Start your day with a walk along the Promenade Beach - Pondicherry’s pride. Watch the sunrise from the rocky beach, take a dip in the Bay of Bengal, or explore the stores and restaurants along the promenade. A major tourist attraction, the beach also offers stunning views of the Government Park, War Memorial, and the French War Memorial. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins playing in the sea.
Located in the heart of Pondicherry, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual centre promoting yoga, meditation, and self-awareness. Learn about the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, his spiritual companion, and explore the museum showcasing the life and work of these two legendary personalities. Don’t miss the chance to participate in the daily meditation sessions, or shop for books, memorabilia, and incense at the ashram's boutique.
Escape the hustle-bustle of the city and head over to the Paradise Beach. Accessible only by ferry, this secluded beach is surrounded by palm trees, golden sands, and gentle waves. Go swimming, sunbathing, or indulge in water sports like jet skiing and boating. There are plenty of food stalls and beverage counters along the beach to quench your hunger and thirst.
Devote the morning to seeking blessings at the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god of wisdom and wealth, Lord Ganesha. Admire the temple's splendid architecture, intricate carvings, and intricate murals. The temple is famous for its 5-foot tall golden chariot shaped like a peacock. You can also feed the temple's resident elephant, Lakshmi, with bananas and coconuts and watch her perform simple tasks.
Embark on a journey to the past and visit the Arikamedu archaeological site, an ancient trade centre between the Romans and the Tamils. The site, located 4 kilometres from Pondicherry, showcases artefacts, ruins, pottery, and beads from over 2000 years ago, giving glimpses into the port city's historical trade and commercial relations.
The next destination on your Pondicherry trip should be the Chunnambar Boat House, where you can experience some river cruising along the Chunnambar River. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the backwaters, estuaries, and lush greenery around the river. You can indulge in various water activities like boating, canoeing, and kayaking. You can also sample some fresh fish and seafood by the riverside, prepared in traditional Tamil style.
Pondicherry has so much to offer, it's difficult to include everything in just two days. However, if you have more time, you can also visit the following places: Matrimandir, Botanical Garden, Ousteri Lake, Seaside Promenade, Jawahar Toy Museum, and Pondicherry Museum. Shopaholics can also explore the local markets for handmade pottery, clothing, and leather bags. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can skip the boat house and explore some other beaches like Serenity Beach or Auroville Beach. Additionally, keep in mind the dress code while visiting the temples.