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This Pondicherry travel guide contains a Pondicherry itinerary for 2 days.
Pondicherry, Puducherry or Pondi is a Union Territory of India geographically located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Since Pondicherry is ideally located close to big cities like Bangalore and Chennai, it's a common weekend getaway for people residing or working in these cities. Moreover, the quaint lanes of Pondicherry make it a popular tourist attraction. Thus, take a look at this Pondicherry travel guide that contains a list of all places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days.
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Places to Visit in Pondicherry in 2 Days
Pondicherry was under European (mostly French) rule for more than 250 years. Having joined India in 1954 as a union territory, Puducherry has still managed to retain a major part of it's French culture. In fact, it's this French influence which predominates the first half of the movie Life of Pi. When I watched this movie, 7 years ago, back when I was in first year of college, I inculcated a strong desire to visit Pondicherry. I'm delighted that I got to check off this charming place from my bucket list. This article serves as the ultimate Pondicherry travel guide - containing information on the places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days in the form of a Pondicherry itinerary along with a information on where to eat in Pondicherry, shopping in Pondicherry, what to pack for Pondicherry and more. Happy reading!
How to Reach Pondicherry
Pondicherry's close proximity to Chennai as well as Bangalore makes it a popular weekend getaway among students and working professionals. Take a look at the various ways you can reach Pondi for your 2 day trip to Pondicherry.
Nearest Airport to Pondicherry
The Chennai International Airport is the closest airport to Pondicherry. One you land at Chennai airport, catch the airport metro to Guindy. You'll find buses to Pondicherry from Guindy bus stand. The journey from Chennai to Pondicherry can be covered within 3 hours.
Nearest Railway Station to Pondicherry
Pondicherry is connected by rail with the Villupuram Railway Junction being the closest railway station. While not a lot of trains go through this railway station, you can reach Chennai and then change trains to catch a train from Chennai to Pondicherry.
Chennai to Pondicherry Bus
Chennai to Pondicherry is a distance of 125 km. This journey from Chennai to Pondicherry takes less than 3 hours by bus. There are regular buses plying at regular intervals, all day from Chennai to Pondicherry and back from Pondicherry to Chennai as well.
Bangalore to Pondicherry Bus
Bangalore to Pondicherry takes anywhere between 6-8 hours depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic. There are overnight buses running between Bangalore and Pondicherry daily.
Best Time to Visit Pondicherry
The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to March. This is when humidity in Pondicherry is at its lowest and there temperature is pleasant. On the other hand, avoid visiting Pondicherry during summer and monsoon from April to August. The heat and humidity during these months can be overbearing for some. However, if you want to enjoy Pondicherry to yourself without the crowds, then this is the best time to visit Pondicherry.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Pondicherry?
Because I have written a Pondicherry itinerary for two days, I think it's clear that 2 days are sufficient to see Pondicherry. Within 2 days, you can see all the popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry. That being said, if you want to try surfing, or spend some more time in an ashram or Auroville or just chill at one of the beaches in Pondicherry, then you should consider spending 3-5 days in Pondicherry. You'll still have plenty to do, see, and eat without geting bored!
Getting Around Pondicherry
You will need a vehicle in order to get around Pondicherry. Renting a two-wheeler is the most common way to get around Pondicherry. You'll find rental shops near the Pondicherry bus stand. If you're staying in the white town area, you can simply walk to the local sightseeing places or rent a bicycle. However, if you want to venture further to the beaches and Auroville, you will need a 2-wheeler.
2 Days Trip to Pondicherry Cost
You can very easily make a budget trip to Pondicherry as long as you keep the cost of accommodation and the cost of travel low. First, travel to Pondicherry by bus or train rather than via flight to lower the cost of your trip. Secondly, find budget hotels or airbnbs in Pondicherry in order to stick to your budget. While it may be difficult to find lower rates at hotels in white town, you can get budget hotels just outside white town. In fact, rates of stays in Pondicherry is quite reasonable on various online booking platforms.
Search for budget-friendly stays in Pondicherry below:
Places to Visit in Pondicherry in 2 Days
When I look back at my Pondicherry trip I remember sprawling courtyards, colourful walls, plentiful flowers, endearing cafes and a romantic promenade. All these reasons make Pondicherry an ideal weekend getaway. While there's isn't a whole lot to do here, you can can sit back in a cute little cafe and devour a croissant or walk around the flower laden streets. Better yet, rent a bicycle, visit the local sightseeing spots and blend in with the locals. Take a look at the places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days.
1. Promenade
The promenade is a long, clean road alongside the ocean, stretching for approximately 1.5 km. It's an ideal place to start your morning with a jog or to spend the evening leisurely walking along. While on one end of the promenade is a pier, the other end is marked by a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. In the mornings, this stretch of road is deserted whereas it gets extremely crowded in the evening. I personally liked it more in the morning when there was hardly anyone on the road. Do remember to catch the sunrise from here. There are plenty of restaurants, shops and stores adjoining the promenade. My favourite restaurant here is Bay of Buddha. Get here early for a romantic dinner on a rooftop overlooking the ocean.
