Indigenous & Local Outing
10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Begin your vacation in Pondicherry at the unique Rock Beach aka Puducherry Beach.
The beach is the starting point of the 1.2 km popular beachfront in Pondicherry and is at a walkable distance from White Town or Heritage Town.
Time duration: 45 – 60 mins
Mode of Transport: 10-min walk to cover a distance of 800 meters. Autos will be plying on the roads if not in a mood to walk.
After the clutter of the beach next tourist spot offers a peaceful and quiet experience and is 300 meters west of Rock Beach, Shri Aurobindo Ashram.
Shri Aurobindo Ashram is named after the revolutionary-turned-spiritual yogi, Aurobindo Ghose. It now forms a large community of disciples who work to carry the legacy and teachings of their master. The Ashram is place for meditation. The environment is such that interaction among the visitors is discouraged to maintain the custom.
Time duration: 45 – 60 mins
Mode of Transport: 5-min walk from Puducherry Beach.
Next attraction is the administrative centre of Pondicherry, Raj Nivas.
The heritage building and a prominent landmark, Raj Nivas was opened to public on May, 2017. To visit one needs to make prior appointment at rajnivas.py.gov.in and need to comply with the requirements. The timings are from 12:00 PM to 01:30 PM.
Time duration: 60 – 90 mins
Mode of Transport: 5-min walk from the Ashram.
At next spot you get some knowledge about history and tradition at Puducherry Museum.
The museum showcases the collection of artefacts and statues which belong to the Chollas and Pallava eras. A tour of the museum gives a deep understanding of the tradition and culture of Puducherry before and during the Colonial period.
Time duration: 45 – 60 mins
Mode of Transport: (Adjacent to Raj Nivas.)
For lunch, we recommend to try some authentic local vegetarian cuisines at Surguru Restaurant, 450 meters from museum. Surguru have multiple outlets across Pondicherry.
Price range: Rs. 400 – 500 for two.
Alternate option for some Indian vegetarian delicacies, try Dilliwaala6, 300 meters from museum.
They have a scintillating and decorative arrangement for dining. Very popular in Heritage Town.
Price range: Rs. 800 -1000 for two.
Also read: South Pondicherry Itinerary
Post lunch, head back to hotel for some rest and afternoon nap and recharge yourself for colonial excursion.
French Colony Sightseeing
05:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Start your evening with the Sacred Heart Basilica, situated 2 km from Heritage Town.
The church has a unique architecture which is known as the Gothic Architecture and has been here for more than 100 years. Visitors come in large number.
Time duration: 30 – 45 mins
Mode of Transport: Auto ride or OLA/Uber Cab.
After this, take a stroll along the Bussy Street which has a massive assortment of Café’s, Bakeries and multicultural restaurants. Baker’s Street outlet offers some insanely delicious French delicacies which should not be missed. There are plenty of options to choose from to have your evening snack.
At the end of the Bussy Street, you will reach Promenade Beach, the southern end of 1.2 km beachfront.
With a walk along the beach road you get to see the vibrant and colourful residences some of which are converted into heritage homes to accommodate tourists. The lane also offers a good exhibition of graffiti which is intrinsic to French culture.
Post sunset, the Mahatma Gandhi statue is illuminated with vibrant colours.
Time duration: 2 – 3 hours
Mode of Transport: Walking through the French Colony.
For dinner, it is apparent to try some French Café and we recommend the popular, Café des Arts. The yellow coloured café is not only known for its food but also for its collection of clothes, souvenirs and photographs. It closes by 07:00 PM.
Price range: Rs. 800 – 1000 for two.
Madame Shante’s Café is a good alternate option to try and it remains open till 11:00 PM.
Price range: Rs. 600 – 800 for two.
After this head towards the hotel and call it a day!
