Weekend in Puducherry

Self-guided walk through the White Town's grid of clean streets lined with mustard-yellow colonial villas, bougainvillea, and pastel-coloured doors.

Tip: Start at Rue Romain Rolland near the park. Look for the brass plaques on buildings dating from 1820s-1930s. The best door photos are on Rue Dumas and Rue Suffren before 10am when streets are empty.

The spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Visitors can meditate in the silent courtyard or view the flower-filled samadhi shrine.

Tip: Remove shoes before entering the main courtyard. The meditation hall is open 9am-12pm only. For a quieter visit, come right at 9am before tour groups arrive.

A 1.5km seafront walkway along the Bay of Bengal, lined with colonial-era buildings and benches. Best for sunrise strolls or evening chai.

Tip: Arrive by 6am to see fishermen hauling nets and avoid the midday heat. The Gandhi statue at the north end has the best photo light at sunset.

A 22-acre public garden with labelled tropical trees, a children's train, and ornamental flower beds. Quiet and uncrowded on weekdays.

Tip: The giant banyan tree near the centre is over 150 years old. Visit on Sunday mornings for the weekly plant sale (cheap local species). Avoid afternoons — shade is patchy. Take a bottle of water.

A backwater area with thatched-roof huts and calm waters for canoeing. Entry is free, but boat rides cost 50-100 rupees per person for 30 minutes.

Tip: Skip the expensive speedboat. Hire a pedal boat or canoe to reach the small island with a temple. Bring your own snacks — the cafe is overpriced. Best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds.