Our Pondicherry trip came about unexpectedly while we were already vacationing in Sri Lanka. I’ve always wanted to explore South India, and after experiencing the beauty of Sri Lanka, my excitement only grew. Pondicherry is a coastal enclave in southern India, and is a melting pot of cultures. The thought that French and Tamil cultures coexist harmoniously was enough for me to explore the place in person soon.
Inspired by countless postcard-perfect pictures of Pondicherry, we spontaneously decided to make it our next destination. This is your perfect Pondicherry trip Itinerary for 3 to 4 days. Keep reading as we share the highlights and hidden gems of our spontaneous weekend in this enchanting coastal town.
How to reach?
Reaching this Union Territory is relatively straightforward as it is well connected by various modes of transportation. Although the most convenient way is to fly to Chennai Airport (MAA), and from there you can rent a cab to reach Pondicherry which is hardly 3 hours away. Ours was a morning 3 hour direct flight from Delhi to Chennai via Vistara Airlines. Upon arrival we had a private cab already booked via Goibibo, which dropped us at our hotel in Pondicherry.
A typical taxi/cab ride costs around INR 2K-3K . As an alternate you can also take a bus for the same route. I must say, its one of the scenic drive traversing through the East Coast Road. Traveling from Chennai to Pondicherry by train is also a convenient and scenic way to experience the beauty of South India’s coastline.
Best time to visit Pondicherry India:
We visited Pondicherry during late October reading about it online, but trust us it was still so hot to explore in daytime. The ideal time to explore this coastal town would be from mid-November to February, when the climate is cool and comfortable, ideal for strolling the quaint streets and indulging in beach adventures, keeping in mind , it is also the peak season. Avoid going during summer months from March to June as it really gets hot and humid. The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rains, which might hinder your travel plans, but, this is also the off season, adding unique lush to the town, and offering better deals everywhere.
Finding a right accommodation:
Pondicherry can be easily explored in 3-4 days of time, so you can carefully choose to stay either in an airbnb or in a boutique hotel. If you enjoy the bustling city and prefer closer proximity to the major attractions, then consider reserving hotels in White Town Pondicherry. Many Colonial French style houses have been transformed into boutique hotels. There are plenty of options to suit every traveler’s budget. ‘The Cradle’ and ‘Aura Hotel’ are the best budget finds.
Some popular mid-range options include Le Pondy Beach Resort, Hotel Athithi, Dune Eco Village and Spa . Want to get yourself transported to the streets of Santorini and Mykonos? Greek Bay Resort would be your ideal choice. For something luxurious, consider Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay.
However, if you prefer unique and quaint stays, consider accommodations in Auroville, an experimental township, situated at a distance of 15 kms from Pondicherry. There are eco-friendly stays and guesthouses with serene surroundings. During our trip, we stayed at Mango Hill Resort Pondicherry, nestled amidst lush greenery, away from the hustle and bustle.
While the surroundings were beautiful, our experience was somewhat average as we found the rooms to be a bit outdated. They were spacious but lacked the expected upkeep and amenities. Having said that, do make a note that Pondicherry is a popular tourist destination, and we would strongly recommend booking your accommodations well in advance, specially during peak season or long weekends.
Getting around in Pondicherry:
Due to its relatively flat terrain, Pondicherry can be easily explored on foot / bicycle, as many cafes, local markets and popular attractions are easily accessible within the town. You can also hire an auto for covering short distances. They are the most popular and affordable mode of transport.
For more independence consider renting a scooter / bike to explore Pondicherry and its surrounding area at your pace. There are many rental shops throughout the town, all you need is a valid Indian driver’s license. We asked our hotel to arrange a Vespa which costed us 800 INR per day to due to peak season. Rentals may vary from 400 to 1000 INR per day depending upon the season and duration you need for .It goes without saying that getting around in Pondicherry on two-wheels makes you feel like a local 🙂
Our suggested 3 Day Pondicherry Trip Itinerary:
Day 1:
As you arrive in Pondicherry, you will be greeted with Palm trees and wide smiles everywhere. Soak in the vibe of the place and check in your hotel. (It’s advisable to either take an early morning flight or reach previous night to Chennai, to spend more time in Pondicherry).We reached our hotel at around 2 pm and rested for a while. Post lunch, if you are not too tired, start with exploring the White Town. Walk through the streets covered with bougainvillea’s , and experience the French inspired architecture in the town.
