3-Day Pondicherry Itinerary from Hyderabad

To keep our trip within our budget, we opted for trains and buses instead of expensive flights. We boarded the Charminar Express (12760) departing from Hyderabad Deccan station at 6 pm and scheduled to arrive at Chennai Egmore at 7 am. However, our train was delayed by approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, arriving at 9:15 am.

After arriving at the station, we had a hearty breakfast at Sangeetha Veg restaurant, conveniently located across from the station entrance. The food was both delicious and affordable, setting the tone for an enjoyable day ahead.

After our breakfast, we made our way to the bustling CMBT bus stand to embark on our journey to Pondicherry. With ample bus options available, we boarded the bus at 11:30 am. The comfortable ride allowed us to relax and enjoy the scenic countryside, as we rolled towards our destination. We reached Pondicherry at 3:45 pm.

Upon arriving at the bus stand, the first thing is to secure a rented bike, readily available across the street. However, due to the peak season rush, only one bike remained, and the rental vendor charged an inflated price of 600 rupees, exceeding the usual fare. It's important to note that bike rental services in Pondicherry have a peculiar practice of retaining your original identification documents until the bike's return.

After securing our rented bike, we checked into our home stay, Rainbow Cottages Beach Home Stay. Its prime location, within walking distance to the tranquil and uncrowded beach, was a perfect choice. To refresh ourselves from the long journey, we headed to Auro Beach, just 2.5 kilometers away.

The rest of the day was spent basking in the tranquility of Rock Beach. The gentle rhythm of the sea, occasionally interrupted by the crashing of waves, and the serene glow of the moon painted a breathtaking backdrop, offering a much-needed respite from the daily hustle and bustle.

The next morning, we welcomed the sun with a visit to the beach near our homestay. After soaking in the morning serenity, we set off for Svaram, a unique sound garden known for its captivating acoustic experience located in Auroville. En route, we had local delicacies like appam, dosa, and pongal at a nearby restaurant. The entrance fee for Svaram is a nominal ₹120 per person, and the guided tour through the sound garden is an immersive sensory experience.

We then made our way to the Matrimandir, the spiritual heart of Auroville. The tranquil walk from the museum to the Matrimandir takes approximately 10-15 minutes through a serene pathway lined with lush greenery. For those who prefer a quicker journey, auto-rickshaws are readily available.

We spent the remainder of the evening strolling through the Auroville and Pondicherry local markets.

Our next day began with an exciting boat ride through the mangrove forests. Several boat operators offer mangrove tours near Pondy Marina Beach. We chose Marina Catamaran Adventures, which provides shared boat rides for ₹500 per person, covering 3-4 locations, including the mangrove forests. The overall experience was enjoyable and enlightening. Afterward, we spent the rest of the morning exploring the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a magnificent church adorned with stunning stained-glass windows.

In the afternoon, we went for a walk to the French Quarters, renowned for their vibrant colonial architecture and charming boutiques. The picturesque streets provide an ideal backdrop for capturing memorable photographs.

We spent the evening, strolling along the Promenade Beach, which offers a diverse array of cafes and restaurants. We had the snacks from local vendors while enjoying the captivating sea breeze and the mesmerizing sunset.