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Best Places to Visit in Pondicherry in 2 days

Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on Rue de la Marine is one of the most renowned and wealthiest ashrams in India. Set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo, philosopher and poet, the ashram is a perfect spot for spiritual seekers looking for a quiet and serene place. The work done by the vibrant community here has achieved global recognition.

The Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lies in the central courtyard of the ashram where the followers meditate. The ashram has a library for those interested in knowing more about their teachings. Among other things near the ashram, there is a beautiful Ganpati temple which has a stunning architecture making it worth visiting. There is a market nearby where you can shop for some great local stuff.

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Paradise beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is one of the most beautiful beaches and among the best places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days. You can reach the beach by taking a ferry from the backwaters which is a very enjoyable 20-30 minutes journey. The beach is located in an isolated area which adds to its feeling of calm and peace. It’s the perfect place to relax on the soft sand, next to the waves surrounded by greenery all around. 

Paradise beach is a very picturesque spot. Photography, bird watching and water sports are some of the leisure activities you can do at the beach. The beach is located at Manaveli Rd, Chinna Veerampattinam. It is best enjoyed during sunrise and sunset but at certain hours of the day, it is advised to stay away from deep waters due to high current.

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Auroville was set up as an experimental ‘Universal Town’ where people from all across the world and cultures come together to live in peace. It is located at about 15 kilometres from Pondicherry and was inaugurated in 1968. Currently, over 2,800 people from over 195 different nationalities officially stay in the township. The Aurovilleans live with their core principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness'.

The place is an epitome of peace and tranquillity. Its unique architecture has garnered a lot of attention from tourists that come here from all over the world. One of the main architectural attractions here is the ‘Matrimandir’ with a 30 m high globe and lotus shaped base. The entry is free of cost and you can visit between 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays. On your trip to this  city, Auroville is essential on your list of places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days.

The Statue of Mahatma Gandhi, located on the beach front of Pondicherry was inaugurated on 26 January 1965. It was built by the famous sculptor Roy Choudhary and today it is one of the major landmarks in the city. The 13 feet high statue is surrounded by eight pillars which delicately carved out of monolithic granite that were brought from Gingee Fort. It is believed that a tunnel is built under the statue that leads to the fort but it still remains unexplored.

Large number of tourists flock to see the statue which is located in the middle of a garden at Dumas Street. Promenade beach lies close to this and people visiting the beach also pay a visit to this place.

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The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Pondicherry for 2 days. The church was set up by French missionaries in 1908 and the statue inside was placed in 2011. The church has a marvellous gothic architecture with Biblical text in Latin engraved at the entrance. The insides are adorned with exquisite glass paintings, beautiful windows and the interiors are painted in moss green, scarlet and white.

The church is synonymous with tranquillity. If you are looking for some quiet space to relax and feel at peace, you must visit this beautiful church. It is located in the MG road area and can be visited on all days.

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The Pondicherry Museum is an absolute delight for art lovers and history enthusiasts. It is located on the Saint Louis Street. The museum has a gallery with a great collection of artefacts, sculptures, coins, handicrafts from the French colonial times and also from the Pallava and Chola dynasties, excavated from Arikamedu, a city that had trade relations with the Romans.

The museum is ranked for one of the largest collections of Chola bronzes. One of the major attractions here is the central space which has three curious transport mechanisms - a coach, a palanquin and an earlier version of the rickshaw (called pousse-pousse). The museum is open on all days except Mondays. You can visit the museum between 10 am to 7 pm. A visit to the museum is usually on everyone’s list of things to do in Pondicherry for 2 days.

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Pondy Bazaar is an absolute paradise for shopping enthusiasts. This market has a range of handicrafts and artefacts helping you pick the best souvenirs from your trip. Shopping at Pondy Bazaar should definitely be on your list of things to do in Pondicherry for 2 days. A lot of artisans sell their gold and silver art pieces that are a must-buy.

