful Seaside Promenade. The area is well maintained, clean and beautiful and you can actually feel foam spray on your face while sipping a cooler in one of the many cafes at the promenade or just while taking a walk. Whether you're visiting during the sunny day or the starry night, the Seaside Promenade is equally feel good.

7. Try Water Sports and Get an Adrenaline Rush

With a unique, peaceful coastal beauty to it, Pondicherry is quickly becoming every beach lovers' favourite hideout. Among the several other things to do in Pondicherry, this one tops the list. A number of water sports options along its white sandy beaches are another reason for travellers to love Pondy, as it is lovingly known.

8. Explore the Sites of Arikamedu

Situated within a half hour drive of the French colonial town of Pondicherry, Arikamedu is an ancient Roman trade centre hidden from the eyes and ears of the commonplace Tamil tourism. Visiting the ancient town is one of the most essential things to do in Pondicherry. This port town was occupied by the people of Rome, Cholas, and French serving as a very famous maritime centre from 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. The glass bead manufacturing factory of Arikamedu is called the mother of all bead centres in the whole wide world.

9. Spot Birds at Ousteri Wetland and National Park

A national park rich in flora and fauna, Ousteri Wetland and National Park lay 10 km from Pondicherry town on the Pondicherry-Villuppuram road. Spread across an area of 3 sq kms, the place basically lies on the border of Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu. One can spot diverse variety of aqua-fauna and avi-fauna here. Apart from that, several distinct species of plants and trees call this place their home that also attracts a large number of migratory birds. Among the top things to do in Pondicherry, this one tops the charts.

10. Find Peace at Auroville Ashram

Conceived as the 'Universal Town', the Auroville Ashram is an experimental township - the idea is to create a city where people from across the world of all cultures and traditions come and live together in peace. Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and a disciple of Shri Aurobindo, French Lady known as 'Maa' or 'The Mother', the Aurobindo Ashram is a place where you can relax and calm your inner being. Visiting the Ashram should definitely be on your list of top 'things to do in Pondicherry'. 

11. Relax at Serenity Beach

Located at a distance of 10 kms, on the outskirts on Puducherry in Kottakuppam, Serenity Beach is one of the most amazing beaches and visiting here is one of the top things to do in Pondicherry. Boasting of supreme tranquility and sun-kissed sands, the beach is a gorgeous getaway from the city lapped by sparking waters of the scenic Bay of Bengal. The peaceful stretch is lined with a trail of rocks and dotted with sea-facing resorts ideal for honeymooners. Since the beach is isolated and little known by the locals, it provides an atmosphere of absolute ataraxy and quietude.

12. Take a Walk at Pondicherry Beach

Pondicherry Beach is also known as the Promenade Beach. It is a famous stretch of beachfront that extends from War Memorial to the Dupleix Park on the Goubert Ave, in the city of Puducherry, India. It stretches up to 1.2 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal and is the most popular stretch of road in Pondicherry. The beach is often crowded with groups of people playing volleyball, jogging, walking, skating, yoga and swimming, especially during the evenings. You definitely have to visit this promenade as it is one of the most surreal things to do in Pondicherry. 

13. Marvel At the Architecture of Meeran Mosque

One of the most revered religious spot by Muslims; Meeran Mosque was built about three hundred and fifty years ago. In fact, it serves as the oldest mosque in Pondicherry with a distinct type of architecture. Established by the Arcod Nawabs in Gothic Islamic style, there are four pillars supporting the dome of the structure. The beauty of the shrine is further enhanced by the placement of Bronze Kallasa on the front facing minaret.

14. Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

One of the most sacred and religious places of Pondicherry, the Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus is situated 2.5 km away from the Pondicherry Bus Station on the south boulevard of the town. One of the 21 Basilicas in India and the only one in Pondicherry, this church was set up by the French missionaries in 1908 which was given the status of the Basilica in 2011. One of the most beautiful Catholic Churches of Pondicherry, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus beautifully showcases the Gothic architecture.

15. Pay your Respect at French War Memorial

French War Memorial is a stylish structure located in the Goubert Avenue and is dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. On 14th of July every year, an annual commemoration ceremony is held here during which the monument is beautifully illuminated. This memorial offers a pleasant experience to all visitors.

16. Natural Retreat at Botanical Garden

A popular tourist attraction of Pondicherry, Botanical Garden was established by C.S. Perrotet in the year 1862. The garden is home to several exotic varieties of rare plants as well as an aquarium. This wide range of plants has been collected from various parts of India and around the globe. There might be several exciting things to do in Pondicherry but this one is tops the charts when it comes to gorgeous scenery and bounteous nature.

17. Take a Glimpse at History in Pondicherry Museum

Located in the Bharathi Park, Pondicherry Museum houses a fantastic collection of sculptures. It has the remains of the archeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. Bronze sculptures of god and goddess, a wide gathering of temple lamps, handicrafts and art are also kept here. Some specimens of Chola and Pallava art from Pondicherry and Karaikal are displayed in the sculpture gallery. A visit to the museum is one of the most amazing things to do in Pondicherry.

18. Marvel at Beauty of Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Immaculate Conception Cathedral or Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee Church is a beautiful place of worship established in year 1686. Dedicated to St. Peters, it is a church of Capuchins and was first served as a small chapel situated outside the government park. In fact, it was the only surviving structure during the British invasion who aimed at mass destruction of buildings and monuments. Here, the mass is performed at 5:15 am to 6:15 am from Monday to Saturday while on Sundays; it begins at 5:00 pm.

19. Kids Day Out at Jawahar Toy Museum

Embarking on a kids' day out at the Jawahar Toy Museum is one of the delightful things to do in Pondicherry. Located in the heart of the city, this museum is a haven for young minds, showcasing an extensive collection of toys from different cultures and eras. The interactive exhibits and playful atmosphere make it an engaging and educational destination, ensuring a memorable experience for children and families exploring Pondicherry.

20. Visit the Ancient Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

When in Pondicherry, a must-do activity is to visit the ancient Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, adding a touch of spirituality to your list of things to do in Pondicherry. This historic temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, boasts a unique architectural charm and a rich cultural heritage. Embark on a journey through the vibrant streets of Pondicherry and explore the intricate sculptures and rituals at the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, immersing yourself in the cultural tapestry of this charming coastal town.

21. Visit the Magnificent Mahatma Gandhi Statue

The four-meter high statue of Mahatma Gandhi is surrounded by eight granite pillars, which were supposedly brought from Gingee, a fort some 70 km from Pondicherry. The statue is placed in the middle of a garden situated at Dumas Street and attracts tourists in large number. And if you around, visiting here should definitely be there on your list of things to do in Pondicherry.

22. Seek Solace at the Aurobindo Ashram

Located in the White Town of Pondicherry, Aurobindo Ashram has been named after its creator- Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. The foundation of this ashram was laid on 24th November in the year 1926 when he was surrounded by his disciples all over after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry. This ashram was set up with the aim of helping people attain moksha and inner peace. Thousands of tourists from all over the country visit the ashram to experience and achieve spiritual knowledge. The ashram is by far one of the wealthiest ashrams in the world. Also, the ashram does not have any branches and solely exists in Pondicherry.

23. Go Cafe Hopping in Pondicherry

Apart from being a great tourist spot, it is widely known for its cheap alcohol. However, if you are a connoisseur, then it is an excellent place for you to visit as it serves a wide variety of gourmet food. Housing the best French Cafes in India, Pondicherry is a foodie's paradise and is a great place for you to try out new gourmet cuisines from around the world.

24. Cycle Through the Town

25. Take a Walk through the White Town

Taking a walk through the White Town is a must for those seeking enchanting experiences in Pondicherry. This charming colonial quarter, characterized by its distinctive French architecture, offers a unique blend of heritage and tranquility. Amidst the vibrant colors and cobblestone streets, exploring the White Town stands out as one of the most delightful things to do in Pondicherry, providing a glimpse into the town's rich history and cultural tapestry.

26. Go Shopping in Pondicherry

Embarking on a shopping spree in Pondicherry is one of the quintessential things to do in this charming coastal town. The vibrant markets and boutique stores offer an array of unique finds, from exquisite handmade crafts to fashionable apparel. Roaming through the streets, exploring the diverse range of shops, and indulging in the distinct shopping experience adds a delightful dimension to your visit to Pondicherry.

27. Go Beach Hopping

Beach hopping is a delightful activity and one of the must-try things to do in Pondicherry, offering a unique blend of relaxation and coastal exploration. The town boasts a string of beautiful beaches such as Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach, and Promenade Beach, each with its own distinct charm. From serene shores to vibrant promenades, Pondicherry's beach hopping experience caters to every traveler seeking sun, sand, and the refreshing sea breeze.

28. Experience Pondicherry Nightlife

Exploring Pondicherry's nightlife is among the enticing things to do in Pondicherry, offering a unique blend of coastal charm and vibrant energy. As the sun sets, the beachside promenade comes alive with a myriad of cafes, bars, and cultural events. Whether it's sipping on a refreshing drink by the sea or enjoying live music performances, experiencing Pondicherry's nightlife adds an enchanting dimension to the city's diverse offerings.

29. Rent a Bike in Pondicherry

Renting a bike in Pondicherry is a popular choice for travelers seeking a convenient and adventurous way to explore this charming coastal town. It opens up a world of possibilities for things to do in Pondicherry, allowing visitors to effortlessly navigate through the vibrant streets, visit iconic landmarks like the French Quarter and Auroville, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of the seaside promenade. With the wind in your hair, renting a bike provides the freedom to discover Pondicherry's unique blend of French and Indian cultures at your own pace.

This post was published by Aqsa Aleem

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Home » Asia » India » EPIC 3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary! (2024 Guide)

EPIC 3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary! (2024 Guide)

Pondicherry is an Indian gem. A small seacoast town in southeast India, it contains a unique blend of Indian and European cultures. You’ll find Hindu temples within walking distance from Catholic cathedrals, and Indian restaurants serving food from distinctly colonial French buildings.

Pondicherry remains one of India’s best-kept secrets. If you Google, “best cities to visit in India”, you’re likely to see heavy hitters like Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, and much more pop up long before you see Pondicherry. What does this mean for you? Is Pondicherry a “meh” place no one wants to go to? Far from it.

Pondicherry actually offers a near-perfect blend of the qualities many travelers often seek. Because it’s a smaller city and not too well-known yet, it has tons of “off-the-beaten-track” attractions and activities. You shouldn’t be surprised when you go to some of the places on this itinerary and you find that you’re the only foreigner in sight.

But what’s so nice about Pondicherry is that it’s just touristy enough; so you’ll still have the ease and convenience that are present when a city is accustomed to dealing with visitors. It’s easy to get around, easy to find accommodation, and easy to make friends—but at the same time, it’s absolutely not overly touristy.

But if you’re reading this article, chances are you already know all this. So let’s proceed.

A Little Bit About This 3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary

Where to stay in pondicherry for 3 days, pondicherry itinerary day 1: the spirit of india, pondicherry itinerary day 2: the sands of time, pondicherry itinerary day 3: everything else, what to do with more than 3 days in pondicherry, best time to visit pondicherry, how to get around pondicherry, how to prepare before visiting pondicherry, final thoughts.

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I’m sure you want to get right into the details, but first, there are some important, general things about Pondicherry, and this itinerary, that I want to tell you about.

Pondicherry is a small city, which means that lots of the “city center” attractions are clustered right near each other. But this also means that some of the best highlights are in the surrounding countryside. So this itinerary is going to take you on a bit of a zigzagged course around (and slightly outside of) the city. I tried to give each day a bit of a theme, so you can really immerse yourself fully in the character and culture of this wondrous city.

As I said, Pondicherry isn’t huge by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s still pretty important to choose a nice area to stay in. You can find a variety of options, ranging from luxurious hotels to unique cottages that perfectly match your needs.

You’ll be taking buses and tuk-tuks, but you’ll also be doing a lot of walking, as this is the best way to really see the main areas of the city. Also, not every area has the same number of hostels and guesthouses. So it can’t hurt to do some research and find your favorite area, both in terms of vibe and in terms of convenience—more on this in the next section.

Finally, why 3 days? Why not 5? Or 2?

I don’t really have a good answer for you. When you’re dealing with romantic matters such as exploring new cities and countries, answers aren’t always so cut-and-dried. What I can say is this: if you really want to “get to know” Pondicherry, you shouldn’t try to do it in less than three days.

In fact, you could easily spend a week here and not run out of things to do in Pondicherry . I’m nearly certain you’ll discover more amazing things and meet more amazing people. For that reason, you’ll see that I’ve included some additional highlights near the end of this article. Definitely don’t miss out on these if you’re going to spend more than 3 days in Pondicherry.

