2-Day Itinerary for Pondicherry in May 2023

  1. Day 1: Visit the Promenade Beach
    20 minutes (3.6 km) from the city center

    Start your day by visiting the Promenade Beach, also known as the Rock Beach. Take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the view of the Bay of Bengal. You can also rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding areas. Visiting the beach in the early morning or late evening is recommended as the weather can get quite hot during the day.

  2. Day 1: Explore Auroville
    20 minutes (7.1 km) from Promenade Beach

    Auroville is an experimental community founded in 1968 with a focus on human unity and sustainable living. Explore the Matrimandir, a golden dome-shaped temple that serves as the spiritual center of Auroville. You can also visit the Auroville Visitors Centre and learn more about the community and its principles. Note that the Matrimandir requires prior booking, so plan accordingly.

  3. Day 1: Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram
    10 minutes (3.2 km) from Auroville

    The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual center founded by Sri Aurobindo and his disciple, The Mother. The ashram promotes the practice of integral yoga and has a library, a flower garden, and several meditation rooms. Visitors are welcome to explore the ashram and attend the evening meditation session.

  4. Day 2: Explore the French Quarter
    10 minutes (2.1 km) from the city center

    The French Quarter is known for its colonial-era architecture and quaint streets. Visit the Notre Dame des Anges church, which was built in the 19th century and is a prominent landmark in the area. You can also stop by the French Institute, which offers language courses and cultural events. Note that some buildings may be closed on Sundays.

  5. Day 2: Visit the Pondicherry Museum
    10 minutes (2.3 km) from the French Quarter

    The Pondicherry Museum showcases the history and culture of the region. The museum has a collection of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from the Chola and Pallava dynasties, as well as French colonial artifacts. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays.

  6. Day 2: Explore the Aayi Mandapam
    10 minutes (1.6 km) from the Pondicherry Museum

    The Aayi Mandapam is a white monument located in the center of the city. It was built in the 19th century and serves as a memorial to a courtesan who helped build a water reservoir. The monument is surrounded by a park and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Promenade Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Auroville (2-3 hours, Matrimandir visit: INR 500)
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hours, free)
  • French Quarter (2-3 hours, free)
  • Pondicherry Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10 for Indian citizens, INR 250 for foreign nationals)
  • Aayi Mandapam (30 minutes-1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 760 for foreign nationals, INR 20 for Indian citizens
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