Pondicherry has charming cafés, artistic buildings, and lots of colour all around it, making it seem like a toy town. The azure oceans, of course! The time moves more slowly, the trees tower over the buildings, and the quiet is entrancing.
I went to Pondicherry for the first time in March 2018 to pursue my scuba diving course, and ever since then, I've fallen in love with the pretty french town! So, after a zillion fun trips to pondi, I wonder how one can see this place in 4 days or a long weekend.
So that tourists might explore the finest of Pondicherry in 4 days, I created this itinerary for them to use.
You travel to Chennai and then take a three-hour taxi ride to Pondicherry. The other option is to fly to Pondicherry with a brief stopover in Hyderabad or Bangalore. You can arrive at Pondi by 2:00 PM in any scenario. Take a nap before going for a stroll down the Promenade.
I suggest having supper with a view at Sicilys and then stopping by Gelateria Montecatini Terme, which is located directly on the Promenade beach, for a scoop of gelato.
You may sign up for a scuba diving session at Temple Adventures by walking in. I would advise phoning them first. On day 1 of their two-day programme, they practise in a pool for fundamental underwater abilities, and on day 2, they dive in the ocean.
In the morning, after your pool session, go to Bakers Street for breakfast. On a busy street is this fantastic French bakery. They have excellent quiches, palmiers, and macaroons, my goodness.
If you want to reserve tickets for your guests to enter the Matri Mandir, the meditation facility, you may either remain home and relax or go for Auroville in the afternoon. If you're not too interested in seeing Matrimandir inside, my advice is to at least take in the stunning vista from outside. There isn't much to miss there.
If you do visit Auroville, you may stop by the Lhasa restaurant on your way home to pick up or enjoy some delicious momos.
For delicious crepes, crossiants, and coffee if you opt to remain in, go to Cafe Des Arts in the early evening. Do not forget to take the iconic "picture with the yellow wall." You may also try PY Cafe, a charming roof-top restaurant on Mission Street.
You may spend the evening in Pondicherry looking around some amazing shops. My suggestions are as follows:
Make a reservation for supper at Villa Shanti (do not confuse this restaurant with La Villa Shanti, which is a distinct establishment but equally excellent). Although these are places that are perfect for a date night, I don't see why a group of friends or a traveller on their own couldn't treat themselves to the experience!
Day 3
Oh, what an amazing day is waiting for you despite the early start. Today is the day you go on your ocean dive, get to know the wonderful people at Temple Adventures and the lovely fish. You won't forget your first breath underwater or the entire event for the rest of your life.
Your third day is now, and you have one more day till you must depart. Therefore, I advise you to get ready for your bikes (or, alternatively, reserve a 4-hour rental cab from Pondi) and head to the main road in Auroville.My favourite spot, Bread & Chocolate, serves up some AMAZING brunch. In addition to selling spreads like peanut butter and other nut butters, this vegan cafe also sells Mason & Co. chocolates. Gifting these is a terrific idea. Spend lavishly! I'll be grateful afterwards.
You must proceed to Matrimandir, commonly known as the visitors' centre, after a substantial supper. Purchase a viewing ticket for the matrimandir at the "information centre." This is followed by a 1-kilometer stroll that is really scenic and has the sense of a nature trail. Don't pass it up.
They offer a shuttle service for returning passengers. Rather, to save time. When you return, you will have seen every café and shopping centre that were present when you started the trip. The majority of the products are handmade since eco-friendly and sustainable goods are ingrained in the culture of Auroville. My suggestions include soaps, incense, cheese, and handcrafted jewellery.
You may stop at Tantos on the way back to Pondi for some incredible wood-fired pizza. Just go to bed already—you've accomplished far too much in a day!
Day 4
You may take some surfing lessons at Serenity beach the next morning if you're ready for trying something new. Kalai Alai is the name of the surf school that operates there.
Alternately, you could skip breakfast and enjoy a leisurely brunch at Coromandel Cafe. This is one that you MUST NOT miss.
Visit the Aurobindo Ashram (it's all within walking distance in Pondi), then proceed to paradise beach or another beach on your list of must-visit destinations. In the event that your flight home is from Chennai later today, you may do all of this before 3pm.
You may also go out to a bar and have a party night if you're flying out of Pondi the following morning. My top picks are Ice Cubes, Storytellers Bar, and Greasy Tin.
OR you can choose from the variety of additional suggestions listed below:
Thank you…
