trip plan for pondicherry

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The Best Pondicherry Itinerary for 3 days in 2024

Last Updated on May 9, 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.

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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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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

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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.

Every map that you see in this article includes a hyperlink to an interactive version on Google Drive. After clicking the map image, the interactive version will be opened in a new tab.

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.

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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!

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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!

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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4 days Pondicherry trip itinerary

Pondicherry, renamed Puducherry and fondly called as “Pondy” by its residents – has always been the laid back contrasting beach destination to the great party scenes of Goa in India. When in the search of solitude and a relaxing vacation, heading to either Pondicherry or the beaches of Goa , particularly South Goa , is our all time favourite choice. Although recently we made several trips to Goa. Including a 2 weeks workcation from Benaulim beach at Biera Mar Beach Resort , to our stays in Palolem Beach Hut at Palolem beach and then at Agonda Beach in Goa. But, it’s over a decade since we visited Pondicherry. So, come long weekend in August, we decided to head to Pondy once again. This time on a 4 days Pondicherry trip itinerary to explore this wonderful destination better. So, here’s a four days Pondicherry trip itinerary for you that we followed this time.

Table of Contents

Day 1 of 4 days Pondicherry trip itinerary : Arrival, Promenade and Rock Beach

Post arrival in Pondicherry, check in into your accommodation. Afterwards, in the evening, visit the Promenade & Rock Beach.

White there is a sandy part of the beach where you can actually go in the water. There is also a rocky part where you can sit on the rocks and see the waves crash against the beach. Either ways, it’s a great relaxing place.

Promenade is the area around the above beaches. Which is developed like a park with a cool pathway. With the beach on one side and the French style buildings of white town on the other, this area becomes abuzz with activities as evening arrives. Add to that the cute cafes and it gets a vibe of a European city that you will love to explore on foot. In fact, it reminded me of strolling on the streets of Rome on our trip to Italy .

Vehicles are not allowed on this road after 4:00pm in evening till 8:00pm. So, pedestrians can enjoy the evening strolls on the road all the more.

With hawkers selling street food, balloons and toys, cafes serving mouth watering Indo-French cuisines and many a times even cultural activities happening right here, the Promenade is definitely the heart of Pondy I would say. Have a fabulous evening here. And have your dinner in one of the restaurants nearby before heading back to your accommodation.

Where to have dinner near the Promenade

Some beautiful cafes and restaurants in White Town can be your perfect dinner spot after spending the evening at the Promenade, Pondicherry. Head to Dilliwala6 for an Indian cuisine experience. Or, Coromandel Cafe for a French twist. Or, Rendezvous Cafe for a mixed experience. Villa Shanti is another food lover’s Paradise to try. Or, simply head to Le Cafe right on the Promenade, a cafe which is open 24/7!!

Day 2 of 4 days Pondicherry trip itinerary : Auro Beach, Auroville & Serenity Beach

Post breakfast, head to Auro Beach or Auroville beach. It is very near to the township of Auroville. Spend the morning watching the waves. You can even swim in the ocean if the tides are supportive. Carry a change of cloths with you if you intend to do so. But do note that there are no changing rooms here.

Next, head to Auroville. A beautiful township like none other in the world. It requires around 3-4 hours to finish a complete tour of Auroville . Check out this post for a detailed virtual walk through of Auroville. In a nutshell, your trip to Auroville should include :

• A walk to Matrimandir viewing point. You need to take a prior appointment if you intend to visit Matrimandir from inside.
• Refreshment or food at one of the many outlets at Auroville campus. Try their recipes made from in house organic produces.
• A visit to the shops, boutiques and artist gallery at the shopping complex of Auroville.
• Visit the pottery studios inside Auroville. If you have time, some of these even offer a hands-on pottery experience.
• Spend time in the information center of Auroville, understanding the whole concept of this township.

Post visiting Auroville, you can head to Serenity beach – another beautiful beach that lies on the way from Auroville to the main town.

Where to have lunch near Auroville

You can have lunch either at Auroville or at one of the several cafes that dot the way to Auroville. We had our lunch at Bread & Chocolate cafe after visiting Auroville, while on our way back to the town. They have several unique delicacies like sweet sandwiches, mouth watering croissants, and many varieties of bread and bread compliments.

Day 3 of 4 days Pondicherry trip itinerary : White Town, Eden Beach & Paradise Beach

Today, skip the breakfast at your accommodation. And head for this walking tour of white town in Pondicherry. Have your breakfast in one of the many cute cafes that this place has to offer. But beware if you are doing this trip on a weekend. Chances are, you will find huge crowd and waiting queues in front of most of the famous cafes. Like we did, when we tried visiting The Indian Kaffee Express and Cafe Des Arts. Finally we had our breakfast at Cafe Zuka on the Promenade.

Nevertheless, apart from breakfast, your morning will comprise of a beautiful self paced, free walking tour of white town, Pondicherry. As a part of which, you will discover several beautiful landmarks of White Town in Pondicherry. Including the Aurobindo Aashram, Pondicherry Museum, Chamber of Commerce, Le Cafe, Bharti Park, B R Ambedkar Statue, Mahatma Gandhi Statue, French War Memorial, Schools, Colleges, Notre Dame Church and several other landmarks. Do visit the artist village as well. Apart from these, you will encounter random french style houses, beautiful parks and circles, temples and other unexpected beauties while roaming through the streets of White Town in Pondicherry.

Most likely, the walking tour will take 3-4 hours. Post which head for lunch.

Post lunch, head for Eden beach, the first blue flag beach of Pondicherry. The beach is scenic. And also has changing room facilities and toilet facilities. If it is not a high tide day, you will be able to swim in the waters here. From Eden beach, you can also take a walk along the coast and reach Paradise beach – another most famous of the beaches of Pondicherry. Spend the evening on either or both of the beaches as per your liking. These are the most beautiful beaches of Pondicherry. And then return to the town for dinner. As there are not many options near these beaches.

Alternatively, you can also checkin into one of the beach resorts near these beaches. After completing the walking tour and lunch, head to the beach resort and check-in there. Enjoy the beaches and the resort facilities for the rest of the day. It will be a nice pampering experience towards the end of your trip that will add a slice of luxury to your 4 days Pondicherry trip itinerary.

Where to have breakfast in White Town Pondicherry

Cafe Zuka – really loved their paneer sandwich and iced tea

Cafe Des Arts – If you are lucky enough to get a seat on time!

The Indian Kaffee Express – once again – very famous and very crowded

Bread & Chocolate

And there are several other cafes , in every street and on every corner.

Where to have lunch in White Town Pondicherry

Dilliwala6, Villa Shanti, Coromandel Cafe, Rendezvous Cafe etc. are some of the famous lunch places in White Town Pondicherry.

Last day of 4 days Pondicherry trip itinerary : back to home

Finally comes the last of the 4 days Pondicherry trip itinerary. Today, depending on when you are supposed to travel back to home, pack your bags and check out from your accommodation. If you have enough time in the morning, you can visit Serenity beach to watch a beautiful sunrise. And later have breakfast once again at White Town, Pondicherry.

How to reach Pondicherry

Pondicherry is well connected with rest of the country through road as well as air transport. You can fly into the Pondicherry airport from most of the major cities of India. Or, you can also take a road trip to Pondicherry from neighbouring towns like Chennai, Mahabalipuram , Vellore or Bangalore.

Bangalore to Pondicherry driving duration : 7.5 hours

Chennai to Pondicherry driving duration : 3.5 hours

The Chennai – Pondicherry route is very scenic, via ECR (East Coast Road). We have not droven this stretch, but have been on ECR road twice while traveling to Mahabalipuram, and staying at Radisson Blu Temple Bay couple of months back.

While Bangalore to Pondicherry route follows one of these routes –

Route 1 from Bangalore to Pondicherry

Bangalore – Hoskote – Kolar – Chittoor – Vandavasi – Tindivanam – Pondicherry (Via NH75)

NH75 runs only till Kolar, post which most of the route is through state highways. Although, naturally scenic, this route might not give one so much pleasure of driving. However, people traveling from eastern side of Bangalore like Whitefield might find this route to be shortest for them.

Route 2 from Bangalore to Pondicherry

Bangalore – Krishnagiri – Ambur – Arani – Tindivanam – Pondicherry (Via NH 44, NH 48 and SH 4)

We took this route while on our way to Pondicherry. Both NH 44 & NH 48 are in excellent condition. And absolute pleasure to drive on. But once you hit state highway, you will be going at a speed of 40 km per hour. Also, you will need to cross through 2-3 different towns on this route. Where you might face traffic and congestion. However, road condition is not bad even on the state highway.

Route 3 from Bangalore to Pondicherry

Bangalore – Krishnagiri – Ambur – Vellore – Arcot – Vandavasi – Tindivanam – Pondicherry (Via NH 44, NH 48 and SH 5)

This route is little longer than the Route 2 above. But you will not need to cross as many towns on SH 5. And it is also wider on most parts, although still two lane. There is not too much time difference in covering the state highway as compared to Route 2. But, we felt it was little easier to navigate compared to route 2 because of less congestion. We took this route in the reverse direction on our way back from Pondicherry to Bangalore. And will recommend taking it for your trip to Pondicherry.

How to get around in Pondicherry

If you are driving down to the town of Pondicherry, I highly recommend park your vehicle once there. And use a local mode of transport while sightseeing. It can be a taxi or an autorickshaw. Because the traffic in the town of Pondicherry is one of the worst I have seen. When we visited Pondicherry for 2 days years back, we hired an autorickshaw to show us around. He charged INR 1000/- for the whole day back then. And showed us around all the important sights, being our guide as well. It was so hassle free.

This time around, we drove to Auroville and Eden beach in our own vehicle. And how we regretted it while coming back to our hotel! The traffic was simply insane. It took us 1 hour to navigate 5km. And it’s completely chaotic. With no traffic lights at most of the cross roads. And a tonn of two wheelers, none of who wear a helmet or drive in their lanes 😀 . Autorickshaws are readily available. And you can call a taxi also via your hotel. That will be much more convenient. Or, if you can navigate the traffic, hire a two wheeler for getting around in Pondicherry.

For exploring White Town and Promenade, better to stay in or near this area. So that you can explore them on foot. Like we did. Or, you can also hire a two wheeler or a bicycle when exploring the White Town.

Where to stay in Pondicherry

• If you want to experience life at Auroville, there are guest houses and homestay in Auroville that you can book.
• For exploring white town, Promenade and staying in the center of the town, you can book one of the many hotels available right near the White Town. These hotels are budget friendly, have good parking spaces and mostly in house restaurants also. Some of the highly rated hotels are Hotel Surguru Pondicherry , Hotel Atithi , Anandha Inn Hotel and Convention Center.  We have ourselves stayed in the first and the third one. And both time had a pleasant stay. I will definitely vouch for the hospitality at Hotel Surguru.
• If you want to experience the French quarters of Pondicherry up close, staying in a boutique homestay, guesthouse or a heritage home turned hotel right inside White Town is something you should aim for. Some of the famous and beautiful hotels in White Town Pondicherry include Le Dupleix , Palais de Mahe – CGH Earth , La Villa , Grand Hotel D’ Europe . And there are many more.
• While visiting Pondy, if your main purpose is to relax by the beach then you should stay in a beachside resort. They provide easy access to the beach. And are also loaded with all kind of luxury to pamper you. Couple of the famous names include Le Pondy Beach Resort , and Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay. 

Click this link to browse through the list of properties in Pondicherry and book a suitable accommodation from our travel partner booking.com.

On my idle vacation to Pondicherry, I will stay in a mix of the above. For example, for 3 nights, first night at Auroville, second night in White Town and third night in a luxury resort by the sea. Although it will require a little hopping between places, it will be a perfect way to experience all kind of accommodations that the town has got to offer. And also convenient to explore all the places that one wants to cover while on a trip to Pondicherry.

Where to eat in Pondicherry

Pondicherry or Puducherry has no shortage on the variety of eateries and type of cuisines that you can have. North Indian, South Indian, French, Continental, Indo- Chinese. All kind of food is ready available in the main town. However, I will strongly suggest, when in Pondicherry, do try some of the cafes of Pondy. Particularly the ones in and around the White Town Pondicherry. Cute, ambient cafes with mouth watering delicacies. Some of which remain open 24/7. Just keep in mind that some of the famous ones get really overcrowded on long weekends and weekends. Some of these are open early in the morning from 7:00am while some others remain open till late at night, like, 10:00pm. So, check the timing to see which meal you can have there.

We had breakfast at Cafe Zuka once, lunch at Bread & Chocolate once and dinner at Dilliwala6 once. The food was good at all the three places.

Some more cafes and restaurants to try in White Town will be Cafe Des Arts, Coromandel Cafe, Cafe Rendezvous, The Indian Kaffee Express, Villa Shanti and many more. As you walk around the area, you will get several other cafes – big and small and beautiful.

But if you do want to try south Indian meals in Pondicherry, hotel Surguru has several outlets all across the town. And they have very vast menu. Hotel Atithi, Hotel Ananda Inn also have restaurants that are open to general public.

While visiting Auroville on your 4 days Pondicherry trip itinerary, try out some cafes and restaurants in the campus that serve recipes made from home grown 100% organic produce.

When is the right time to plan a vacation to Pondicherry

Depends on what you plan to do while in Pondicherry.