The bustling local market has a lot to offer in terms of food. You must try some incredible local cuisines and explore the nearby cafes. A local guide may accompany you who will show you the best in this area and also share some amazing stories about the place adding to your delightful experience.

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Rock beach also known as Promenade beach is one of the most famous places in Pondicherry. In close proximity to the Mahatma Gandhi Statue and the Old Lighthouse, visiting the Rock Beach is among the top things to do in Pondicherry in 2 days. It is a central part of the city and is a must visit spot to enjoy the true beauty of this city. You can try a lot of great traditional cuisines and seafood at restaurants nearby and the area also serves some amazing street food.

You can visit Rock beach at sunrise or sunset to witness the stunning views, click some great photographs and take a walk along the beach. It is a favourite picnic spot and sightseeing places in Pondicherry where you can enjoy solo or with your group of friends or family.

Just opposite the famous Mahatma Gandhi statue on the beach road, you have another remarkable landmark of Pondicherry, the Old Lighthouse. The lighthouse was initially set up in 1836 and then rebuilt in 1970. The graceful 29 metre high structure which is now converted into a museum is worth a visit due to its historical importance.

On climbing 10 floors of the lighthouse and going on top, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire city. A lot of commercial activities, music festivals and cultural events are held around this area. Since it is at a close distance to other tourist spots like the Mahatma Gandhi Statue and Rock Beach, we recommend this among places to visit in Pondicherry in 2 days. The timings to visit this place are from 8 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The entry fee is 10 INR. 

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The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha. The temple was built before the year 1666 which is even before the French had come to settle in Pondicherry. Devotees and tourists flock to this shrine every day to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

The temple has beautiful stone carvings and the golden shrine gives the holy place a sacred aura. The magnificent temple is of historical significance as it has survived several invasions. The temple elephant named Lakshmi greets tourists and collects coins from them. You can visit the temple between 5:45 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The temple is among the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry for 2 days.

The Botanical Garden at Pondicherry is a peaceful and beautiful garden with some of the most exotic variety of flora. Most of the exotic plants introduced by the French are still found surviving in the garden. The sprawling 22 acres garden has more than 1500 species of plants with their names and other interesting details written on placards placed next to it.

The garden has six fountains of which one is a musical and dancing fountain having two shows in the evening on weekends. It also houses a Japanese rock structure, toy train rides and an aquarium. You can visit the park between 10 am and 5 pm on all days.

Chunnambar is about 8 kilometres from Pondicherry. The place is known for its beautiful Paradise Beach which has a lot to offer in terms of water sports and other activities. Away from the busy and fast life of the city, a visit to this serene town will be a great relaxing experience amidst the pristine sand and crystalline waters.

The Chunnambar Beach and Backwater Resort offers boating and backwater boat tours which are among the best things to do in Pondicherry for 2 days. Enjoying a relaxing boat ride while absorbing the scenic beauty of the environment can be a super joyful experience. You can take a boat ride between 8 am to 6 pm on all days. The area has a multi-cuisine restaurant and other options for food.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral also known by its local name ‘Samba Kovil’ is a Roman Catholic Church located on Mission Street. The church was built in 1791 by French missionaries who came to settle in this region.

The magnificent church has great architecture with breathtaking designs on both the inside and outside. The design is a mix of Indian and French styles.The intricate designs and works of art on the walls of the church make it a great place for art lovers. It has a huge bell hanging at its bell tower. Since it’s a place of worship, you must maintain the decorum in the church premises. The church is located very close to the beach and you can visit that as well.

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Café Xtasi is one of the most popular cafes in Pondicherry and is known for its delicious food. It is among the top favourites of the locals as well as tourists. You can start your day with some delicious breakfast at this café or visit this place after a long tiring day for some amazing delicacies.

The café is located close to Auroville and other major landmarks. The ambience of this place is very warm and welcoming. Most of the items on their menu are highly rated and the place has earned many regular visitors. It is the perfect spot to hang out with friends or family and enjoy some appetising food.

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