Begin your day with a walking tour of Pondicherry's French Quarter, also known as White Town. Stroll along the leafy streets and admire the colonial-era architecture of the charming buildings painted in pastel shades. You can visit the iconic landmark, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a stunning church with Gothic architecture. Do stop by at Cafe des Arts, an equally charming cafe with outdoor seating, for a traditional french breakfast, while overlooking the pretty street.
Spend your second day visiting the experimental township of Auroville, which was founded in the 1960s as a universal town where people of all nationalities, faiths, and beliefs could live in harmony. Then head to Promenade Beach, an iconic beach with beautiful views of the Bay of Bengal. Enjoy the cool breeze and watch the sunrise/sunset while sitting on the rocks. You can also visit Aurobindo Ashram and Pondicherry Museum on the way back to your hotel.
Roam around the city on a rented cycle or motorbike. Take a ride along the coastline and visit the Paradise Beach and Arikamedu Archaeological Site. You may take a break and taste some delicious French cuisine at Rendezvous Cafe. After refueling, continue towards the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, a park filled with rare and exotic plants. Finally, end your day with an incredible sunset view as you sit on the rocks near the Ousteri Lake.
Start your day with a thrilling dive into the Bay of Bengal. There are many certified scuba diving schools located near the Promenade Beach, that can take you to explore the underwater world of Pondicherry. After that, head to Zuka Chocolate Cafe for a chocolate-filled experience. You could alternatively take a day-trip to the 11th-century Chidambaram Natarajar Temple a UNESCO Heritage site dedicated to Lord Shiva and witness the intricate architecture and sculptures. End your day with dinner at Lydie's, where you can taste the flavors of Pondicherry - a mix of French and traditional South Indian cuisine.
For those with extra time, covering places such as the Gingee Fort or Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is recommended. Those with less time might want to skip the Arikamedu Archaeological Site or the Chidambaram Natarajar Temple depending on their interests.