• For relaxing by the beach, in a beach side resort, anytime around the year will do fine. Stay in the resort and enjoy it’s facilities during the day. And head out to the beach in the morning and evening hours.
• When you want to explore Pondicherry on foot, particularly the Promenade, White Town and other beaches which are little distant, then best time to plan a vacation to Pondicherry will be the winter months of December through February or monsoon months of June through August when it’s cloudy and overcast.
• For volunteering and staying in Auroville, again, winter months will be best.

Night life in Pondicherry?

There are some of the best night clubs, dance clubs and pubs near the beaches in Pondicherry. But most of the places shut down by 11:00pm. And the city goes to sleep early. So, I will not say that Pondicherry is really a destination for night owls that like to party all night. It has so many other diverse experiences to have. So, go for them when heading to Pondicherry.

Other general tips on visiting Pondicherry

• Wear breathable cotton cloths and light slippers.
• Sunscreen, umbrella and hat are a must when venturing out during the day.
• Book your accommodation in advance when visiting on long weekends. In fact, avoid long weekends if possible as it gets super crowded here.
• Explore Promenade beach in the morning, as it’s very less crowded then.
• Check the weather forecast before planning a trip. As the coastal town sometimes gets heavy rain to sea storms.
• Also check the tide condition when you plan to swim in the beach. The beaches here are sloppy and you will not be allowed in water on high tide days. Check here the 5 best beaches of Pondicherry.
• Try some French Cafe
• Visit one of the oldest Churches.
• Pondicherry has a lot of handicraft, particularly pottery. If you want to shop here, go for terracotta and baked clay products.

PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.

4 thoughts on “4 days Pondicherry trip itinerary”

On our 3-night getaway to pondicherry with 10 friends, we decided to bypass traditional booking channels and try Cheqin.club. This choice was immensely rewarding, as we quickly received direct and advantageous offers from accommodation providers, making our trip planning both efficient and cost-effective.

Hey was looking forward to Visit Pondi in this february and I must say your entire blog is so self explanatory and wholesome, I could plan the entire itinerary from this 1 blog only..thank you

Thank you so much Dharana. Really happy that the information I compiled helped you plan your trip. Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you ..very precise and helpful…shall follow it completely…rather,it will be my guide .

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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 Best Places to Visit in Pondicherry in 2 Days – A Pondicherry Itinerary

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This Pondicherry travel guide contains a Pondicherry itinerary for 2 days.

Pondicherry, Puducherry or Pondi is a Union Territory of India geographically located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Since Pondicherry is ideally located close to big cities like Bangalore and Chennai, it's a common weekend getaway for people residing or working in these cities. Moreover, the quaint lanes of Pondicherry make it a popular tourist attraction. Thus, take a look at this Pondicherry travel guide that contains a list of all places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days.

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Table of Contents

Places to Visit in Pondicherry in 2 Days

Pondicherry was under European (mostly French) rule for more than 250 years. Having joined India in 1954 as a union territory, Puducherry has still managed to retain a major part of it's French culture. In fact, it's this French influence which predominates the first half of the movie Life of Pi. When I watched this movie, 7 years ago, back when I was in first year of college, I inculcated a strong desire to visit Pondicherry. I'm delighted that I got to check off this charming place from my bucket list. This article serves as the ultimate Pondicherry travel guide - containing information on the places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days in the form of a Pondicherry itinerary along with a information on where to eat in Pondicherry, shopping in Pondicherry, what to pack for Pondicherry and more. Happy reading!

How to Reach Pondicherry

Pondicherry's close proximity to Chennai as well as Bangalore makes it a popular weekend getaway among students and working professionals. Take a look at the various ways you can reach Pondi for your 2 day trip to Pondicherry.

Nearest Airport to Pondicherry

The Chennai International Airport is the closest airport to Pondicherry. One you land at Chennai airport, catch the airport metro to Guindy. You'll find buses to Pondicherry from Guindy bus stand. The journey from Chennai to Pondicherry can be covered within 3 hours.

Nearest Railway Station to Pondicherry

Pondicherry is connected by rail with the Villupuram Railway Junction being the closest railway station. While not a lot of trains go through this railway station, you can reach Chennai and then change trains to catch a train from Chennai to Pondicherry.

Chennai to Pondicherry Bus

Chennai to Pondicherry is a distance of 125 km. This journey from Chennai to Pondicherry takes less than 3 hours by bus . There are regular buses plying at regular intervals, all day from Chennai to Pondicherry and back from Pondicherry to Chennai as well.

Bangalore to Pondicherry Bus

Bangalore to Pondicherry takes anywhere between 6-8 hours depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic. There are overnight buses running between Bangalore and Pondicherry daily.

Best Time to Visit Pondicherry

The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to March . This is when humidity in Pondicherry is at its lowest and there temperature is pleasant. On the other hand, avoid visiting Pondicherry during summer and monsoon from April to August. The heat and humidity during these months can be overbearing for some. However, if you want to enjoy Pondicherry to yourself without the crowds, then this is the best time to visit Pondicherry.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Pondicherry?

Because I have written a Pondicherry itinerary for two days, I think it's clear that 2 days are sufficient to see Pondicherry. Within 2 days, you can see all the popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry. That being said, if you want to try surfing, or spend some more time in an ashram or Auroville or just chill at one of the beaches in Pondicherry, then you should consider spending 3-5 days in Pondicherry. You'll still have plenty to do, see, and eat without geting bored!

Getting Around Pondicherry

You will need a vehicle in order to get around Pondicherry. Renting a two-wheeler is the most common way to get around Pondicherry. You'll find rental shops near the Pondicherry bus stand. If you're staying in the white town area, you can simply walk to the local sightseeing places or rent a bicycle. However, if you want to venture further to the beaches and Auroville, you will need a 2-wheeler.

2 Days Trip to Pondicherry Cost

You can very easily make a budget trip to Pondicherry as long as you keep the cost of accommodation and the cost of travel low. First, travel to Pondicherry by bus or train rather than via flight to lower the cost of your trip. Secondly, find budget hotels or airbnbs in Pondicherry in order to stick to your budget. While it may be difficult to find lower rates at hotels in white town, you can get budget hotels just outside white town. In fact, rates of stays in Pondicherry is quite reasonable on various online booking platforms.

Search for budget-friendly stays in Pondicherry below:

When I look back at my Pondicherry trip I remember sprawling courtyards, colourful walls, plentiful flowers, endearing cafes and a romantic promenade. All these reasons make Pondicherry an ideal weekend getaway. While there's isn't a whole lot to do here, you can can sit back in a cute little cafe and devour a croissant or walk around the flower laden streets. Better yet, rent a bicycle, visit the local sightseeing spots and blend in with the locals. Take a look at the places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days.

1. Promenade

The promenade is a long, clean road alongside the ocean, stretching for approximately 1.5 km. It's an ideal place to start your morning with a jog or to spend the evening leisurely walking along. While on one end of the promenade is a pier, the other end is marked by a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. In the mornings, this stretch of road is deserted whereas it gets extremely crowded in the evening . I personally liked it more in the morning when there was hardly anyone on the road. Do remember to catch the sunrise from here. There are plenty of restaurants, shops and stores adjoining the promenade. My favourite restaurant here is Bay of Buddha. Get here early for a romantic dinner on a rooftop overlooking the ocean.

2. Old Lighthouse

Located on one end of the promenade is an old lighthouse. While I'm not aware if visitors are allowed inside, it's a charming old thing to photograph from the outside. While you're here, grab a bite at Le Cafe which has a terrace overlooking the ocean. There's another lighthouse on the opposite end of the promenade which is open to visitors.

Must Read: A Guide to Gokarna - The 5 Beach Trek

3. Our Lady of Angels Church

Painted in a deep tone of peach, this glorious church rests surrounded by the streets Dumas, Surcouf and Romain Rolland in White Town Pondicherry. Visible from the promenade , the church is located at a distance of 500 m from the old lighthouse. While the upper part of the church was made in the Ionic style, the lower part was inspired by the Doric style of architecture. The inside of the church is spacious, airy and has a number of intricate paintings adorning the walls. I sat inside the church on an afternoon while visiting the white town area. It was a relaxing and rejuvenating stop for me. When it comes to things to do in Pondicherry in 2 days, it's worth paying a visit to the many churches.

4. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Basilica is located in the Southern Boulevard of Pondicherry, on the MG Road, and is an example of Gothic architecture. The 100-year old church has numerous stand-out features. Some of these features include stained glass windows, walls adorned with terracotta motifs and twin spires and a sparkling interiors. Come here during mid-morning to enjoy some quiet time to introspect inside the church.

Must Read: How to Spend 2 Days in Gokarna

5. Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sir Aurobindo, after retiring from politics, settled down in Pondicherry with a bunch of followers and started a spiritual movement. His remains, along with those of Mother, his spiritual partner, are laid to rest here at the ashram . Devotees and tourists line up outside the ashram  to pay homage to him. The people at the ashram are extremely particular about maintaining silence and request all visitors to turn off their cellphones. Once inside, you can visit the samadhi (tomb) and sit in the ashram courtyards. It's a peaceful place with gentle breeze and only the sounds are those of birds chirping. There is also a book store where you can get more information about the ashram, Auroville and the founders of both. The ashram premises can be identified by the distinct grey walls right next to #Dilliwala restaurant in the White Town, Pondicherry.

6. White Town

Pink bougainvillea flowers peering over colourful walls, French street names and artsy cafes are the highlight of the white town area. White town is named as such because it used to be an area reserved for the "white" French folk settled in Pondicherry. One can easily spend an entire morning walking around, sampling French food, basking in the vibrantly hued houses and photographing beaming bicycles parked against flower laden walls.

Also known as the French Quarters, most houses in this area have been converted into heritage hotels, boutique cafes and art galleries . Cafe des Arts is a great cafe here that is not to be missed. This area is best explored by foot or on a bicycle for the simple reason that you will want to stop and take a picture in front of every other wall. The main streets composing white town are Rue Dumas, Rue Romain Rolland, Rue Suffren and Rue La Bourdonnais. Keep one morning aside just to walk around these streets and practice your French on random passersby. Comment allez-vous? 

7. Auroville

Auroville is a universal town where people from all over the world live together in harmony. The concept of Auroville was conceived by the Mother in the 1930s. In 1966 UNESCO passed a unanimous resolution commending it as a project of importance to the future of humanity, thereby giving their full encouragement. On 28th February 1968 some 5,000 people assembled near the banyan tree at the centre of the future township for an inauguration ceremony attended by representatives of 124 nations. The representatives brought with them some soil from their homeland, to be mixed in a white marble clad lotus-shaped urn, which now sits at the focal point of the Amphitheater.

The Matrimandir is at the centre of Auroville, shown in the picture above. A heliostat at the top of the mandir reflects a ray of sunshine, which travels through different layers and touches the 'lotus pond' at the bottom. Thus it completes the link between spirit and matter. Keep in mind that you need permissions beforehand, in order to visit in Matrimandir, although the rest of Auroville is free and open to visit. Check out the Auroville website for more details.

8. Serenity Beach

Serenity beach is located between Auroville and Pondicherry city. It's a petite beach with white sand and plenty of rocks. Besides, the beach is usually deserted. The only people you might encounter on the beach are the surfers from the Kallayali Surf School or curious explorers like you. It's imperative for me to mention that in case you're not there for the places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days, rather plan on staying for 3-4 days then if you feel adventurous, you can sign up for surf lessons at the Kallayali Surf School. You can go for 2 or 3 sessions, depending on how long you're staying in Pondicherry. An added bonus is that you get bragging rights and killer pictures!

Must Read: A Complete Guide to Kodaikanal

Pondicherry Hotels - Places to Stay in Pondicherry

While there are hotels all across Pondicherry, it would be ideal to stay near the white town area. This way, you will be in close affinity to the promenade and most of the good restaurants and cafes.

Find hotels in Pondicherry on Booking.com

Villa Monte Carlo Hotel ₹₹

I highly recommend staying at Villa Monte Carlo in the White Town . Not only is it situated right next to the extremely popular Cafe des Arts at a prime location but the rooms here are clean and spacious . Each room comes with a massive bed, cupboard, study table, television and air conditioning. What's more, the staff here is absolutely wonderful, always greeting everyone with a smile. Another great selling point of Villa Monte Carlo is that they have rooms for different budgets .

Book a stay at Villa Monte Carlo on Booking.com

Treebo Red Lotus ₹

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option in a well-known chain of hotels, then Treebo Red Lotus is the place for you. It's ideal location inside the Heritage Town area is perfect for walking around the Pondicherry attractions.

Book a stay at Treebo Red Lotus on Booking.com

La Maison Radha ₹

A simple, budget-friendly option located in the M G Road area. The hotel is just a short walk from the While Town area, making it the ideal place to stay if you're on a tight budget.

Book a stay at La Maison Radha on Booking.com

Villa Krish ₹₹₹

A comfortable luxury stay in the White Town of Pondicherry, they are known for their excellent hospitality . Not only do they offer spacious rooms with a balcony and tons of amernities , but they also have a rooftop restaurant where you can have a candlelight dinner under the stars! Book this stay for a comfortable and relaxing stay in Pondicherry.

Book a stay at Villa Krish on Booking.com

Beyond Community, Auroville ₹

This extremely cheap stay is located very close to the Matrimandir in Auroville . You can experience the simplicity and the earthiness of Auroville whilst staying here with the community. Moreover, you'll get a chance to experience ' glamping ' in Auroville, Pondicherry.

