A Week in Pondicherry

Day 1: City Exploration

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Promenade Beach

Start your day with a refreshing walk along the Promenade Beach, taking in the sunrise and sea breeze.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from your accommodation. It's a 10-minute walk from the city center.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Visit this stunning church known for its Gothic architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
A quick taxi ride from the beach area. It takes around 15 minutes to reach.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Le Café

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Le Café, a charming seaside cafe offering delicious French and Indian cuisine.
Just a short walk from the Basilica, overlooking the sea.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Auroville

Explore the unique community of Auroville, known for its experimental architecture and focus on sustainable living.
A 30-minute drive from the city center. Hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing service.
INR 300 (round trip), 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Rendezvous, a popular restaurant offering a mix of Indian and international dishes.
Return to the city center for dinner. Rendezvous is located in the White Town area.
INR 800, 2 hours
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Day 2: Beach Day

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Paradise Beach

Spend a relaxing day at Paradise Beach, known for its golden sand and clear blue waters.
Take a ferry from Chunnambar Boat House to reach Paradise Beach. The ferry ride takes around 20 minutes.
INR 300 (round trip ferry), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Seagulls Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Seagulls Restaurant overlooking the beach, offering a variety of local dishes.
Return to the city and head to Seagulls Restaurant in the White Town area.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Arikamedu Archaeological Site

Explore the ancient ruins at Arikamedu Archaeological Site, showcasing Pondicherry's historical significance.
A short taxi ride from the city center. It takes around 15 minutes to reach.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Satsanga

Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at Satsanga, a cozy restaurant known for its relaxed ambiance and delicious food.
Head to the Satsanga restaurant in the Heritage Town area for dinner.
INR 600, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Pondicherry Museum

Begin your day with a visit to the Pondicherry Museum, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and artifacts.
Located in the city center, easily accessible by walking or a short taxi ride.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
A 10-minute walk from the museum. Follow the signs in the city center.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Surguru

Enjoy a South Indian thali lunch at Surguru, a popular restaurant known for its authentic flavors.
Head to Surguru in the Mission Street area for lunch.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

French War Memorial

Pay your respects at the French War Memorial, a significant historical site commemorating soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
A short walk from the restaurant. Located near the Promenade Beach.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Savor a fine dining experience at Villa Shanti, a renowned restaurant serving French and Mediterranean cuisine.
Head to the White Town area for dinner at Villa Shanti.
INR 1200, 2 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Shore Temple

Embark on a day trip to Mahabalipuram and visit the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Dravidian architecture.
Take a private car or join a guided tour from Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram. The journey takes around 2 hours.
INR 1500 (round trip), 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers, a restaurant overlooking the Bay of Bengal, offering fresh and delicious dishes.
Head to Moonrakers restaurant near the shore temple for a delightful meal.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Arjuna's Penance

Explore the magnificent bas-relief sculpture at Arjuna's Penance, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
A short walk from the Shore Temple. Follow the signs within the archaeological site.
INR 250, 1 hour

7:00PM

Return to Pondicherry

Head back to Pondicherry in the evening, relax at your accommodation, or explore the local markets and cafes.
Take the return journey to Pondicherry by private car or tour. It takes around 2 hours to reach.
INR 1500 (round trip), 2 hours
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Day 5: Nature Retreat

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Botanical Garden

Start your day with a visit to the serene Botanical Garden, home to a variety of exotic plants and trees.
A short taxi ride or walk from the city center. It takes around 15 minutes.
INR 50, 1 hour

11:00AM

Auroville Botanical Garden

Explore the lush Auroville Botanical Garden, featuring indigenous and endangered plant species.
A 30-minute drive from Pondicherry. Hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing service.
INR 200 (round trip), 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy a scrumptious wood-fired pizza at Tanto Pizzeria, a cozy restaurant with a garden setting.
Head to Tanto Pizzeria in Kuilapalayam for a delightful Italian lunch.
INR 600, 1 hour

4:00PM

Serenity Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of Serenity Beach, known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic views.
A short drive from Auroville. Hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing service.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Carte Blanche

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Carte Blanche, a fine dining restaurant offering fusion cuisine with a twist.
Head back to Pondicherry for dinner at Carte Blanche in the White Town area.
INR 1500, 2 hours
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Day 6: Adventure Day

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Scuba Diving at Temple Adventure

Embark on an exciting scuba diving experience with Temple Adventures, exploring the underwater world of the Bay of Bengal.
Join a scuba diving tour with Temple Adventures. They offer pick-up from your accommodation.
INR 3500, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bay of Buddha

Enjoy a panoramic sea view and delicious Asian cuisine for lunch at Bay of Buddha, a popular restaurant near the beach.
Head to Bay of Buddha in the Auroville area for a relaxing lunch.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Matrimandir

Visit the iconic golden Matrimandir in Auroville, an architectural marvel and spiritual center for meditation.
A 20-minute drive from the restaurant. Book a pass in advance for the visit.
Free (Pass required), 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Svea Resto Bar

End your adventurous day with a casual dinner at Svea Resto Bar, offering a mix of European and Indian dishes.
Head back to Pondicherry for dinner at Svea Resto Bar in the White Town area.
INR 800, 2 hours
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Day 7: Shopping and Relaxation

Pondicherry, India

10:00AM

Sunday Market

Explore the vibrant Sunday Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
The market is set up in the city center. Enjoy a leisurely walk or take a short taxi ride.
Variable based on purchases, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Xtasi

Savor delicious wood-fired pizzas and pasta at Café Xtasi, a popular Italian restaurant in the city.
Head to Café Xtasi in Mission Street for a tasty lunch.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Nehru Street

Stroll along Nehru Street, known for its boutiques, art galleries, and cafes, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Located in the White Town area, easily accessible on foot from Mission Street.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tanto Art Cafe

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Tanto Art Cafe, a charming spot with artistic decor and a menu of global fusion cuisine.
Head to Tanto Art Cafe in the Heritage Town area for a delightful dinner.
INR 700, 2 hours
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