2. Old Lighthouse
Located on one end of the promenade is an old lighthouse. While I'm not aware if visitors are allowed inside, it's a charming old thing to photograph from the outside. While you're here, grab a bite at Le Cafe which has a terrace overlooking the ocean. There's another lighthouse on the opposite end of the promenade which is open to visitors.
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3. Our Lady of Angels Church
Painted in a deep tone of peach, this glorious church rests surrounded by the streets Dumas, Surcouf and Romain Rolland in White Town Pondicherry. Visible from the promenade, the church is located at a distance of 500 m from the old lighthouse. While the upper part of the church was made in the Ionic style, the lower part was inspired by the Doric style of architecture. The inside of the church is spacious, airy and has a number of intricate paintings adorning the walls. I sat inside the church on an afternoon while visiting the white town area. It was a relaxing and rejuvenating stop for me. When it comes to things to do in Pondicherry in 2 days, it's worth paying a visit to the many churches.
4. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Basilica is located in the Southern Boulevard of Pondicherry, on the MG Road, and is an example of Gothic architecture. The 100-year old church has numerous stand-out features. Some of these features include stained glass windows, walls adorned with terracotta motifs and twin spires and a sparkling interiors. Come here during mid-morning to enjoy some quiet time to introspect inside the church.
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5. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Sir Aurobindo, after retiring from politics, settled down in Pondicherry with a bunch of followers and started a spiritual movement. His remains, along with those of Mother, his spiritual partner, are laid to rest here at the ashram. Devotees and tourists line up outside the ashram to pay homage to him. The people at the ashram are extremely particular about maintaining silence and request all visitors to turn off their cellphones. Once inside, you can visit the samadhi (tomb) and sit in the ashram courtyards. It's a peaceful place with gentle breeze and only the sounds are those of birds chirping. There is also a book store where you can get more information about the ashram, Auroville and the founders of both. The ashram premises can be identified by the distinct grey walls right next to #Dilliwala restaurant in the White Town, Pondicherry.
6. White Town
Pink bougainvillea flowers peering over colourful walls, French street names and artsy cafes are the highlight of the white town area. White town is named as such because it used to be an area reserved for the "white" French folk settled in Pondicherry. One can easily spend an entire morning walking around, sampling French food, basking in the vibrantly hued houses and photographing beaming bicycles parked against flower laden walls.
Also known as the French Quarters, most houses in this area have been converted into heritage hotels, boutique cafes and art galleries. Cafe des Arts is a great cafe here that is not to be missed. This area is best explored by foot or on a bicycle for the simple reason that you will want to stop and take a picture in front of every other wall. The main streets composing white town are Rue Dumas, Rue Romain Rolland, Rue Suffren and Rue La Bourdonnais. Keep one morning aside just to walk around these streets and practice your French on random passersby. Comment allez-vous?
7. Auroville
Auroville is a universal town where people from all over the world live together in harmony. The concept of Auroville was conceived by the Mother in the 1930s. In 1966 UNESCO passed a unanimous resolution commending it as a project of importance to the future of humanity, thereby giving their full encouragement. On 28th February 1968 some 5,000 people assembled near the banyan tree at the centre of the future township for an inauguration ceremony attended by representatives of 124 nations. The representatives brought with them some soil from their homeland, to be mixed in a white marble clad lotus-shaped urn, which now sits at the focal point of the Amphitheater.
The Matrimandir is at the centre of Auroville, shown in the picture above. A heliostat at the top of the mandir reflects a ray of sunshine, which travels through different layers and touches the 'lotus pond' at the bottom. Thus it completes the link between spirit and matter. Keep in mind that you need permissions beforehand, in order to visit in Matrimandir, although the rest of Auroville is free and open to visit. Check out the Auroville website for more details.
8. Serenity Beach
Serenity beach is located between Auroville and Pondicherry city. It's a petite beach with white sand and plenty of rocks. Besides, the beach is usually deserted. The only people you might encounter on the beach are the surfers from the Kallayali Surf School or curious explorers like you. It's imperative for me to mention that in case you're not there for the places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days, rather plan on staying for 3-4 days then if you feel adventurous, you can sign up for surf lessons at the Kallayali Surf School. You can go for 2 or 3 sessions, depending on how long you're staying in Pondicherry. An added bonus is that you get bragging rights and killer pictures!
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Pondicherry Hotels - Places to Stay in Pondicherry
While there are hotels all across Pondicherry, it would be ideal to stay near the white town area. This way, you will be in close affinity to the promenade and most of the good restaurants and cafes.