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3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram | The Promenade | French Quarter | Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple | Goubert Market
• Day 2 in Pondicherry: Paradise Beach | Arikamedu | Pondicherry Museum | Pondicherry Lighthouse
• Day 3 in Pondicherry: Immaculate Conception Cathedral | Matrimandir | Auroville | Pondicherry Botanical Garden | Cluny Embroidery Center | French Quarter | Le Club

If you’re really serious about seeing the best of what Pondicherry has to offer, you’ll have to accept the fact that you’ll be traveling all over the city and surrounding regions. It’s not really ideal to just stay in one tiny neighborhood for most of the time.

The reason? Many historical and religious attractions are located to the east, near the sea. But the main bus station is to the west, closer to the geographical center of the city, and other small towns and some of the most famous sites are located a bit outside of the city, either to the north or south.

So you’ll inevitably be zigzagging and crisscrossing your way all around Pondicherry and the surrounding areas. Nonetheless, it’s just a fact that the French Quarter, to the east, contains the densest grouping of must-see places, especially if you’re visiting Pondicherry for the first time.

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Therefore, I highly recommend you stay in White Town. It’s right next to the beach and right in the heart of the city. It’s also a major cultural hub, containing some of the most prominent colonial French architecture in the whole city.

The only downside of White Town is that it tends to be a bit more on the expensive side (but let’s be real—India’s “expensive” is still super cheap). If you’re planning on renting a scooter or a car, you have the luxury of staying either on the outskirts of the city or in a more off-the-beaten-path area like Orleanpet, Mudaliarpet, or Vandrapet. It will probably be harder to find hostels or guesthouses in these areas, but if you do, prices are sure to be lower than in White Town.

But trust me, White Town is awesome—you can’t go wrong here. There are so many accommodation options to choose from hostels to villas in Pondicherry , but below are three of my personal favorites.

Best Hostel in Pondicherry – Eness Hostels

Eness Hostels is cheap, but also clean and modern. It’s located right in the heart of White Town, which means you’ll easily be able to walk to many of the main attractions on the itinerary. This chill Pondicherry hostel also has the ultimate “cool kids” hangout spot: a rooftop terrace!

The dorms are the cheapest, but they also offer private rooms for extremely reasonable prices. Overall, Eness Hostels is your best bet for a budget option in White Town.

Best Budget Hotel in Pondicherry – Maison Blanche

For those who are looking to save money, but whose noses instinctively turn up at the thought of stooping so low as to stay in a hostel, check out Maison Blanche. Also perfectly located right near White Town, it has a cozy, homely feel. The hotel offers around-the-clock front desk service, and every room has a nice flatscreen TV. Pretty hard to beat, given the low prices!

Best Luxury Hotel in Pondicherry – La Villa

Maybe you had a tough week at work, and your vacation needs to be pure tranquility and relaxation. I get it. In that case, you’ll want to book yourself a stay at La Villa Hotel – one of the most luxurious in the region. Whether you’re swimming in the pool, reading in your room, or even just sitting on the porcelain throne, you’ll feel like you’re living in a magazine; it’s just that nice.

Day 1 is a headfirst dive into the authentic, spiritual side of Pondicherry. The pace is a little more laid-back, so take your time, enjoy coffee and tea breaks as you see fit, and begin your stay in Pondicherry with some quiet moments of respect and devotion.

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8:30 am – Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo Ashram is first on the list because it’s one of Pondicherry’s most iconic places.

To give you a bit of background, Sri Aurobindo was a revered Indian philosopher and yoga teacher. His long-time collaborator and companion was a mysterious woman known as The Mother. Together, they built some remarkable places of spiritual reflection, yoga, and meditation—the Ashram is one of them.

Pranam and meditation are performed every morning from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. If you feel comfortable, channel your inner monk and meditate with the members of the Ashram. If that’s not your thing, just have a look around and explore the grounds. Regardless, be sure to wear appropriate clothing and conduct yourself with respect—you’ll be on holy ground!

• Cost –  Free from 8:00 am to 11:30 am, and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. After that, you will need to get a visitor’s pass.
• How long should I stay here? – 1-2 hours.
• Getting there – If you’re staying in White Town, it’s a short walk. If not, there’s a bus stop on H.M. Kassim Salai, the big road just outside the Ashram.

10:30 am – Brunch at The Promenade

For totally different reasons, the Promenade is also one of Pondicherry’s most iconic places. It’s basically a long, wide walking path that runs parallel to the shoreline. There’s a gigantic selection of cafés and restaurants along the entire length of the street. You’ll have no trouble finding a tasty brunch spot that suits your fancy. And that brings up another one of Pondicherry’s perks. Because of the combined Asian and European influences, food of every variety and nearly every culture can be found here.

After you eat, feel free to make a little detour to Promenade Beach, which is right off the Promenade. There are rocks bordering the sea, so it’s not the best for swimming—but for a serene beach walk? Yes, please!

• Cost –  It depends on where you eat. Cheap Indian food will be ~$3, whereas some Western food restaurants can run up to $10 or more.
• How long should I stay here? – As long as you feel like it!
• Getting there – It’s less than a 10-minute walk from Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

12:00 pm – French Quarter

Pondicherry was colonized by the French for a total of 150 years. France, and other European nations, clearly left their marks on this Asian city. The French Quarter is perhaps the most distinctly European area of Pondicherry; and actually, White Town and the Promenade are both located within the French Quarter.

I recommend you rent a bicycle and just explore. A bike allows you to see the city the same way you can while walking—you’ll be going slow enough that every street corner, every facade, and every little boutique store will stand out to you. But it’s a lot easier and less sweaty than walking.

From the architecture to the landscaping to the people, the French Quarter is seriously stunning. Take pictures, because it’s definitely postcard material! You’ll be in one of the most unique places in all of Asia.

Once you’ve seen enough, stop at a local restaurant (there are a lot) for a late lunch, an iced coffee, and maybe a quick afternoon doze in your chair.

• Cost – Food can be anywhere from $3 and upwards.
• How long should I stay here? – 2-3 hours.
• Getting there – The Promenade is technically in the French Quarter already—so just start walking!

3:30 – Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Try saying “Sri Manakula Vinayagar” three times quickly. Yeah, I can’t even say it once. No matter how you choose to pronounce it, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple remains one of Pondicherry’s most hallowed religious sites.

This temple was built around 500 years ago for the Hindu god Ganesha. Aesthetically, it’s a marvelously ornate jumble of past pinks, blues, greens, yellows, and oranges. One of the main highlights is the golden chariot, located inside the temple. Generous donations from devout Hindus yielded more than 16 pounds of pure gold, which was used in the construction of the chariot. Trust me, it’s a sight to see.

Don’t be shy about offering something to Ganesha, or even just praying and meditating quietly on your own. If you’re respectful about it, the locals usually love to see foreigners who take their religion seriously. If you don’t want to do that, just sit and think about the resources and manpower needed to construct such a prestigious building way back in the 1500s.

People from nearly everywhere in India have been known to make pilgrimages specifically to visit this temple. As you remove your shoes and enter, think about how lucky you are to be here!

• Cost –  Free!
• Getting there –  No matter where you are in the French Quarter, the temple shouldn’t be more than a 15-minute walk away.

5:30 – Goubert Market

At this point, I’m thinking you’ll be feeling a little bit too calm and peaceful inside—so we’re changing things up with your final stop of the day. Get ready for a shock (the good kind!)

Goubert Market is a sprawling wonderland of streets and tiny walking paths, every spare bit of space crowded with food stands. Local merchants are hawking every sort of edible good you can think of; fish, vegetables, rice, spices, etc. Different items are available in different sections, with some people even selling clothing, jewelry, baskets, and more.

If you’ve never been to an Asian market like this before, it will probably be a bit overwhelming. You’ll also find that it’s very easy to get lost. When you’re a foreigner in a place like this, the best advice I can give you is to just get lost in the experience.

Of course, be safe—but don’t worry so much about keeping your bearings or even understanding everything that’s going on all around you. You’ll be bumped into, coughed on, and sneezed on. And whether it’s fish or just bodies that haven’t seen the inside of a shower for too long, your nostrils will be assaulted by some seriously questionable smells.

But that’s just the magic of these types of places. If you need the comforts and familiarity of home everywhere you go, then why even leave?

• Cost – Free, unless you buy something. And don’t be afraid to haggle!
• How long should I stay here? – 1 hour is plenty.
• Getting there – From Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, it is a 10-minute walk to the market.

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Day 2 in Pondicherry is going to be very sandy, very historical, and very fun. You’ll be starting off at the beach, and even though there are tons of shops nearby, it always helps to be prepared. So make sure you bring plenty of water, towels, and anything else you deem essential for a beach day.

9:00 am – Paradise Beach

Pondicherry is a coastal town, so there’s really no shortage of pristine beaches . But among all the pristine beaches surrounding the city, Paradise Beach stands… pristine.

First off, even getting to Paradise Beach is an adventure. You have to go to Chunnambar Boat House, where you’ll purchase a cheap boat ticket and take a beautiful, 15-minute ride over to the actual beach. Before you do that though, you might want to hang around the boat house for a bit.

The best way to experience the coast charm of Pondicherry is by opting for a stay at a beach house . It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine and nature while also being just steps away from the beach.

Outdoor sporting enthusiasts will have a field day in this place. You can rent a kayak and peacefully paddle the morning away, or rent a jet ski or go for a speed boat ride if you want to start the morning off with a bang.

Once you get tired of these hardcore activities (if you ever do!) snag a ticket and head to Paradise Beach; the boats start taking people across at 9:00 am. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a serene, natural beach area with a nearby mangrove forest and powder-fine sand. Work on your tan, or just float in the warm, aqua-blue waters of the Indian Ocean—tough choices, I know!

Once you start getting hungry, buy yourself a delightful little lunch (or a delightful big lunch—no judgement here) from the myriad of little restaurants and cafés surrounding the beach. And definitely make sure to sample some bhaji, which is a classic Indian vegetable fritter. Just make sure they don’t make it too spicy for you—the Indian standard of spicy is on another level entirely from what you’re probably used to.

• Cost – ~$0.20 for a boat ticket to the beach. Kayaks and jet ski rentals vary, starting around $5 and going up from there depending on what you rent and for how long. Food will be around $3-4 for a meal.
• How long should I stay here? – 3-5 hours.
• Getting there – To get to Paradise Beach, take the 15-minute boat ride from Chunnambar Boat House. To get to Chunnambar Boat House, your best bet is going to be flagging down a tuk-tuk (these are usually never in short supply). Transport is an area where it’s normal to haggle, so don’t feel pressured to accept the very first offer from your driver.

2:00 pm – Arikamedu

I know you’ll probably be dying for a shower and a change of clothes at this point, but trust me—make a pit stop at Arikamedu first.

Arikamedu is one of the great treasures of archaeology. It’s basically an ancient coastal trading post, established over 2,000 years ago by the Greeks. Hordes of ancient relics have been uncovered at this site, including ones from even before the Greeks arrived!

Today, what remains of Arikamedu is a still-elegant network of stone walls and buildings. It’s all outside, so this is a perfect place to go for a little while on your way back from the beach. It won’t matter that you’re probably damp, sweaty, and sandy.

• Cost – Zero. Did you get that? Z E R O!
• How long should I stay here? – Around 1 hour is plenty.
• Getting there – Arikamedu is conveniently right in between Paradise Beach and the city center. So grab a tuk-tuk for a 10-minute right from Chunnambar Boat House.

4:00 pm – Pondicherry Museum

I hope Arikamedu whetted your history appetite because Pondicherry Museum is really where it’s at. First, head back to your hostel or hotel, shower, and change, and then head out in the cooling afternoon to the museum.

The Pondicherry Museum has so much variety. There are relics here from numerous cultures and numerous eras. Many artifacts are from the Pallava and Chola dynasties, which began around 275 AD. You’ll find relics from ancient Greece, colonial France, and of course ancient India! There are sculptures, pottery, weapons, coins—even old vehicles like palanquins and pousse-pousses, which are essentially different takes on tuk-tuks.

The Pondicherry Museum really is one of the richest sources of culture and history to be found anywhere throughout the city—so take it all in!

• Cost – ~$0.65 per person.
• Getting there – The Pondicherry Museum is located right off the Promenade. If you’re staying in the area, it’s a short walk. Otherwise, there’s a bus stop a few blocks away, on the big road H.M. Kassim Salai.

6:00 pm – Pondicherry Old Lighthouse for Sunset

There are two lighthouses in Pondicherry. The old one was built in 1836 but became obsolete upon the creation of the New Lighthouse in 1971. They’re both beautiful, but the old one is just more aesthetically pleasing—and assuming you like to take pictures, I must recommend the old one.

