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2-Night, 3-Day Weekend Getaway from Chennai: Pondicherry and Auroville Loop

Day 1: Coastal Drive

Pondicherry, India on April 24, 2026

7:30am

Depart Chennai via East Coast Road (ECR)

Scenic coastal drive from Chennai to Pondicherry (~3–3.5 hours) enjoying sea views and stopping as needed; plan for tolls and brief breaks.
INR0, 3h30m

11:15am

Check-in and freshen up

Arrive at your hotel or heritage guesthouse in White Town and settle in before lunch; many hotels allow early check-in if notified.
INR0, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch — Le Dupleix or Villa Shanti

Enjoy South Indian-French fusion at Le Dupleix (fine dining) or Pondy classics and local seafood at Villa Shanti; both in White Town and open midday (approx. 12:00–3:00pm).
INR800, 1h15m

1:30pm

Promenade Beach & Gandhi Statue

Stroll the Promenade, view the Gandhi statue and seaside cafés; peaceful in afternoons but avoid midday heat. Open public space.
INR0, 1h

2:45pm

French Quarter walk and colonial heritage

Explore Rue Dumas, Bharathi Park, and colonial architecture; ideal for photos and short café stops. Open all day.
INR0, 1h15m

4:15pm

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Quiet visit to the ashram for meditation and to see the samadhi; visitor hours typically 9:00am–12:00pm and 2:00pm–5:00pm—check current timings.
INR0, 45m

5:15pm

Sunset at Rock Beach

Catch sunset on the rocks for a more rugged coastal view adjacent to the Promenade; best about 6:00pm depending on season.
INR0, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Surguru or La Maison Rose

For authentic Tamil meals try Surguru (dosas, thalis) or for French-Indian ambience choose La Maison Rose in White Town; both open for dinner (around 7:00pm onward).
INR500, 1h15m

Day 2: Auroville & Beaches

Auroville / Pondicherry, India on April 25, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast — Café des Arts or Baker Street

Start with French-style pastries and coffee at Café des Arts or international breakfast at Baker Street in White Town; many cafés open by 7:30–8:00am.
INR350, 45m

8:45am

Drive to Auroville (Matrimandir)

Short 30–40 minute drive to Auroville; book Matrimandir viewing in advance if you want the inner chamber (guided visits limited and typically require pre-registration).
INR0, 40m

9:45am

Matrimandir Viewing and Visitor Centre

Visit the Visitor Centre and grounds to learn about Auroville; inner Matrimandir tours have set slots (usually morning) — check Auroville website for booking and timings.
INR0, 1h

11:00am

Explore Auroville boutiques and boutiques at Solar Kitchen area

Browse handmade crafts, natural products, and the Auroville boutique; shops typically open 10:00am–6:00pm.
INR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch — The Solar Kitchen or Auroville Bakery

Solar Kitchen offers a large community buffet with fresh vegetarian fare; Auroville Bakery is perfect for lighter sandwiches and baked goods. Solar Kitchen often serves lunch around 12:00–2:00pm.
INR300, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Pondicherry — Serenity Beach

Head back toward Pondy and relax or surf at Serenity Beach; surf schools operate in mornings and afternoons—check availability and lessons (usually 9:00–5:00).
INR400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Botanical Garden or Pondicherry Museum

Visit the Botanical Garden (8:30am–5:30pm) for a calm walk or the Pondicherry Museum (10:00am–1:00pm, 2:00pm–5:00pm) for colonial artifacts and archaeology.
INR50, 1h

6:00pm

Evening café hop in White Town

Enjoy coffee or cocktails at Le Cafe on the Promenade or Italian coffee at Kasha Ki Aasha; cafés open till late evening.
INR300, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner — Coromandel Café or Villa Helena

Choose seafood and continental fare at Coromandel Café or a cozy dinner at Villa Helena offering Indo-French dishes; both serve dinner from ~7:00–10:30pm.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 3: Return Trip

Pondicherry to Chennai, India on April 26, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast — Bread & Chocolate or Surguru

Have a leisurely breakfast with fresh baked goods at Bread & Chocolate or a hearty South Indian meal at Surguru; cafés open by 7:30am.
INR300, 45m

8:30am

Check-out and last-minute shopping in White Town

Pick up souvenirs like handmade incense, local textiles, and Auroville products; many shops open by 9:00am but some artisan stalls open earlier.
INR0, 1h

10:00am

Auroville revisit or Chunnambar Boat House (Backwater)

Option A: quick return to Auroville for a final stroll; Option B: Chunnambar Boat House for a 1–2 hour backwater boat ride (usually open 9:00am–5:00pm) — good to pre-check availability.
INR400, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — The Indian Kaffe Express or local beachfront café

Casual lunch near the beach offering sandwiches, thalis, and light meals; open midday and convenient before departure.
INR300, 1h

1:30pm

Drive back to Chennai via ECR

Depart Pondicherry for Chennai aiming to arrive before evening; drive time approx. 3–3.5 hours depending on traffic.
INR0, 3h30m

5:00pm

Arrive Chennai

End of trip with arrival in Chennai; drop-off at your residence or city center.
INR0, —
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