Morning: Sleep well in Bangalore; a light dinner and pack essentials for the road.
Afternoon: Depart Bangalore after 10:00 pm by a comfortable **semi‑sleep bus** or a shared **cab** heading to Pondicherry (≈6 hrs). Enjoy the quiet countryside en route.
Evening: Arrive around 4:00 am on Oct 11, check‑in to a **budget boutique hotel** (e.g., Hotel Villa Shanti or Treebo Trend) and freshen up for the day ahead.
Find HotelsMorning: Start with a stroll along the **Promenade Beach**, savor fresh croissants at a seaside café, then visit the historic **French War Memorial**.
Afternoon: Explore the tranquil **Aurobindo Ashram**, followed by a leisurely lunch at **Café des Arts**. In the late afternoon, head to **Auroville**, wander through the Matrimandir gardens, and browse the boutique shops.
Evening: Return to the city center for a sunset walk on **Paradise Beach**, and enjoy a romantic dinner at **Le Dupleix**, offering affordable French‑Indian fusion.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out early, grab a quick breakfast at **Baker Street**, and board the pre‑booked **early‑morning bus** (≈5 hrs) to reach Bangalore before 7:00 am on Oct 13.
Afternoon: (Travel)
Evening: (Travel)
Find HotelsFor a longer stay, add a day to explore nearby **Mahabalipuram** (its UNESCO temples are reachable by a short bus ride). To shorten the trip, skip Auroville and enjoy a relaxed day at the **Serenity Beach** instead, saving both time and a few hundred rupees. Booking transport and hotel a week in advance secures the best affordable rates.