Pondicherry, India
Pondicherry: France on the Coromandel Coast
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A former French colony on the Tamil coast, Pondicherry mixes mustard-yellow villas, seaside promenades and excellent café culture with a deep spiritual streak.
The mix
Cycle the French Quarter, find calm at the Aurobindo Ashram and the golden Matrimandir at Auroville, then swim at Paradise Beach.
Nearby
The UNESCO Shore Temple and rock carvings at Mahabalipuram are an easy, unmissable day trip up the coast.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Pondicherry
French Quarter
- Promenade Beach
- French Colony
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Heritage Guesthouse, White Town
- Chennai (MAA) → Pondicherry
💡 Rent a cycle to explore White Town’s mustard-yellow lanes at golden hour — it’s the prettiest hour in Pondy.
Day 2 — Auroville
The city of dawn
- Matrimandir
- Auroville Beach
- Paradise beach
- Heritage Guesthouse, White Town
Day 3 — Mahabalipuram
Shore temples
- Mahabalipuram Shore Temple
- Descent of the Ganga River and Arjuna's Penance
- Krishna's Butter Ball
Coast & culture
- • Light cottons
- • Sunscreen & sunglasses
- • Swimwear for the beach
- • Cash for cafés & crafts
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India