Photo: Niranjan B S / UnsplashPuducherry
Puducherry, India
A former French colony on the Bay of Bengal: mustard-yellow streets, seaside promenades, cafés, and the experimental township of Auroville.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,500–2,800
- Mid-range / day
- ₹4,900–9,800
- Best time
- December to March
- Ideal length
- 2–4 days
Day by day
3-day itinerary
₹4,500–8,400per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: The French Quarter
Sunrise on the promenade, a walk through White Town, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
- 2
Day 2: Auroville
The Auroville visitor centre and the viewpoint for the Matrimandir, then cafés and craft shops, and an evening back on the promenade.
- 3
Day 3: Beaches
A boat to Paradise Beach from Chunnambar, or Serenity Beach for surf lessons.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr—
- May—
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct—
- Nov—
- Dec★ Best
December to March.
Money notes
Heritage guesthouses in the French Quarter cost more than stays across the canal. A bicycle is enough for the town; rent a scooter for Auroville and the beaches.