Pondicherry two-day itinerary

  1. Day 1: The French Quarter
    Starting Point: Pondicherry Airport
    • Pondicherry Museum (1 hour) - The museum contains a collection of bronze sculptures and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties, as well as a French section with furniture and coins.
    • Notre Dame des Anges (30 minutes) - Located near the government square, the church features white marble floors and stained glass windows.
    • Bharathi Park (1 hour) - A lush green park with beautiful flower beds and fountains, perfect for a morning or evening stroll.
    • Le Café (1 hour) - This shorefront eatery offers a picturesque view of the Bay of Bengal. Try some authentic French food with a South Indian twist.

    Start your day with a visit to the Pondicherry Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region. Next, walk to Notre Dame des Anges, a beautiful white chapel, and then head to Bharathi Park for some fresh air and greenery. Finally, have lunch at Le Café, a cozy café with an outdoor seating area offering a stunning view of the sea.

  2. Day 2: Auroville and the Beaches
    Starting Point: Gandhi Statue
    • Auroville (2 hours) - An experimental township focused on the concept of human unity and sustainable living. Visit the Matrimandir, a meditation center with a unique architecture design.
    • Paradise Beach (1 hour) - Take a boat ride or ferry to the secluded beach where visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.
    • Promenade Beach (1 hour) - A vibrant beach with a long promenade, dotted with street stalls, carts selling snacks, and traditional Indian sweets. There is also a park and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

    Head to Auroville, around 12 kilometers away from Pondicherry, to learn about its unique concepts of human unity and sustainability. Deepen your meditation experience in the Matrimandir and interact with people from all over the world. Afterwards, head out for some relaxation in the sun; take a boat ride or ferry to Paradise Beach. Then explore the popular Promenade Beach for a great sunset view and street food.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Pondicherry Museum (1 hour, ₹300)
  • Notre Dame des Anges (30 minutes, free)
  • Bharathi Park (1 hour, free)
  • Le Café (1 hour, ₹500)
  • Auroville (2 hours, free)
  • Paradise Beach (1 hour, boat ride costs ₹300 for both ways)
  • Promenade Beach (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹1,600

Useful Tips:

If you have an extra day or more, you may choose to include Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Chunnambar Boat House, The Botanical Garden and Old Lighthouse in your itinerary. If you have less time, you may opt for a quick visit to Auroville and spend more time at the beaches, or vice versa. Alternatively, you may stay in The French Quarter for the entire two days to get a deeper understanding of its rich history and culture.

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