The best way to start your Pondicherry tour is by visiting the heritage sites in the White Town. First on your itinerary should be the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with its beautiful glass windows. Next is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral with its stunning neo-gothic architecture. After that, you can walk to the French War Memorial. Finally, you can visit the Pondicherry Museum which displays a collection of French and Indian artifacts.
Start your day by visiting Auroville. The highlight of this place is the Matrimandir, a golden dome where people go for meditation. After that, you can visit the Matri Mandir viewpoint for a beautiful 360-degree view of the surroundings. After lunch, head to Promenade Beach, where you can relax, watch the sunset and take a walk along the shore. Finish off your day with dinner at "Surguru Spot" for some South Indian delicacies.
Begin your day at Chunnambar Boat House. Here, you can take a boat ride through the backwaters of Pondicherry and see the mangroves and the life of the fisherman. After that, you can take a ferry to Paradise Beach, which is a short 15-minute boat ride away. Enjoy the beach activities or just take in the serene views. For dinner, you can try the famous "Le Club" restaurant which offers a fusion of French and Indian cuisine.
On your final day in Pondicherry, start with a historical visit to Arikamedu, an ancient Roman trading center. After that, you can visit the iconic Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which is home to the spiritual teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Stroll around the ashram, meditate, and visit the bookstore where you can find books on Sri Aurobindo's philosophy. Finally, have lunch at the popular "Café des Arts" and buy some souvenirs from the nearby boutique shops.
If you have an extra day, you can add a visit to Gingee Fort. If you have a shorter time, you can skip Chunnambar Boat House and Paradise Beach. Instead, you can visit the Government Park and the Botanical Garden in the city. You can also go shopping in the Goubert Market or Secretariat Shopping Complex. Try to book Matrimandir tickets in advance to avoid the long queue. Visit "Baker Street" for some fresh croissants and baguettes in the morning.