Book a stay at Beyond Community on Booking.com

Where to Eat in Pondicherry

There's no doubt that Pondicherry has some great restaurants. Some of them are so good, I made my parents parcel food from there and fly it back to Goa when they visited Pondicherry. Yup, it's that good. You can read this guide to the best restaurants in Pondicherry   where I've mentioned a list of all the best restaurants and cafes in Pondicherry.

Shopping in Pondicherry

You can buy organic and ayurvedic products in Pondicherry at the shops run by Aurobindo ashram. These shops are located in the french colony of Pondicherry. Moreover, quite often there are markets set up near the promenade beach that sell clothing and various handicraft items.

What to Wear in Pondicherry?

The White town area of Pondicherry is particularly one of the most picturesque areas there. Make sure you pack fun, bright coloured clothes. Maxi dresses and maxi skirt will work wonders. Read this guide on what to pack for Pondicherry . On the other hand, while roaming around the other parts of Pondicherry, especially Auroville, make sure you cover our shoulders and knees as the area is still conservative.

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22 Comments

I have to admit I have never heard about this place before. But it looks so beautiful! I love all the colours!

Thanks Liz! It’s a tiny place in India that used to be a French colony a few years back.

I’ll surely include Pondicherry in my next trip to India! I’ve been to your country only once so far but I’m planning to return soon because it was love at first sight! 🙂

Oh you definitely must return! Each place in India has a unique culture of it’s own. You’ll never see two places alike in India 🙂

First of all, what a cute name Pondicherry! Secondly thank you so much for showcasing another side of India – had no idea there was a French Quarter and really makes me what to check out these boutique-filled streets!

Hey Julia! Pondicherry is indeed a cute name. You ought to go there someday just for the French food and the bougainvillea lined streets!

hi, you stumbled upon me a short while earlier on insta I and I liked your bio and took it from there. Pondi is a place I wanna visit and explore, but first up I have Gokarna in mind. When in Goa next, we should catch up over a cuppa.

Pondicherry is a must-visit place for sure ! I’m heading to Gokarna soon as well 🙂

how many days were you here and where did you put up? I have been told Auroville itself requires an entire day. My former colleague has been to Pondy and thereabouts for five days, I am looking at four at least. Initially, planned three days. Trying to figure out dates and an itinerary to go with it.

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Hey! I am 24 yr old woman working in IT , Bangalore. I am planning to do solo travel to Pondi, Leaving on Apr 27( Fri Night) and can stay till 1/2nd may . So Basically 3-4 days. Questions Ive: 1. Since i will be traveling solo, no friends(male/female) to accompany me, how safe it is? 2. Is it worth to spend 3-4 days in Pondi? 3. If it is safe, please can you guide me in detail? I will be very grateful.

PS: My birthday is on May 2nd. All my life(23 years) i have never tried something like this. I am true introvert and would even hesitate exploring my own city Bangalore with my own friends. Now for this 24th birthday , i want to break free and challenge myself 🙂

Hey Aishwarya. I’m really happy that you’re going on a solo trip. To answer your questions, 1. Rent a 2-wheeler and ride around on your own instead of hiring auto rickshaws every time. Get back to your hotel by 9-9.30. Get a hotel in a nice area, close to White Town. You should face no problems, because I wandered around at night without any issues. Just trust your instincts. 2. Yes, it’s worth spending 3 days in Pondicherry. Day 1 can be spend visiting local sights. Day 2 can be for Serenity Beach and Auroville. On Day 3 you can either visit Paradise beach or roam around White Town and eat amazing food. I wish you a happy birthday in advance. Make this trip happen! You can reach out to me via mail for more details 🙂

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Amazing article that is…Amazing Places to visit Thanks for sharing the information with us.

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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

Top 12 things to do in auroville, pondicherry, best 7-day leh ladakh itinerary – leh ladakh trip, you may also like, best 7-day leh ladakh itinerary – leh ladakh..., 13 top things to do in naggar, himachal..., 10 best things to do in jibhi, himachal....

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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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A Perfect 2 Nights 3 Days Pondicherry Itinerary

Puducherry, better known as Pondicherry, is a scenic and charming town on the south-eastern part of the India. With a few remains of the French colonial spread across the town’s architecture and crystal clear beaches surrounding it, the city is among the most admirable destinations in South India.

A visit to Pondicherry is an experience that no one would miss. While there are plenty of places to visit in Pondicherry in one day, a trip of 3 days is an even better choice, especially, if you wish to explore the union territory to the fullest. This is a perfect weekend getaway for all those people looking out for an adventure.

     Arrival at Pondicherry 

Start off your journey to Pondicherry and arrive by afternoon. Check in to your hotel and have a delicious meal at Coromandel Cafe.

Hotel to stay

• Hotel Atithi – Situated in close proximity to the commercial district and tourist attractions, Atithi is the perfect choice for visiting all the places in walkable distance.

Places to Visit

First location – Puducherry Museum

The Pondicherry Museum is an art and history museum noted for its collection of lost wax bronzes from the period of the Chola Empire. The Museum’s collection includes 81 Chola bronze sculptures, ranking as one of the largest collections of Chola bronzes.

Time required : 1 hour Cost :  Rs. 15 Timings : 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)  Closed on Mondays

Second location – Goubert Avenue

Situated near the the Rock Beach / Promenade Beach is a road where you will find all the tourist attractions nearby in walkable distance. You will find :

• Rock Beach / Promenade Beach
• Old Light House
• French War Memorial
• Mahatma Gandhi Statue.

Time required :  3 hours Cost :  Free

While exploring all these places, you can visit the famous GMT Ice cream and have delicious ice creams. Enjoy the street food in Goubert Avenue or explore various restaurants in this place and grab a quick bite.

After you finish exploring all the places enjoy your dinner at Villa Shanti. Later return back to the hotel for an overnight.

     Arikamedu and Local Sight Seeing

Wake up peacefully and start your adventure. It’s going to be a long day as you will be visiting all the places in Pondicherry that you missed visiting the previous day.

First location –  Serenity beach

Wake up and head to this beach. Enjoy the waves and get inside the water and play like a kid.

Time required : 1-2 hours  Cost : Free

After having fun in the beach, have a yummy breakfast in your hotel itself or head to different cafes and enjoy the French Food.

Second location – Arikamedu

This archaeological site being a seven-kilometer drive from Puducherry, deep inside a jungle, crosses the bridge over Ariyankuppam River. It is actually the remains of a 250-year-old French mission, built around the time the first rudimentary excavation took place. Here you can see the final few columns, bricks and mortars of the structure in ruins standing like along the river.

This is an ideal place if you love to explore old, architectural sites. The best time to visit is during the months extending from October to March. Locating the spot might be a tough task, you can ask the locals around to guide you to the location.

There are guided tours, where people are taken by boat and they tell them about the various settlements through the ages, and artifacts that have been unearthed. You can either go by boat or by road.

Time required : 2 hours Cost : Free (by road)

Third location – Aurobindo Ashram and Vinayagar Temple

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. 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.

Due to the pandemic situation you are not allowed to visit the ashram fully, you can just have a brief tour inside and visit the Samadhi to offer you prayers.

Located just 10 meters from the ashram is the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple. This temple has quite a beautiful architecture with lots of Lord Ganesha Idols and paintings inside the temple. The temple is very peaceful having an illustrious history of more than 500 years and it is one of the oldest temples in the region.  

Time required : 1 hour Cost : Free  Timings of Aurobindo Ashram : 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Timings of Vinayagar Temple :   5:45 am – 12:30 pm 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Fourth location – The Sacred Heart Basilica Church

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, situated on the south boulevard of Pondicherry in Puducherry, India, is an oriental specimen of Gothic Revival architecture. It contains rare stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ and saints of the Catholic Church.

Time required : 1 hour Cost : Free  Timings :  5pm – 9pm

With this the local city tour is done, head out to street market and enjoy the local shopping and street food. Have a delicious dinner at your favorite cafe and get back to your hotel & rest.

If you are someone who isn’t interested in local sight seeing and want to explore water sports and beaches then skip this day’s itinerary and follow the below one : 

Wake up and visit the Chunnambar Boat House to reach Paradise Beach. To access this beach, you need to take a boat ride from boat house. The beach route between Pondicherry town and the Paradise Beach itself is mesmerizing. This beach is perfect for water sports and chilling around the beach

Boat House Timings : 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Beach Timings : The beach is subject to the availability of the ferry rides. Cost : Rs.150 for entry Rs. 20 for camera Activities cost has to be enquired over there. Packages for these activities are also available, choose it depending on what activities you wants to explore.

     Auroville and Departure

Wake up peacefully and have a delicious French Breakfast at Cafe des Arts. 

Start your journey to Auroville. Located around 15 km from the city of Pondicherry, Auroville is located in Tamil Nadu and was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo known as the ‘Mother’ of Sri Aurobindo Society. This place is a perfect escape for the ones in search of peace.

The Auroville Visitors Centre is a place where visitors begin to discover and learn about Auroville’s history. There are exhibitions, information and guest reception centres, shops for Auroville products and handicrafts, a bookshop, cafes and a food court.

How to reach the Matrimandir View Point : A 10-12 minute walk (1km approx) leads from the Visitor’s Centre to the Viewing Point. A free electric shuttle service is available for those who may find it difficult to walk. Free bus service is available for the return journey from the Viewing Point to the Visitor’s Centre for all those who wish to avail it.

Some important information to note : – Due to the pandemic, you are allowed to visit only till the viewing point. You are not allowed to visit the Matrimandir Inner Chamber – Please book your time slot well in advance so that you can visit the place without any issues. – You need to pay a parking fee if you come by your own vehicle, apart from this fee there is no other fee to visit this place. This fee is collected when you book your slot online.

Link to book your pass : https://visit.auroville.org/#book-now

Time required : 3 hours  Cost :  Parking Fee mentioned above

If you interested in visiting another beach, then visit the Auroville Beach located 20 min (8.8 km) from Auroville. 

If not have lunch inside the cafes in Auroville or explore the various cafes outside Auroville and head back to Pondicherry. Catch the flight or hit the road for your home destination. Your trip ends here.

• Day 1:  Arrive at Pondicherry, Visit Pondicherry Museum and Goubert Avenue – (Rock Beach / Promenade Beach, Old Light House, French War Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi Statue).
• Day 2:  Visit Serenity Beach, Arikamedu, Aurobindo Ashram, Vinayagar Temple, Sacred Heart Basilica church. and explore Pondicherry Street Shopping. OR Paradise Beach
• Day 3 : Auroville and Departure.

Overall, I loved visiting this place. I’d highly recommend Pondicherry for everyone out there. Hope you found this guide helpful. Let me know about your experiences in the comment section below!

If this itinerary appeals to you, feel free to contact Flip To Trip (Our Travel Company) to create a personalised travel experience just for you.

Link to the website : https://www.fliptotrip.com

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Here's How You Can Spend A Day In India's Most Loved French Town: The Perfect Pondicherry Itinerary

Pondicherry

With chic hotels, lively bars, cheap beer and revamped colonial buildings, there's nothing in Pondicherry you won't like. It's a city made for relaxed venturings!

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

But what if you only have a day to explore this French paradise? Worry not as there are plenty of sights in the city that you can cover in just a day. And with this carefully curated Pondicherry itinerary, you can explore the best of Pondicherry in just a day.

Morning – Breakfast and a walking tour of the French Quarter or the White Town of the city.

Baker Street

9am – Pondicherry's French rulers left a legacy in the city that can be seen all over town. One way to experience it is in the form of a delicious breakfast of croissant, quiche, coffee and macarons. Baker Street on Bussy Street (123, Bussy St, MG Road Area) is the best bet for breakfast. Open from 7am onwards, the must-try dishes here are chicken quiche, chocolate croissant and baguette. Price for two is approximately Rs. 500.

Bussy Street is a part of the French Town. So after breakfast, take a walk around this Instagram-famous area of Pondicherry .

10am to 12pm – Stunning yellow buildings, marked with white courtyards narrate the life of the French who lived and ruled in Pondicherry . Known as Ville Blanche or White Town, roaming around the streets during your Pondicherry itinerary. The experience will transport you to the times gone by. Start from Baker Street and move towards Alliance Française. Along the streets are colonial-era villas decorated in pastel and ochre shades, with boulevards lined with stunning green trees. On one such street, named Dumas, is Cluny Embroidery Centre, again an old colonial building but with local women who work there now, producing exquisite French-colonial hand embroidered home furnishings. Pick up a souvenir or two from here. End your walk through this beautiful area at Alliance Française. Located inside a pristine white villa, it stares out at the French Quarter on one side and the sea on the other.

Afternoon – Lunch and visiting Auroville, an experimental township located approximately 10km from Pondicherry. Take a cab to cover the distance. The charges will be approximately Rs. 150.

Tanto Pizzeria

1pm – Auroville's Tanto Pizzeria is the most amazing place for lunch in the city. A reclaimed-wood fire oven is used to cook almost 27 varieties of pizza. The owner is Italian, and he uses ingredients grown on the Auroville farm for all pizzas served in the pizzeria. It's open from 12.30pm to 3pm and from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Located on the main road, near Iyyanar Koil Kullapalyam, Auroville, a lunch for two here will cost you approximately Rs. 1000. Even though they are known for their pizzas, they serve other Italian delicacies such as lasagnas, pastas and tiramisu as well.

Credits: Maxpixel

Tanto's pizzeria is near Auroville, approximately 4km away. You can take a cab till here and the fare will be approximately Rs. 100.

