In the morning, visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, explore the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India and home to a vast collection of art, archaeology, and natural history. In the evening, stroll along Marina Beach, the second-longest beach in the world.
In the morning, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, an ancient port city with a remarkable collection of stone carvings, temples, and monuments. In the afternoon, head to Auroville, an experimental township that promotes sustainable living and spiritual practices. In the evening, wander around Pondicherry's French Quarter, admiring the colonial architecture and browsing the boutiques and galleries.
In the morning, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in the early 20th century. In the afternoon, explore the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, a lush green space with over 1500 species of plants and trees. In the evening, enjoy a sunset boat ride at Chunnambar Boat House.
If you have extra time in Chennai, consider visiting the Fort St. George, a historic 17th-century fort that now houses a museum and government offices. Another day trip from Pondicherry is the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, home to thousands of birds and marine species. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, including the famous South Indian dosa and filter coffee.