In the morning, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded in the early 20th century, which provides a calming spiritual experience. Later on, take a stroll through the beautiful French town of Pondicherry, known for its unique architecture, colonial buildings, chic boutiques, and cafes. Make sure to visit the vibrant markets and the seaside promenade at dusk.
First, visit Auroville, an experimental town dedicated to human unity, based on the vision of Sri Aurobindo and a community living together in harmony. For lunch, enjoy a farm-to-table organic meal at Solitude Farm, followed by a visit to the beautiful Auro Beach, known for its clear blue waters and serene atmosphere.
Head to Paradise beach in the morning and spend the day relaxing on its pristine golden sand and swimming in the turquoise waters. Later, visit the Ousteri Lake, a serene getaway, with a beautiful natural view for bird watching, boating or even fishing.
It is recommended to walk, cycle or even take a tuk-tuk while exploring the town for day 1. For day 2 and day 3, renting a motorcycle will be a better option for getting around the town and its nearby places. Renting a motorcycle will cost INR 300 - INR 700 per day, depending on the condition and the model of the motorcycle.
If you have more time, you may want to visit some of the nearby temples, such as the Manakula Vinayagar Temple or Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. For those who want to indulge in Pondicherry's rich culture, consider taking a pottery class or yoga classes. It is best to avoid visiting during monsoon months when unexpected heavy rains may ruin outdoor plans.
The Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the nearest airport to Pondicherry, approximately 135 km from the city centre. It takes around 3 hours to drive from the airport to the city centre.