Promenade Beach is a picturesque 1.2 km long beach and also referred by the locals as the Rocky Beach. Take a stroll along the rocky shoreline early morning or during sunset. During the day, enjoy a swim in the sea or just relax on the sandy beach. The beach is edged with a variety of street food stalls and restaurants.
Auroville refers to the universal town with a focus on human unity, and the Matrimandir symbolizes the ultimate consciousness. The Matrimandir is a 10-meter-high dome painted in gold discs which reflect sunlight, and Auroville is surrounded by greenery and offers an environment of peace and harmony. Auroville is famous for its handicrafts and boutiques run by locals.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is an ideal place for meditation and spiritual communion. It is dedicated to Sri Aurobindo, a philosopher, yogi, and nationalist. It has a museum that showcases the life and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and his mystic partner The Mother. The store at the ashram offers incense, books, and handicrafts made by the locals which can be purchased as souvenirs.
If you have more time, you can visit other popular places like the Botanical Garden, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Ousteri Lake, or the French War Memorial. If you have less time, you can either skip Auroville or Sri Aurobindo Ashram or both, depending on your personal preference. But whichever you choose, don't forget to savor the tasty and colorful local street food that Pondicherry is famous for.