If you are a history buff, there are gorgeous Churches in Pondicherry with all colonial history attached to them. Visit the beautiful ‘Notre Dame Des Anges Church, whose pink facade reminded us of the Pink Church of Vietnam. The other must visit gem is ‘The Sacred Heart Basilica’. For panoramic views of the coastline and the town, consider visiting New Lighthouse.
Climbing to the top rewards you with breathtaking vistas, especially during sunset. The ticket cost INR 10 per person (so economical) and it’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts or anyone looking to enjoy a different viewpoint of the city.
Later in the evening you can explore the Promenade beach area and have a quick bite at Baker Street. Wrap up your day-1 with a wholesome dinner at Hotel Promenade (make prior reservations and avoid weekends).
Day 2:
Start your day early with a gorgeous sunrise at Serenity Beach, famous for its unique rock formation. Post breakfast, you can explore the spiritual side of Pondicherry by visiting the Hindu temples. ‘Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam’ and ‘Sri Vedapuriswarar Temple’ are the most popular among visitors.
As French culture is widely evident in the cafes and cuisine of Pondicherry, reserve yourself a table for lunch at Cafe Coromandel, the most hyped and gorgeous cafe of Pondi. But here is catch! Avoid weekends or holidays or go at odd hours, else you will end up waiting for an hour in their fancy lounge. 😀 After waiting patiently, we made to the cafe and ordered Burrata Pizza, Brown Butter Cauliflower Tortellini and Tiramisu. I would say the service was 10/10 and food was decent enough though heavy on pocket. The dessert was delicious . Also try Kombucha, a local sweetened black tea drink, tasted so good!
While Pondicherry boasts numerous beautiful beaches, we highly recommend visiting Eden Beach, the first beach of Pondicherry to get coveted with Blue Flag tag. This serene and less crowded spot offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. The clean sands and calm waters make it ideal for swimming and relaxing. You can enjoy stunning sunsets and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s located right next to Paradise beach(the most popular and touristy) where you can enjoy adventure activities like parasailing.
One of the highlights of our trip to Pondicherry was dining at Catamaran Brewing Company. For a change of taste, we switched from French to local cuisine and savored flaky, heavenly Parottas, that melted in our mouth 😋(literally). Their craft beers were top notch as well.
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Day 3:
Your trip to Pondicherry is incomplete without visiting Auroville, an experimental township that promotes sustainable living and universal harmony. The Matrimandir, a golden spherical structure at the heart of Auroville, serves as a place for silent concentration and meditation. Honestly, its an experience of a lifetime, but be mindful of the fact that this is NOT a tourist destination!
There are two ways to experience Matrimandir:
- From Outside: The viewing point is a garden area which offers visitors a beautiful view of the Matrimandir and its surroundings.
- From Inside: The inner chamber of the Matrimandir is open to visitors every morning except Tuesday and Sunday(highly recommended).
In both the cases, entry /passes are absolutely Free. However, in order to visit inside the chamber you need to book 3-10 days in advance due to limited availability of slots. The booking website is functional only between 7am-12pm daily except Tuesday. You can book here.
Ours was an exceptional experience inside Matrimandir which could not be explained in words. Apart from this there is an inhouse cafe which serve organic food and shopping centers offering handmade products. Post this we visited another gem of Auroville: SVARAM- The Sound Garden, a unique and enriching experience. This space is dedicated to the exploration of sound and music, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with a variety of handmade musical instruments.
You can participate in interactive sessions and workshops that highlight the therapeutic and meditative qualities of sound. The entry fees is INR 150 per person and it is open between 8:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30- 5 pm Monday to Saturday. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply curious, we highly recommend to include this place in your Pondicherry trip itinerary.
While in Auroville, indulge in some flavorsome French cuisine at Bread and Chocolate. Must try their Almond Croissant and Almond Milk Coffee😋.
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If you have an extra day in Pondicherry, make sure to visit the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, second largest in India after Sunderbans. You can take a boat ride through the dense mangrove forest, exploring the intricate network of waterways and spotting various bird species.
Well, this sums up our adventurous and relaxing days in Pondicherry. Hope you enjoyed reading! If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments.
Happy Travels! 🙂
