Family-Friendly 5-Day Trip from Hyderabad to Pondicherry by Train with Budget Hotels

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Day 1: Travel to Pondicherry

Hyderabad, India on July 12, 2025

7:30AM

Depart from Hyderabad

Board the train from Hyderabad Deccan (HYB) to Villupuram Junction (VM). Take train number 22694, which is the Sukanya Express, departure around 9:15 AM (check exact for 2025), journey approx. 14-15 hours overnight.
INR1200 per person approx., 14h0m

9:15AM

Train Journey

Relax on the train, enjoy meals available on board or bring packed lunch. This overnight journey will take you almost to Villupuram, then a short taxi or bus to Pondicherry.
Included in ticket cost, 14h0m

Day 2: Arrival & Local Exploration

Pondicherry, India on July 13, 2025

9:30AM

Arrive Villupuram Junction and Transfer

Take a taxi or bus to Pondicherry city center, which takes about 1 hour. Check into budget hotel.
Taxi approx INR1000, 1h0m

11:00AM

Check-in Hotel Omm Residency

A budget friendly hotel in Pondicherry offering family rooms, clean facilities and located near the city beach.
INR1500/night, Check-in process

12:00PM

Lunch at Surguru Spot

Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian meals famous here, open 10 AM to 10 PM, great for families and budget conscious.
INR250 per person, 1h0m

1:30PM

Promenade Beach Walk

Stroll along Promenade Beach, enjoy fresh sea breeze and vibrant street vendors. Ideal for relaxing after travel.
Free, 1h30m

3:00PM

Visit Pondicherry Museum

Explore artifacts showcasing local history and French colonial past. Open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
INR15 per person, 1h0m

5:00PM

Back to Hotel & Rest

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
Free, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Le Cafe

Enjoy casual dining seaside with light Indian and continental options. Open until 11:00 PM.
INR500 per person, 1h30m

Day 3: Sightseeing & Culture

Pondicherry, India on July 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with an included hotel breakfast featuring South Indian dishes.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Explore the famous international township known for its unique architecture and spirituality, about 12 km from city center. Open morning to evening.
Free entry, 3h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Auroville Bakery

Taste organic breads and snacks in the Auroville visitor’s center bakery, popular for fresh and healthy food.
INR300 per person, 1h0m

2:30PM

Return to Pondicherry & Visit Botanical Gardens

Walk and see various tropical plant species and peaceful garden settings, open 9 AM to 6 PM.
INR15 per person, 1h30m

4:30PM

Visit Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Admire the Gothic architecture and stained glass of this historic church, open till 6 PM.
Free, 1h0m

6:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Freshen up and relax.
Free, 1h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Anandha Inn Restaurant

Enjoy local vegetarian Tamil cuisine in a family-friendly setting.
INR400 per person, 1h30m

Day 4: Beaches and Shopping

Pondicherry, India on July 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast included with your stay to start the day refreshed.
Included, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Paradise Beach

Spend your morning at one of Pondicherry’s pristine beaches accessed by boat from Chunnambar Boat House. Beach open 8 AM to 5 PM.
Boat and entry INR200 per person, 3h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Surguru Veg Restaurant

Return and enjoy traditional South Indian vegetarian food at a local favorite.
INR250 per person, 1h0m

2:30PM

Shopping at Mission Street

Explore shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and textiles. A good place to pick up gifts.
Free to explore, 2h0m

4:30PM

Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple

A popular Hindu temple known for its elephant blessings, open 6 AM to 8 PM. Must-see cultural experience.
Free, 1h0m

6:00PM

Back to Hotel & Rest

Prepare for dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Experience French-Indian fusion cuisine in a cozy setting, open until 10 PM.
INR600 per person, 1h30m

Day 5: Return to Hyderabad

Pondicherry to Hyderabad, India on July 16, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast provided by hotel before checkout.
Included, 1h0m

8:00AM

Check out & Transfer to Villupuram

Taxi or bus back to Villupuram station for return train to Hyderabad.
INR1000, 1h0m

10:10AM

Depart Villupuram to Hyderabad Train

Board train number 22693 Sukanya Express for an overnight journey back to Hyderabad.
INR1200 per person, 14h0m

10:30PM

Arrive Hyderabad

Reach Hyderabad late night ready to rest or head home.
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