Exploring the Best of Pondicherry in One Day

  1. 8:00 AM: Serenity Beach
    20 minutes (3.6 km) from White Town

    Spend a beautiful and serene morning at one of Pondicherry's most charming beaches. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a healthy breakfast at Le Café before starting your day's itinerary - it is walking distance from the beach and opens at 7 AM every day

  2. 10:00 AM: Auroville
    25 minutes (9.5 km) from Serenity Beach

    Visit the Universal Township of Auroville that showcases the concept of "unity in diversity". Enjoy the luscious greenery and get an intro about the philosophy of this experimental community. Make sure to visit the famous Matrimandir - a golden dome structure, where you can meditate and immerse yourself in peace.

  3. 1:00 PM: Lunch at Tantos
    20 minutes (7.5 km) from Auroville

    Head back towards the town and for a delicious lunch at Tantos Pizza - one of the best pizzerias in Pondicherry. Do not miss the signature wood-fired pizzas and delectable pasta dishes - perfect for a hearty meal

  4. 2:00 PM: White Town Heritage Walk
    10 minutes (2 km) from Tantos

    Explore the French colonial architectural heritage and learn about the history of the town with a walking tour of White Town. Many buildings are adorned with vibrant colours and beautiful bougainvillaeas hanging from the walls. Stop by churches, museums, and boutiques in the charming bylanes. Make sure to check out the famous Promenade Beach, and soak in the sun while strolling along the sea front.

  5. 4:30 PM: Chidambaram Vilas Mansion
    10 minutes (2 km) from Promenade Beach

    Experience 19th century Tamil life by visiting the Chidambaram Vilas Mansion. It is a preserved heritage home that has a beautiful balcony, an airy inner courtyard and stylish vernacular architecture accents. It showcases how the Peranakans, a community with Tamil and French blood, lived in the old Pondicherry days

  6. 6:00 PM: Shopping at Goubert Market and Nehru Street
    5 minutes (1 km) from the mansion

    Explore the vibrant and bustling markets of Pondicherry. Begin your shopping spree at Goubert Market, where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, apparel, souvenirs, and more at reasonable prices. Later, head to Nehru Street to buy handicrafts, trendy clothes and also stop by the famous Aurobindo Ashram bookstore to purchase spiritual books and other memorabilia.

  7. 8:00 PM: Dinner at Theevu Plage
    10 minutes (1 km) from Nehru Street

    End your day by enjoying the delectable seafood at Theevu Plage. The shack is located on the beachfront, and is an ideal spot to watch the sunset while relishing succulent food. Do not forget to try the sea bass and prawn dishes!

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Serenity Beach (1.5 hours, Free)
  • Auroville (2.5 hours, 300 INR per person for Matrimandir Viewing)
  • Lunch at Tantos (1.5 hours, 700-800 INR per person)
  • White Town Heritage Walk and Promenade Beach (2.5 hours, Free)
  • Chidambaram Vilas Mansion (1.5 hours, 200 INR per person)
  • Shopping at Goubert Market and Nehru Street (1.5 hours, based on expenses)
  • Dinner at Theevu Plage (1.5 hours, 800-1000 INR per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 2400-2700 INR per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the Paradise Beach for a fun afternoon or explore the Sri Aurobindo Ashram which is half a kilometer from White town. If you have less time, skip Auroville or Chidambaram Vilas Mansion, and instead, head straight towards White Town. Please note that the timings are approximate and vary based on personal preferences, traffic and weather conditions.

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