2pm – 4pm – After lunch, visit Auroville, which is included in almost every Pondicherry itinerary. Founded in 1968, Auroville is an experimental township where people of all nationalities live in peace and progressive harmony. Roam around the complex, understand the culture and way of life here. Then proceed to Matrimandir, the golden dome in the centre of Auroville. Not a temple, Matrimandir is built for silent introspection and meditation. Even though the entry to Matrimandir is free, you need to obtain a pass to enter it. You need to make a booking in person at least one day in advance at the visitor's centre in Auroville. Therefore, for those visiting Auroville, and Pondicherry in just a day, it's best to see this place from just the outside. There is a dedicated Matrimandir Viewing Point which is a 10-12 minute walk away from the visitor's centre. You can either walk the way or hop on board a free bus service provided by Auroville.

Evening – Pondicherry Beach Promenade and a dinner that is the perfect fusion of Tamil and French cuisines. Pondicherry Beach Promenade is approximately 15km from Auroville and costs somewhere between Rs. 180 and 200 by cab.

5pm - Leave from Auroville and come back to the main town. Head straight to Pondicherry Beach Promenade. Popularly known as the Promenade Beach, this is the pride of Pondicherry . Stretching for approximately 1.5km, it is the best place to have a relaxing evening. You can either take a walk around the beach and see prominent structures such as the War Memorial, statue of Joan of Arc and Mahatma Gandhi, old lighthouse, Dupleix statue and remains of the old pier. Or you can just sit on the beach and enjoy sand and sun.

Matrimandir exterior, Auroville. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Credits: Kalyan Kanuri

Hotel De L'Orient

The Carte Blanche restaurant is hardly a 10 minute walk from the beach. Head there for the best of Tamil-French fusion food.

7pm – Head to L'Orient's Carte Blanche restaurant for a dinner that will have the perfect blend of French-Tamil cooking. Rich French flavours combined with Caribbean spices and local ingredients ensure that every dish you savour here is just delightful! For dinner, it's open from 7pm to 9.30pm only. Located inside the Hotel De L'Orient on Rue Romain Rolland in White Town, a dinner here for two will cost around Rs. 1,100. Do call up in advance for a reservation.

End the day on this delicious note and head back home!

Here's what you can do and see during your Pondicherry itinerary

• Explore Tamil quarters

• Learn French cooking

• Explore underwater life with scuba diving

• Get a relaxing massage

• Meditate at Aurobindo Ashram

What to see

• Aurobindo Ashram

• Paradise Beach

• Manakula Vinayagar Temple

• Pondicherry Museum

• Botanical Gardens

Cuisine on offer

Pondicherry itinerary wouldn't be complete without relishi its multi-cultural cuisine. The French influence is strong and there are many cafes where you can taste authentic dishes from almost every region of France. Andhra Mess is a great place for some yummy traditional south Indian breakfast, served on a banana leaf. Artika Cafe Gallery is a unique cafe set up in an art gallery with works from European and local artists on display. Other places that you can check out are Touskilfo, Surguru, Appachi and Cafe Xtasy.

The best part about Pondicherry is that it is a town you can visit at any time of the year. The sea-breeze makes the mornings and evenings pleasant and the hot sunny afternoons can be spent visiting sights that are indoors.

Getting around

Getting around in the city is fairly easy. Being a small coastal town, you can actually walk to most sights. A motorcycle or a gear-less scooter are also great options to get around. Auto-rickshaws are also easily available throughout the day.

Where to stay

There are many options to chose from to stay in Pondicherry .

Palais De Mahe is located in the middle of the French Quarter and is a beautiful colonial era home converted into a luxury hotel. Rooms start from Rs. 15,000 per night for double occupancy.

Credits: Booking.com

Hotel De Pondicherry is in the White Town (French Quarter) area as well and is a great homestay. Prices start from Rs. 3,000 per night for double occupancy.

Have you found your ideal Pondicherry itinerary? Go for a holiday now write about it here and let other people discover another great destination for their next vacation.

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Further Reads

2 Days Pondicherry (Top Places to visit in Pondicherry in Two Days)

Pondicherry is a charming town alluring tourists with its culture and simplicity. One of India's seven union territories, it is bordered by the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Puducherry but more affectionately known as "Pondy," This former French colony is the ideal fusion of French architecture with traditional Indian sensibilities, making it an extremely romantic getaway.

The streets of Pondicherry's French Quarter, also known as White Town, are lined with lovely bougainvillea-covered colonial buildings in a mustard-yellow color. These are dotted with cozy cafés and fashionable shops that provide delicious French food and drinks. Simply taking a stroll through these alleyways might provide a visitor with a glimpse of Pondicherry's enchanting allure.

Pondicherry has a lot to offer, including classic French bakeries, bohemian shops, and cobblestoned roads that are lovely for a leisurely stroll or a bicycle ride. Pondicherry is a beautiful place that can be visited completely in 2 days by visiting the prominent sightseeing spots around the city.

Pondicherry Places to Visit in 2 days

Day 1 pondicherry places to visit.

• Sri Aurobindo Ashram
• Paradise Beach
• Pondicherry Museum
• The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• French War Memorial

Day 2 Pondicherry Places to Visit

• Serenity Beach
• Old Lighthouse

1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is situated in Pondicherry's White Town. After he had resigned from politics and resided in Pondicherry, he was joined by his followers from all around when the foundation of this ashram was laid on November 24th, 1926. The purpose of this ashram is to aid individuals in achieving moksha and inner tranquility.

The ashram is visited by thousands of travelers from all over the nation seeking spiritual experiences and enlightenment. The ashram is without a doubt one of the richest ashrams in the whole world. Additionally, the ashram only exists in Pondicherry and has no other locations. It also houses a library inside.

2. Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is a pristine beach in Pondicherry. It is also known as Plage Paradiso. Located in Chunnambar, a picturesque neighborhood adjacent to Pondicherry town, the beach attracts tourists and locals alike. This is a small, secluded beach that is decorated with golden sand.

Take a ferry over the backwaters, which takes 20 to 30 minutes to get here. Don't anticipate any expensive street food, although there are a few shacks near the beach's entrance where you can get modest nibbles and fresh coconut water. The scenic ferry ride from the boathouse to the beach is part of the enjoyment as you will pass through lush mangrove forests and verdant backwaters.

3. Pondicherry Museum

The Bharathi Park of Pondicherry is home to the Pondicherry Museum, often known as the Pondy Museum. The museum tells the tale of the city's rich cultural past while displaying a broad variety of items. Those interested in history and those who want to learn more about Pondicherry are familiar with the museum.

It features artifacts like rocks, jewelry, coins, and statues that were unearthed on the Arikamedu cultural site. These show the significance of Pondicherry as a trading port between the first and second centuries AD. At that time, it was a well-known marine hub that catered to French, Chola, and Roman traders. The Archaeological Survey of India has uncovered the artifacts from that era in Arikamedu.

4. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, one of Pondicherry's holiest sites, is located on the town's south promenade 2.5 kilometers from the bus station. The sole basilica in Pondicherry and one of India's 21 basilicas, this cathedral was built by French missionaries in 1908 and was elevated to basilica rank in 2011. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, one of Pondicherry's most stunning Catholic churches, is a stunning example of Gothic design.

Along with representations of Jesus and Mother, the entryway has Latin engravings of biblical phrases. The church is Pondicherry's first-ever basilica. The perfect time to visit the church is between October and March.

5. French War Memorial

The French War Memorial is a chic building on Goubert Avenue that honors the First World War soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting for their country. An annual commemorative event is performed here on July 14th, and during it, the monument is exquisitely lit. All visitors will have a good experience at this monument.

The World Military I war heroes who gave their lives to rescue their nation are honored at the French memorial. It is among the most immaculate locations to visit in Puducherry and was rebuilt in 1970. You will appreciate the peaceful ambiance it offers, which contrasts with the rich foliage nicely. Any visitor to Pondicherry must visit the French War Memorial.

6. Arikamedu

Arikamedu, an old Roman trading center concealed from the eyes and ears of the commonest Tamil visitors, is located less than a half an hour's drive from Pondicherry, a former French colonial settlement. The Tamil term "Arikanmedu," which means "eroding mount," was used to give it its name. Little is known about any Indo-Roman connections during the time before Christ, but with Arikamedu's discovery and excavation, copious evidence was uncovered.

From the first century BC to the second century AD, this port town was inhabited by the Romans, the Cholas, and the French and served as a very renowned nautical center. The mother of all bead centers in the world is said to be Arikamedu's glass bead manufacturing facility.

7. Serenity Beach

Serenity Beach is a 10-kilometer-long stretch of beach near Kottakuppam, which lies on the outskirts of Puducherry. The name of the beach comes from the Spa-Resort-Inn which occupies the same location. The beach's original names were Kottakuppam Beach or Thanthirayan Kuppam Beach.

The beach, which is a wonderful escape from the city and is fringed by the sparkling waves of the picturesque Bay of Bengal, boasts utmost peace and sun-kissed beaches. The serene stretch is filled with sea-facing villas perfect for honeymooners and is bordered by a path of rocks. The beach offers a completely tranquil and ataraxic ambiance because it is remote and poorly recognized by the people.

8. Rock Beach

Rock Beach stands out among the other beaches in Pondicherry as a unique type of beach that is well-known for its clear seas, ocean breezes, glittering sand, stunning shoreline, and cozy atmosphere. Rock Beach, also known as Pondicherry Beach, Promenade Beach, and Mahatma Gandhi Beach, welcomes visitors of all ages to unwind and recuperate in a casual setting.

This beach, surrounded by unique scenery, is the perfect vacation destination for photographers, nature lovers, and wanderers. It enables you to see the seductive views from the water and gaze upon the magnificent sunset in the evening. It is regarded as a must-see site on your Pondicherry trip and is a wonderful setting for picnics with the family.

9. Old Lighthouse

The Old Lighthouse was built in 1836 by renowned engineer Louis Guerre. The Old Lighthouse has a distinctive construction and a modern design. It is 29 meters tall and has three openings: one for the watchman, one for an inside shop, and one for a stairway leading directly to the tower's top.

It was shut down in 1979 after being out of order, after being functional for a long time. The Old Lighthouse is widely visited by visitors of all ages, despite the fact that the current Lighthouse, which stands 157 feet tall, appears more noticeable.

10. Auroville

A spiritual township in the union territory of Pondicherry is based on the "divine consciousness" ideology of Mirra Alfassa, the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Society, which includes the values of peace, harmony, and sustainable living along with community service. On February 28, 1968, this universal township was officially opened with the goal of attracting residents who would be prepared to contribute to its continuous advancement and education, regardless of caste, creed, nationality, or race.

This area, known as the "city of dawn," is the picture of calm and serves as the ideal getaway for anyone looking for quiet. This location embodies serenity and serves as the ideal haven for those seeking solace.

More to Explore in Pondicherry

Off the country's East Coast, Pondicherry provides an amazing scuba diving excursion that is teeming with fascinating marine life. Touring the lovely region on authentic antique bicycles is one of the most fun and attractive things to do in Pondicherry.

The French cuisine, particularly in its ingredients and techniques, had a strong effect on the food of Pondicherry. The greatest spot in India for French cuisine, several restaurants provide genuine cuisine from France. Baguettes, croissants, Italian baked beans, stuffed cabbage, and many more dishes are among the most well-liked offerings here. The neighboring South Indian states also contribute flavors to the Union Territory, and the city is filled with a variety of South Indian dishes, particularly Tamil.

One of Pondicherry's busiest and trendiest markets is Serenity Beach Bazaar, which is only around 100 meters from the ocean. The market is jam-packed with a variety of goods, including clothing, purses, shoes, pottery, traditional handicrafts, and accessories. The area's natural beauty and tranquility serve as the ideal hosts for the vendors, customers, and tourists who visit here every weekend. Serenity Beach Bazaar also features a number of local food vendors for visitors who want to sample mouthwatering regional cuisine while shopping.

Top Tourism Places to Visit in Pondicherry

• Paradise Beach Puducherry
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram Puducherry
• Promenade Beach Puducherry
• Bharathi Park Puducherry
• French War Memorial Puducherry
• Mahatma Gandhi Statue Puducherry
• Botanical Garden Puducherry
• Pondicherry Lighthouse
• Arikamedu Puducherry
• Raj Nivas Puducherry
• Romain Rolland Library Puducherry
• Meerapalli Puducherry
• Auroville Beach Puducherry
• Old Lighthouse Puducherry
• Matrimandir - Auroville Puducherry
• Auroville Visitors Center Puducherry
• Jawahar Toy Museum Puducherry
• Serenity Beach Puducherry
• Statue of Dupleix Puducherry
• Police Museum Puducherry
• ISKCON Temple Puducherry
• Sita Cultural Centre Puducherry
• Sunday Market Puducherry
• Karaikal Beach Puducherry
• Port of Pondicherry
• Sadhana Forest Puducherry
• Veerampattinam Beach Puducherry
• Chunnambar Boat House Parking
• Bharathidasan Museum Puducherry
• Cluny Embroidery Centre Puducherry
• Our Lady of Angels Church Puducherry
• Varadharaja Perumal Temple Puducherry
• Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion Puducherry
• Ousteri Lake / Ossudu Lake Puducherry
• Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple Puducherry
• Sri Kanniga Parameswari Temple Puducherry
• Immaculate Conception Cathedral Puducherry
• Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Puducherry
• Temple Adventures / Scuba Diving in Pondicherry
• Sri Dharbaranyeswara Swamy Temple Puducherry
• Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple Puducherry
• Pogo Land Water and Amusement Park Puducherry
• Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple Puducherry
• Sri Karaneswar Nataraja Temple - Pyramid Temple Puducherry

• International
• Personal Travel Planning

Pondicherry Itinerary for 3 Days – Feeling French

This Pondicherry itinerary for 3 days will guide you to the must-visit places, where to eat, where to stay along with the cost. If you have been planning to visit Pondicherry, here is the suggested Pondicherry itinerary for you! Explore the best of this charming city.   

Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, is one of the 8 Union Territories of India. This fascinating small town gives you a close feel of French influence and architecture.  

3 Days is enough to explore this charming City (including Auroville). Our curated Pondicherry Itinerary will let you explore Pondicherry at a normal pace.   

HOW TO REACH 

Arrive at Chennai Airport. Chennai is about 155 km from Pondicherry. Try to reach in the morning (or a previous night) to get the remaining day (or one full day, as the case may be) for sightseeing.

From Chennai, you can take a bus from one of Asia’s largest Bus depot CMBT (Chennai Moffusil Bus Terminus) at a nominal fare. In addition to this, there are private buses as well.

Pro Tip:  Do not hesitate to hop on to one of the AC state-run buses. Their buses are in good condition and the journey is smooth. The fare of state-owned buses ranges between INR 200-300. The buses run around every 15-30 minutes and the journey takes about 3-4 hours. 

If you are not on a tight budget,  hire a taxi  or pick up a  self-drive rental car .  

DAY-WISE ITINERARY  

Explore White Town  

Get a glimpse of France in India. Walking around the White Town, you will spot European styles streets, beautiful yellow & white walls, lush green trees, and colourful flowers making it a picturesque view! 

French Memorial 

About 250 meters from Aurbindo ashram is “The French War Memorial”. This memorial in Pondicherry is dedicated in the honor of residents of French India who lost their lives in World War I.

Located in Goubart Avenue, White Town, you will see this memorial at the start of the Promenade. It doesn’t take much time to stroll through this small yet captivating memorial.

The Memorial is open for public everyday between 10 am to 5 pm. Entry is FREE.

The Promenade:

This is absolutely a perfect spot if you love to stroll along the sea. This 1.2km long stretch starts from the French War Memorial. This classic promenade (or rocky beach) is one of the most popular ones in Pondicherry. The best part is that the vehicle entry is banned in the evenings and people can freely spend time and relax here.

Don’t miss a splendid 4-meter high statue of Mahatma Gandhi right in the middle of the promenade.

EXPLORE AUROVILLE 

Leave early morning for Auroville. Hire a Vespa, which will cost about INR 250-300 per day. Alternatively, there are autos too that are available. The distance to Auroville is about 11kms.

Conceived as “Universal Town”,  Auroville   is India’s first experimental township. Auroville belongs to nobody in particular, instead, it belong to humanity as a whole. The idea is to create a township where people from all over the world, with vast diversity and culture, come and live together peacefully.  

The highlight of Auroville is “Matrimandir”, the most important edifice of the Auroville township. The massive golden dome, the architecture and the massive garden are worth visiting. The silence and peace you witness at this place are incomparable. You can check more details of Matrimandir  here .   

If you reach early, or you wish to grab a bite, visit “ Café De Flore ”. This is located inside Auroville and you will see for yourself how this rustic forest café soothes your soul! Try their speciality, which is Salads, Hummus falafels and burgers. 

On the way back (or on your way to Auroville), visit  Auroville Beach . It’s known for its bluewater, sunrises and sunsets!

Aurbindo Ashram 

After your lunch or early evening, visit Aurbindo Ashram.

One of the famous attractions in Pondicherry, it is a spiritual community located in White Town. If you wish to experience holistic and divine vibes, this is the place.

It is open to the public every day between 8 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm. Entry is FREE. Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the Ashram. Photography is allowed only with the permission of the authorities.  Please respect the rules.  

Shri Manakula Vinayagar Temple 

This ancient grand and magnificent Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Built before the 15th century, the architecture and décor is worth visiting for.

This temple is located about 400 meters from White Town and 130 meters from Aurbindo Asharam

The temple is open to the public from 5:45 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 9:30 pm. Entry is FREE.             

DAY 3 

Our Lady of Angles (Or Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges)

This French church is located in White Town. It is the fourth oldest church in Pondicherry. The original structure was built in Greco Roman Architecture and it is believed to be based on Notre-Dame Paris and Basilica at Lourdes.

The church is open to the public between 9 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays between 9 am to 12 pm. Entry is FREE .

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

Located on the south boulevard of Pondicherry, Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus is a perfect specimen of Gothic-styled architecture.

It is popular for its rare stained glass panels depicting events from Christ’s life. It also houses 28 pictures of saints who were related to the church. With its stunning chandeliers and floodlights, it is a beautiful sight to hold. A must visit if you are in Pondicherry!   

Street Shopping 

If you love street shopping, Pondicherry won’t disappoint you. Shop without burning a hole in your pocket. Again, there are lot many options but a popular line of shops right outside Manakula Vinayagar Temple is worth a lot more.

Make sure your bargaining skills are up to the mark, as it is needed for the street shopping in Pondicherry.  

Paradise Beach (For the Sunset)

Paradise beach is by far, one of the gorgeous and serene beaches in Pondicherry. The beach is around 12 km from Pondicherry town and you can either hire a motorbike or take an auto. Taking a stroll on this serene beach and enjoying the soothing sea breeze is the best thing to do!  

In addition to above, check these  top beaches in Pondicherry and visit atleast one of them as per your time availability! 🙂 

Café Hopping 

If you are not in the mood to travel to the beach, then do some café hopping instead! Café Des Art, Artika Café Gallery, Le café, Bakers Street are the most popular ones.  

If time permits and if it interests you, visit Pondicherry Museum and Botanical Garden . The Museum has many sculptures, and archeological findings from the Roman settlement. The Botanical garden houses some of the rare species of flora and striking 1500 exotic varieties of plants.

WHERE TO STAY 

I strongly recommend unwinding French colonial splendour and staying in White Town. Most importantly, most of these sights are a walking distance from White Town. These are some of the best options for a price ranging between INR 2500-6000 per night.  It may cost you higher during the peak season.

Villa Krish 

This boutique property is located in the centre of White Town. It comprises about 10 decorated spacious rooms. The property offers easy access to most of must-see places and cafes in Pondicherry.

Villa Du Ocean 

This is relatively a new property, few steps away from Villa Krish. Close to the centre, it is close to most of the popular sights.  

Gratitude Heritage 

A heritage home situated in White Town, this classic French-cum-Tamil style homestay will win your heart. Lovely yellow painted walls, high columns and pretty inner courtyard make this property an amazing getaway.

Dumas Guest House 

This 17th-century colonial heritage guesthouse is located in a quiet neighbourhood of the French quarter. It is located about 20 meters away from the beach. The property has its own distinctive style. The guesthouse has comfortable teakwood furnished rooms with a private garden or terrace to relax.

The Richmond 

This 3-star hotel is located in White Town, next to Artika Café Gallery. The hotel is just 500 meters away from the Promenade. Richmond has 14 well-appointed rooms with in-room facilities. Pondicherry is easily accessible from this location.

Le Dupliex  

I am adding this one for my luxury lovers. The hotel offers a fusion of rich colonial and contemporary flavour. It is located near the beach. It is a 14-room luxury heritage hotel, now modernized, and is an architectural masterpiece. All 14 suites are distinct in style and furnishing.  The price of this property will be from INR 9000 per night onwards. 

WHERE TO EAT 

Pondicherry is a foodie’s delight. It offers a wide range of cuisines and will not dishearten you. Apart from being a tourist spot, Pondicherry houses some of the best cafes and restaurants and offers cheap alcohol! 

To start with, one of the most popular restaurants –  Villa Shanti  tops the list. This modern-style chic restaurant, located in White Town, is known for its aesthetic appeal and variety of food that it offers. From continental to Indian Street Food, it has a wide menu.  The restaurant is housed in a 19th-century colonial building.  

Pondicherry has a great café culture and you can’t miss the cafes when in Pondy! Some of the popular cafes are:

Café Des Art : The Bohemian charm ambience offers a vintage setting and would mesmerize you with its French décor. The must-try food items are Masala chai, Waffles, Banana Nutella Crepe.  

Artika Café Gallery : This beautiful low-key courtyard café and art gallery is a local favourite for coffee and croissants. It doesn’t have an exhaustive menu, but if you are looking for value for money, this café fits the bill.  

Coromandel Café : This upscale café boasts itself of some great décor and ambience. They use Pondicherry’s local fresh ingredients and serve food in a charming space with a garden patio. They offer Continental, Italian and some freshly baked desserts. 

Baker Street : About 10-15 minutes walk from White Town, this is the most popular eating joint for breakfast. They have everything from burgers to flute bread to hot dogs to croissant. To satisfy your sweet tooth, you can choose from a variety of chocolates, tarts, pastries and cookies.

Crepe In Touch : Your trip to Pondicherry is incomplete without having been to this place! This French-cuisine eatery serves a variety of crepes and desserts. A must-visit breakfast café/restaurant in Pondicherry.

Le Café : This is located right on the beach road and is the only seafront café in Pondicherry. I wouldn’t say the food is great, however, if you wish to sip a coffee or grab a bite at a quiet place by the sea, then this is a great spot.

GMT Ice Cream : No matter what, don’t miss out GMT for some best organic ice creams. GMT is located at Gubert Avenue, Beach Road, White Town.

BEST TIME TO VISIT 

The best months to visit Pondicherry are from  October to March. During these months the temperature ranges between 15-30 degree Celsius.

Did I convince you to plan a trip to Pondicherry? Please drop a comment or email me if you have any questions and I will be happy to answer them.  If you like this Pondicherry itinerary, please feel to share it.

Also, please follow me on Instagram for some vibrant travel feed! 🙂 

You may also like to read “ How to Spend 3 days in Dalhousie ”

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Perfect…. thankyou so much💕

Glad you liked it!:)

Its a great blog. Perfect for my 3 days trip this month

Clear and informative

Amazing blog! Made my Pondicherry trip ultra superb with the help of this!

Thank you so much for this amazing blog! Best blog to assist my Pondy trip planning. Would like to highlight that all the food places recommended are totally worth it!!

perfect….

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• 12 Essential Pondicherry Travel Tips in 2024

31 May 2023

Visiting a place with historical background along with geographical excellence is worthwhile. Pondicherry is such a place which is the collection of certain districts, like Pondicherry, Yanam, Karaikal, and Mahe. Till date, you can get the French essence in this town in the designs and architecture of houses, in the taste of foods, and the culture of the town. Once you visit this place, you fall in love with the rich heritage of this beach town while enjoying the outstanding natural beauty of this place. Whether planning a solo or a group trip, some tips are always useful. So, here are Pondicherry travel tips that will help you plan a better excursion.

12 Pondicherry Travel Tips

Here is a list of some travel tips that will be useful while you are planning a getaway to Pondicherry. Take a look at them and revamp your itinerary if required.

1. Know How To Reach Pondicherry

Image Source

This is the first thing you need to know about visiting Pondicherry. If you are planning to reach by air, there is no direct flight that connects Pondicherry with other parts of the country. So, you need to go to Chennai by flight and take a bus or cab from Chennai to Pondicherry . There are also flights to Bangalore and Hyderabad from where you can take a connected taxi. If you have time, you can travel by train too and reach Villupuram. The popular trains are Nagercoil Express and Pondicherry Express.

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2. Language Won’t Be A Problem Here

In many South Indian states, people often complain of understanding the accent of the locals and face problems. In Pondicherry, you won’t have any such problems. As this town was a French Colony for a long period, people still talk in French here and English is also popular. Among the local languages, Tamil, Malayalam, Telegu, etc. are common. You don’t need to know the local language if you can talk in English.

3. Travel Around The City

Wondering how to travel in Pondicherry ? This is another important thing you need to know before visiting Pondicherry. There are rickshaws to cross small distances, but those charge huge! You can get rental cabs to visit around the city safely. The auto-rickshaws are also there to go the small distance. But, the most interesting and the cheapest transformation in Pondicherry is to hire a bike or scooter. You can feel the adventure of exploring the city as you want and with the help of Google Map, you won’t get confused.

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4. Book Your Stay In Advance

If you want to avoid the crowd in hotels in Pondicherry, you need to book it quite early in the tourists’ season. There are lots of hotels in this beach town where you can stay and enjoy your holiday. As per your visit, you can find different types of hotels in Pondicherry. If you are a history buff, you can stay at the White Town of Pondicherry where you can stay closer to the French culture of this city.

5. Know The Best Time to Visit Pondicherry

Whenever you visit any new place, you need to know the best time to visit it so that your vacation won’t get ruined. Visiting Pondicherry is no exception to that. The best time to visit this beautiful town is at the monsoon and winter. You can plan your vacation from November to March when the temperature is soothing and it is within the range of 17 to 35 degrees Celsius. Try to avoid Pondicherry during summer as the sun is scorching and the temperature goes more than 40 degrees Celsius.

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6. Stay Safe and Alert In Pondicherry

Pondicherry is indeed relatively safe from lots of other cities around. Still, there are lots of scammers who look for opportunities to trap travelers. While renting jeeps, or bikes, you should always take a picture of the entire vehicle so that the owner won’t blame you for any damages caused not by you. Also, you should not roam around the city at night. You can stay inside any resorts, cafes, etc. instead of roaming around. If you want to go outside at night, be in a group of 5-6 people and don’t take kids with you. Several areas are quite dark and quiet, so always carry a torch and also don’t carry any valuables or bigger amounts. You should also stay away from talking much to beggars or any unknown person here.