After the New Lighthouse was built, the Old Lighthouse was converted into a museum. Now, I’m sure your museum battery is depleted at this point, so you’ll probably want to chill outside nearby. The views from the lighthouse area are truly spectacular, especially around sunset. You’ll have the deep orange glow of the setting sun on one side, and the endless blue of the sea on the other. If you ask me, there’s no better way to end a day than with a sunset.

Don’t forget to bring a camera if you have one. You’re likely to get some perfect golden-hour lighting—and a lighthouse during sunset sounds like any outdoor photographer’s dream to me!

After you leave the lighthouse, grab some dinner and head to bed early—the next day is going to be a busy one (and an early one)!

• Cost – Free as long as you don’t go inside the museum.
• How long should I stay here? – 1 hour.
• Getting there – the Old Lighthouse is a three-minute walk from the Pondicherry Museum.

In many ways, I’ve saved the best for last. Today you’ll be spending most of the day in the magical, one-of-a-kind township of Auroville, before heading back to the city center to finish off your trip with a bang!

6:00 am – Sunrise at Immaculate Conception Cathedral

So, I want to be clear that you don’t have to get here for sunrise. In fact, the doors of the Cathedral don’t open until 7:00 am anyway, so you’ll have to just admire the outside until then. But I tend to be a morning person, and I love the still, quiet hours at the day’s inception. For me, there’s no better time to visit a beautiful religious building. But if that’s not you, feel free to visit a little later.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral has a crazy history, a testament to the devout persistence of the early Jesuits. The Cathedral was built and subsequently destroyed three times before the final construction in 1770. The four separate construction attempts took place over nearly 100 years.

Though the Cathedral isn’t huge the way the Cathedral of Notre Dame is huge, it’s beautiful in its own fashion. It’s intricately detailed both outside and inside, with a white, pillared facade and vibrant interior ceiling art.

The devastating history of the Cathedral, as well as the fact that it’s in Asia, makes it quite a profound site.

• Cost – Free!
• Getting there – The Cathedral is right next to White Town, so if you’re staying anywhere in the French Quarter, it’ll be a short walk. Otherwise, there’s a bus stop about one block away on the big road, H.M. Kassim Salai.

8:30 am – Matrimandir

If you’ve done any sort of research on Pondicherry, you’ve definitely seen a picture of Matrimandir. It’s a huge, golden, dome-shaped, wondrous feat of architecture.

Matrimandir was built over the course of 37 years, again by The Mother. The building itself is gorgeous; you could spend a good amount of time just admiring it from all angles. The grounds are no less beautiful, the grass and bushes being trimmed into sunning geometrical shapes. Especially when viewed from overhead, the attention to detail is astounding.

Matrimandir was created as a place for serious practitioners of meditation and yoga. In fact, Sri Aurobindo and The Mother (who also founded Sri Aurobindo Ashram) created their own type of yoga, known as Integral Yoga, which is still practiced there today.

Inside Matrimandir is the Inner Chamber, which is truly one of the most aesthetically marvelous places I’ve ever seen. It’s an empty room of pure white walls and white columns, and in the center is the largest flawless glass globe in the world. Bear in mind that the Inner Chamber is a serious place for meditation—so don’t treat it like any old tourist attraction.

You can visit Matrimandir and just walk around and look at it from the outside, or you can go into the Inner Chamber. The viewpoint is open from 9:00 am, and you will need to get a pass from the Visitors Centre. The Inner Chamber is open to visitors at 8:30 am every day except Tuesday and Sunday. You will need to request a booking at least a few days in advance.

• Cost – Visits to both the viewpoint and the Inner Chamber are free of charge.
• Getting there – No public buses reliably run from Pondicherry to Matrimandir, so book a tuk-tuk. The ride is about 20-25 minutes.

10:00 am – Auroville

I can say with relative certainty that there is no place on earth like Auroville.

This township was created about 50 years ago, with the express purpose of being a “Universal Town.” Today, it certainly is a Universal Town; the 3,000 residents come from 195 different countries! Again, The Mother was the main spiritual genius behind this place.

The town is, and was always meant to be, a place of true peace and serenity. Beyond this mindset of the people and their incredible diversity, it’s mostly a normal town. There are guesthouses, cafés, restaurants, and stores.

I recommend sitting down for a nice late breakfast here after leaving Matrimandir. As you can probably guess, the huge variety in the nationalities of the town’s residents results in you being able to enjoy a huge variety of different food types. So just pick a place that suits your fancy, and enjoy!

After breakfast, explore for a bit and chat with the locals; they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about living in this remarkable town.

• Cost – $0 to visit the town. Breakfast will be anywhere from $3 and up.
• How long should I stay here? – 2-4 hours.
• Getting there – Matrimandir is right smack in the center of Auroville, so just pick a direction and start walking!

1:00 pm – Pondicherry Botanical Garden

Grab lunch before leaving Auroville, or pack yourself a nice picnic lunch, and then head over to the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, a sprawling paradise of lush greenery.

The Garden was initially created as an experiment, to test the performance of different plant types in Pondicherry’s climate. Today, there are over 1,500 different species of plants in the Botanical Garden. Throughout 30 separate sections, you’ll find everything from flowers to shrubs, to trees, and even fossils of plants!

After the Botanical Garden, chill out for a bit, drink some coffee, read a book, or head back to your accommodation for an afternoon nap. You might need one after the day’s early start!

• Cost – ~$0.15 for entry into the Garden.
• Getting there – You’ll need to take a tuk-tuk back from Auroville anyway, so just tell your driver to drop you off at the Botanical Garden.

4:00 pm – Cluny Embroidery Center

Cluny Embroidery Center began when a French woman donated a 200-year-old building for the purpose of helping disadvantaged local Indian women.

Today, the center houses a multitude of these wonderful women, all employed and happily embroidering tablecloths, towels, bed sheets, and other fabrics with gorgeous, artful patterns. Chances are you won’t buy something out of pity—the designs are actually stunning, and the quality of the products is top-tier.

Cluny Embroidery Center will give you a unique, authentic look into the lives and vocations of the locals—and it’s also bound to warm your heart!

The Center has also added a guesthouse more recently, due to the increased amounts of tourists. It might be a fun idea to stay here for your last night in Pondicherry.

• Cost – Free unless you buy something (hint: you should buy something!)
• How long should I stay here? – Around 1 hour should be enough.
• Getting there – The Center is a 7-minute walk from The Promenade, which is also where the nearest bus stop is.

6:00 pm – Dinner in the French Quarter

Now it’s time to return to the French Quarter for a fancy dinner! Here are some of my favorite places:

• Les Saveurs is a modern French and Italian restaurant.
• 1 Rue Suffren is a French restaurant in a beautiful historical building.
• Celine’s Kitchen serves North Indian and Continental dishes.
• La Maison Rose is a boutique restaurant with French-centered bistro cuisine.
• Cost – If you decide on a cheaper restaurant to save money, the floor is around $3 per person. For the more expensive restaurants like the ones on the above list, expect to pay around $10-$15.
• How long should I stay here? – As long as you like!
• Getting there – All of these restaurants are only a brief walk from Cluny Embroidery Center.

8:00 pm – Drinks at Le Club

Totally optional, but grabbing some drinks seems like the perfect way to conclude your journey through Pondicherry.

Le Club is a well-known restaurant right in the French Quarter that specializes in a large variety of cocktails, mocktails, imported whiskeys, and wines.

Hopefully, at this point in your trip, you’ve made some new friends. Or if not, maybe you’ve grown closer with the people you’re traveling with, whether that’s a spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend, or just a group of old friends!

Take the time to talk about your favorite parts of the trip, reflect on your favorite moments, and prepare for your journey home!

• Cost – Beers and standard cocktails range from $4-$8, with the highest-quality bottles of wine capping out at around $70.
• How long should I stay here? – As long as you want. Head home early, or party the night away!
• Getting there –  Walk here from your dinner restaurant.

As I mentioned earlier, there’s really no reason to leave Pondicherry after only 3 days—in fact, I’d encourage you to stay a bit longer and really sink your teeth into everything this city has to offer. If you do decide to extend your trip, here are a few other sights you won’t want to miss out on:

1. Gingee Fort

I would have included Gingee Fort as a must-see in the itinerary, but it’s about an hour’s drive outside of the city, so it’s tough to squeeze in if you’re staying for only 3 days. Although some hostels in Bangalore can help you out with this.

Gingee Fort was built in 1190, making it about the same age as the famous Angkor Wat and other Asian temples. A nearly impregnable fortress with a serious reputation, the Fort was only taken one time—and it took the attacking army eight whole years to do so!

Today, the Fort is a meandering series of ancient walls and towers, perched on the top of a sparse range of hills. The views from the Fort are remarkable!

• Cost –  ~$1.20 per person for an entry ticket.
• How long should I stay here? – I recommend heading out in the morning, bringing a picnic lunch, and heading back in the early afternoon.
• Getting there – Hop on a bus heading to Bangalore by way of Krishnagiri—any of these buses will go right past Gingee Fort. Alternatively, take a tuk-tuk or private taxi for more money.

2. Serenity Beach

While not quite as iconic as Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach is undoubtedly a highlight of Pondicherry’s coast.

Just like Paradise Beach, it’s incredibly quiet and tranquil. Aptly named, Serenity Beach is a great destination for couples and people who are less interested in activities and more interested in swimming and working on their tans.

• How long should I stay here? – At least 2-3 hours.
• Getting there – Take a bus to Kottakupam Bus Stop and then walk 15 minutes to the beach, or just take a tuk-tuk for a 12-minute ride from Pondicherry.

3. Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is in many ways the “little brother” of Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple.

It’s dedicated to the Hindu Lord Vishnu, whereas Sri Manakula Vinayagar is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Both temples are equally beautiful, and Sri Varadaraja Perumal in particular has a striking, tower-like appearance, with every surface covered in ornately carved designs.

Walk around outside, or go inside and perform an offering with the locals—it’s up to you!

• Getting there – This temple is only a 15-minute walk from Sri Manakula Vinayagar. Marapalam Bus Stop in White Town is your best bet if you’re coming from farther away—the temple is a 7-minute walk from there.

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As with any destination in the world, there are good times and bad times to visit India —both in terms of the weather and in terms of the crowds.

Pondicherry has a summer season, a monsoon season, and a winter season. March, April, May, and June are the summer months, with temperatures averaging around a pretty toasty 84 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can deal with this heat, you’ll have the bonus of fewer crowds.

Check out the table below for a more detailed look at the best times to visit Pondicherry . You’ll notice that generally speaking, better weather = more tourists. Since Pondicherry isn’t as popular as some of the other famous cities in India, I wouldn’t worry too much about crowds.

Pondicherry has a public bus system and a substantial amount of private buses as well, but the network isn’t quite as extensive as you’d hope for. When you’re traveling around the main areas of the city center, flagging down buses is pretty straightforward.

Because of the language barrier and the chaos of Indian buses in general, I always like to check with some locals or the bus driver to confirm that the bus I’m about to board is in fact going where I think it’s going. For the most part, Indians are beyond friendly, so they’ll be delighted to assist you. You’ll pay in cash once you board the bus.

When you’re trying to get to some of the less frequented areas, and some of the more rural places like the beaches, flagging down a tuk-tuk will be your best option. It may take a little while for you to get a feel for what the going rate is. Asking some friendly locals about this is also a great idea, as they’ll be able to tell you if you’re overpaying. And never be afraid to good-naturedly haggle a bit before you get in—it’s normal here!

I’d recommend checking out the homestays in Pondicherry , these are run by locals who are often super friendly and offer up lots of tips for making the most of your time here.

Pondicherry is hot no matter which season you visit, so when packing for India , only bring a long-sleeve shirt for the ferocious air conditioning inside certain restaurants and buildings. Definitely bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals, plenty of sunscreen, and maybe even a bucket hat or baseball hat to block out the sun. And don’t forget your camera! Pondicherry is especially photogenic.

Here are some other final considerations to make:

• Pondicherry is generally very safe, but try not to walk around abandoned areas alone at night.
• Keep your valuables when you’re on crowded buses; these are every pickpocket’s dream!
• If a local is ever trying to scam you or cheat you out of a few dollars, don’t freak out at them. It’s okay to be firm—but in general, keep a cool head, gain some perspective, and let it go.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Pondicherry!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Pondicherry is one of the most unique places in Asia. Authentic Indian culture can be found in the myriad of temples and markets, and places like the French Quarter offer a strikingly European feel.

Beaches, churches, temples, quaint towns, old forts, and amazing food—there’s truly no shortage of entertainment in Pondicherry.

This itinerary has been carefully curated to help you make the most of 3 days in Pondicherry—but I encourage you to use this itinerary as a foundation for your own.

Step out, open your mind and your heart, make friends with some locals, and chart your own course.

Bon voyage!

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Suzanne Borders

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Perfect 3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary – Top Things to See and Do

Pondicherry in South India is one of the best getaways. If you are thinking of a trip to Pondicherry, then read on for a perfect Pondicherry itinerary.

