Start your Pondicherry trip with a visit to the Promenade Beach. Walking along the beach, you will see the French War Memorial, statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Joan of Arc, and the old lighthouse. Next stop, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an impressive church with beautiful stained glass windows and a neo-Gothic architecture.
Explore the French Quarter, also known as the White Town, where you can see the influence of French architecture and culture. Stroll through the colorful streets, admire the colonial buildings, and visit the French Institute, Alliance Francaise de Pondicherry, and the Pondicherry Museum. Later, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual center founded by Sri Aurobindo and his disciple, The Mother.
Take a day trip to Auroville, an experimental township founded in 1968 with the aim of promoting human unity and spiritual growth. Start with a visit to Matrimandir, a golden spherical temple that represents the divine consciousness. Then, explore the Auroville Visitor Center, where you can learn about the history and philosophy of Auroville, shop for handicrafts, and enjoy a meal at the Solar Kitchen.
End your Pondicherry trip with a food tour to taste the local cuisine and learn about the cultural influences on Pondicherry's food. Visit popular restaurants and street food vendors and try dishes like dosa, idli, vadai, biryani, and seafood. After the food tour, head to the Botanical Garden, a lush park with exotic plants, trees, and flowers. You can also visit the Aquarium and the Children's Park.