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7. What To Wear

You can wear decent and modern clothing here, in Pondicherry. If you are here in winter, cover yourself in comfortable woolens, but don’t just layer up with many clothes as Pondicherry is never too cold to wear those. Also, if you are here around spring or summer, wear cotton clothes, like cotton skirts, tops, shirts, shorts, etc. In monsoon, you can pack with colorful cotton dresses with floral prints or geometrical designs to always make your mood always uplifted.

40 Things To Do In Pondicherry For A Fulfilling Retreat

8. Get An Idea About The French Heritage

Usually, the entire town is always throbbing with life, bursting with regular crowds and chaos. But, once you enter the White Town, you can realize the other side of Pondicherry. This place is the bearer of the rich French Heritage and there is also a small part in White Town, known as the French Quarter. The architecture of the pastel-colored houses is an example of small France in India. Located on each side of the alleys and shaded by the bushy trees, this place will make you feel the serenity of your surroundings. Find a French café and spend your afternoon or evening here to know this place even more.

9. Take Care Of Yourself

Image Source You don’t want to ruin your vacation by falling ill. So, while you are in Pondicherry, you need to follow certain health tips. Here, the weather often gets too humid in the monsoon and summer. So, always wear a loose fitted dress so that you don’t catch up cold by excessive sweating. You can stay away from the street foods as those can upset your stomach. In winter, you need to drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. Pondicherry is a bit dry, so you don’t want dehydration.

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10. What To Eat In Pondicherry

Food is something that introduces you to the culture and tradition of a new place. Pondicherry is a South Indian coastal city that was under French influence for a long time. So, it is obvious that you can get a great fusion of culinary to taste here. Start your day with a French breakfast with a cup of fuming French espresso along with crispy croissant and freshly baked baguette. To have lunch and dinner quite local, you can try tandoori potato, coconut curry, Assad, soya dosa, podanlangkai, and kadugu yerra (a scrumptious dish of prawns). At the dessert, you should not miss palpayasam.

11. Best Places To Visit

There are lots of places to visit in Pondicherry that you have to come back here again. To make your trip exciting you can visit Paradise Beach and Chunnambar Boat House, Pondicherry Beach, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Serenity Beach, Botanical Garden, Auroville Beach, etc.

11 Best Beaches In Pondicherry You Must Visit Before They Go Mainstream

12. Things To Do In Pondicherry

As Pondicherry is a beach town, you can go for water sports, like scuba diving, surfing, or snorkeling here. You will find lots of centers which will give you professional training on such watersports before you try it. You can also learn yoga at Sri Aurobindo Ashram and feel the calmness of the place in you.

So, here you get a thorough guide to visit Pondicherry. Pack your bags now and set forth for your winter vacation to Pondicherry , an amazing historical town with lovely coastal culture. Make sure that you go through this list of Pondicherry travel tips before heading out. Enjoy your holiday, buy some souvenirs for your loved ones, and click amazing pictures for memories.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pondicherry

What is the best time to visit Pondicherry?

You can visit this beautiful city in the monsoon and winter. The weather is the best from November to March as the temperature is soothing here.

What can you wear in Pondicherry?

You can wear decent and modern clothes in the city. Cotton shirts, trousers, skirts, shorts, tops, etc. are always welcome. Never wear beachwear in the city as that can grab unwanted attention.

What is Pondicherry famous for?

Pondicherry is famous for its mixed culture where the south Indian culture is highly influenced by French intervention. Apart from that, there are lots of monuments, museums, and beaches to attract tourists.

Is Pondicherry safe to visit?

Pondicherry is safe for the tourists if you maintain certain cautions. The places, like Rock Beach and the French Quarter, are quite safe at night while the other part of the city is not.

What can you buy from Pondicherry?

If you love shopping wherever you go, Pondicherry won’t disappoint you. You can buy stylish garments, hand-made incense, semi-precious stones, aromatic candles, perfumes, French and Tibetan antiques, marbled silk, and so on.

Can you buy alcohol at a cheap rate in Pondicherry?

As Pondicherry is a Union Territory, there are certain tax benefits. That’s why alcohol is quite cheap here rather than in other places in India.

How to enjoy your night in Pondicherry?

Though traveling at night isn’t safe, you can have fun at night in groups. Take a boat ride at the Paradise Island, experience bird watching at Ousteri Lake, or go for scuba diving and enjoy beautiful corals.

What to eat in Pondicherry?

There are lots of French cafes, restaurants, and bistros, along with lots of South Indian restaurants and cafes. So, you can try French cuisine along with the local and coastal foods.

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23 Pondicherry Tour Packages Found

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2 Nights 3 Days Pondicherry Holiday Tour Package

2 Nights / 3 Days

Chennai(0N) → Pondicherry(2N)

₹ 7,200* per person

₹ 7,200*

per adult on twin sharing

Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram Tour with Kanchipuram

3 Nights / 4 Days

Chennai (1N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N)

₹ 8,000* per person

₹ 8,000*

Soulful Pondicherry Tour with Heritage Walk & Cycling

4 Nights / 5 Days

Chennai(0N) → Pondicherry(4N)

₹ 13,287* per person

₹ 13,287*

Delights of Chennai, Pondicherry & Tirupati

5 Nights / 6 Days

Chennai(1N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Tirupati(2N)

₹ 15,499* per person

₹ 15,499*

Heavenly Tamil Nadu Tour Package

8 Nights / 9 Days

Chennai(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Vailankanni(1N) → Tanjore(1N) → Tiruchi(1N) → Madurai(2N)

₹ 39,000* per person

₹ 39,000*

Dazzling Pondicherry, Chennai & Mahabalipuram

Chennai(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry(2N)

₹ 9,499* per person

₹ 9,499*

South India Delight Package

Chennai(0N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Kumbakonam(1N) → Chettinad(2N) → Madurai(1N) → Chennai(1N)

₹ 36,950* per person

₹ 36,950*

Tamil Nadu Temple Tour Package

15 Nights / 16 Days

Tiruchi(2N) → Madurai(2N) → Kanyakumari(1N) → Rameswaram(1N) → Tanjore(2N) → Kumbakonam(2N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Chennai(2N) → Tirupati(1N) → Thiruvannamalai(1N)

₹ 55,500* per person

₹ 55,500*

10 Days Tamil Nadu Temple & Beach Tour

9 Nights / 10 Days

Chennai (2N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Tiruvannamalai(1N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Tanjore(1N) → Madurai(2N) → Kanyakumari(1N)

₹ 42,000* per person

₹ 42,000*

Unforgettable Pondicherry

Pondicherry (3N)

₹ 10,479* per person

₹ 10,479*

Indulge at Pondicherry and Auroville

₹ 36,662* per person

₹ 36,662*

Spiritual Package - Pondicherry, Rameshwaram, Chennai and More

Chennai (1N) → Pondicherry (2N) → Thanjavur (1N) → Tiruchirapalli (1N) → Madurai (1N) → Rameshwaram (1N) → Kanyakumari (1N)

₹ 28,203* per person

₹ 28,203*

Wonderful Chennai, Tirupati & Pondicherry

Chennai(1N) → Tirupati(1N) → Pondicherry(2N)

₹ 14,999* per person

₹ 14,999*

Fabulous Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry & 4 places

Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry → Kumbakonam → Chettinad → Madurai → Chennai

Medieval Heritage Tirupati, Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram

Tirupati(1N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Mahabalipuram(2N)

₹ 15,700* per person

₹ 15,700*

Exotic Chennai, Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry

Chennai(1N) → Mahabalipuram(2N) → Pondicherry(2N)

₹ 16,299* per person

₹ 16,299*

Misty Chennai, Tirupati & 2 places

6 Nights / 7 Days

Chennai(1N) → Tirupati(1N) → Mahabalipuram(2N) → Pondicherry(2N)

₹ 18,449* per person

₹ 18,449*

Colourful Chennai, Tirupati & Pondicherry

Chennai(1N) → Tirupati(2N) → Pondicherry(2N)

₹ 19,000* per person

₹ 19,000*

Glorious Chennai to Kanyakumari Tour Package

Chennai(1N) → Mahabalipuram(2N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Tanjore(1N) → Tiruchirapally(1N) → Madurai(2N)

₹ 27,919* per person

₹ 27,919*

Tranquil Tamil Nadu Tourism Package

Chennai(1N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Thanjavur(1N) → Tiruchirapally(1N) → Madurai(1N) → Rameshwaram(1N) → Kanyakumari(1N)

₹ 34,399* per person

₹ 34,399*

Mystical Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Madurai Tour Package

Mahabalipuram(2N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Madurai(2N) → Kanyakumari(1N) → Kovalam(1N)

₹ 29,349* per person

₹ 29,349*

Culture of Tamil Nadu Including Thanjavur Tour Package

Chennai(1N) → Kanchipuram(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Kumbakonam(1N) → Thanjavur(1N) → Trichy(1N) → Madurai(1N)

₹ 32,000* per person

₹ 32,000*

Holiday Package - Gems of Tamil Nadu

7 Nights / 8 Days

Chennai(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry (2N) → Thanjevur (1N) → Trichy(1N) → Madurai(1N)

₹ 24,000* per person

₹ 24,000*

Latest Reviews for Pondicherry

Great service from start to finish..

Varsha's Trip to Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry

(Written on 16 Dec, 2023)

10Days Incredible India Trip with Indeschen Travel

Sulochini's Trip to Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry

(Written on 24 Jun, 2023)

Very nice experience

Nirmala's Trip to Chennai (Madras), Madurai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry

(Written on 10 Feb, 2023)

Excellent trip

Primethie's Trip to Coimbatore, Madurai, Mysore, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Pondicherry

(Written on 19 Jan, 2020)

We have enjoyed our wedding anniversary as per we had wished .all arrangements for the tour we're excellent.car provided was of best condition driver was very polite hotels provided were of best standards.

Indravadan's Trip to Chennai (Madras), Thiruvannamalai, Pondicherry

(Written on 23 May, 2019)

TRUE TO THEIR NAME

Saurabh's Trip to Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Pondicherry

(Written on 04 Jan, 2016)

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Take a hike! But not before packing some safety essentials for your trip

Kate Ryan | [email protected]

June 29, 2024, 4:00 AM

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The D.C. area has hundreds of miles of trails for hikers of all skill levels to enjoy.

But the American Hiking Society is encouraging hikers to check out their list of 10 essentials before heading out the door.

Topping the list, said AHS communications manager Maggie Peikon, is proper footwear.

“Generally speaking, you’ll want footwear that can provide safe traction to keep your feet protected throughout the duration of your hike,” she said.

Some outdoor enthusiasts prefer sport sandals, but Peikon said, “There’s a time and place for sandals, perhaps on hikes through water or water crossings.”

Typically, hikers are best off with hiking shoes or boots that offer more coverage and stability, Peikon said.

Other items hikers should have with them are maps and compasses or GPS units.

The AHS website advises: “While phones and GPS units are handy, they aren’t always reliable in the backcountry,” so hikers should consider carrying a paper map and compass and know how to use them.

Staying hydrated in hot weather is always important, no matter what your activityis, but Peikon said it’s especially important for hikers: “The rule of thumb is to carry a half a liter of water for every hour you plan to be hiking.”

And even if you think you’ll just take a short hike and can skip carrying water, don’t.

“You never want to be in a situation where you don’t have enough water,” Peikon told WTOP.

Peikon said it’s important for hikers to consider their own fitness level and the type of hike they are planning on taking: “Especially in the summer heat, overexertion can happen quickly, and if you’re not used to a particular level of fitness challenge, it can present a real challenge for you.”

When it comes to running into unexpected company on the trail, like snakes or bears, she said hikers need to be aware of their surroundings.

If hiking alone, hikers should make noise, either by clapping or singing, “Just so that you don’t surprise a bear.” If you do cross paths with a bear, she said, “Speak calmly, like ‘Hey, bear,’ and walk backward — never turn your back to a bear.”

Peikon suggests carrying bear spray, but remaining alert to your surroundings.

Like bears, snakes typically try to avoid humans, but there are cases when hikers step on them, unaware that a snake was underfoot.

“Generally, they try to stay off the trail, but of course it happens, they’re going to be in those sunny spots, warming themselves up, so just keep an eye out for them,” Peikon said.

You can see the organization’s complete list of 10 essentials on AmericanHiking.org .

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here .

© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

As a member of the award-winning WTOP News, Kate is focused on state and local government. Her focus has always been on how decisions made in a council chamber or state house affect your house. She's also covered breaking news, education and more.

• 202-895-5337
• @KateRyanWTOP

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• 15 Best Places to Visit in Pondicherry in One Day

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Attractions to Visit in Pondicherry in One Day

Here are some of the best places to visit in pondicherry in one day:, quick navigation.

Begin your journey with ‘The City Of Dawn’. Arguably one of the most tranquil sights in Pondicherry, Auroville was built in 1968 as a futuristic township where people from all walks of life can live in peace and progressive harmony. A visual treat here is the Matrimandir, a dodecagon marble dome dedicated to meditation, with an optical glass globe at its centre, allowing a shaft of sunlight to stream in. This focused sunlight is believed to enhance concentration whilst in the midst of peace. Make sure you visit the boutiques, the bookshop and the cafeteria and ride along on e-cycles while here. Location : Auroville Universal Township, Town Hall, Auroville, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu 605101, India Timings : Daily 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Price : Free Entry.

