A Relaxing 7-Day Pondicherry Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine, and Coastal Charm

Day 1: French Quarter Highlights

Pondicherry, India on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Enjoy a hearty French-style breakfast with croissants and coffee in this charming café located in the French Quarter. Opens at 7:30am.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Walking Tour of the French Quarter

Explore the colonial streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings, quaint shops, and cafés. Discover the architectural charm and history of Pondicherry’s French heritage.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Savour delicious French and Indian fusion cuisine in a heritage building setting. They serve local and seasonal dishes.
INR700, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Spend a peaceful afternoon visiting the Ashram, a place dedicated to spiritual learning and meditation. Open daily from 6:00am to 12:00pm and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at Promenade Beach

Stroll along the scenic promenade and enjoy the sea breeze and views of the Bay of Bengal.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Dine at this elegant restaurant serving traditional Tamil and French-inspired dishes with a beautiful courtyard ambiance. Open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
INR900, 1.5h
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Day 2: Beaches and Gardens

Pondicherry, India on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Start your day with fresh pastries and French-style coffee at this popular bakery. Opens at 7:00am.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Serenity Beach Visit

Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere at Serenity Beach, known for its gentle waves and laid-back vibe. Ideal for morning walks or surfing (bring or rent gear).
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Golden Harvest

Taste authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes in a clean, simple setting. Recommended for generous local portions.
INR350, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Botanical Garden

Explore the well-maintained garden with exotic plants, ancient trees, and a musical fountain. Open 9:30am to 5:30pm.
INR20, 1.5h

4:00pm

Coffee at The Indian Kaffe Express

Relax with freshly brewed coffee and delicious cakes in a cosy setting near the beach.
INR250, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bay of Buddha

Enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine in a stylish setting overlooking the ocean, open from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
INR1200, 1.5h
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Day 3: Auroville Experience

Auroville, India on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Villa Shanti

Start with light breakfast options before heading out to Auroville. Opens at 7:00am.
INR400, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Auroville

A 30-minute drive from Pondicherry to the international township known for its spiritual community and eco-friendly initiatives.
INR100 (taxi), 30m

9:30am

Visit Matrimandir and Auroville Visitor Centre

Explore the iconic golden globe, symbolic of peace and meditation. Prior booking is essential for Matrimandir inner chamber visit; otherwise, admire it from outside. Visitor centre open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Auroville’s Solar Kitchen

Enjoy a wholesome organic meal prepared with solar energy, featuring fresh vegetarian dishes.
INR350, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Auroville's artisan shops and greenery

Wander around the peaceful community, shop for handmade crafts and sustainable products.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Pondicherry

Taxi back to Pondicherry to relax before dinner.
INR100, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Villa

Indulge in European dishes in a beautiful villa setting. Opens at 7:00pm.
INR1100, 1.5h
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Day 4: Beaches and Local Markets

Pondicherry, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Xtasi

Relax with fresh coffee and bakery items. Opens at 8:00am.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Paradise Beach Excursion

Catch a boat from Chunnambar Boat House to Paradise Beach for water activities and sunbathing. Open 9:00am to 5:30pm. Entry fee and boat charges apply.
INR200 entry + INR500 boat, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Surguru

Enjoy authentic South Indian meals, including crispy dosas and thalis.
INR300, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Pondicherry Market

Explore the vibrant local market for spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Evening stroll at Bharathi Park

Relax in the lush park featuring fountains and a statue of the Tamil poet Subramania Bharathi.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rendezvous

Savour continental and Indian dishes in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
INR800, 1.5h
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Day 5: Heritage and Museums

Pondicherry, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Indian Kaffe Express

Taste the fresh coffee and light breakfast options in a beachside café. Opens at 7:30am.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Heritage Walk with Local Guide

Join a guided walk focusing on Pondicherry’s colonial history, architecture, and cultural influences. Usually lasts about 2 to 3 hours.
INR500, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café des Arts

Enjoy a light lunch with vegetarian and French-inspired dishes.
INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Pondicherry Museum

Explore art, archeology and colonial artefacts; open from 9:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
INR15, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Experience the vibrant Hindu temple known for the deity Ganesha and its cultural significance.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Coromandel Café

Dine in a relaxed setting offering a fusion of Tamil and continental foods.
INR850, 1.5h
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Day 6: Day Trip to Gingee Fort

Gingee, India on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel or local eatery

Grab a simple and quick breakfast before starting the day trip to Gingee Fort.
INR300, 0.5h

7:30am

Depart for Gingee Fort

Approximately 2-hour drive to Gingee Fort, famous for its impressive ruins and panoramic views.
INR1200 (car rental), 2h

9:30am

Explore Gingee Fort

Climb and wander the vast remains of historic fortifications dating back to the Vijayanagar Empire. Entry fee INR25. Guided tours available on site.
INR25, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant near Gingee

Try regional Tamil cuisine at one of the local eateries near the fort.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Pondicherry

Relax during the drive back to Pondicherry.
Included in car rental, 2h

5:00pm

Rest at hotel

Take a break and refresh after the day’s excursion.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Promenade Hotel

Enjoy scenic dining by the sea with a mix of international and Indian flavours.
INR1200, 1.5h
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Day 7: Leisure and Departure

Pondicherry, India on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Ole

Light breakfast at this tranquil open-air café offering western and local options. Opens 7:30am.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Shopping and Leisure at Mission Street

Stroll through Mission Street for last-minute souvenirs and handicrafts, alongside vibrant street scenes.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light lunch at La Pasta World

Enjoy simple Italian dishes if you have a mid-day flight or train to catch.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Departure

Head to airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Variable, Travel time
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