Pondicherry in 48 Hours: Beaches, Cafés & French Quarter
coastalweekend

Pondicherry in 48 Hours: Beaches, Cafés & French Quarter

A weekend guide to sunrise promenades, White Town heritage lanes, Auroville, and chill cafés.

Pondicherry • Union Territory • Coromandel Coast, India
2 Days

Two days in Pondicherry (Puducherry) are perfect for a slow coastal reset: watch the sun rise on the Promenade, wander pastel streets of White Town, sip good coffee, take the ferry to Paradise Beach, and spend a quiet morning around Auroville. This guide packs maps, where-to-eat, how to move, and a realistic budget—without rushing.

Quick Facts

Best Time

Oct–Feb for pleasant mornings and less humidity.

Ideal Duration

3 Days

Daily Budget

₹ 4,500

Local Transport

Scooty rentals are the most convenient; Promenade and White Town are best on foot in the early hours/evenings.

1

Day 1

Promenade Sunrise & White Town

2

Day 2

Auroville & Serenity Beach

Getting There & Around

How to Reach

1. Fly to Chennai → Pondicherry by road (~150 km, scenic ECR). 2. Trains and overnight buses connect major South Indian cities.

Local Transport

1. Scooty rentals (show ID; helmets mandatory). 2. Auto-rickshaws for short hops. 3. Car isn’t necessary unless traveling with kids/elderly.

Tips

  • Carry a light scarf/hat; coastal sun gets harsh by noon.
  • Respect silent zones (Ashram, inside Auroville areas).
  • Beaches can have strong currents—follow local advisories.
  • Weekends get busy: do sunrise/sunset outdoors, midday indoors (cafés/museums/shops).

Best month to visit?

Oct–Feb for cooler breeze; Mar–May is hotter/humid; Jun–Sep can be rainy.