Best of Bangalore

Old Lighthouse

The Old Lighthouse was built by the French, back in 1836, as a guidance for mariners, who up until then relied only on the Red Hills to approach Pondicherry. It was originally a simple rectangular base with a shop, an area for the watchman and an inner staircase leading to the light which shone up to a distance of 29 kms. As time moved on, a second storey was added and a 1000-watt revolving light replaced the original one. Today, the Old Lighthouse has been converted partly into a museum while a new one has been constructed to the south of Pondicherry. Location : Goubert Ave, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : Tues - Sat - 9 am to 5 pm | Sun-Mon - 3 pm to 5 pm Price : Rs. 10 per person Must Checkout:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Kerala

Best of North Goa

Bharathi Park

Surrounded by lush greenery, a picturesque pond, a hill, and granite benches, Bharathi Park is an ideal picnic-spot if you’re travelling to Pondicherry with family. The area around the park is dotted with ancient sculptures, statues and stately buildings, including the Raj Nivas, the Museum and more. Take a stroll, sit by the pond, enjoy some quality time with your loved ones, whilst you make the most of an unhurried experience. Location : 20, Rue Saint Gilles Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : 6:30am–8:30pm Price : Free Entry. Planning a honeymoon trip to Pondicherry? Checkout:  Pondicherry Tour Packages For Couple

Best of Coorg

Botanical Gardens

Built in colonial times, the Botanical Gardens boast of French architecture, standing out from the Southern-style surroundings. The sprawling 22-acres garden has more than 1500 species of plants, including endangered and exotic ones, making it one of the best gardens in South India. The garden also offers toy train rides, musical and dancing fountains that you can catch only on the weekends, an aquarium, pruned trees and beautiful flower beds, all which add to the aesthetic of the venue. Location : Maraimalai, Maraimalai Adigal Salai, Near Anna Statue, Ambedkar Nagar, Orleanpet, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : Daily, 10 am - 5pm Price : Adults - Rs. 10 / Children - Rs. 5. You May Also Like:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Cochin

Best of South Goa

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

The Mahatma Gandhi statue pays homage to the Father of The Nation. With a foundation laid in 1866 and the inauguration done a century later, the 13-feet high statue is apparently one of the biggest Gandhi statue in Asia. The monument is encircled by eight exquisitely carved granite pillars brought in from Gingee, a fort close to Pondicherry. There is also a tunnel below the statue, which leads right up to Gingee, but owing to some unfortunate mishaps, the entrance was sealed soon after. The statue stands strong, right in the city centre, so make sure you pay it a visit on your one day trip in Pondicherry. Location : No. 40, Goubert Avenue, Beach Rd, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : Open 24 Hours Price : Free Entry. Click Here To Book:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Trivandrum

Best of Chennai

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Known to be one of the wealthiest Ashrams in India, this is a must visit on your one day trip in Pondicherry. It is built on the spiritual philosophies of Aurobindo Ghosh, a globally renowned philosopher-poet and yogi. Visitors from across the world flock the Ashram to seek blessings from the mortal remains of Aurobindo and his entrusted disciple called Mirra Alfassa or ‘The Mother’.The remains lie in the courtyard of the main Ashram building, under a frangipani tree, accessible to all. Location : Near Junction of Manakula Vinayagar No. 9 Marine Street, Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, Near Junction of, Puducherry, 605002 Timings : Samadhi - 8 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 6 pm Price : Free Entry. Click Here To Book:   Pondicherry Tour Packages From Visakhapatnam

Best of Chikmagalur

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Standing magnificently tall, this temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, was built three centuries ago. The interiors bear forty incarnations and forms of Lord Ganesha, intricately carved on the temple walls. A golden pyramid crowns the temple and the premises are home to Lord Murugan’s shrine, who is believed to have been the younger brother of Lord Ganesha. Together, the shrine and pyramid, create a blissful aura.Rest assured, once here, you’ll be amused by the temple elephant Lakshmi, who gathers coins from tourists and blesses them with her trunk! Location : Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : 5:45 am - 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm Price : Free Entry.

Best of Kovalam

Pondicherry Museum

Housing a rare collection of bronze and stone sculptures, steeped into our history, excavated from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and Arikamedu, the local museum is definitely one of the many places to visit in Pondicherry in one day. A major attraction here is the coach, the palanquin and the pousse-pousse, which was an ancient rickshaw, needed to be operated by two people at a time. Once here, you’re sure to be transported to the mythological era. Spot the fossilised tree trunk, Greek and Roman relics, Hindu deities, handicrafts, coins, French furniture and more. Location : Eswaran Kovil Street, Canteen St, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : 9 am - 5:00 pm. Monday closed Price : Rs. 15 per person. Must Checkout :  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Bangalore

Best of Gokarna

Aayi Mandapam

Among the many places to visit in Pondicherry in one day, the Aayi Mandapam is on our list for its history. Legend has it that the memorial is dedicated to Aayi, a courtesan, whose brothel was ordered to be torn down by the King. After bringing it down herself, Aayi built a pond there to make potable water accessible to the residents. Her generosity is marked by the structure in Bharathi Park, which is illuminated in all its glory in the evenings. It is flanked by monuments and statues that also make for interesting tourist spots. Location : White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : 9 am - 7 pm Price : Free Entry. Also Checkout:    Pondicherry Tour Packages From Coimbatore

Best of Mahabalipuram

French War Memorial

The French Memorial is a beautiful but grave reminder that pays tribute to the bravehearts who laid down their lives during World War I. It was erected in 1937 and inaugurated a year later. While nobody is permitted to enter the grounds of the war memorial, on the occasion of Bastille Day, every year, the memorial is beautifully illuminated so as to pay homage to the valiant martyrs. Behind the memorial is a bronze carving that marks the day the then Governor-General of France, Joseph Dupleix, arrived in Pondicherry in 1742. Make sure you visit this too. Location : Mahe de Labourdonnais St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : 10 am to 5 pm Price : Free Entry. Also Checkout and Book:   Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mumbai

Best of Varkala

Promenade Beach

If you’re looking for places to visit in Pondicherry in one day, don’t miss the infamous Promenade Beach. The 1.5 km stretch is often called the Pride of Pondicherry for its sparkling sands and glistening waters.You’ll spot a juice vendor early in the day, and street-foods lining the beach late in the evenings. That’s not all, tourists and locals alike, frequent this beach for their evenings strolls or jogs, while a majority are here to simply enjoy the vibe at the popular Le Cafe. After all, iIt isn’t everyday that you can sip on some delicious coffee and bite into some lip-smacking food while the waves lap at your feet, right? Location : White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : Open 24 hours Price : Free Entry.

Known to be one of the finest beaches Pondicherry has to offer, feel free to lose yourself amidst nature’s charm at the Rock Beach. Situated in the heart of the city, right next to the Promenade Beach, and surrounded by the most popular sights in town, the beach is lined by huge rocks. A trip here during sunrise or sunset is absolutely surreal, as you watch the mighty waves crash against the rocks ever so often. Location : White Town, Puducherry, 605001 Timings : Open 24 hours Price : Free Entry. You May Also Like:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Chennai

Our Lady of Angels Church

Translated from the French term, Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Church should certainly feature on your list of places to visit in Pondicherry in one day. With a mix of limestone and egg whites, lending it a white marble texture, the structure is built in Greek-Roman architectural style. Inside, you’ll be welcomed by rare oil paintings and pastel colours which soothe your senses as you walk in. Bang opposite the church is a statue of Virgin Mary cradling Baby Jesus in her arms. The diversity here is visible through the Mass, which is read in French, English and Tamil. Location : Dumas St. and Surcouf St, Puducherry, India Timings : 7 am - 6:30 pm Price : Free Entry.

Paradise Beach

Looking for Paradise? It’s right here amidst the pristine beauty of Pondicherry! Offering a rustic ambience, Paradise Beach is where time stands still, yet the endless activities are a good reminder of how quickly time flies by. Feel the sand between your toes, the waves lapping at your feet, and the soft rustle of the coconut trees that transport you into a surreal space. You can dine at the multi-cuisine shack here, take a dip in the waters, indulge in some beach sports with your loved ones, or even enjoy a game ot two with strangers. Everyone’s welcome here! All of this and more makes Paradise Beach a must-visit on your one day trip in Pondicherry. Location : Chinna Veerampattinam, Puducherry 605007 Timings : 9 am - 5 pm

Price : Boat rides and activities are charged. Recommended Read:  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mysore

Top Experiences To Do in Paradise Beach

Chunnambar River

End your day with a serene boat ride or even better, a tree-house stay, at the Chunnambar River, 8 kms from Pondicherry. Yes, a tree-house stay! You read that right. Following your picnic at the adjoining Paradise Beach, the backwaters are not only home to a quaint resort, but also offer a host of activities including trekking, yachting, boating and beach sports. With a panoramic view of abundant greenery, a slice of ‘Paradise’ by its side, quite literally, and the gently flowing river, an overnight stay or a short trip to Chunnambar is probably the nicest ways to end your day at Pondicherry. Location : Pondy-Cuddalore Road, Nonankuppam, Puducherry 605101 Timings : 24 hours Price : Boat rides and activities are charged. Click Here to Book Now :  Pondicherry Tour Packages From Mangalore

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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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June 24, 2024 / 8:37 PM EDT / AP

A Senate staffer testified at a bribery trial that planning for Sen. Bob Menendez's 2021 trip to Egypt and Qatar got "weird" after the Democrat directed that Egypt be included in the process.

Sarah Arkin, a senior staffer with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, testified Monday as a government witness at a trial over bribes of hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold and cash allegedly paid to the senator in return for benefits he supposedly delivered to three New Jersey businessmen from 2018 to 2022.

Among favors he allegedly carried out, one included improperly pressuring a Department of Agriculture official to protect a lucrative halal certification monopoly the Egyptian government had awarded to one businessman. 

Then, prosecutors say, he aided a prominent New Jersey real estate developer by acting favorably to Qatar's government so the businessman could score a lucrative deal with a Qatari investment fund.

Besides charges of bribery, fraud, extortion and obstruction of justice, Menendez is also charged with acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. 

Menendez and two businessmen who allegedly paid him bribes have pleaded not guilty to the charges. A third testified earlier at the trial which entered its seventh week. When Menendez was charged last fall, he held the powerful post of chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he relinquished soon afterward.

In her testimony, Arkin said Menendez had asked Senate staff to reach out to an individual at the Egyptian embassy who they didn't know as they planned the weeklong trip to both countries, even though such excursions were usually planned through the State Department and U.S. authorities.

Although foreign embassies were routinely notified about any U.S. legislators who were traveling their way, Arkin portrayed it as unusual that a trip by a U.S. senator would be planned in conjunction with a foreign embassy.

Later, Arkin said, she was told Menendez was "very upset" after he'd been notified that two Egyptians, including Egypt's ambassador, had complained that she notified Egyptian officials that Menendez would not meet with Egypt's president during the trip "under any circumstances." She said she was told that the senator didn't want her to go on the trip.

She testified that she told Menendez that the claim that she told anyone that he would not meet with Egypt's president was "absolutely not true" and that she would never use stern language such as "under no circumstances" even if he declined to meet with someone.

Arkin said another Senate staffer working to plan the trip wrote to her that "all of this Egypt stuff is very weird."

"It was weird," she said. Arkin said she was "not an idiot" and "would not have phrased anything that way" by saying the senator would not meet a foreign president of a nation important to the United States "under any circumstances."

Questioned by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Richenthal, Arkin also mentioned that Menendez's wife, Nadine Menendez , was "trying to be involved in the planning" and had "lots of opinions" about what she wanted to do during the trip.

Nadine Menendez also has pleaded not guilty in the case, but her trial has been postponed so that she can recover from breast cancer surgery.

As he left the courthouse Monday, Menendez said Arkin could have gone on the trip if she wanted, but she "chose not to go."

• Bob Menendez

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2-Day Pondicherry Itinerary

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Sunday market, bharathi park, promenade beach, mahatma gandhi statue, where to eat, tot - taste on terrace, bay of buddha, new farm fresh, arulmigu manakula vinayagar devasthanam, sri aurobindo ashram, puducherry museum, immaculate conception cathedral, sri varadaraja perumal temple, bleu & blanc cottages, auroville beach, surguru spot restaurant, crêpe in touch, dilliwaala6, the storytellers' bar, top searches in pondicherry, popular road trips from pondicherry, what's the weather like in pondicherry.

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Orlando Cepeda dies

Sen. Bob Menendez’s Egypt trip planning got ‘weird,’ Senate staffer recalls at bribery trial

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NEW YORK (AP) — A Senate staffer testified at a bribery trial that planning for Sen. Bob Menendez’s 2021 trip to Egypt and Qatar got “weird” after the Democrat directed that Egypt be included in the process, a Senate staffer testified Monday.

Sarah Arkin, a senior staffer with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, testified as a government witness at a trial over bribes of hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold and cash allegedly paid to the senator in return for benefits he supposedly delivered to three New Jersey businessmen from 2018 to 2022.

Among favors he allegedly carried out, one included helping Egyptian officials in exchange for one businessman gaining a monopoly on the certification that meat sent to Egypt met Islamic dietary requirements.

Then, prosecutors say, he aided a prominent New Jersey real estate developer by acting favorably to Qatar’s government so the businessman could score a lucrative deal with a Qatari investment fund.

