3-Day Pondicherry (Puducherry) Weekend Itinerary: French Quarter, Auroville & Beaches

Day 1: French Quarter

Pondicherry, India on November 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Baker Street (White Town)

Classic French bakery and cafe in White Town famous for croissants, quiches and coffee — a relaxed spot to start the day and people-watch in the colonial quarter.
INR350, 1h0m

8:45am

Promenade & Rock Beach walk

Early morning stroll along the seaside Promenade to see the Gandhi statue, Old Lighthouse and the sea breeze — ideal for photos and to avoid daytime crowds; open 24/7.
INR0, 1h0m

10:00am

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Quiet spiritual center founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother; visit the samadhi and meditation spaces. Typical visiting hours are mornings and late afternoons — check current timings at the ashram reception.
INR0, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore White Town colonial streets & boutiques

Wander the colourful lanes to admire Indo-French architecture, boutique shops, galleries and pastel villas — great for souvenir shopping and photos.
INR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Surguru Classic (local South Indian)

Reliable spot for hearty South Indian thalis and dosas — fast, wallet-friendly and good for groups who want local flavours.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Pondicherry Museum

Small but well-curated collection of archaeology, French colonial items and local artifacts; typically open 9:00am–12:00pm and 2:00pm–5:00pm so afternoon visit fits well.
INR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Beautiful Gothic-style church with stained glass windows and serene interiors — check service times; good short cultural visit.
INR0, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner — Le Dupleix or Villa Shanti

Choose Le Dupleix for a refined Indo-French meal or Villa Shanti for modern local cuisine in a courtyard setting — both great for a relaxed dinner with friends.
INR1200, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening drinks — Le Café on the Promenade

Open late and right on the seafront, perfect for coffee, cocktails or gelato while enjoying the night sea breeze.
INR500, 1h30m

Day 2: Auroville + Beaches

Pondicherry & Auroville, India on November 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Café des Arts or Tartine

Charming French-style cafes in White Town offering pastries, omelettes and good coffee — a pleasant start before heading to Auroville.
INR400, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Auroville (taxi or scooter)

About a 25–40 minute drive north-west of Pondicherry depending on traffic — go early to maximize time at Auroville and avoid midday heat.
INR300, 0h30m

9:15am

Auroville Visitor Centre

Start here to learn about Auroville's philosophy and layout; visitor centre generally opens from around 9:00am — pick up maps and cafe recommendations.
INR0, 1h0m

10:30am

Matrimandir viewing (Auroville)

Iconic golden sphere and meditation center — viewing inside requires prior online booking and ID; public viewing slots are limited so prebook at least a day ahead.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Auroville Bakery / Solar Kitchen

Solar Kitchen offers simple, nutritious communal meals; the Auroville Bakery has sandwiches and pastries — both are relaxed, group-friendly options.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Auroville boutiques & boutiques at Savitri Bhavan

Browse handicrafts, eco-products, clothing and art from Auroville workshops — great for unique souvenirs and sustainable gifts.
INR0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Head to Paradise Beach (Chunnambar) via boat

Take the government/private boat from Chunnambar Boat House to Paradise Beach — ferry runs typically 9:00am–5:00pm; go in the afternoon for good light and fewer morning crowds.
INR300, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Villa Shanti or Le Club

Return to Pondicherry and enjoy a leisurely dinner at Villa Shanti for contemporary cuisine or a lively evening at Le Club for cocktails and music.
INR1000, 1h30m

9:30pm

Nightlife — local bars or beachside café

Pondicherry has a mellow nightlife—choose a bar in White Town or return to the promenade for late-night coffee and conversations.
INR500, 2h0m

Day 3: Markets & Departure

Pondicherry, India on November 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Baker Street or Kasha Ki Aasha

One more relaxed breakfast in White Town; Baker Street for fresh baked goods or Kasha Ki Aasha for a cozy, vegetarian-friendly menu.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Arikamedu archaeological site

Ancient Roman trading port ruins just south of Pondicherry — open roughly 9:00am–5:00pm, worth an hour for history and coastal views.
INR25, 1h30m

11:00am

Botanical Garden or relax at Promenade

If you prefer greenery, the Botanical Garden is a short visit; otherwise return to the Promenade to relax and photograph the colonial facades.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Le Café (promenade) or local seafood

Le Café is convenient and open late, offering a varied menu; try a local seafood place if the group wants regional flavors before departure.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping — Mission Street / Goubert Market

Browse textiles, handmade jewellery, spices and local snacks — ideal for last-minute gifts. Markets usually operate through the afternoon.
INR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Sunset at Promenade / final photos

Cap the trip with a relaxed sunset on Rock Beach or the promenade — great final group photos and a low-key end before leaving town.
INR0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — La Maison Rose or casual seaside cafe

Enjoy a final dinner of French/Indian fusion at La Maison Rose or a casual seafront meal, depending on your departure time and energy.
INR900, 1h30m

8:30pm

Departure or relaxed late coffee

Head to your bus/train/airport connection or linger for one last coffee — plan to leave with at least 45–60 minutes cushion for local traffic.
INR0, 0h30m
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