One Day Exploration of the Best of Pondicherry

1. 9:00 AM: Sri Aurobindo Ashram
   10 minutes (1.2 km) from the city center

   The Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual community in Pondicherry, known for its peaceful environment. It is home to the samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother where one can partake in meditation, yoga, and introspection.A visit to the place is perfect to start your day with a fresh and positive mind.

2. 10:30 AM: French Quarter
   15 minutes (1.5 km) from Sri Aurobindo Ashram

   The French Boulevard, also known as the French Quarter, is a stark contrast to the rest of the city. It maintains its unique, Parisian-style architecture, which is a testament to Pondicherry's colonial past. Visitors can enjoy a range of restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Stroll through the streets to appreciate the beautiful architecture, or take a cycle ride to cover more ground.

3. 12:30 PM: Lunch at Le Café
   10 minutes (750 meters) from French Quarter

   Le Café is an iconic spot in Pondicherry with a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal and panoramic sea vistas. This café is an excellent place for an exceptional, inexpensive meal that warmly caters to guests in a natural, elegant atmosphere. The café is perfect for enjoying some snacks or coffee while looking out at the beautiful views of the sea.

4. 2:00 PM: The Promenade Beach
   5 minutes (1 km) from Le Café

   The Promenade Beach is the most popular beach in Pondicherry, spanning several intervals, dotted with rock sculptures, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, and a charming French War Memorial. The beach allows visitors to enjoy the sea during afterward noon, either by swimming or sunbathing on the sand. Visitors can also walk along the beach and enjoy the panoramic sunset.

5. 3:30 PM: Auroville
   30 minutes (10 km) from Promenade Beach

   Auroville, known as the City of Dawn, is a spiritual and cultural experiment intended to create a place without government, religion, or money. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing in the unique, futuristic town center, visit the Matrimandir, attend a workshop, or grab snacks at one of the cafes. Auroville is a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly distinct atmosphere.

6. 5:30 PM: Chunnambar Backwaters
   20 minutes (8 km) from Auroville

   Chunnambar, also known as Paradise Beach, is a favorite spot for picnics and excursions among visitors who adore the quiet, serene backwaters. Rent a boat to explore the waters and the beautiful surroundings. It’s a perfect place to unwind, relax and to finish an action-packed day.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1.5-2 hours, free)
• French Quarter (1-2 hours, price varies)
• Le Café (1 hour, price varies)
• Promenade Beach (1-2 hours, free)
• Auroville (2-3 hours, free - entry to the Matrimandir is chargeable)
• Chunnambar Backwaters (2-3 hours, boat ride price varies)

Total Estimated Costs: Approximately INR 2000-2500 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, we recommend you visit the following:

• Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Pondicherry Museum
• Botanical Garden

If you have less time, we recommend you to skip a couple of places from the main itinerary and rather spend some more time on the remaining destinations to enjoy them at a relaxed pace. Also, keep in mind the weather conditions, during summer it gets scorching hot, so you might want to reconsider visiting beach destinations. Have a great day!