Pondicherry Day Trip: Beaches, Water Sports, and French Cuisines

  1. 9:00 AM: Promenade Beach
    About 5 minutes (1 km) from the city center

    One of the most popular beaches in Pondicherry, Promenade Beach is perfect for a morning stroll. The beach is lined with beautiful statues and landmarks, including the Mahatma Gandhi Statue and the War Memorial.

  2. 10:00 AM: Serenity Beach
    About 20 minutes (5 km) from Promenade Beach

    Serenity Beach is a quiet and serene beach with clear water and a beautiful shoreline. You can indulge in water sports like surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding here or just relax and soak in the natural beauty.

  3. 12:00 PM: La Villa Shanti
    About 10 minutes (3 km) from Serenity Beach

    Enjoy a traditional French cuisine experience at La Villa Shanti, a fine-dining restaurant popular for its fusion dishes. The restaurant’s ambiance, the lakeview, and the gourmet food are a perfect match of French cuisine with a subtle Indian touch.

  4. 2:00 PM: Auroville
    About 20 minutes (7 km) from La Villa Shanti

    Get to experience the cultural diversity in Pondicherry at Auroville. Auroville's unique community, founded in the late 1960s, promotes universal harmony and brings people from all over the world together. Visitors can take part in activities like nature walks and workshops, or simply explore the stunning architecture of the Matrimandir.

  5. 4:00 PM: Paradise Beach
    About 20 minutes (9 km) from Auroville

    Paradise Beach is a secluded beach that can only be accessed by boat. The beach is known for its crystal-clear water, golden sand, and natural scenery. Spend a couple of hours soaking up the sun rays or just take a dip in the sea.

  6. 6:00 PM: Le Club
    About 20 minutes (9 km) from Paradise Beach

    Spend your evening relishing cocktails and a variety of cuisines including authentic French ones at Le Club. The lounge features a spectacular view of the Ocean and serves some of the best cocktails in Pondicherry, and the live music will make it an unforgettable evening.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Promenade Beach (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Serenity beach (2-3 hours, Surfboards rental charges - 300 INR to 600 INR)
  • La Villa Shanti (1-2 hours, 1200 INR to 2500 INR for two)
  • Auroville (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Paradise Beach (1-2 hours, 200 INR to 300 INR for boat ride)
  • Le Club (2-3 hours, 1800 INR to 2400 INR for two)
  • Total Estimated Cost for two: 8000 INR to 10000 INR for the whole day

Useful Tips

If you have more time, explore the heritage sites of the city, like Arikamedu, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Or, if you have less time, you could skip Auroville or Paradise Beach and spend more time at the other places. Also, carry an extra set of clothes, sunscreen, and a hat to make sure you are comfortable throughout the day.

0