Villa Monte Carlo Hotel ₹₹
I highly recommend staying at Villa Monte Carlo in the White Town. Not only is it situated right next to the extremely popular Cafe des Arts at a prime location but the rooms here are clean and spacious. Each room comes with a massive bed, cupboard, study table, television and air conditioning. What's more, the staff here is absolutely wonderful, always greeting everyone with a smile. Another great selling point of Villa Monte Carlo is that they have rooms for different budgets.
Treebo Red Lotus ₹
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option in a well-known chain of hotels, then Treebo Red Lotus is the place for you. It's ideal location inside the Heritage Town area is perfect for walking around the Pondicherry attractions.
La Maison Radha ₹
A simple, budget-friendly option located in the M G Road area. The hotel is just a short walk from the While Town area, making it the ideal place to stay if you're on a tight budget.
Villa Krish ₹₹₹
A comfortable luxury stay in the White Town of Pondicherry, they are known for their excellent hospitality. Not only do they offer spacious rooms with a balcony and tons of amernities, but they also have a rooftop restaurant where you can have a candlelight dinner under the stars! Book this stay for a comfortable and relaxing stay in Pondicherry.
Beyond Community, Auroville ₹
This extremely cheap stay is located very close to the Matrimandir in Auroville. You can experience the simplicity and the earthiness of Auroville whilst staying here with the community. Moreover, you'll get a chance to experience 'glamping' in Auroville, Pondicherry.
Where to Eat in Pondicherry
There's no doubt that Pondicherry has some great restaurants. Some of them are so good, I made my parents parcel food from there and fly it back to Goa when they visited Pondicherry. Yup, it's that good. You can read this guide to the best restaurants in Pondicherry where I've mentioned a list of all the best restaurants and cafes in Pondicherry.
Shopping in Pondicherry
You can buy organic and ayurvedic products in Pondicherry at the shops run by Aurobindo ashram. These shops are located in the french colony of Pondicherry. Moreover, quite often there are markets set up near the promenade beach that sell clothing and various handicraft items.
What to Wear in Pondicherry?
The White town area of Pondicherry is particularly one of the most picturesque areas there. Make sure you pack fun, bright coloured clothes. Maxi dresses and maxi skirt will work wonders. Read this guide on what to pack for Pondicherry. On the other hand, while roaming around the other parts of Pondicherry, especially Auroville, make sure you cover our shoulders and knees as the area is still conservative.
Did you enjoy reading about the places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days?
I have to admit I have never heard about this place before. But it looks so beautiful! I love all the colours!
Thanks Liz! It’s a tiny place in India that used to be a French colony a few years back.
I’ll surely include Pondicherry in my next trip to India! I’ve been to your country only once so far but I’m planning to return soon because it was love at first sight! 🙂
Oh you definitely must return! Each place in India has a unique culture of it’s own. You’ll never see two places alike in India 🙂
First of all, what a cute name Pondicherry! Secondly thank you so much for showcasing another side of India – had no idea there was a French Quarter and really makes me what to check out these boutique-filled streets!
Hey Julia! Pondicherry is indeed a cute name. You ought to go there someday just for the French food and the bougainvillea lined streets!
hi, you stumbled upon me a short while earlier on insta I and I liked your bio and took it from there. Pondi is a place I wanna visit and explore, but first up I have Gokarna in mind. When in Goa next, we should catch up over a cuppa.
Pondicherry is a must-visit place for sure ! I’m heading to Gokarna soon as well 🙂
how many days were you here and where did you put up? I have been told Auroville itself requires an entire day. My former colleague has been to Pondy and thereabouts for five days, I am looking at four at least. Initially, planned three days. Trying to figure out dates and an itinerary to go with it.
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Hey! I am 24 yr old woman working in IT , Bangalore. I am planning to do solo travel to Pondi,
Leaving on Apr 27( Fri Night) and can stay till 1/2nd may . So Basically 3-4 days.
Questions Ive:
1. Since i will be traveling solo, no friends(male/female) to accompany me, how safe it is?
2. Is it worth to spend 3-4 days in Pondi?
3. If it is safe, please can you guide me in detail? I will be very grateful.
PS: My birthday is on May 2nd. All my life(23 years) i have never tried something like this. I am true introvert and would even hesitate exploring my own city Bangalore with my own friends. Now for this 24th birthday , i want to break free and challenge myself 🙂
Hey Aishwarya. I’m really happy that you’re going on a solo trip. To answer your questions,
1. Rent a 2-wheeler and ride around on your own instead of hiring auto rickshaws every time. Get back to your hotel by 9-9.30. Get a hotel in a nice area, close to White Town. You should face no problems, because I wandered around at night without any issues. Just trust your instincts.
2. Yes, it’s worth spending 3 days in Pondicherry. Day 1 can be spend visiting local sights. Day 2 can be for Serenity Beach and Auroville. On Day 3 you can either visit Paradise beach or roam around White Town and eat amazing food.
I wish you a happy birthday in advance. Make this trip happen! You can reach out to me via mail for more details 🙂
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Amazing article that is…Amazing Places to visit
Thanks for sharing the information with us.