Three-Day Itinerary for Exploring the Best of Pondicherry

  1. Day 1: Promenade Beach
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Pondicherry Airport

    Begin your trip to Pondicherry with a visit to the Promenade Beach, one of the most popular and scenic beaches in the region. Take a stroll along the 1.2 km stretch and enjoy the fresh sea breeze and beautiful sunrise or sunset.

  2. Day 2: Sri Aurobindo Ashram
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from Promenade Beach

    Start your second day in Pondicherry with a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator The Mother. Take a guided tour of the ashram and learn about its philosophy and practices. Visit the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, and attend the collective meditation session held every morning.

  3. Day 3: Auroville
    20 minutes (10 km) from Sri Aurobindo Ashram

    On your final day in Pondicherry, take a half-day trip to Auroville, an experimental township founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and designed by the architect Roger Anger. Explore the Matrimandir and its gardens, attend a talk at the Unity Pavilion, visit the various workshops and boutiques, and taste some organic and artisanal cuisine at the Auroville cafes and restaurants.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Promenade Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hours, free)
  • Auroville (3-4 hours, transportation cost Rs. 500-1000, meals and activities cost Rs. 500-1000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 1000-2000

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the French Quarter, also known as the White Town, and admire the colonial architecture, visit the Notre Dame des Anges, and shop at the local boutiques and markets. If you have less time, prioritize the Promenade Beach and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which are located in the heart of Pondicherry and can be easily reached by foot or bicycle.

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