Start the day with a scenic morning drive to the Paradise Beach, a serene white sandy beach surrounded by crystal clear blue waters. The beach is perfect for beach activities like playing volleyball and frisbee. You can also go kayaking or take a boat ride. Bask in the sun, click photos, and take Instagram-worthy pictures by the shore. Overall, spend a relaxed morning at this idyllic beach.
Get in touch with your spiritual side by visiting Auroville, a self-sustaining community founded in the 1960s. The iconic Matrimandir will leave you awestruck, it's beautiful gold dome would make you feel heavenly. Take a guided tour of the unique spheres which show the vision of Auroville's progress. If you're interested in spirituality, Auroville offers various classes and workshops which you may choose to attend.
Unwind at L'Aqua, situated at Promenade point facing the sea. It's a great place to catch up with friends while sipping your favorite drink. L'Aqua has an extensive range of cocktails and mocktails to keeps you hydrated. The place has a lively ambiance, with comfortable seating, music, and dancefloor where you can groove to the latest hits.
Start your morning by exploring local shops and buy items such as perfumes, clothing, handicrafts, and spices. Goubert market also sells a range of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The market also has food stalls that sell freshly cooked South Indian Breakfast, such as Idli, Dosa, Vada, and Pongal. Fill your tummy with traditional breakfast and get your bags treated with some unique souvenirs.
Take a walk down to the Promenade beach and soak in the French colonial architecture of Pondicherry. Stroll past buildings like Government House, Lighthouse, and the French War Memorial while learning about their history. You'll also come across various churches which will give a peek into Pondicherry's Portuguese settlement. The morning breeze and the sound of the water gushing against the shore will surely set the mood.
Enjoy a luxurious lunch at the charming Villa Shanti, which is located in an old French building. The restaurant is famous for its delicious French-Indian fusion dishes and a unique wine list. The interior is decorated with contemporary-style designer furniture to give a modern vibe.
If you have more time to spare, you can plan for a day trip to the nearby historic town of Mahabalipuram, famous for its ancient temples and rock-cut caves. If you're with a group of adrenaline junkies, you can go scuba diving at the nearby beaches to explore the underwater world. However, if you're short on time, skip the shopping and heritage walk and head straight to Villa Shanti for lunch.