Besides charges of bribery, fraud, extortion and obstruction of justice, Menendez is also charged with acting as a foreign agent of Egypt.

Menendez, 70, and two businessmen who allegedly paid him bribes have pleaded not guilty to charges. A third testified earlier at the trial which entered its seventh week. When Menendez was charged last fall, he held the powerful post of chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he relinquished soon afterward.

In her testimony, Arkin said Menendez had asked Senate staff to reach out to an individual at the Egyptian embassy who they didn’t know as they planned the weeklong trip to both countries, even though such excursions were usually planned through the State Department and U.S. authorities.

Although foreign embassies were routinely notified about any U.S. legislators who were traveling their way, Arkin portrayed it as unusual that a trip by a U.S. senator would be planned in conjunction with a foreign embassy.

Later, Arkin said, she was told Menendez was “very upset” after he’d been notified that two Egyptians, including Egypt’s ambassador, had complained that she notified Egyptian officials that Menendez would not meet with Egypt’s president during the trip “under any circumstances.” She said she was told that the senator didn’t want her to go on the trip.

She testified that she told Menendez that the claim that she told anyone that he would not meet with Egypt’s president was “absolutely not true” and that she would never use stern language such as “under no circumstances” even if he declined to meet with someone.

Arkin said another Senate staffer working to plan the trip wrote to her that “all of this Egypt stuff is very weird.”

“It was weird,” she said. Arkin said she was “not an idiot” and “would not have phrased anything that way” by saying the senator would not meet a foreign president of a nation important to the United States “under any circumstances.”

Questioned by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Richenthal, Arkin also mentioned that Menendez’s wife, Nadine Menendez, was “trying to be involved in the planning” and had “lots of opinions” about what she wanted to do during the trip.

Nadine Menendez also has pleaded not guilty in the case, but her trial has been postponed so that she can recover from breast cancer surgery.

As he left the courthouse Monday, Menendez said Arkin could have gone on the trip if she wanted, but she “chose not to go.”

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My First Trip to Norway, With A.I. as a Guide

Can artificial intelligence devise a bucket-list vacation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? Our reporter put three virtual assistants to the test.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

The assignment was clear: Test how well artificial intelligence could plan a trip to Norway, a place I’d never been. So I did none of my usual obsessive online research and instead asked three A.I. planners to create a four-day itinerary. None of them, alas, mentioned the saunas or the salmon.

Two assistants were, however, eager to learn more about me in order to tailor their initially generic recommendations, which they had spewed out within seconds. Vacay , a personalized travel planning tool, presented me with a list of questions, while Mindtrip , a new A.I. travel assistant, invited me to take a quiz. (ChatGPT, the third assistant, asked nothing.)

Vacay’s and Mindtrip’s questions were similar: Are you traveling solo? What’s your budget? Do you prefer hotels or Airbnbs? Would you rather explore the great outdoors or pursue a cultural experience?

Eventually, my chat sessions yielded what seemed like well-rounded itineraries, starting with one day in Oslo and moving on to the fjord region. Eventually, I locked down a trip that would combine the assistants’ information and go beyond a predictable list of sites.

This time around, my virtual planners were far more sophisticated than the simple ChatGPT interface I used last year on a trip to Milan. Though it offered more detailed suggestions for Norway, I ended up ditching ChatGPT in the travel-planning stage after it repeatedly crashed.

Vacay’s premium service, which starts at $9.99 per month, included in-depth suggestions and booking links, while Mindtrip, which is currently free, provided photos, Google reviews and maps. During the trip itself, each delivered instantaneous information by text and always asked if more specific details were needed. Sadly, only ChatGPT offered a phone app, whose information I found to be outdated (the $20-per-month premium version is more current).

I’m not alone when it comes to turning to A.I. for help: Around 70 percent of Americans are either using or planning to use A.I. for travel planning, according to a recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the personal finance app Moneylion, while 71 percent said using A.I. would most likely be easier than planning trips on one’s own.

I decided to find out for myself in Norway.

A whirlwind day in Oslo

After I landed at Oslo Airport, all three assistants directed me to the Flytoget Airport Express Train , which got me to town in 20 minutes. I was delighted to find my hotel adjacent to the central railway station.

Choosing accommodations had not been easy. I was looking for a midrange boutique hotel, and the A.I. assistants generated many options with little overlap. I went with Hotel Amerikalinjen , Vacay’s recommendation, which it described as “a vibrant and unique boutique hotel in the heart of Oslo.” Its location was the main draw, but overall the hotel exceeded my expectations, blending comfort and style with the 20th-century charm of its building, which once housed the headquarters of the Norwegian America Line shipping company.

For the one-day Oslo itinerary, the assistants were in agreement, packing in the city’s top sights, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Royal Palace , the Nobel Peace Center, Akershus Fortress and the Munch Museum. I shared my location and asked each assistant to restructure the itineraries to start from my hotel. But when I gave in to my own research instincts and pulled up Google Maps, I saw that the order they suggested didn’t make sense, so I plotted my own path.

By the time I got to Frogner Park at midday, I had already covered half of the sights, and after walking past more than 200 sculptures by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, I was happy to sit down and admire his granite monolith of entwined humans.

For lunch, the assistants recommended high-end restaurants in the bustling waterfront neighborhood of Aker Brygge . But I wanted a quick bite in a more relaxed atmosphere, so I ditched A.I. and walked to the end of the promenade, where I stumbled upon the Salmon , a cozy establishment where I started with salmon sashimi that melted in my mouth and finished with a perfectly grilled fillet. How had my assistants not mentioned this place?

Next on my list was the Nobel Peace Center, the Opera House and the Munch Museum. The assistants had not recommended prebooking tickets, but fortunately, I had done so, learning, in the process, that the Peace Center was closed, a crucial bit of information that A.I. did not relay.

It was chilly for mid-June, and as I walked along the harbor promenade toward the Munch Museum, I spotted small floating saunas, which my assistants had not included. I went back to the ChatGPT phone app for recommendations. Even though I was eager to try a floating sauna, where people warmed themselves and then plunged straight into the frigid waters of the Oslofjord, I took ChatGPT’s suggestion and booked the Salt sauna, which is where I headed after spending a few hours at the Munch Museum, with its extensive works by the Norwegian artist and its sweeping views of Oslo’s harbor.

At the Salt cultural complex , a large pyramidal structure on the water, I was relieved that swimsuits were a requirement. In Scandinavia, saunas are usually taken naked , and earlier, I had asked ChatGPT for the etiquette at Salt, but it failed to give me a definitive answer. After sweating it out with around 30 strangers in Salt’s main sauna, I dipped into a cold-water barrel tub and then tried the smaller sauna options, which were hotter and quieter. It was the perfect ending to a long day.

Waterfalls, lush valleys, raging waters

Each of my assistants had different ideas on how to reach the fjord region. ChatGPT suggested taking a seven-hour train ride and then immediately embarking on a two-hour fjord cruise, which sounded exhausting. Mindtrip suggested taking a short flight to Bergen, known as the “gateway to the fjords,” and setting out on a cruise the next day, which was perhaps more efficient, but would also mean missing one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Vacay also recommended a train ride.

After conversing with the assistants, I decided on a shorter train journey (six hours) that would deliver me to Naeroyfjord , a UNESCO World Heritage site with lush valleys and thundering waterfalls. But to figure out the logistics for transport and accommodation, I needed live train timetables, which I found on my own, and information on hotel availability that none of the assistants had.

At this point, I was desperate for human guidance to navigate the region’s expensive and limited accommodations. This is where the pictures and reviews on Mindtrip were useful, helping me to understand that I would be paying premium prices for the spectacular setting of a mediocre hotel.

The train ride from Oslo to Myrdal was breathtaking: rolling hills, mountain villages, fjords, waterfalls. But nothing prepared me for the majestic one-hour Flam railway ride that followed. Vacay had described it as an “engineering marvel” with a breathtakingly steep descent as it passes picturesque villages, dramatic mountains, raging rivers and pounding waterfalls, complete with a dance performance featuring a mythological spirit known as a huldra.

The next morning I boarded a Naeroyfjord cruise, recommended by Vacay, on an electric, 400-person vessel. I was surprised by the serenity of the fjord. Later I learned from a tour guide that I had been lucky to visit when there were no large cruise ships. It was hard to imagine an ocean liner maneuvering through the narrow, windy fjord, but when I asked ChatGPT, it told me 150 to 220 cruise ships squeezed through the fjord each year, a detail that I felt the travel assistants should warn travelers about.

The cruise ended in the village of Gudvangen, where rain made me cancel a hike to a waterfall and instead try my hand at ax-throwing in the Viking Village Njardarheim. The assistants had told me that there were buses that left town every four hours, a time frame that had worked with my original hiking plan, but now I was stuck. Thankfully, I took note of the A.I. disclaimers to check all information and found an alternative shuttle bus.

On my way to Bergen, I decided to stop in the town of Voss, famous for extreme sports like skydiving and spectacular nature. All the A.I.-suggested hotels were booked, but a Google search led me to the lakeside Elva hotel , which had delicious farm-to-table food. I suspect it didn’t make the A.I. shortlist because it was new.

I ended my trip in Bergen, which, despite being Norway’s second-largest city, maintains a small-town charm with its colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets. With only half a day to explore, I followed Mindtrip’s short itinerary, starting with a hearty lunch of fish and chips at the bustling waterfront fish market and ending with a funicular ride up Mount Floyen for panoramic views of the city and fjords. The A.I. dinner suggestion at the Colonialen was perfect: cozy vibe, live jazz and locally sourced dishes.

The bottom line

None of the A.I. programs were perfect, but they did complement one another, allowing me to streamline my travel decisions.

Overall, Mindtrip — with its polished, dynamic interface that allowed me to cross-check details with maps, links and reviews — was my favorite. While it gave some good recommendations, Mindtrip needed more prompting than Vacay, which offered a wider variety of suggestions in more detail. Unfortunately, Vacay doesn’t save chat history, which I discovered halfway into my planning after closing the website’s tab on my browser.

The biggest drawback was the absence of phone apps for Mindtrip and Vacay, which led me to rely on ChatGPT’s basic A.I. assistant when I needed on-the-spot guidance. Mindtrip, I’ve since learned, is planning to debut an app in September.

Still, there were times when I desperately craved the human touch. Before setting out on a trip, I always contact friends and colleagues for recommendations. This time, as part of the A.I. experiment, I refrained from reaching out to a Norwegian friend until after my trip, only to find out that we had both been in Oslo at the same time.

That’s one element of travel that I doubt A.I. will ever master: serendipity.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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Planning Menendez’s trip to Egypt got ‘weird,’ staffer testifies at trial

• Updated: Jun. 26, 2024, 11:17 a.m. |
• Published: Jun. 24, 2024, 8:23 p.m.
• The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A Senate staffer testified at a bribery trial that planning for U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez ’s 2021 trip to Egypt and Qatar got “weird” after the Democrat directed that Egypt be included in the process, a Senate staffer testified Monday.

Sarah Arkin, a senior staffer with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, testified as a government witness at a trial over bribes of hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold and cash allegedly paid to the New Jersey Democrat in return for benefits he supposedly delivered to three New Jersey businessmen from 2018 to 2022.

Among favors he allegedly carried out, one included helping Egyptian officials in exchange for one businessman gaining a monopoly on the certification that meat sent to Egypt met Islamic dietary requirements.

Then, prosecutors say, he aided a prominent New Jersey real estate developer by acting favorably to Qatar’s government so the businessman could score a lucrative deal with a Qatari investment fund.

• MORE: How to (allegedly) bribe a U.S. senator in 4 easy steps

Besides charges of bribery, fraud, extortion and obstruction of justice, Menendez is also charged with acting as a foreign agent of Egypt.

Menendez, 70, and two businessmen who allegedly paid him bribes have pleaded not guilty to charges. A third testified earlier at the trial, which entered its seventh week. When Menendez was charged last fall, he held the powerful post of chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he relinquished soon afterward.

In her testimony, Arkin said Menendez had asked Senate staff to reach out to an individual at the Egyptian embassy who they didn’t know as they planned the weeklong trip to both countries, even though such excursions were usually planned through the State Department and U.S. authorities.

Although foreign embassies were routinely notified about any U.S. legislators who were traveling their way, Arkin portrayed it as unusual that a trip by a U.S. senator would be planned in conjunction with a foreign embassy.

Later, Arkin said, she was told Menendez was “very upset” after he’d been notified that two Egyptians, including Egypt’s ambassador, had complained that she notified Egyptian officials that Menendez would not meet with Egypt’s president during the trip “under any circumstances.” She said she was told that the senator didn’t want her to go on the trip.

She testified that she told Menendez that the claim that she told anyone that he would not meet with Egypt’s president was “absolutely not true” and that she would never use stern language such as “under no circumstances” even if he declined to meet with someone.

Arkin said another Senate staffer working to plan the trip wrote to her that “all of this Egypt stuff is very weird.”

“It was weird,” she said. Arkin said she was “not an idiot” and “would not have phrased anything that way” by saying the senator would not meet a foreign president of a nation important to the United States “under any circumstances.”

Questioned by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Richenthal, Arkin also mentioned that Menendez’s wife, Nadine Menendez, was “trying to be involved in the planning” and had “lots of opinions” about what she wanted to do during the trip.

Nadine Menendez also has pleaded not guilty in the case, but her trial has been postponed so that she can recover from breast cancer surgery.

As he left the courthouse Monday, Menendez said Arkin could have gone on the trip if she wanted, but she “chose not to go.”

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