In the morning, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926. Spend some time meditating in the Samadhi where the Mother's mortal remains are kept. In the afternoon, visit the Pondicherry Museum where you can see sculptures, archaeological findings, and French furniture. In the evening, stroll along the Promenade Beach where locals gather to jog, walk, or soak in the sea breeze.
In the morning, drive to Arikamedu, an archaeological site that was once a Roman trading center. Explore the ruins and learn about the history of the area. In the afternoon, visit the Botanical Garden, a sprawling park with a wide variety of trees, plants, fountains, and an aquarium. In the evening, head to Paradise Beach, a secluded beach with golden sand and turquoise water that is perfect for swimming and relaxing.
If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, which is about 2 hours away by car. Another great option is to take a bicycle tour of the French Quarter to get a closer look at the colonial architecture. Don't forget to sample the local cuisine, especially the seafood and French-inspired dishes.