Start your first day in Pondicherry by visiting the Tiger Caves, a rock-cut temple complex built between the 7th and 8th centuries. Then proceed to the Arikamedu Archeological Site which showcases the ancient Roman trade connections with the local community. Engage in volunteering activities such as cleaning or planting trees in these areas.
Spend the second day of your trip volunteering in the Auroville community which is known for its sustainable lifestyle and eco-friendly practices. Find an organization to help with your interests, such as teaching at the local schools or assisting with the organic farming. Then, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual center where visitors can join various activities and services. Help out in the garden department, in cleaning the facilities or in conducting activities that help promote physical and mental well-being.
On your last day, explore the Paradise Beach which boasts a beautiful shoreline and clean environment. Engage in activities such as beach cleaning or helping to manage the beach tourism activities. Then, visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a famous Hindu temple that attracts devotees and tourists alike. Find out if there are any volunteering opportunities available, such as assisting with the daily maintenance of the temple.
To get around Pondicherry, consider renting a bike, scooter, or public buses can also be used for transportation. Bikes and scooters can typically be rented for around 200-400 INR ($3-5 USD) per day, while bus fares usually range from 5-20 INR ($0.07-0.27 USD). A taxi can be arranged with a local tour provider or taken directly from the airport.
For those with more time, visit the French Quarter and Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple. For those with less time, skip visiting the Paradise Beach or the Manakula Vinayagar Temple. For volunteer enthusiasts, consider staying longer in Auroville and finding more organizations to work with.
The nearest airport to Pondicherry is the Chennai International Airport (MAA), which is located about 140 km away from the city center. Other airports in the vicinity are the Tiruchirapalli Airport (TRZ) and the Coimbatore Airport (CJB), which are located about 200 km and 300 km away from the city center, respectively.