Promenade Beach, also known as Pondicherry Beach, is a picturesque destination for seaside lovers. Take a morning stroll and enjoy the sunrise or the gentle waves splashing on you. There are plenty of quaint eateries and cafes around the beach to grab some breakfast or coffee. You can head southward towards the 'French War Memorial' and 'Mahatma Gandhi Statue,' adding a bit more local history to this walk.
Explore the French Quarter, the heart of Pondicherry's colonial history. Wander around the charming streets filled with colorful houses, quaint little cafes, and beautiful parks. Some popular landmarks such as the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and Notre Dame des Anges are worth visiting. Spend some time in Auroville, enjoying the meditation centers and eco-friendly boutiques. If you love architecture, visit the 'Maison Perumal'. It's free of cost, where you can check out the archaic infrastructure and design that has been preserved for hundreds of years.
Start your second day by visiting the archaeologically rich site of Arikamedu. It is a unique destination for history lovers. Discover how the mentioned artefacts showcase a vibrant trade link with several countries. From pottery to war artifacts, you will be enchanted by it all. The place shut down at 5 pm, so make sure to reach before that.
Near to the well-known New Bus Stand, there lies the Botanical Garden, which is budget-friendly and is perfect for those who love nature. It features an array of flora and fauna concepts. The entry ticket is INR$10 only. If you visit in the early morning or evening, you might see some fantastic birds and other animals. You can spend about 2 hours in this garden, but it is closed on Tuesdays.
Gingee Fort is a spot to witness excellent ancient architecture, spread over a vast region amidst three hills. The entire trek could easily sap away 3-4 hours of the day, but it is worth the effort. Keep a lookout for a popular spot, the 'Kalyanagiri Fortress,’ where you can have a splendid view of the area and take memorable photographs. Keep track of the closing time, which is 5 pm.
For more culture, you can visit the Pondicherry Museum and Bharathidasan Museum, but it may add a couple of extra rupees to the budget. On a more extended tour, experience the traditional Indian villages and explore their colorful style of living. However, time constraint may make this too hard to pack into this itinerary. Restaurants like Surguru, Coromandel Cafe, L'avenue, and Baker Street are highly recommended, but they vary as per the budget. Plan your itinerary to align the specific attractions' timings mentioned in adherences with their operational hours.