Sunday, October 29, 2023: Exploring Promenade Beach
Start your trip by visiting Promenade Beach in the morning. Experience the tranquility of the Bay of Bengal as you enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore. Take in the view of the iconic French War Memorial and the Gandhi Statue. In the afternoon, head to the charming French Quarter and explore the colorful streets filled with colonial architecture. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community known for its tranquil ambiance. As the evening approaches, stroll along Goubert Avenue, also known as Rock Beach, and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Promenade Beach: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
French Quarter: No entry fee, estimated time spent: 3 hours
Sri Aurobindo Ashram: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1 hour
Goubert Avenue (Rock Beach): Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café des Arts, a cozy café located in the heart of the French Quarter. Indulge in their freshly baked croissants and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a scrumptious lunch, head to Surguru, a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its South Indian thali meals. Enjoy a variety of flavorful dishes at an average cost of about ₹250 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Le Dupleix, a charming restaurant housed in a colonial-era mansion. Experience fine dining with a fusion of French and Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, October 30, 2023: Auroville and Matrimandir
Embark on a spiritual journey by visiting Auroville and the iconic Matrimandir. In the morning, explore Auroville, an experimental township known for its unique architecture and peaceful ambiance. Visit the Visitors Centre to learn more about Auroville's vision. Afterward, proceed to the awe-inspiring Matrimandir, a golden spherical structure surrounded by lush greenery. Experience the serenity of the inner chamber during the meditation session. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at one of the local restaurants. End the day with a visit to Serenity Beach, known for its pristine coastline.
Auroville: No entry fee, estimated time spent: 4 hours
Matrimandir: Entry to the inner chamber requires prior booking, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Serenity Beach: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Coffee 'N' More, a cozy cafe offering a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, head to New Aroma Restaurant, known for its authentic Indian cuisine. Enjoy the flavorful curries and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Bay View Rooftop Restaurant, offering stunning views of the ocean and a delectable menu of seafood and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Tuesday, October 31, 2023: Exploring Arikamedu and French War Memorial
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Pondicherry by starting your day with a visit to Arikamedu, an ancient Roman trading center. Explore the archaeological site, witness the remnants of the Roman settlement, and learn about its significance. In the afternoon, head back to the Promenade Beach area and visit the French War Memorial to pay homage to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. Explore the quaint cafes and boutiques in the area. In the evening, take a leisurely bicycle ride along the picturesque Pondicherry Beach Road.
Arikamedu: Entry fee may vary, estimated time spent: 3 hours
French War Memorial: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1 hour
Pondicherry Beach Road: No entry fee, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. Situated on Nehru Street, this popular restaurant offers a wide variety of tasty vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, indulge in the flavors of Punjab at Punjabi Dhaba. Located on S.V. Patel Salai, this restaurant serves authentic Punjabi cuisine including mouthwatering curries and tandoori dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Experience fine dining at its best at Satsanga. Situated on Dumas Street, this restaurant offers an elegant ambiance and a menu filled with continental and Mediterranean delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 1, 2023: Chunnambar Boat House and Paradise Beach
Embark on a day filled with excitement and nature by visiting Chunnambar Boat House and Paradise Beach. In the morning, take a boat ride from Chunnambar Boat House and relish the picturesque views along the backwaters. Arrive at the pristine Paradise Beach, known for its turquoise waters and golden sand. Spend the afternoon indulging in water sports activities, picnicking, and building sandcastles. In the evening, savor a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Chunnambar Boat House: Boat ride cost starts from INR 400 per person, estimated time spent: 4 hours
Paradise Beach: Entry is free, water sports activities prices vary, estimated time spent: 5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Pancake House, a charming cafe known for its fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Indulge in a delicious lunch at Spice Box, a local favorite for authentic Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of flavorful dishes at an average cost of $15 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Sunset Grill, a beachfront restaurant renowned for its seafood specialties and stunning sunset views. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Pondicherry, make sure to visit the serene Ousteri Lake, a popular spot for birdwatching and boating. For a unique shopping experience, head to the Sunday Market, where you can find a variety of handicrafts, textiles, and local produce. Don't miss a visit to the Pondicherry Museum, showcasing archaeological artifacts and cultural exhibits. For a fun-filled evening, visit the famous Bharathi Park, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk amidst lush greenery. This park also houses the Aayi Mandapam, a beautiful monument with a magnificent fountain.
For hotel and flight prices in Pondicherry, you can check here.