7-Day Cultural and Leisure Itinerary from Bangalore to Pondicherry

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Walk

Pondicherry, India on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Bangalore to Pondicherry

Start early from Bangalore to cover the approximately 310 km journey by car or bus, which takes around 6 hours.
INR1200, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Enjoy authentic South Indian and French-inspired cuisine in a charming heritage setting, perfect to begin your Pondicherry experience.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Promenade Beach Walk

Stroll along the scenic Promenade Beach, absorbing sea views and colonial architecture. Open 24 hours and free to visit.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Le Café

Enjoy dinner at this beachfront café that is open 24/7, providing delightful French and continental dishes with sea views.
INR900, 1h0m

Day 2: Auroville Exploration

Pondicherry, India on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Start your day with a variety of French pastries and coffee in the quaint café nestled in the French Quarter.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Auroville and Matrimandir

Explore the international township focused on human unity. Visit the Matrimandir viewing point (visitor centre open 9am to 5pm). The inner chamber requires prior booking.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Solar Kitchen, Auroville

Relish wholesome organic and vegetarian food served with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Pondicherry and relax at your hotel

Take some time to rest or explore local shops near your accommodation.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Surguru

Experience authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine in this popular local restaurant.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 3: Historic Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy French-inspired bakery items including croissants and baguettes with coffee in a lively atmosphere.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore the French Quarter

Walk through charming colonial streets with colourful buildings, boutique shops and cafes open by 9am.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Visit the spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and explore its peaceful surroundings. Open 8:30am to 12:30pm and 3pm to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Coromandel Café

Dine in a refined setting offering a blend of local and French cuisine.
INR900, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Pondicherry Museum

Explore local history with archaeological artifacts and colonial memorabilia. Open 9am to 5pm, closed Mondays.
INR20, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at La Villa

Enjoy a fine dining experience in a colonial villa offering exquisite French cuisine.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 4: Archaeology and Nature

Pondicherry, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rendezvous Café

Start the day with light breakfast options in a friendly suburban setting.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Arikamedu Archaeological Site

Visit this ancient Roman trading post site about 7km south of Pondicherry, open 9am to 5pm. A must-see for history enthusiasts.
INR30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Terrasse

Enjoy a stylish European ambiance with Mediterranean-inspired dishes near the beach.
INR850, 1h0m

2:00pm

Botanical Gardens

Relax in the lush and tranquil Botanical Gardens showcasing tropical flora. Open 9am to 5pm, entrance fee applies.
INR15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening at Leisure

Free time to explore or rest at the hotel.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Indian Kaffe Express

Casual dining spot with a menu blending Indian and global flavours, perfect for a relaxed end of day meal.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 5: Beach and Boat Tour

Pondicherry, India on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Xtasi

Indulge in freshly made waffles, smoothies, and coffee near White Town.
INR400, 1h0m

9:00am

Boat Ride to Paradise Beach

Depart from Chunnambar Boat House for a beautiful 20-minute boat ride to Paradise Beach, open daily from 8am to 6pm. Spend the morning swimming and relaxing.
INR300, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at the Beach Shack

Enjoy fresh seafood and light snacks right on Paradise Beach.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return and Rest

Return by boat and relax at your accommodation or explore local markets.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bay of Buddha

Experience Pan-Asian and Thai dishes in this elegant setting, perfect to conclude a beach day.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 6: Shopping and Museums

Pondicherry, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Indian Kaffe Express

Begin your day with light Indian and continental breakfast items in a casual café.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping in Old Bazaar and Mission Street

Shop for local handicrafts, incense, textiles, and souvenirs. Most shops open around 9am.
Varies, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Ole

Enjoy Mediterranean and Indian fusion dishes in a lively ambiance.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Pondicherry Science Centre and Aquarium

Explore interactive exhibits and marine life displays. Open 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays.
INR50, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Café La Maison Rose

Enjoy tea or coffee in this charming café located in a heritage building.
INR300, 1h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Villa Shanti

Celebrate your last evening with delightful Tamil and French fusion cuisine in a lovely courtyard setting.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 7: Departure to Bangalore

Pondicherry to Bangalore, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before departure, featuring a mix of Indian and continental options.
Included in accommodation, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel back to Bangalore

Begin your return journey to Bangalore via road, approximately a 6-hour drive.
INR1200, 6h0m