Puducherry, the coastal Union Territory in South India , is one of the best winter getaways. If you like the sea, sun and good food, taking a trip to Puducherry will surely be refreshing and adventurous. Pondicherry, Puducherry and Pondy are the different names by which this enticing part of India is known as. If you are thinking of a trip to Pondicherry, then read on for a perfect Pondicherry itinerary .

Table of Contents

Perfect 3 Days Pondicherry Itinerary: Top Things to See, Do & Everything Else

Until 1954 Pondicherry was a French colonial settlement and therefore it has a lot of French influence in its architecture and food. A trip to Pondicherry and a walk about the streets will give you a sense of the legacy that the French have left behind. The tree-lined streets, the boutiques, the villas all of them take you back in time. Additionally, it shares its borders with the state of Tamil Nadu, which also ensures it shares cultures with the state of Tamil Nadu .

The beaches in Pondicherry are a treat in itself. Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach, Mahe Beach, Serenity Beach, and Karaikal Beach are just some of the many popular beaches that one can spend time enjoying basking in the sun. Beach resorts in Pondicherry make for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay. The beaches are of course bound to be a part of any Pondicherry itinerary.

The food is something that will make you want to come back for more. The pastries, pizzas, croissants, south Indian fare, North Indian options are available and worth trying in any restaurant. There are many cafes (hole-in-the-wall or otherwise) and street food that are certainly must try . Experiencing the food is again a must whether you are on a Pondicherry itinerary for 2 days, Pondicherry itinerary for 3 days, or following a Pondicherry itinerary for 4 days.

We were also told that there is a great nightlife of dancing and celebrations that happen throughout the year. It carries with it the culture of the old, such as it’s French heritage, and Aurobindo’s influences, and temples and also caters to people that want to party and eat out. It just further proves that Pondy is a place where the old meets the new. The Puducherry itinerary is a complete feast for the senses with varied heritage, cultural, and epicurean nuances.

There are many things to do in Puducherry , however, we had to pack in as much as we could in just three days. So, I and my wife had to make some tough choices on what to see. I am sure there is a lot we have missed out on. Nonetheless, here is a list of things we did in our three-day visit to Pondicherry, which should be helpful in planning your own Pondicherry itinerary.

How to reach Pondicherry / Puducherry

• Puducherry or Pondicherry is Union Territory located in Southern India
• Chennai to Pondicherry distance is about 153 kilometres
• There is an airport in Puducherry which has limited flights under the UDAAN scheme
• The other nearest airport is Chennai International Airport at a distance of about 148 kilometres

If you are planning a trip to Pondicherry, you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor  or  Agoda  or  CheapAir  or  Cleartrip  or  Makemytrip  or  Priceline right here.  If you are thinking of a road trip to from Chennai to Pondicherry or Bangalore to Pondicherry or anywhere in India check out the rental car  and  bus  options.

Where to stay in Pondicherry / Puducherry

There are many places to stay in Pondicherry for everyone with different budget sizes. You can find the poshest rooms at the biggest hotels or find a homestay at a lesser budget. However, for the most part, if you are travelling to Pondicherry in all likelihood you will find many reasons to leave the room rather than stay in it. For example, Ananda Inn is cheaper than The Promenade.  At The Promenade, the room charges per night vary depending upon the view of the room that you choose. That being said there are many more options, in between, above and below you can opt for based on your budget to stay in Puducherry.

One can also choose beach resorts in Puducherry – beach resorts in Pondicherry and enjoy and have a relaxed stay in Pondicherry.

For your Pondicherry accommodation If you are looking for the best hotels in Puducherry   – best hotels in Pondicherry to book, you can do that right here. You can book your hotel in Puducherry – your hotel in Pondicherry through TripAdvisor  or  Cleartrip  or  Agoda  or  Makemytrip  or  Priceline  conveniently right here!

Tours And Activities in Pondicherry

You can plan your Pondicherry itinerary and book your  Puducherry trips – Pondicherry trips, right here.  So go ahead and book online places to see in Pondicherry and indulge in popular activities in Puducherry – popular activities in Pondicherry and cover attractions in Puducherry – attractions in Pondicherry. If you are planning a day trip from Chennai to Puducherry – a day trip from Chennai to Pondicherry then you can book online one day trips from Chennai to Puducherry – one-day trips from Chennai to Pondicherry.

When to go to Pondicherry / Puducherry 

  Puducherry, fondly called Pondy, tends to get pretty warm during the summers. So, if you prefer a calmer experience without having to experience the wrath of the Pondy summers, the winters are ideal. Go there anytime between October and February. The weather is pleasant and you can have maximum fun.

How to move around in Pondicherry / Puducherry?

If you do not drive there yourself or have access to your transport there are many ways to move around in Pondy. You can hire cycles if you want to see the place while cycling. If you are a biker, you have many places that let you hire bikes. There are auto-rickshaws you can hire to take you around to all tourist spots. Also, some cabs can be hired for a day or a half and more. Therefore, there is no dearth of options when it comes to travel in this place.

This said, here is what we did on our 3-day trip. What we want to call the Perfect 3-day Pondicherry trip. After we were done, and reading this, I guarantee you will want to visit it, as we do.

When visiting Pondicherry you can also avail of package tours that will cover other must-visit places in and around Pondicherry. You can plan your trip and book online places to visit in Puducherry – places to visit in Puducherry.

3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary – Day 1 in Pondicherry / Puducherry

My wife and I drove down to Pondy from Chennai, and even before we reached there we could not resist visiting Mahabalipuram which is en route on the ECR. The heritage town is a must-see for its wonders, beaches, and sculptures. After experiencing Mamallapuram , we headed to Pondy. We reached Puducherry or Pondicherry and we checked into The Promenade in White Town. Surely, it is an upscale hotel, but it is right there on the Promenade Beach with a great view. So, our first place to see in Pondy had already been checked.

The Promenade

The Promenade has a great lunch buffet so we indulged in it. They also had outdoor seating if you wanted to brave the sun and listen to the sounds of the ocean.

After relaxing for a bit we headed for the adventures of Pondy. Here are some of the places we saw on our trip to Pondicherry  on day one.

Aurobindo Ashram

First stop was the Aurobindo ashram. Had heard a lot about him and the ideology and had to see that place. It is a place that enables everyone to sit and meditate. They also have a library if you want to go looking.

Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Walking distance away is the Manakula Vinayagar Temple. We went there and the architecture of the place was simply stunning. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and has one of the most beautiful ceilings, paintings and sculptures. It is huge and we took our time to look at every part of it as we walked through for the darshan.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Then we headed to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, again a heritage place. It is built based on Gothic architecture and is something to marvel at. It is believed to be one of the few Basilica churches in India and set up by French missionaries in 1908. An interesting thing I learnt online was that there are 21 Basilica churches in India and Pondy is the home to one of them.

French War Memorial

We went to the French War Memorial that was built for the soldier for those who lost their lives in the first world war. Visiting that place was a humbling experience. Those young people could fight for a cause at such a young age and knowing they could die is something that is moving and chilling at the same time. Their sacrifices are represented by this French War Memorial and are a must-visit place in Pondy.

Botanical Garden

This is certainly one of those places you must see if you are a flower lover. It is believed to have been built by the French and is a garden true to its name. You can take time looking through the different flora and fauna. You also get to see paintings, sculptures and photography of nature as an additional treat for your eyes. We surely had a lot of fun strolling through the garden and identifying different plants and flowers.

Bakers Street

We then headed to the famous Baker’s street. It is not too far away from the Promenade and has great french influences. If you are craving for french croissants, sandwiches, and coffee this is the place to go. We had our dinner at Bakers street. We had a lovely time with delicious food and ended it with the perfect dessert as well. A perfect place, self-service, and unmatchable taste.

Asian House

Though we were full, we had to experience the nightlife in Pondy. We were told the Asian House is one of the hot spots close to The Promenade and yes they had a dance floor. We had to check it out. It certainly was everything it promised. A dance floor, with a really good DJ, great food options and lots of liquor from different parts of the world. The food was also pretty multi-cuisine in terms of what they offered. We did, of course, enjoy shaking those legs to the DJs music.

What was left was a stroll on the Promenade beach and see the Gandhi statue and retire for the night.

3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary – Day 2 in Pondicherry / Puducherry

Day 2 we started with breakfast at The Promenade. It included an entire continental fair with a touch of Tamil food options. But we were mostly excited to leave for our next destination in our list of things to do in Puducherry.

Visit Auroville

Auroville is one of those must-visit places if you travel to Pondy. It is certainly recognized for its architectural show. It is believed to be a 20 square kilometres site founded in 1968 by the Aurobindo Spiritual Collaborator. The Matrimandir Temple, designed by Roger Anger is one of those marvels that is a must-visit place in Pondicherry. However, The Auroville Visitor Center, designed by Suhasini Iyer-Guigan is also something astonishing to see.

Auroville Beach

Auroville beach popularly known as Auro Beach is a part of Auroville Ashram and is a beach in Pondicherry that is secluded. It is cleaner than most beaches. We decided to take a look and got a beautiful glimpse of it. It may be one of the few beaches you can wet your feet in. However, we were told that high tide is something that we need to watch out for. The beach closes around 6.30 PM.

Lunch at Surguru

After the long walks, it was time to head back to Pondy. For lunch, we decided to go with Surguru. It is one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Pondicherry that offers multiple food options. We had the South Indian meals there, and of course, the suggestions did not fail us. It was delicious and everything we had hoped it would be. The ambience of the restaurant is great along with the divinity of their food flavours.

Paradise Island

Paradise Beach or Island is an isolated island located at Chunnambar. The beach is mesmerizing and because of the shallow waters, we saw many kids having great fun there. There is nothing that can replace a serene, breathtaking sunset that we experienced at this beach. We enjoyed the boat ride to the place. It wasn’t expensive and has the best and cleanest beach in the area. It is one of the gorgeous beaches. Possibly a place where I have seen the best sunsets in my life. It obviously got more special because I had my partner with me.

Dinner at Cafe Xtasi

What is a trip to Pondy without experiencing their pizza? That is exactly what we did on Day 2 with Cafe Xtasi. We indulged in their awesome pizzas. It is a vegetarian-friendly treat that people can have a lot of fun in the evening. It is safe to book a table in advance. Their variety of pasta is great too if you are into that kind of thing. For us, it was wood fire pizza all the way.

3 Day Pondicherry Itinerary – Day 3 in Pondicherry / Puducherry

Our last day in Pondy we were already sad to leave. But we needed to head back to Chennai soon. Not without getting a final glimpse of most that are pondy, because we know we have not seen it all and we will be back. But we had to get most of it.

Breakfast at Crêpe in Touch

What is the point of going to a place that has french influence and not trying crepes? So, for breakfast, we landed in Crepe in touch to get our bellies introduced to and satisfied by our crepe cravings. The ambience, the place, the location, just about everything worked for us. What, however, blew our mind was the crepes themselves. They have all the options you need. Vegetarian, vegan, whatever you need they are happy to serve up.

Shopping at Casablanca

Local shopping was a great option for us to carry home the rich culture of Puducherry. So, we headed for some quick shopping at Casablanca, which is a 3-floor departmental store. It is a great place for local shopping in Pondicherry. You will find an amazing range of candles, perfumes, trendy jewellery, furnishing, handicrafts, locally made pottery items, leather products and more. They have a great collection of homemade chocolates. You can spend an entire day shopping in Pondicherry, but we quickly bought a few items and headed to our next destination. Shopping in Pondicherry is an experience to cherish and definitely an integral part of any Pondicherry itinerary.

Puducherry Museum / Pondicherry Museum

Yes, had to go there to get a sense of history. I and my wife live for the moment, surely, but appreciate and respect the past. We realize that what happens in our pasts shapes what we are now and what will make us in the future. So, that was our next stop. To understand history. On Saint Louis street it has bronze and stone sculptures way back from dynasties like the Pallavas and Cholas. It is certainly a treat if you have any curiosity for history in you.

Lunch at Dilliwala6

We heard a lot about this place and had to try it out on our own. As usual, the suggestions did not fail us. If you miss your North Indian fair after eating a lot of French and South Indian food, this is a North Indian restaurant in Puducherry you must try. They serve up all kinds of good North Indian food, while their paneer dishes require a special mention apart from their dal makhani and the ambience and the courtesy of the staff.

It was clear to us that we had to head back post-lunch to avoid the traffic and we did have a plan en route as well. So, we decided we have seen all we need to see on our trip to Pondicherry. Surely we will come back and explore Pondy again for its beauty that it beholds! Now it became our dear Pondy, not Puducherry.

However, now without a pitstop. We had to try the boating at Muthukad that we have learnt and heard about so much with love and nostalgia.

Boat Ride in Muttukadu

Muttukadu is a great lake that you can go boating, depending on how much time you have you can choose to select the different boats. We picked the speed version. We wanted to make sure that we skip the traffic as much as we possibly could, while we enjoy the experience. The Muttukadu boat ride was a magnificent experience and a time well spent. It was beautiful, wind in our hair and smiles all around. It was certainly a boat ride to remember.

Pondy, what a place, what a great trip it was. As we travel outside the country, we often forget that there is so much beauty in our backyard. It is one of those places where you can kick back and relax amongst wonderful and friendly people. It is a place that has something for everyone. There are places to stay at different budgets, there are places to eat at different budgets, and places to go and things to do based on your interest. It doesn’t matter what, when and where, all you need to do is just ask and go.

We cannot help but reminisce about our trip to Puducherry. The tree-lined boulevards, the heritage buildings, the beaches, the food, the spirituality all of these are things that my wife and I will carry with us forever. There are very few travels I have made where everything came together all in one place.

Typically, different places are known for different things. Some places you can go to for the temples, other places you might go-to for the food, other places for the architecture, while other places you may go for adventures. You can go to Pondy and satisfy all your needs. What’s greater is that especially if you live in Chennai it is just about a 3-hour drive from it. That means Chennaiats have a bigger advantage than most others.

There are discotheques, romantic getaways, lounge bars, boathouses, restaurants, hotels, beaches and more that remain unexplored by us. All things said and done, there is one thing for sure, there are many things to do in Pondicherry aka Puducherry or Pondy as we have fondly come to call it. Our dear Pondy, we are definitely going to return and explore it more.

Hope you found this Pondicherry travel blog post useful and you will use this Pondicherry itinerary to plan your trip to Pondy!

This is a guest post by Gulshan Bafna.  

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33 thoughts on “perfect 3 day pondicherry itinerary – top things to see and do”.

I love the idea that you can eat South Indian food for one meal, French for another, and then some North Indian food, and it all be authentic to the area. I rather suspect that I’d spend too much money in Casablanca!

WOW! We just got back from India but did not get to travel in the south. You blog and suggestions for Pondicherry makes us want to head back.

Pondicherry looks like a wonderful place to visit – it looks as though it has something for everyone’s interests!

Looks real interesting and I love the looks of the Matrimandir Temple. Judging by the waves and the color of the water, I guess snorkeling is no option there?

Sandy and Vyjay, awesome breakdown guys. We spent 1 month in Pondy in 2013. Loved the place. We visited a temple there weekly to meditate. I believe The Mother and Sri Aurobindo had influences there. Great energy in that nice little town on the water.

We spent two months in India and unfortunately we never made it to Pondicherry! I wish we had though as it looks like such a lovely place to explore. I especially love the style of some of the buildings 🙂

What a beautiful variety of things to see and do, from the beaches to the memorial, museum and temples. I love the 3 day itinerary you shared. I would love to experience that boat ride too.

I’ve always wanted to visit Pondicherry, but somehow never got the chance. Thanks for this extremely detailed guide – hopefully I’ll be able to put it to good use someday soon!

Woww now thats quite an elaborate list and detailed itinerary. Reading this made me relive my travel days. Its really very helpful

This looks like such a perfect place for a getaway holiday, there’s so much to see and do, and you can also go to the beach.

I feel so ignorant as I always thought the British were the only colonists in India and I had no idea about its French heritage! Being a culture lover with a special interest in architecture, I would definitely consider visiting Pondicherry if I were ever to go to India! Thanks for the inspiration (and education) 🙂

I really need to spend more time in India. My only experience was a few months spent in Goa, which is a strange bubble and not an authentic India experience. Hopefully soon I’ll get a chance to explore more of the south.

Such a great itinerary and beings back so many memories of my visit to Pondicherry! My absolute favorite bit is walking on the promenade along the Rocky beach. Gorgeous!

Took me on a flashback of my Pondicherry trip. Went to most of these places and missed some. Gonna come back to this blog if I happen to be in Pondicherry again.

Pondicherry sounds like a great place to visit! I would love to explore the basilica and the botanical gardens would be something my daughter and I would enjoy. Visiting the secluded beaches would be perfect to.

What an interesting area! I would not have expected to see architecture like that in South India, but it is soo cool to see the mixture of cultures (especially with the food!)

I love Pondicherry. I used to go to Auroville every late summer and this year I have missed it. Your blog brings these old memories back.

Pondicherry is one of my favourite travel destinations. Thanks to you, I saw it in a different light. Fantastic blogpost. Thank you for writing this one.

It certainly sounds like you had a good time in Pondy. I think the boat trip would be something I would like to do.

Loved walking through the promenade and watching the sunset from le cafe. Pondy trip on the cards post October

Pondy seems like an awesome option for visiting. I have traveled to Bangalore so many times, but in summers. So was unable to visit Pondy, after reading your blog, I realised there are so many things to do, but we need to travel at the right time. Amazing read.

Pondicherry is in my list from so long. Thanks for this itinerary , I will surely visit the place and check this post again.

Pondicherry is on my travel list for a long time. I’m gonna use your itinerary when I do visit this beautiful place 🙂

I absolutely loved Paradise beach. It was worth the effort of taking the lazy boat ride to that place. When I visited the beach was very rough, its good to see people enjoying in the water in your picture. Pondicherry is my favourite place in Tamil Nadu and I traveled solo here, I had such an awesome time.

this reminds me of my trip to Puducherry, the food and lovely walks through French Quarters, the food at Sadguru’s and the most important the visit to Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville.

Wow, I’ve almost seen everything on this list. In fact I loved exploring Pondicherry on foot. It was an amazing experience.

So well documented about Pondicherry… Can you imagine i stayed in Chennai for 3 months and didn’t travel to pondi 😞 … Every post related to Pondicherry makes me feel so sad…

So well documented about Pondicherry… Can you imagine i stayed in Chennai for 3 months and didn’t travel to pondi … Every post related to Pondicherry makes me feel so sad… This post made me felt sadder due to the great documentation

Really Pondicherry looks awesome place and I really want to visit here. Thanks for sharing the article.

Pondicherry looks like an incredible place to visit. So colorful too. Would love to visit one day since I haven’t made it to India yet. Great and detailed post.

I had never even heard of Pondicherry!! It looks just so amazing, with so many different cultures, foods & esthetics… it’s basically a few countries in one. I’m saving + pinning your blog for when I plan my next India trip.

From this post it seems like Pondicherry is a must-see on a trip to India! I love the Matrimandir Temple, and the variety of things to do (and eat) here!

When I was planning my first visit to India last year, I had to choose between Kochi and Pondicherry. I ended up going with Kochi, but now I know I need to go back and visit Pondicherry! I love the architecture and the Matrimandir Temple is so stunning!

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Pondicherry Travel Guide 2024 with Top Things to Do!

Pondicherry was like a dream. A beautiful dream that was full of clean sandy beaches, laid back colourful streets and European architecture.

I kept asking myself ‘am I in India or France?’.

It’s quite a bizarre feeling seeing all French on street signs, cafés and from people’s mouths here! But, the food was to die for. A perfect taste of home and welcome comfort food.

They even had a mini Notre-dame, but here it was a lovely shade of salmon pink and was framed with palm trees.

It was like it had its own mood, a rhythm. As you walk around the laid back atmosphere is catching.

The people are so friendly and it’s far less touristy than Goa in the West. This was one of my favourite places in South India.

So without further ado, here’s the ultimate Pondicherry travel guide!

Table of Contents

How to reach Pondicherry in India

If you’re travelling from Delhi, your best bet is to fly. The nearest major airport that runs flight services daily is Chennai. From here, you can grab a taxi from the airport straight to Pondicherry.

Always leaving things to the last minute, I ended up getting a pre-paid taxi from the airport but this had a hefty price tag of 3000 rupees! (ouch) You will pay more for air conditioning.

I would highly recommend booking via an online cab service in advance to ensure you don’t have the same dent in your wallet.

I also misjudged how long it would take. Google maps will tell you around 2 hours and a half but it was actually more like 3 hours and a half!

If you’re heading here from Bangalore, they run daily flights to Puducherry airport which will save you some time and money.

It is also well connected via rail services from Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai which run three times a week. New Delhi and Kolkata  have weekly trains which run here – but it will take you 3 days!

According to the official Pondicherry tourism board, the road is your best option. It is well connected by bus from most major southern cities like Bangalore and Chennai.

Where to stay in Pondicherry

Pondicherry has a wealth of suitable hotels to stay in, whatever your budget!

I decided to stay in White Town which is a heritage area. Being a history buff this suited me perfectly.

It was right next to the rock beach by the sea and all major attractions were within walking distance.

I booked a cute heritage hotel called Le Dupleix. It was a quaint little place with friendly staff and they only had 14 rooms available.

They also had a really good restaurant which served up authentic French cuisine. After 9 months of living in India, it was heavenly and my tummy was very happy.

For available dates and prices for Le Dupleix check here.

Things to do in Pondicherry

Explore white town.

White Town is like every photographer’s dream. The typical Pondicherry scenes were vintage bicycles perched up against vibrant yellow walls with oil lamps.

All the electric blue street signs will begin with ‘Rue’ and palm trees will sway on nearly every road! It’s truly a feast for your eyes if you’ve been used to seeing Indian architecture.

I simply enjoyed just walking around the streets here. Seeing all the effortless beauty of the buildings and the life which was going on around them.

The Tuk-Tuk drivers take it easy, the fruit stalls and the smell of the patisseries baking in the air. As I say, like a dream.

Take a snap outside Cafe Des Artes

One of the coolest and most ‘Instragrammable’ walls of Pondicherry is the famous Cafe Des Artes’.

When I visited the cafe it was closed, presumably because of the monsoon season.

But, their beautiful wall was still there for some fantastic picture opportunities! I guess Instagram locations are that way for a reason, right?

Visit Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

One of the famous temples in this area is the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple.

Its colourful dioramas of Hindu religious scenes are beautiful but most notably it draws visitors for a daily blessing from the Lakshmi elephant.

Shamefully, I did pay for a blessing of this elephant when I travelled there two years ago. But, I would encourage you NOT to do it.

Although I would never attempt to try to assume Hindu culture and how the temple treats their animals (when I visited she seemed healthy).

From recent research on PETA it seems that Lakshmi’s health and well being has fallen into decline.

Lakshmi attends certain ‘rejuvenation camps’ each year for her ‘wellbeing’ according to the government in Tamil Nadu.

But, there seems to be a blatant disregard for her health recently. She has a foot fungus and this is not being treated properly for it.

Despite all this, no wild elephant should be kept in a temple for profit or entertainment. This treatment is barbaric.

Take a stroll to Rock Beach

I love being by the sea and when I reached the water’s edge in Pondicherry, it brought home just how much I missed the ocean air.

Although this beach isn’t as sandy as others in the area, it’s still a really nice place to visit and stroll along the promenade.

Have a coffee in Le Cafe

This beach is a great place to wander at any time with the best being at sunset.

Make sure you visit the famous ‘Le Cafe’ which is open for the finest South Indian coffee 24 hours a day!

I sipped an iced coffee on the rocks while enjoying the view. This is White Town’s only waterfront cafe, so make sure you pay it a visit.

Visit the Pondicherry Promenade

The Promenade is lined with famous attractions and statues. The most notable is Gandhi Ji.

You’ll see locals taking selfies and in the evening there was a brass band playing which draws in a huge crowd!

Visit one of the many churches in Pondicherry

Being a French colony all those years ago, their legacy has left a lot of French culture in Pondicherry.

Along with the French language, patisseries and signs, they have also left a lot of churches with a European influence.

Being from the UK, churches in India aren’t really my bag. I get enough of them at home and I came to India to experience a culture that isn’t my own. But, these churches were different.

They were so colourful and had some glorious architecture inside.

You can visit the Church of the Sacred Heart, the Notre Dame des Ange and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral to mention a few. Mass and services are still read in French.

Take a trip to Serenity Beach

My favourite place in Pondicherry was Serenity Beach. It’s one of the cleanest beaches in the area and the scenes are just perfect.

You can reach here via an auto, motorbike or taxi and it’s around 20 minutes away from the main town on the East Coast Road (ECR to locals).

Fishing boats line the shore, with fishermen sewing and preparing their nets for the catch of the day.

The palm trees, colourful guesthouses and cabanas all contribute to making this the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

The community here are very conscious of making sure this beach remains clean and they’re doing a pretty good job.

Littering is a constant struggle in India wherever you go and beaches, even as pretty as this, aren’t immune to it.

But at Serenity, there’s hardly any rubbish and so it’s just clean sands to enjoy.

Take a day trip from Pondicherry to Auroville & the Matrimandir

Auroville is an experimental township in India.

The land was bought by “The Mother” or Mirra Alfassa in 1968 and today, it is a community where everyone of all creeds and classes are welcome.

