Two-Day Itinerary for Pondicherry in May 2023

  1. Day 1: Auroville
    30 minutes (11.7 km) from Pondicherry City Center

    Auroville is an experimental township where people from different cultures and nationalities live together in harmony. Visit the Matrimandir, a golden spherical temple, and take a walk through the peaceful gardens. Enjoy an organic lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

  2. Day 1: Promenade Beach
    15 minutes (5 km) from Auroville

    Take a stroll along the Promenade Beach and watch the sunrise or sunset. Visit the War Memorial and the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Try some street food and take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the beach.

  3. Day 1: Sri Aurobindo Ashram
    10 minutes (3.3 km) from Promenade Beach

    The Sri Aurobindo Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator Mirra Alfassa. Visit the samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa, the library and the art gallery. Attend the evening meditation session.

  4. Day 2: Chunnambar Boat House
    20 minutes (8.2 km) from Pondicherry City Center

    Take a boat ride through the backwaters of Chunnambar and enjoy the scenic beauty of the mangroves and coconut groves. Relax on the Paradise Beach and try some water sports. Enjoy fresh seafood at the beachside restaurant.

  5. Day 2: Ousteri Lake
    20 minutes (10.5 km) from Chunnambar Boat House

    Visit the Ousteri Lake, the largest lake in Pondicherry. Take a boat ride and spot some migratory birds such as pelicans and flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the lake. Visit the nearby Villianur Temple.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Auroville (3 hours, free)
  • Promenade Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (2 hours, free)
  • Chunnambar Boat House (3 hours, INR 400 per person)
  • Ousteri Lake (2 hours, INR 500 per boat ride)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 900 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the Botanical Garden, the French War Memorial, and the Pondicherry Museum. If you have less time, you can skip the boat ride at Chunnambar and visit the nearby Arikamedu archaeological site instead. Don't forget to try some local delicacies like masala dosa, fish curry, and filter coffee.

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