The Promenade Beach is a beautiful walkway alongside the Bay of Bengal which offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. It has a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at one end and a war memorial at the other.
Auroville is an experimental community founded on the principles of peace, harmony, and sustainability. The Matrimandir here is an architectural marvel and a meditation centre. The place is surrounded by serene nature and lovely cafes.
The Chunnambar Boat House takes you on a serene boat ride through lush mangrove forests to the Paradise Beach. It’s an ideal spot for water sports and beach activities for both adults and children. The beach also has shacks serving delicious seafood and drinks.
Bharathi Park is a well-maintained botanical garden with lush greenery, fountains, and a memorial statue of Aayi Mandapam. The French Quarter has lovely pastel-coloured buildings, quaint cafes, and boutiques. The place also has a museum showcasing the French colonial history of the region.
A taxi or rented car is the easiest way to travel between these places. The approximate cost of hiring a taxi for 4 days is INR 4500-5000. Alternatively, local buses also connect these places, but they may be crowded and time-consuming.
If you have more time, you can also visit the Gingee Fort, Ousteri Lake, or Paradise Beach. If you have less time, you can skip the Bharathi Park and French Quarter Tour. Don't forget to try the local Pani Puri and filter coffee!
The nearest airport to Pondicherry is Chennai International Airport (MAA) which is 135 km away from the city. It takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach Pondicherry from the airport. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pondicherry.