Here, you can visit the ‘soul of the city’ their famous Matrimandir.

The orb made of gold is a symbol of spiritual significance to those who practice integral yoga, a philosophy which was practised by Shri Aurobindo and “The Mother” here. It took 37 years to build.

If you’re only here for a couple of hours, you can obtain a free pass from the visitor centre to walk to the viewing point. This is open daily to visitors and only in the morning on Sundays.

If you’re a first time visitor and would like to enter the temple for concentration, all bookings must be made in person and on an individual basis (no group bookings). You will be issued a pass one day in advance.

The locals say you can feel the energies in your blood if you meditate here and it’s recommended to spend some time doing so.

Once you’ve finished make sure you pay a visit to their restaurant. Using mainly organic ingredients from the Auroville farms in the area, they serve the best mix of South Indian and European cuisine. Their cakes are also some of the best I’ve had in India.

It can be a little bit of a mystery getting here as it’s deep in the Pondicherry jungle. But, if you ask any of the taxi drivers in the area, they will know where you want to go!

Related Post: The best things to do in Auroville

So, that’s my Pondicherry Travel Guide

Pondicherry, for me, was simply perfect. It had everything.

Beaches, culture, history, yummy food and friendly locals.

I was sad to leave this place and the amazing cakes behind, but I’m sure I will be back in the near future.

Make sure you add Pondicherry to your South Indian adventure! You honestly cannot miss it.

Recommended Travel Resources

Hotels: Booking.com

Transport: RentalCars.com

Trips & Tours: GetYourGuide

Travel Insurance: World Nomads

eSIM: Holafly

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Save this Pondicherry travel guide for later!

Sophie Pearce is the founder of Third Eye Traveller. Always having a restless soul seeking adventure, she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, many of them solo. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a "Third Eye", she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to find their inner magic and explore this beautiful world of ours. Even if it's on their own!

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33 comments.

Very thorough and interesting read! I almost feel motivated to plan my first visit to Pondicherry :)

Thanks for taking the time to read :) it’s a must in south India, you have to go!

Nice to read and very informative..

Thank you Viveknand, that’s really nice of you to say :) Sophie x

Well described with information on stays and food to taste Photos of locality are good too

Hi Divya, thank you so much for your comment. I hope you have a great time in Pondicherry, it truly is a magical place in India :) Sophie x

Hi, Nice read .

Never is visiting a wild animal held in captivity being a responsible tourist ? They belong in the wild with their family; they have complicated family ties and are very intelligent creatures who shouldn’t live under human terms. She must be feeling very alone, without any mates.

Hi Laurine, good call! Responsible tourism is something I am passionate about but, like many people who are not aware of what is irresponsible when they travel, it takes education and people like you to call it out. Which is a good thing. Three years ago when I visited this sanctuary, I had no idea of the mistreatment of Lakshmi or the extent of the horrors of elephant tourism. At the time, to a naked eye, she seemed well treated. But, looking back knowing what I do now, It is completely wrong. I would never knowingly visit a place that abuses animals and I’m sure others are the same. I appreciate you calling this out. I have now updated the post to discourage people from visiting. Hopefully, the Tamil Nadu government will stop this practice and Lakshmi will get the treatment she deserves and be released to the wild. Sophie x

Really willing to visit Puducherry

Hi Karthi, that’s great to hear! I hope you make it there as it’s a gorgeous part of India. Thanks for stopping by. Sophie x

I Have been to Pondicherry numourous times but when I see your blog i feel like visiting again & again ;) well explained, le cafe is love .

Hi Ram, thank you so much – I absolutely love Pondicherry and I also agree the cafe is amazing! Sophie x

Hey, this is the first time, I am sitting and planning a trip. I have invested a lot of time in traveling but never in planning anything, as I always try to be ‘batman’, doing things alone but excluding ‘batman plans for everything’ part. This time is different, my friends are coming and they throw all the organising part on me. Your blog is amazing and gave me a clear picture of Pondicherry and places to visit, I just inked some of my pages with points from your blog and I will try to visit all the places you visited. You recommend travelling by air to Pondicherry but I think I will love to watch my friends getting frustrated in train for 3 days, yeah that will be fun. If you want to recommend more places in Pondicherry, then I am open for suggestions. I will try to visit your blog again and I hope you keep on posting them. Keep traveling and be happy. Thanks for the blog.

Hi Ifzal, that’s great you’re planning s trip with friends to Pondicherry. I’m sure you will all have a great time. Yes, the train is also a good option of arriving into Puducherry and if you’d rather take the long road that’s cool. There is so much to explore in Pondicherry like White Town, the Gandhi memorial, Rock Beach and lot’s of churches too if you fancied something more cultural. I would also recommend looking at transport to some of the nearby beaches on the coast. Have a great time with your friends. Sophie x

Nicely Written Sophie. Will surely add this place in my list. Thanks for the insights. Keep blogging.

Hi Gautam, thank you so much for your feedback! I’m happy you like the article and I hope you make it to Pondicherry. It really is beautiful :) Sophie x

Dear Sophie, you do not seem happy and almost derogatory about most things Indian and Hindu. Well, guess what! Unlike the French and the whites, we never enslaved people, captured and colonised countries and are not snobs. Every country you visit has a culture of its own- you need to respect that. Like all cultures on this Earth we too have our negatives but, your genalisation of the HINDU treatment of animals shocked me- how ignorent are you! Typical white! Well most Hindus are vegetarians and what about your Fox hunting and rampant animal killing and eating in the west?! The British nearly wiped out the tiger population in India by their hunting practices. Your Blog is so insensitive. I will take this up so that whites like you are not allowed to stay on for so long in our beautiful country!!!

Hi there Anushua, to say that I am ‘unhappy’ and ‘derogatory’ about all things Indian and Hindu is a vast generalisation and quite ignorant. You do your own country a disservice. I have currently travelled to over 22 states in India and they are all different and, remember, not everyone in India is HINDU! I could say ‘typical Hindu’ and ‘typical religious intolerance based on a totalitarian pro-Hindu government that casts out minor beliefs and the lower caste’. But I won’t, because that’s not always true. There are Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Jains and more that I always Refer to and respect on my Blog. Even the North East cultures. I know most Hindus are vegetarian that’s why this mistreatment shocks me. Just because I don’t believe a poor elephant should be chained up at the temple, beaten by mahouts and then made to give blessings is right. That doesn’t mean I’m an ‘ignorant’ white. Funnily enough, I know that the British did bad things before and almost wiped about many beautiful creatures and cultures. Are all us ‘whites’ responsible for our elders actions? So would you like me to support animal cruelty still and then ask people to further mistreat your elephant population? What is it, Kya? Go on your racist, bitter and intolerant tirade if you must and campaign for all whites to be chucked out of India. It’s very short sighted. But, I think the real issue here is animal cruelty. hain na? Should that elephant be kept at the temple and chained up? Yes the Whites and the French DID bad things. We don’t forget that. But what really matters is what we do NOW. AND giving Laxmi fair treatment and a better life would be better than being treated like a circus animal. Maybe use your channeled aggression for something good that makes a difference instead of attacking people Based on assumptions you’ve made about a person online.

Thanks for reading! Sophie x

Nice Guide of Pondicheery. Loved it such a simple and neat post. Have a look of some more attraction of pondicherry which may be useful for your trip.

Hi Nishi, thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you like the post. I loved Pondicherry and would love to return one day. Sophie x

Thanks,Very nicely depicted, described and well narrated description of pondi, which is so good as if I was physically roaming arround the place. Touring clips and clues are really a welcome and helping tips.Loved it. Thanks again.

Hi Shashank, thanks so much for your kind comments! I’m glad you had a good time.x Sophie x

With all due respect to the blogger, Le Cafe is to be avoided at all costs. The coffee is not spectacular and the view even less so. The staff is not welcoming and it seems they put even less effort into their food and cleanliness than they put into their name.

Hi Dhruv, sorry to hear you had a bad experience. It wasn’t the same for me. Sophie x

Pondicherry sounds like an absolute gem! Your vivid description transported me straight to its charming streets and beautiful beaches. The mix of French and Indian cultures, along with the delicious food and friendly locals, makes it a must-visit. Thanks for sharing such a detailed and inspiring guide!

Hi Aish, thank you for reading and your kind words. Pondicherry is a mood indeed and the mix of heritage is fabulous! You must go! Sophie x

Great post! I’m planning a trip to Pondicherry soon. Can you recommend some good options for yacht rides? I’m interested in knowing about the best time to go and what to expect.

Hi Seemansh, you’ll love Pondicherry as it’s such a wonderful place. I’m sorry I have no idea about the yachts, I know there are cruises but they are the big ships rather than the smaller boats. You’ll need to ask at your hotel if they know any contacts. Thanks, Sophie x

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2-Day Pondicherry Itinerary

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• Pondicherry in 2 days
• 1-Day Pondicherry Itinerary
• 3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary
• 4-Day Pondicherry Itinerary
• 5-Day Pondicherry Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: northeast side of town.

Promenade Beach

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Arulmigu manakula vinayagar devasthanam, pothys pondicherry, botanical garden, the sacred heart basilica, paradise beach puducherry, where to eat, zuka chocolate cafe, bay of buddha, providence mall, immaculate conception cathedral, bharathi park puducherry, sri varadaraja perumal temple, bleu & blanc cottages, serenity beach, serenity beach sunrise point, theevu plage beach hotel resort, crêpe in touch, surguru veg restaurant, the storytellers' bar.

Attractions

Top searches in Pondicherry

Popular road trips from pondicherry, what's the weather like in pondicherry.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Pondicherry for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Pondicherry in January
• Weather in Pondicherry in February
• Weather in Pondicherry in March
• Weather in Pondicherry in April
• Weather in Pondicherry in May
• Weather in Pondicherry in June
• Weather in Pondicherry in July
• Weather in Pondicherry in August
• Weather in Pondicherry in September
• Weather in Pondicherry in October
• Weather in Pondicherry in November
• Weather in Pondicherry in December

All road trips from Pondicherry

• Pondicherry to Bengaluru drive
• Pondicherry to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Pondicherry to Mumbai drive
• Pondicherry to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Pondicherry to Hyderabad drive
• Pondicherry to New Delhi drive
• Pondicherry to Kochi (Cochin) drive
• Pondicherry to Munnar drive
• Pondicherry to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) drive
• Pondicherry to Jaipur drive
• Pondicherry to Kodaikanal drive
• Pondicherry to Agra drive
• Pondicherry to Tirupati drive
• Pondicherry to Madurai drive
• Pondicherry to Thekkady drive
• Pondicherry to Pune drive
• Pondicherry to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) drive
• Pondicherry to Udaipur drive
• Pondicherry to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Pondicherry to Kathmandu drive
• Pondicherry to Yercaud drive
• Pondicherry to Rameswaram drive
• Pondicherry to Tiruchirappalli drive
• Pondicherry to Thanjavur drive
• Pondicherry to Coimbatore drive
• Pondicherry to Kalpetta drive
• Pondicherry to Kanyakumari drive
• Pondicherry to Hampi drive
• Pondicherry to Panjim drive

Explore nearby places

• Pondicherry
• Ariyankuppam
• Rajapalayam
• Thiruvennainallur
• Acharapakkam
• Melmaruvathur
• Chidambaram
• Virudachalam
• Uttiramerur
• Thirukalukundram
• Thiruvarangam
• Vaitheeswarankovil
• Chengalpattu
• Mahabalipuram
• Tiruvannamalai
• Thiruvannamalai
• Hanumanthapuram
• Kodiyakarai
• Mayiladuthurai
• Thirukadaiyur
• Thirukkadaiyur

All related maps of Pondicherry

• Map of Pondicherry
• Map of Ariyankuppam
• Map of Villianur
• Map of Auroville
• Map of Cuddalore
• Map of Mailam
• Map of Rajapalayam
• Map of Villupuram
• Map of Tindivanam
• Map of Thiruvennainallur
• Map of Acharapakkam
• Map of Melmaruvathur
• Map of Gingee
• Map of Neyveli
• Map of Chidambaram
• Map of Virudachalam
• Map of Uttiramerur
• Map of Sirkazhi
• Map of Thirukalukundram
• Map of Thiruvarangam
• Map of Vaitheeswarankovil
• Map of Chengalpattu
• Map of Mahabalipuram
• Map of Cheyyar
• Map of Tiruvannamalai
• Map of Thiruvannamalai
• Map of Hanumanthapuram
• Map of Kodiyakarai
• Map of Mayiladuthurai
• Map of Thirukadaiyur
• Map of Thirukkadaiyur

Pondicherry throughout the year

• Pondicherry in January
• Pondicherry in February
• Pondicherry in March
• Pondicherry in April
• Pondicherry in May
• Pondicherry in June
• Pondicherry in July
• Pondicherry in August
• Pondicherry in September
• Pondicherry in October
• Pondicherry in November
• Pondicherry in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Pondicherry?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 2-Day Mahabalipuram Itinerary
• 2-Day Auroville Itinerary
• 2-Day Thiruvannamalai Itinerary
• 2-Day Chidambaram Itinerary

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Pondicherry Tour Packages

The French Riviera of the East awaits you!

Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a delightful escape that offers the best of both worlds. The streets of the French Quarter of Pondicherry, more commonly known as White Town, are dotted with charming mustard-yellow colonial structures with bougainvillea-laden walls. These are interspersed with cosy cafes and chic boutiques that offer delectable French cuisine and beverages. Simply strolling down these streets can give the traveller an insight into the fairy-tale charm of Pondicherry.

Topped with authentic French bakeries, bohemian stores and cobble-stoned paths that are delightful for a leisurely stroll or bicycle ride, Pondicherry has a lot to offer. So head on down to this dream town of the Indian Coast to visit the famous Auroville or just read a book in one of the quaint cafes.We, at Veena World, offer the best Pondicherry tour packages at the best prices; so head out and explore the boulevards and rues (the French word for streets) of Pondicherry which takes you down to the gorgeous seaside promenade, where the Bay of Bengal playfully splashes the shores of the famous Rock beach.

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Pondicherry Frequently Asked Questions

We help you prepare for your trip and ensure an effortless and enjoyable travel experience.

Why is Pondicherry so famous?

How many days are enough for a trip to pondicherry, do you provide customised holidays to pondicherry, is pondicherry open for travellers, is pondicherry better than goa, how expensive is pondicherry, what can you do in pondicherry on a budget, what was the old name of pondicherry, is pondicherry safe for solo travellers, what are the best places to visit pondicherry, get to know more about pondicherry before booking your tour packages.

Pondicherry, unlike the hustle and bustle found in big cities, is a quiet little town on the southern coast of India. With the quaint colonial heritage buildings, the unambiguous French connection, the spiritual sceneries, the tree-lined boulevards, the endless stretches of unspoilt virgin beaches and backwaters, a trip to Pondicherry is nothing less than divine. You can also find a surprising choice of restaurants that serve a melange of cuisines and provide a heady mix of experiences that draws travellers from near and far to the city. Our Pondicherry travel packages at the best prices are perfect if you want to take the pace of life down by a few notches.

With all that the beautiful town of Pondy has to offer, booking from our Pondicherry tour packages will be one of the best ways to spend your time at this brilliant destination. The cost of the Pondicherry tour package you choose will, of course, depend on the destinations you wish to cover, the amount of time you wish to spend, and so on.

Introduction: About the place

Puducherry, being the capital of the Union Territory of Puducherry, comprises of four coastal regions, namely Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. The most prominent spoken language is Tamil, though Telugu, Malayalam, English, and French are spoken by an appreciable number of people. Also, the majority of the population is Hindu with a considerable number of Christians and Muslims. Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists are comparatively fewer in number. Puducherry, as acknowledged by visitors, has a distinct spiritual vibration. Stories of resident sages have filtered down throughout its history from the earliest of days. The vibe is a blend of spiritual aura, colonial heritage, Tamil culture, and the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town. This inherent ambience of Pondy becomes most evident in the oldest parts of the town which flank the seashore boulevard. Our competitively priced trip packages to Pondicherry ensure that you can enjoy this very vibe that the city offers. The colonial buildings, some of which date back to the 18th century, stretch along a grid of clean straight streets which house the French institutions, Restaurants, Boutiques, Hotels, Guest Houses, private homes, and also include the sprawling premises of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Visitors here are greeted by mellow hues of cream, yellow, pink and grey compound walls which are interspersed by flamboyant bougainvillea bursting over gates and walls of courtyards. Our Pondicherry sightseeing packages give you a fair idea of how the city flaunts its ambience.

Experience: Culture/Why Visit

Have you ever experienced a place that takes you centuries back in time? With the French legacy preserved in the city’s French Quarter and streets that line with trees and colonial villas, Pondy is a romantic yet mirthful getaway. Explore one of our Pondicherry honeymoon packages to make the most of what the city has to offer. Puducherry is a city with a dual personality that encourages you to believe that you are in a different land altogether. It is one of the warmest and most welcoming places in the whole of India. Even the nickname “Pondy” signifies the feeling of belonging, a feeling that most associate with when they go home.

Things to do

There is a long list of things you can do in Pondicherry. Few of the places you must visit are:

The beaches of Pondicherry add grandeur to the city. While the early morning serenity takes your breath away; the radiance of glimmering streets with fun, food, and frolic in the evening will hypnotize you with its charm. Unlike all the other beaches in India, beaches at Pondy are pretty clean and well kept.

2. Aurobindo Ashram

Are you in a quest to find peace and tranquillity? If yes, you must head to the ashram for the spiritual experience of a lifetime. There are a number of guesthouses that are run by the ashram. However, as they are primarily for the guests of the ashram, it might be difficult to find accommodation there without any prior notice.

The cuisine found in Pondy is a perfect blend of cultures. Thanks to the city’s chequered history, you can find a bustling culinary scene here with restaurants serving fare from around the world. Along with traditional south Indian delicacies and mouth-watering seafood, you could also experiment with your palate with authentic French cuisine and drool over the numerous bakeries.

4. Churches

Pondicherry has been home to several churches. The structure and architecture of the churches in Pondy give them a definite French feel. Situated on the south boulevard, The Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus is an oriental specimen of Gothic architecture built in the year 1895. Try to attend a Christian wedding here; you’ll thank us later.

5. Old Lighthouse

One of the most famous landmarks in Pondy is the Old Lighthouse that was constructed in 1836. Though not operational today, it still remains a very interesting tourist attraction.

6. Water Sports

If you are into water sports, you are going to love it here! Activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking can all be experienced in Pondicherry.

7. Arikamedu

Get a glimpse of the Roman culture that remains in the ruins of Arikamedu. It was formerly a major port for trading with Roman traders and was believed to be the only town that had its ties with Rome.

8. Auroville

Saunter over to the enchanting city of Dawn, Auroville. People from across the globe build the Auroville, a universal, non-religious township and an international community that’s dedicated to peace, harmony, sustainable living, and 'divine consciousness'. The idea, based on the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, was to help realise the good old human unity. Experience the serenity of Pondy with our Pondicherry tour packages.

9. Wildlife: Bird watching at Ousteri Lake

This century-old manmade lake, situated about 10 kms from the town of Pondicherry, has been recognized as one of the important wetlands of Asia by the IUCN. The 390-hectare lake supports a variety of flora & fauna and provides a home to avifauna as well as migratory birds during summers & winters. The French-flavoured coastal city of Pondicherry is a blend of food, dual culture, and loads of fun. Book one of our Pondicherry travel packages to enjoy your holiday in this beautiful city.

Best time to visit

Pondicherry has a warm climate in general, hence the months from October to March are considered as an ideal time to visit. However, the town offers different charms in different seasons. Here’s a monthly breakup of Pondicherry’s climatic conditions to help you plan your Pondy trip during the “right” season:

October to February:

These months make up for the winter season in Pondicherry. It is during this time when the climate makes for a perfect sightseeing tour, beach fun, and water sports. Explore from our Pondicherry sightseeing packages and enjoy the city during your winter break. You can make do with light woollens as the temperature doesn't usually go below 17°C here.

March to June:

Even at its hottest during these summer months, the highest temperature doesn’t go beyond 41°C. However, the scarce crowd makes it a good time to enjoy a peaceful vacation in this little town. You can also partake in the water activities as there is less number of people swarming the beach.

July to September:

These months account for the monsoon season in Pondicherry. The town typically receives heavy to light rainfall every year but those who love to soak in the rain, this is the best time to let your hair down and experience the lush-green landscape that Pondicherry offers. In the month of August, Sri Aurobindo’s birthday celebrations make it the perfect time to enjoy the city at its vibrant best.

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Pondicherry Package For 4 Nights 5 Days Rated 4 /5 (based on 158 reviews) Pondicherry Package For 4 Nights 5 Days

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Cacred heart church at pondicherry

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Are you looking to spend quality time with family and friends and take a well-deserved break out of the busy schedule and monotonous city life? We present this once in a lifetime opportunity to avail our Pondicherry itinerary for 5 days to have an enthralling vacation and memorable experience.

Our first destination is the beautiful city of Chennai with the objective of local sightseeing. The city is majorly known as the capital of Tamil Nadu and is home to some popular temples and historical monuments, which shall guarantee a stunning experience and lifetime memories. The next destination of the tour is the popular place called Mahabalipuram en route Kanchipuram. The city is full of historic temples and artifacts. Various religious shrines and sculptures also enlarge the significance of this particular place. The Pondicherry tour itinerary for 5 days shall also be covering various other forts and historical monuments in the region in addition to the local sightseeing. Then we shall en route ourselves to the attraction of the tour, the beautiful place called Pondicherry, which is not only popular for its natural beauty but also is home to some iconic temples, memorials and town halls. Considered to be an epicenter of modern science and international living, the Pondicherry holiday packages for 5 days shall surely turn out to be a life-changing experience.

Pondicherry is filled with a plethora of outdoor activities, you can indulge in all these while holidaying in this stunning location.

• Boating: In Pondicherry, visit the Paradise Beach Island and enjoy boating in Chunnambar River. The place is splendid and is surrounded by lush greenery and backwaters. This mesmerizing location is perfect to spend some serene and tranquil time. While boating you will witness picturesque views and placid atmosphere. On the island you will explore various adventure activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking. You can go for cruises in the backwaters and spend some time in the peaceful environment. Many a time travelers spot dolphins as well.
• Birdwatching: The Ousteri lake in Pondicherry is a popular biodiversity spot which is visited by a large species of birds. The place offers scenic views and comprise of mud and marshy land. Ousteri lake is a man-made lake in Pondicherry and is preserved by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Many tourists come to this place to observe stunning sunsets and sunrises. It is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers who get to see a wide variety of migratory and residential birds. The lake also offers boating facilities, one can go and explore the peaceful spots of the lake.

So what are you waiting for? Avail our 4 night and 5 day Pondicherry trip packages for 5 days and witness things that have never been experienced before. We promise to serve to the best of convenience, luxury, and comfort. Book your tickets right away and be a part of our family.

• Visit the iconic Gandhi memorial
• Catch a glimpse of Kailash Nath Temple
• Experience the beauty of Marina Beach
• Pay a visit to the Old lighthouse
• Unwrap the history of Fort St. George

Chennai: Arrival and Sightseeing

• Local sightseeing

Other Benefits (On Arrival)

Welcome to the landmark city of Chennai

Upon arrival at the airport, we shall take you to the hotel. Post Breakfast, we’ll proceed for Gandhi memorial, an iconic place of historical reference, after which we shall cover some famous temples like Parthasarathy Temple, Kala Kshetra and others too. We shall also cover Fort St. George, Pantheon Museum, Old Lighthouse and Marina Beach in the later hours of the day. Then we shall head back to the hotel in Chennai, where the dinner shall be served followed by a good nap.

Mahabalipuram: Sightseeing

• Temples Tour

Enjoy the en-route to Kanchipuram

We start our day with a healthy breakfast post which we shall head towards Kanchipuram. The idea is to cover most of the major temples and shrines popular in the region. Some of them include Kailash Nath temple, Ekambareshwar Temple, Sri Kamakshi Temple etc. The city is immensely famous for its silk. Upon successfully covering the major sites, we shall head back to our stay in Mahabalipuram. Enjoy your dinner and a good sleep.

Sightseeing in Mahabalipuram and Transfer to Pondicherry

• Historical experience

Enjoy the en route to Mahabalipuram

We again start the day with some breakfast and head towards Mahabalipuram. The Pallava port is a popular sightseeing destination. We shall cover other popular shrines and places of historic sculptures. Shore temple devoted to Lord Shiva is one such iconic temple. Finally, we shall depart for our night stay at Pondicherry.

Pondicherry: Sightseeing

Have an engrossing experience in the city of Pondicherry

Post the customary breakfast, we head towards the most awaited destination, Pondicherry. The city is considered to be the epicenter of modern science and Yoga. We shall visit the iconic Aurobindo Ashram post which our next destination is the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Manakula Vinayagar Temple war memorial and other iconic places of worship. Finally, we head back to the hotel in Pondicherry to have dinner and a well-deserved comfortable sleep.

Travel back with the memories worth cherishing

Sadly, everything comes to an end and so shall this memorable tour. Post a healthy breakfast, we take you for final precise sightseeing after which we shall proceed for departure. Pick up and drop from the hotel and to the airport shall be arranged. Our representative shall help you with check-out as well as your transfer to the airport. Reach on time, catch your flight and go back home safely.

