Puducherry

Puducherry

Explore the beauty, culture, and attractions of Puducherry.

2 Days in Puducherry for Budget Trip

Puducherry is a charming coastal town with a mix of French colonial vibes and Tamil culture. I love how easy it is to explore on foot or by bike, and how affordable it can be if you know where to go. The beaches, cafes, and laid-back atmosphere make it perfect for a short getaway without breaking the bank.

Puducherry, puducherry
2 Days
Budget
Custom Trip

Trip Highlights

Strolling along Promenade Beach at sunrise when it's peaceful and quiet
Trying fresh seafood at local eateries near the fishing harbor
Exploring the quirky boutiques and bakeries in White Town without spending much
Watching the sunset from Paradise Beach with a coconut in hand

Best Time to Visit

OctoberFebruary

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Day 1

Day 1 in Puducherry

Kick off your Puducherry adventure with its most iconic spots, from the serene Promenade Beach to the vibrant French Quarter, topped off with delicious local eats.

Activities

Morning stroll at Promenade Beach
Morning stroll at Promenade Beach

Start your day with a peaceful walk along Promenade Beach, also known as Rock Beach. The boulevard is lined with colonial-era buildings, and the early morning light makes it perfect for photos. Don’t miss the Gandhi Statue and the old lighthouse.

Beach Road, White Town6:30 AM - 8:00 AM (to avoid the heat)Free
Tips:
  • Carry water and wear comfortable shoes—the walk is about 1.5 km long.
  • Look out for local vendors selling fresh coconut water.
Explore the French Quarter

Wander through the charming streets of White Town, Puducherry’s French Quarter. The pastel-colored colonial houses, quirky cafes, and bougainvillea-lined lanes feel like a slice of Europe. Stop by Rue Dumas for some great photo ops.

White Town, around Rue Dumas and Rue Suffren9:00 AM - 11:00 AMFree (unless you stop for coffee or snacks)
Tips:
  • Visit Aurobindo Ashram’s main building—it’s serene and worth a quick peek.
  • Look for hidden street art and murals along the way.
Lunch at Surguru

Head to Surguru, a no-frills local favorite, for an authentic South Indian thali. Their meals are hearty, affordable, and packed with flavors—think crispy dosas, tangy sambar, and fluffy idlis. The filter coffee here is a must-try.

Surguru Restaurant, 54 Suffren Street12:30 PM - 1:30 PM₹150-₹300 per person
Tips:
  • Try their Chettinad-style meals if you like a bit of spice.
  • It gets crowded during lunch, so arrive a little early.

Must Try Foods

Filter coffee
Pondicherry masala dosa
Chettinad chicken curry

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Puducherry Railway Station (2 km from White Town, 10-15 mins by auto)
Nearest Bus Stop
Puducherry Main Bus Stand (1.5 km from White Town, frequent buses and autos available)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Autos and cabs are easily available; Ola and Uber work but autos are more common for short distances.

No destinations found for this itinerary

Day 2

Day 2 in Puducherry

Dive deeper into Puducherry's spiritual side and colonial charm, with visits to iconic ashrams, serene gardens, and a taste of local flavors.

Activities

Visit Aurobindo Ashram
Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Start your day at the peaceful Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo. The ashram is a quiet retreat with lush gardens and a meditation hall. Don’t miss the small museum showcasing the life of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.

Aurobindo Ashram, Rue de la Marine8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (best to go early for a quieter experience)Free (donations welcome)
Tips:
  • Dress modestly as it’s a spiritual place
  • Silence is appreciated in the meditation hall
Explore Auroville
Explore Auroville

Head to Auroville, the experimental township just 12 km from Puducherry. Visit the Matrimandir, a stunning golden sphere for meditation, and browse the local handicrafts at the Auroville Visitor Center. The vibe here is unlike anywhere else in India.

Auroville, about 12 km northwest of Puducherry9:30 AM - 1:00 PM (Matrimandir viewing opens at 10:00 AM)Free (entry to Matrimandir viewing point is free, but pre-booking is required for inner visits)
Tips:
  • Wear comfortable shoes as there’s some walking involved
  • Try the organic food at Auroville’s cafes
Relax at Paradise Beach
Relax at Paradise Beach

Wrap up your day at Paradise Beach, a quieter alternative to Promenade Beach. Accessible by a short boat ride from Chunnambar Boat House, this spot is perfect for unwinding with soft sands and clear waters.

Chunnambar Boat House to Paradise Beach4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (ideal for sunset views)₹200-300 (includes boat ride)
Tips:
  • Carry water and snacks as options are limited
  • Weekdays are less crowded

Must Try Foods

Pondicherry Masala Dosa
Chettinad Chicken Curry
Filter Coffee at local bakeries

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Puducherry Railway Station (1 km from city center, auto-rickshaws available)
Nearest Bus Stop
Puducherry Main Bus Stand (frequent buses to Auroville and nearby areas)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Easy to find auto-rickshaws and cabs; Ola and Uber operate here but may have limited availability

Travel Tips

Rent a bicycle instead of a scooter - it's cheaper and you'll see more
Eat at small Tamil restaurants for authentic meals under 100 rupees
Carry cash as many budget places don't accept cards
Visit Auroville on a weekday to avoid crowds and higher prices

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