3 days in Pondicherry: What to See, Eat & Experience

Pondicherry was like a dream. A beautiful dream that was full of clean sandy beaches, laid back colorful streets and French architecture.

Among its diverse attractions are, a coastline of 32 kms, palm-fringed beaches, backwaters, fishing villages, beach resorts, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the international city of Auroville, the French Boulevard town with its French heritage, and so on.

We boarded a train from Bangalore (Banaswadi) at around 22:00 hours and reached Pondicherry by 07:00 next day. We had already booked our Airbnb which had facilities of work desk and hi speed internet. As our first day at Pondicherry was Work from Pondicherry.

Day 1

Auroville

Located around 15 km from the city of Pondicherry, Auroville is located in Tamil Nadu and was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo and fondly known as the ‘Mother’ of Sri Aurobindo Society. This place is the epitome of tranquillity and proves as the perfect escape for the ones in search of peace. The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to actually just sit in one of the cafes, and talk to some of the residents here about their experience of living in the city.

Conceived as the ‘Universal Town’, Auroville is an experimental township where people from across the world of all cultures and traditions come and live together in peace. People from 124 countries including Indians from 23 different states came together with some of their native soil brought from their homelands and deposited in a marble urn. Currently, over 2,800 people from over 195 different nationalities are the official residents of this township.

*An experience of a different kind at Auroville*

The Aurovilleans as they call themselves live together on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and ‘divine consciousness’ which was the philosophy of the Mother.

Auroville Beach

Auroville Beach, also known as the Auro Beach is located in Pondicherry. It is a part of the Auroville Ashram and is situated about 10 kilometres away. The beach is about 12 kilometres away from Pondicherry and lies on the right-hand side of East Coast Road.

*One of the beautiful and less crowded beaches*

Auro Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Pondicherry. It attracts a lot of tourists and locals. The beach stays true to its form and doesn’t have a lot of establishments that provide food or snacks. The Ashram has maintained its serenity and ensured that it is not tampered or changed a lot due to human encroachment.

Promenade Beach

Promenade Beach, also known as Rock Beach, is one of the most popular and iconic beaches in Pondicherry, India. Situated along the eastern coast of the city, this picturesque stretch of coastline is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, scenic beauty, and cultural significance. With its golden sands, rocky promenade, and stunning views of the Bay of Bengal, Promenade Beach attracts both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and recreation.

*The most decorated beach in Pondicherry by a mile*

The beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and every time you visit Promenade beach, it is full of people even on weekdays. We called it a day at around 10 PM.

*Nothing beats an evening stroll at the Promenade beach*

Day 2

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

The second largest Mangrove forest in the world, Pichavaram is located off the tourist trail but is totally worth the effort. One can be enchanted by the complex river system and canal network that bind this beautiful place together and support the rich biodiversity of the place.

*Sailing through the mangrove was unreal*

Situated nearby the temple town of Chidambaram, Pichavaram can be enjoyed through a boat ride around the 1100 hectare area of the forest, which takes you through narrow canal, breathtaking sceneries and allows you to witness the amazing life forms of the Mangrove tress while adoring the bird life of the forest. The sea is just 6 km from the forest and one can see the sand bank which separates the forest from the Bay of Bengal during the boat ride.

We returned to Pondicherry by 4 PM, had lunch and went straight to the homestay. I had planned a surprise birthday dinner for her later that evening.

We did a cake cutting ceremony before making our way to the restaurant for the dinner. After dinner, we walked along the shoreline of Promenade beach and returned to the homestay at around 11 PM.

Day 3

Serenity Beach

Located at a distance of 10 kms, on the outskirts on Puducherry in Kottakuppam, Serenity Beach gets its name from the Spa-Resort-Inn located at the spot with the same name. Originally, the beach was called Thanthirayan Kuppam Beach or plain Kottakuppam Beach. Boasting of supreme tranquility and sun-kissed sands, the beach is a gorgeous getaway from the city lapped by sparking waters of the scenic Bay of Bengal.

The peaceful stretch is lined with a trail of rocks and dotted with sea-facing resorts ideal for honeymooners. Since the beach is isolated and little known by the locals, it provides an atmosphere of absolute ataraxy and quietude.

*Definitely worth waking up early morning for this unreal vie*w

Arikamedu

Situated within a half hour drive of the French colonial town of Pondicherry, Arikamedu is an ancient Roman trade centre hidden from the eyes and ears of the commonplace Tamil tourism. Its name has been taken from the Tamil word- ‘Arikanmedu’ which means ‘eroding mount’. Very little is known about any Indo-Roman ties in the Before Christ era, but with the discovery and excavation of Arikamedu, extensive proofs were unearthed.

This port town was occupied by the people of Rome, Cholas, and French serving as a very famous maritime centre from 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. The glass bead manufacturing factory of Arikamedu is called the mother of all bead centres in the entire world.

*A pleasant day to explore the ruins of Arikamedu*

French Colony

Known as the French Colony of Pondicherry, White Town is a residential area in town which boasts of an interwoven culture of the Tamils and the primal French families. Flaunting cobblestone streets and mustard yellow houses, the colony retains the old world charm, daintiness and also the architecture of ancient French Quarters.

Most of these have been converted into heritage hotels, restaurants, quirky cafes and art galleries. The buildings are mostly painted in pale yellow colour or shades of it and the well paved clean pathways are lined with shady trees.