3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary from Chennai by Train

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Pondicherry, India

6:35AM

Train Journey from Chennai to Pondicherry

Board the train at Chennai Egmore for a scenic ride to Pondicherry, enjoying the changing landscapes.
Train
INR300, 2 hours

8:35AM

Arrival and Breakfast at Café des Arts

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring fresh pastries and French coffee right after you arrive.
Take a local auto-rickshaw from the station.
INR800, 1 hour

9:45AM

Visit Rock Beach and Old Light House

Stroll along Rock Beach, taking in the sea breeze before snapping pictures at the historical Old Light House.
Walk from the café to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:15AM

Explore Tribute Wall

Walk along the Tribute Wall, an important cultural landmark, and admire the views of the ocean.
A short walk from Rock Beach.
Free, 30 minutes

11:45AM

Visit Bharathi Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk in Bharathi Park, surrounded by greenery and colonial architecture.
Easily reachable on foot from the Tribute Wall.
Free, 1 hour

12:45PM

Lunch at Maison Perumal

Delight in regional South Indian cuisine in a charming heritage setting.
Head to Maison Perumal, a short ride away by auto-rickshaw.
INR900, 1.5 hours

2:15PM

Explore White Town

Wander through the picturesque streets of White Town, known for its colonial houses and vibrant cafes.
Easily navigable on foot.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:45PM

Head to Chunnambar Boat House

Take an auto-rickshaw to Chunnambar Boat House for a boat ride experience to Paradise Beach.
Auto-rickshaw ride.
INR200 for the ride + INR300 for the boat, 2.5 hours

6:15PM

Enjoy Paradise Beach

Relax on the serene sands of Paradise Beach and enjoy the sunset views.
Walk from the boat drop-off point.
Free, 1 hour

7:15PM

Dinner at the Eden Beach Resort

Dine with a gorgeous view of the coastline at Eden Beach Resort, featuring local seafood and Indian dishes.
Take a boat ride back and then a short auto-rickshaw ride to Eden Beach.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Auroville Excursion

Auroville, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Bread & Chocolate

Start your day with an assortment of baked goods and delicious chocolate at this cozy café in Auroville.
Take an auto-rickshaw from Pondicherry – approximately 30 minutes.
INR600, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Matrimandir

Seek tranquility at Matrimandir, the heart of Auroville, practicing the principles of unity and peaceful coexistence.
Short walk from the café.
Free (reservation needed for inside visit), 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Auroville Community Tour

Join a guided tour to learn about the innovative community and its sustainable practices.
Book a tour upon arrival at Auroville.
INR1000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Solar Kitchen

Dine on organic, locally sourced meals made with love at the Solar Kitchen community eatery.
A short walk or a rickshaw ride from the tour site.
INR700, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Auroville's Boutique Shops

Shop for handcrafted goods and eco-friendly products from local artisans.
Walking distance from the Solar Kitchen.
Variable, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Pondicherry

Head back to Pondicherry to continue exploring.
Auto-rickshaw ride to Pondicherry.
INR300, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Explore Arikamedu

Discover the archaeological site of Arikamedu, known for its ancient Roman trade connections.
Take a bus or auto-rickshaw to reach the site.
INR20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Go to Manakulam Vinayagar Temple

Visit this beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, capturing the essence of local spirituality.
Take a local bus or auto-rickshaw.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Café Turmeric

Enjoy organic, healthy flavors in this popular eatery known for its vibrant atmosphere.
A short ride back to Pondicherry.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Final Days in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Paul

Savor breakfast with French flair, including scrumptious omelets and fresh bread.
Located in White Town, simple walking distance.
INR500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows of this historic church.
A short walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Leisure at Pondy Marina Beach

Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Pondy Marina Beach, perfect for relaxation and reflection.
Take a local auto-rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Maison Rose

Enjoy exquisite local and French dishes in a charming garden ambiance.
Return to dining area by auto-rickshaw.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Go to Pondy Marina Boat House

Enjoy a boat ride, exploring scenic views from a different perspective.
Short auto-rickshaw ride from La Maison Rose.
INR300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to the hotel to freshen up

Head back to your accommodation to collect your luggage and prepare for departure.
Auto-rickshaw ride back.
INR150, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Travel to the Railway Station

Begin your journey to the station for your train back to Chennai at 4:35 PM.
Take a local auto-rickshaw.
INR150, 30 minutes

4:35PM

Departure to Chennai

Farewell to Pondicherry as you board your train back to Chennai.
Train
INR300, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability