Arunachalam & Pondicherry Adventure – 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arunachalam & Giripradakshina (Saturday, 16 Aug)

Morning: Depart Bangalore at 1 AM and drive to Arunachalam (Tiruvannamalai), arriving around 7 AM. Enjoy a light breakfast at a local dhaba before heading to the sacred hill.

Afternoon: Begin the Giripradakshina (full circumambulation) of Arunachala, a 14 km spiritual trek that takes 4–5 hours, with scenic views and spiritual chants along the path. Take a brief rest at the base for refreshments.

Evening: Visit the historic Arunachaleswarar Temple for a short darshan before heading eastward. Drive toward Pondicherry, arriving late night for check‑in at a beachfront hotel.

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Day 2: Pondicherry Exploration (Sunday, 17 Aug)

Morning: Start with a calming visit to the Aurobindo Ashram, exploring its serene gardens and meditation rooms. Follow with a stroll along the lively Promenade Beach for sunrise views.

Afternoon: Wander the charming French Quarter, admiring colonial architecture, boutique cafés, and the colorful **Raja Rani** boulevard. Grab a lunch of fresh seafood at a coastal café.

Evening: Take a guided Mangrove Boat Tour in the nearby mangrove wetlands, spotting unique flora and fauna. Conclude the day with dinner at a beachfront restaurant and relax at the hotel.

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Day 3: Return to Bangalore (Monday, 18 Aug)

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a quick dip at Paradise Beach before packing up. Check out and begin the drive back to Bangalore.

Afternoon: Stop at a roadside dhaba for a traditional South Indian lunch. Continue the scenic drive, with occasional stops for refreshments and stretching.

Evening: Arrive back in Bangalore by late evening, concluding a memorable weekend of spirituality, culture, and coastal relaxation.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Arunachaleswarar Temple – 1 hour – ₹150
  • Giripradakshina (full circuit) – 4 hours – ₹300 (donations)
  • Transportation (Bangalore‑Arunachalam‑Pondicherry‑Bangalore) – 10 hours – ₹4,000
  • Aurobindo Ashram – 1 hour – Free (donation ₹50)
  • Promenade & French Quarter – 2 hours – Free
  • Beach (Paradise, Auro Beach) – 2 hours – ₹200 (shoes, snacks)
  • Mangrove Boat Tour – 2 hours – ₹800
  • Accommodation (1 night, 4‑star hotel) – 1 night – ₹3,500
  • Meals (3 days) – 3 days – ₹1,200
  • Miscellaneous (tips, extra) – 1 day – ₹500
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹10,700

Tips

If you have an extra day, extend your stay in Pondicherry to explore the hidden gem of Ousteri Lake for bird‑watching or take a day trip to the historic town of Kanchipuram. To shorten the itinerary, skip the Mangrove Tour and spend more time at the beaches, or opt for a direct drive back to Bangalore after the afternoon in Pondicherry to reduce travel fatigue.

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