Pondicherry is very special to me. I have spent more than 3 months in this town. If you are planning a weekend trip, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your time in Pondicherry.
What to expect in this article:
About Pondicherry
Pondicherry is one of my favorite places in India. I have visited many times because my boyfriend used to live there, and each trip made me love it even more. It’s a very charming town, and it has a mix of French and Indian culture, colorful streets, and delicious food, so it’s perfect for a weekend getaway.
If you are planning a weekend trip, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your time in Pondicherry. Don’t forget to download my complete Pondicherry guide for even more tips and details. I will update it every time I visit Pondy!
Read my guide about Pondicherry!
Day 1: Explore the French Quarter and enjoy the sunset
Morning: Start with a bicycle tour and breakfast
A fun way to explore Pondicherry is by bicycle. I recommend joining a bicycle tour to discover the different sides of the town. It takes you through White Town, shows you heritage buildings, and gives interesting insights about Pondicherry’s history.
After the tour, enjoy breakfast at one of Pondicherry’s amazing cafés. I have written about the 9 Cool Cafés in Pondicherry, so be sure to check it out! Or check out my guide for my latest favorites. Some of my favorite places for breakfast are:
Café des Arts – A cute French-style café with great crêpes and street art.
Bread & Chocolate – Perfect for food lovers!
Midday: Walk through White Town
After breakfast, take a walk through White Town, the French Quarter of Pondicherry. The colorful colonial buildings make it a beautiful place to explore and take lots of photos. Don’t forget to visit:
Sri Aurobindo Ashram – A spiritual place with an interesting history
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – A stunning Catholic church with nice glass windows.
Afternoon: Lunch and shopping
For lunch, you can visit:
Coromandel Café – One of the most popular cafés in Pondicherry with delicious European and Indian food. Prices are a bit higher. Read in this article more
Maison Perumal – If you want to try authentic Tamil food in a heritage house.
- Or eat any of the food stalls!
After lunch, take some time to shop at:
Casablanca – A cute store with clothes, souvenirs, and handmade products.
Evening: Sunset at Rock Beach
If you have not been to the beach, you have not been to Pondicherry.
This area comes alive at night and you can find street food and also a Mahatma Gandhi statue.
Don't forget to book an activity!
Day 2: Visit Auroville and relax at the beach
Morning: Auroville
Auroville is a unique community near Pondicherry that focuses on peace and sustainable living. The main attraction here is the Matrimandir, a golden meditation dome. You need to book in advance if you want to go inside, and they have to allow you in. So make sure to book it weeks beforehand.
For breakfast in Auroville, try Auroville Bakery or Dreamer’s Café. Auroville has become more hip by the years, so there are also many good cafeterias like in Pondicherry or pizza places.
Afternoon: Serenity Beach and Paradise Beach
Pondicherry is known for the beaches. Like Serenity Beach, it is less crowded than Rock Beach. Another option is Paradise Beach, which you can reach by boat. Personally, I have not been here yet, but I have heard many good stories about it.
For lunch, visit Tanto’s in Auroville for some nice pizza or go to any of the places written in my Pondicherry Guide.
Evening: Sunset and last-minute shopping
Before you leave, spend some time at Goubert Market to buy spices and see local life. Lastly, have dinner at Villa Shanti, a charming restaurant with a mix of (of course) French and Indian cuisine.
Where to stay in Pondicherry
There are some good places to stay in Pondicherry. I haven’t stayed at any of these hotels, as I could stay at the house of my boyfriend and his family. But whenever his family stays in a hotel, they will stay at one of these hotels:
The Promenade – A sea-facing hotel with a rooftop bar. It is a bit more luxury priced.
Maison Perumal – A heritage hotel with traditional Tamil architecture.
Micasa Hostel – This should be a budget-friendly place for backpackers.
- Executive Inn: A boutique hotel with amazing food, my boyfriend loved eating here with family. It has a family environment, and is close to the Ashram.
Read another article!
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How to reach Pondicherry
Pondicherry is easily accessible. Inside Pondy, it is handy to rent a scooter as it is the fastest way to get around. Pondicherry can become crowded by tourists and as it is not a big city, scooters will work best.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Pondicherry is the Pondicherry Airport (PNY). But, it does not have many flights. Chennai Airport is then the closest, which is about 2-3 hours from Pondicherry. From Chennai, you can take a taxi, bus, or rent a car.
By Train:
Pondicherry has a railway station with regular trains from cities like Chennai and Bangalore. We once took an overnight train to Bangalore, which was comfortable (if you book beforehand). The Railway Station is around 2 km from the city center. You can easily take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach.
Once I have my own house, I also want this map!
By Bus:
There are frequent buses from Chennai and other nearby cities to Pondicherry. It often has air-conditioned options. The main bus terminal in Pondicherry is New Bus Stand.
By Road:
If you want to go by car, Pondicherry is well-connected to cities like Chennai. The drive from Chennai to Pondicherry takes about 2-3 hours and the roads are good.
Final tips for Pondicherry
The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Rent a scooter to explore easily. In the weekends it can get very crowded on the road.
Respect local culture, especially in Auroville and temples.
If you love cafés, check out my article on 9 Cool Cafés in Pondicherry for more recommendations.
Pondicherry is a place that feels like home to me, and I hope this article helps you enjoy it as much as I do. Don’t forget to download my full Pondicherry guide for more insider tips! Have you been to Pondicherry?
*Some of the links in the article are affiliate links, so I may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
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