In the morning, explore the experimental township of Auroville, which was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Sri Aurobindo. Visit the Matri Mandir, the golden sphere which serves as the focal point of Auroville and a symbol of its spiritual aspirations. In the afternoon, learn about sustainable living practices at Sadhana Forest, which is home to over 1000 species of trees and plants. In the evening, experience the music and dance performances at the Bharat Nivas cultural centre.
Start your day with a croissant and coffee at one of the many French-inspired cafes in the French Quarter. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, established in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, The Mother. In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour of the French Quarter, admiring the colonial architecture, visiting the Pondicherry Museum and the Romain Rolland Library. In the evening, sip on a glass of wine at one of the rooftop bars overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
In the morning, take a boat ride along the backwaters of Chunnambar River to reach Paradise Beach, where you can relax on the white sand and swim in the clear blue waters. In the afternoon, visit the imposing Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple which is more than 300 years old. In the evening, stroll along the Promenade Beach, which stretches for 1.2 km and enjoy the sea breeze.
If you have time, take a side trip to the charming French villas of the nearby town of Arikamedu or the ancient rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You could also enroll in a yoga and meditation retreat at the Sri Aurobindo Yoga Centre. To maximize your fun, rent a bike or a scooter to explore Pondicherry at your own pace and admire the colorful street art.