Note: Our agents will provide you these or similar hotels depending on availability

Mahabalipuram

Hotel mamalla inn

East Raja Street, No.69/1, East Raja Street, Mamallapuram

• Room service
• 24-hour front desk
• Wi-Fi on Charge

Hotel chennai gateway

23a Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Chennai 600107, India

• Air conditioning
• Business services
• Business center

Pondicherry

Pondicherry executive inn

1A Perumal Koil Street, White Town, 605001 Pondicherry, India

• Accommodation
• Airport pickup and drop
• Sightseeing
• Transportation
• Internet access
• Personal expenses
• River rafting
• Extra Meals
• Additional Drinks
• Travel Insurance

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FAQs About Tamil Nadu Tour Packages

Is tipping acceptable in pondicherry.

In Pondicherry, tipping is a very common practice and very commonly practiced.

Which are the top attractions to visit in Pondicherry?

If you are visiting Pondicherry, you must visit attractions such as:

• Seaside Promenade
• The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram
• Chunnambar Boat House
• Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Which are the best souvenirs to buy from Pondicherry?

Handicrafts, textiles, leather products, handmade paper, etc are some of the souvenirs you can buy while visiting Pondicherry.

Which is the most famous beach in Pondicherry?

Promenade Beach is the most famous beach in Pondicherry. It is known for its cleanliness and the serene vibe & views it offers its visitors.

What kind of transactions are accepted in Pondicherry?

Indian rupee being the standard currency is accepted wholeheartedly. The ATM machines are found in abundance. However, credit cards are not accepted everywhere since people usually prefer to pay and accept payments in cash.

Which are some of the best restaurants in Pondicherry?

These are the top-rated restaurants in Pondicherry where you can enjoy savouring lip-smacking meals:

• Kasha Ki Aasha
• Appachi Chettinad
• Bay of Buddha
• New Farm Fresh
• Villa ShantiLe Club
• Lighthouse Rooftop Grill
• A2B – Adyar Ananda Bhavan
• La Villa Helena
• Coromandel Cafe & Restaurant

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Pondicherry Trip with Friends

If you are planning for a short budget weekend trip, go for Pondi. Beaches and French restaurants are the main attractions here.

It was my first trip with friends so turned out to be a really memorable one. we were 3 girls, and i must say pondicherry is a safe place to go. it's a small city so 2 days are enough to cover the entire city. many places are close by so you can walk or take public transport which are very cheap. bicycles, scooty and cars are also available for rent..

I with my two friends decided to go for a weekend trip (2Days/1Night) to Pondicherry. We traveled by bus, Rs. 1400 each (as it was Christmas) for non AC sleeper bus from Bangalore to Pondi. And returning was just Rs.700 each that too for AC. We left on 24th Dec night and reached there early morning. The Autowala dropped us to the wrong Hotel and took 80 bucks for less that 2 kms. We took a shared auto from there and reached our hotel (Ramana Residency) for just 5 rupees.The public transport is really good and cheap there.

After reaching our hotel,we freshened up, had breakfast and went to Paradise Island Beach by booking Ola cab till the place and then took ferry from there. It was very hot so don't forget to carry sunscreen and umbrella with you. Had a lot of fun on the beach. After lunch we returned to the Hotel. In the evening we went to Sacred Heart Church (as it was Christmas eve) by bus. The church was well decorated.Then we walked to the Rock Beach and had dinner in Le Cafe which is a sea facing cafe. A very serene place. We were there till 10, then we walked around the small city to see the french colonies, really good architecture. We reached Zuka chocolate shop but it was about to close so they didnt let us in. We reached back to our hotel at 11 by shared Auto.

Next morning we left for Auroville (in Tamil Nadu, about 15kms from Pondi) by booking Ola Cab. After seeing the ashram and walking to the dome, we were really tired. But we decided to go to the Auroville Beach. We went by Auto and walked for some distance to reach there by asking localites for direction. Lot of local crowd there. We returned to the hotel, took a nap and then went for lunch to Cafe des art. The place was good, food was fine. We roamed around in the French colonies and went to Zuka chocolate shop and had some chocolates there. Then we went to the Rock Beach again and spent a peaceful evening sitting on the rocks. We went for dinner to La Maison Rose cafe which is close to Rock Beach. The place was charming, food was good. Then went back to the hotel and boarded the returning bus to Bangalore.

Café des Arts

This is a typical old Pondicherry house converted into an art cafe. The walls are lined with quirky paintings and interesting book shelves that complete the ambiance. There are clothes and bags which are available for sale. We went here for lunch. When we spoke to the waiter we found out he's not a waiter but a student from delhi who is studying french there. As a lot of french people visit the place so he's helping his friend's aunt who owns the cafe as he is fluent in french. we had a nice chat with him and he told us soon he would be working in some embassy in Delhi. The service is slow, which is where the ambiance helps. Drinks were ok, food was good. The place is a bit clumpsy but the Crowd is quite good though and the silence for having a conversation with friends makes it better.

La Maison Rose

The place is casual, and all lit up at night. Ambience is Romantic & CharmingWe visited the place for dinner on day 2. We ordered non veg and drinks, I loved the food. The crowd was good and the service, I thought was fine.

We girls love chocolate and this place was on the top of our list. We reached there at night around 10 but the shop was about to close and they didn't let us in. So we went there the next day in the afternoon, had some yummy chocolate and took a lot for friends. It's a small dessert place with cute chocolate-like butterflies adorning the ceiling. There's a statue of Abdul Kalam made out of chocolate. Must visit if you have a sweet tooth.

An awesome place for mind relief. We went there on our first evening but loved it so much that went there again the next day and spent the whole evening. If you are at Rock Beach, you have to visit the cafe there (Le Cafe). The sound of the waves and the wind blowing through your hair, just so peaceful.

Lovely place to sit back and enjoy the view. But too crowded so we had to wait for a long time to get the table. Food tasted fine but not sure how hygienic the place was. I suggest you should visit the cafe atleast once, you cannot miss a sea facing cafe afterall.

Sacred Heart Church

It was a gothic church, One of the oldest in Pondicherry. As it was Christmas the church was decorated, had nice architecture and was well maintained. Close to the Rock Beach as well.

Paradise Beach

One of the finest beach in Pondicherry. The only convenient way to reach this place is to take the ferry operated by the Pondicherry tourism for a nominal fee. Food and drinks are available on the island. Changing rooms and washrooms are also available on site. Really too much crowd, so it takes too much waiting time to board a ferry. Its scenic beauty makes it wonderful, had a great time with friends there.

It's in Tamil Nadu, 15kms from Pondicherry.There are a few things to see in the museum. The walk to the dome was tiring but the dome was an impressive piece of architecture. After the ashram, we visited the Auroville Beach. The waves are really high there, no changing rooms available. A lot of local boys staring and passing comments. Beach was fine but couldnt really enjoy because of the local crowd.

Ramana Residency

Hotel was good, we got good discount as we booked tickets online. Room and bathroom were clean. Breakfast was free, but lot of delay.

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Further Reads

In ‘Will & Harper,’ comedian Will Ferrell meets an old friend for the first time

About halfway through director Josh Greenbaum’s new road trip documentary, “Will & Harper,” comedian Will Ferrell looks across the car at his longtime friend and collaborator Harper Steele and says, already laughing, “Here’s a question: Do you think you’re a worse driver as a female driver?” 

At that point, the pair is over a week into the 16-day cross-country tour that serves as the basis for the film, which explores how coming out as transgender can change a friendship, set to a soundtrack of heartfelt road-worthy tunes. And Steele’s faux-exasperated “f--- you” in response signals just how far the friends, who met in 1995 on the set of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” have come from the first day of the trip.

“Josh had warned us that it’s going to feel weird the first couple days but, by the third day, you’re going to forget the cameras are there. And it’s really true,” Ferrell told NBC News of filming the documentary, which releases Friday on Netflix, in an interview with Greenbaum and Steele. “On that third day, you really settle into just hanging out the way you would if there weren’t cameras there, and I think that corresponds with what you see.”

While it takes slightly longer for Ferrell to start making jokes about women drivers and Steele’s "rack," they’re headed in that direction by the time they make it from New York to Indiana — where they watch the sun set in a Walmart parking lot, with a comical array of Pringles — around the three-day mark. And eventually, what starts out as a series of cautious conversations about the basics of transitioning develops into touching and often amusing dialogues about mental health and living authentically as they make their way deeper into the Midwest and turn south, en route to California, in Steele’s vintage wagon. 

“There really wasn’t a question as to whether there would be humor involved. Would anyone else think we’re funny? We didn’t know, but, boy, we sure crack ourselves up. And we’re lucky that the audience, for the most part, seems to think the same,” Ferrell said, before Steele quipped that it was still unclear whether viewers were laughing with them or at them.

“That’s our language — that’s how we met — making jokes to each other,” Ferrell said, explaining that, while they knew making the documentary “was not going to be an easy endeavor,” they weren’t afraid because of their history. “The wonderful surprise is that we met through humor but, as we got to know each other, we had really great emotional talks about other subjects.”

The road to “Will & Harper” started in 2021, when Steele sent a letter to her close friends and family, letting them know that she would be transitioning. In response, Ferrell wrote back a message of support, adding that he’d like to talk about it sometime. When he said that, of course, neither of them were picturing talking about it on camera for a highly publicized documentary with a festival rollout. 

“It was Will’s idea, which I said no to pretty quickly,” Steele said of Ferrell suggesting they tape themselves getting reacquainted while traversing the country by car. “And then, I gave it about a summer to think about it. I started talking to Will, and then we dragged in Josh, and we all talked about what shape it would take.”

A large part of why it took her time and several conversations to sign on, the former head writer of “SNL” explains in the press notes for “Will & Harper,” is that she much prefers to be behind the scenes. But the sense that doing the documentary could help other trans people, as well as push her to be in spaces that felt scary to be in after coming out, ended up trumping her hesitancy about being in front of the camera. And once she was on board, she said, she embraced the opportunity to talk openly on film about her transition.

“I was never too afraid to talk about myself,” she said. “When you come out as trans, you’re introducing a kind of vulnerability that turns out to be very special, so I leaned into it.”

Once Steele agreed to the project, she and Ferrell mapped out a route that included spots she had gone to on her many previous road trips around the country before transitioning and places from her past. And Greenbaum, whose other features include “Too Funny to Fail” and “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” enlisted a crew to help him capture the two taking in local attractions — like a Pacers game in Indianapolis, a restaurant that serves a 72-ounce steak in Texas and a hot air balloon ride in New Mexico — or simply enjoying a beer and a view from Steele’s handy fold-out chairs.

Between each stop, the friends discuss topics like why Steele landed on the name Harper, her experiences with top surgery and gender dysphoria, and Ferrell’s love of Dunkin’, all while being filmed by a camera mounted on the hood of Steele’s car. And on the way to places where Steele wonders if she’s still welcome, like a rural dive bar and a stock car race, they talk about their shared sense that much of the country has become unsafe for transgender people — something that was also top of mind for Greenbaum while making the film. 

“On one level, it was great that we all knew each other. But there was another layer that I wasn’t used to, which was that I’m not just thinking about what’s good for the story; I want to protect my friends and make sure they’re literally, physically safe,” Greenbaum, who’s known Ferrell and Steele for years, told NBC News of filming his first documentary with his friends as the subjects.

Adding that he was also aware of making sure Steele and Ferrell were “emotionally protected” when he was editing the film, he said, “But I just followed their lead, because, as you see in the film, they’re so open and vulnerable. I knew that it was a safe place to start from — showing exactly what happened on this trip, both the good and the bad.”

The bad moments that Greenbaum alluded to usually happen when Ferrell and Steele are caught off guard by unwanted attention, like at the Texas steak house where they attract a voyeuristic crowd. But there are many more good moments to balance those out, including both the lighthearted and heavy conversations that bring Ferrell and Steele closer together and their interactions with people across the country who demonstrate that things are actually changing for the better — like a run-in with a group of college kids doing a tour of Washington, D.C., which didn’t make it in the film but stuck with Ferrell.  

“Of course, when people saw the cameras, they’d come up. When they see a super famous, A-list celebrity, they want to know what [is going on],” Ferrell said with a sly look, momentarily breaking from the story to get a rise out of Steele and Greenbaum, who groaned in response. 

“When we explained, ‘I’m with my friend Harper, and she just transitioned,’ it wasn’t even a question to them. They were, like, ‘Oh, how are you, Harper? Great to meet you,’” he said. “I’m not trying to say that we don’t need to work on acceptance. But that really struck me — that for people in their late teens, early 20s, it was very natural.”

Looking at her friend, briefly, without a trace of sarcasm, Steele agreed, “It was very hopeful.”

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Elaina Patton is a freelance entertainment and culture writer.