3-Day Itinerary for Pondicherry

  • Day 1: Explore the French Quarter
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from Pondicherry Railway Station

    Start your trip by exploring the charming French Quarter of Pondicherry. This area is known for its beautiful colonial buildings, quaint cafes, and designer shops. Visit the Promenade Beach, French War Memorial, and experience the French architecture, culture and cuisine.

  • Day 2: Visit Auroville and Aurobindo Ashram
    20 minutes (9.1 km) from the French Quarter

    Spend your second day visiting the Auroville, an experimental town established by The Mother, a spiritual philosopher. Visit the Matri Mandir, which is a meditation center, enjoy the serene beauty of the place and take some time to meditate. After visiting Auroville, go to Aurobindo Ashram, where you can attend yoga and meditation classes.

  • Day 3: Marvel at the Chunnambar Boathouse
    20 minutes (8.4 km) from Aurobindo Ashram

    On your last day, head over to the Chunnambar Boathouse, which is a river cruise nestled in the lush green forests of Pondicherry. Spend some time cruising on the backwaters, relaxing on a hammock, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the place.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Promenade Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • French War Memorial (30 minutes, free)
  • Auroville (2-3 hours, free)
  • Matri Mandir (1-2 hours, free)
  • Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hours, free)
  • Chunnambar Boathouse (2-3 hours, INR 150 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 150

Transportation

Transportation in Pondicherry is affordable and efficient. You can hire a taxi, rent a scooter or motorcycle, or take an auto-rickshaw. The best way to explore the city is by renting a scooter, which costs around INR 250-300 per day. The transportation costs for this itinerary would be approximately INR 1,200-1,500.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can visit the Pondicherry Museum, Botanical Garden or take a boat ride to Paradise Beach. You can also indulge in street food, French cuisine, and explore the quaint boutiques and shops. If you have less time, we recommend skipping Auroville and spending more time exploring the French Quarter.

Airports

The nearest airport to Pondicherry is Chennai International Airport (MAA). It is located 160 km from Pondicherry and takes about 3 hours by car. You can also take a bus or a taxi from the airport, which will cost around INR 2,500-3,000.

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