3-Day Family Road Trip Itinerary: Bangalore → Pondicherry (Stay near Promenade Beach) — 24–26 Sep 2025

Day 1: Drive + Old Town

Pondicherry, India on September 24, 2025

6:00am

Depart Bangalore by car

Leave early (around 6:00am) to avoid city traffic; follow the Hosur → Krishnagiri → Villupuram corridor to Pondicherry. Expect tolls and two fuel stops. Drive time ~6–7h depending on breaks and weather.
INR3000, 6h0m

12:30pm

Check-in near Promenade Beach & freshen up

Arrive and check into your hotel near Promenade Beach; keep luggage, change, rest briefly before lunch. Most hotels allow check-in from 1:00pm but request early check-in if needed.
INR0, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Le Café (on Promenade) or nearby seaside restaurant

Iconic open-air café on the Promenade with sea views — light meals, continental and Indian options; excellent for families and easy for a quick bite after the drive. Check current opening hours; typically open from early morning to late evening.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

French Quarter walking tour (self-guided)

Explore White Town's colonial streets, colorful villas, boutiques and photo spots. Great introduction to Pondicherry's architecture and shops — walking tour best done in the cooler afternoon or early morning.
INR0, 1h30m

4:15pm

Sri Aurobindo Ashram — main ashram area

Visit the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram (quiet, meditative place). Typical visitor times are 7:00am–12:00pm and 2:00pm–6:00pm; observe silence and photography rules in some areas.
INR0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Promenade / Goubert Avenue sunset stroll

Walk along the seaside Promenade to catch sunset, watch fishermen and monuments like the War Memorial; the promenade is open to the public and ideal for families in the evening.
INR0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner — Villa Shanti (French-Indian bistro) or Le Dupleix

Family-friendly restaurant with good local and French-influenced dishes; reserve if you want a table in White Town. Typically open for dinner 7:00pm–10:30pm.
INR700, 1h30m

9:45pm

Relax at Promenade or return to hotel

Take an easy evening stroll if the family has energy, or head back to the hotel to rest after the day of travel.
INR0, 0h30m

Day 2: Auroville & Beach

Pondicherry / Auroville, India on September 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Baker Street (French bakery) or Le Café

Enjoy fresh croissants, sandwiches, dosas or coffee — Baker Street is a family favorite for pastries; Le Café offers a seaside view. Baker Street typically opens by 7:00am.
INR300, 0h45m

8:45am

Drive to Auroville (MatriMandir visitor centre)

Short 25–35 minute drive north to Auroville. If you want Matrimandir viewing, you must have pre-booked the slot at Auroville Visitor Centre; otherwise visit the Visitor Centre and Matrimandir viewing platform.
INR0, 0h40m

9:30am

Auroville Visitor Centre & Matrimandir viewing (if booked)

Learn about Auroville and visit the viewing platform for Matrimandir; viewing slots are limited and require advance booking (book online or at the visitor centre at least 48 hours prior). Visitor centre open ~9:00am–12:00pm and 2:00pm–5:00pm.
INR0, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Auroville cafés and boutiques (Auroville Bakery, Solar Kitchen, boutiques)

Enjoy artisanal breads at Auroville Bakery or a wholesome meal at Solar Kitchen / Nature's Cafe; browse handicrafts and eco products. Many Auroville spots close around 5–6pm, check individual hours.
INR350, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch — Nature's Café (Auroville) or Auroville Bakery eatery

Healthy vegetarian/vegan-friendly options loved by families; relaxed environment. Typically open for lunch from about 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Chunnambar / Paradise Beach by boat

Drive to Chunnambar Boat House (15–20 min from town) and take the ferry to Paradise Beach. Boats typically run from ~9:00am–4:30pm (timings may vary); check boat schedule on arrival. Paradise Beach is a sandy stretch great for kids; watch for weather and sea conditions.
INR600, 3h0m

6:00pm

Return to Promenade & relax

Freshen up at the hotel and relax on the promenade or visit Bharathi Park for a calm evening. Promenade area is lively after sunset but watch belongings in crowds.
INR0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner — Le Dupleix or seaside restaurant in White Town

Elegant dinner option in a heritage hotel (book ahead for a family table); offers Tamil and continental dishes. Typical dinner hours 7:00pm–10:30pm.
INR800, 1h30m

9:45pm

Optional evening ice cream / stroll

Grab dessert (ice cream or crepes) near White Town and enjoy a slow walk back along quiet streets near the hotel.
INR200, 0h30m

Day 3: Quick morning & Return

Pondicherry → Bangalore, India on September 26, 2025

6:30am

Sunrise at Promenade & quick breakfast (Le Café or Baker Street)

Catch a final sunrise on the Promenade and have a quick breakfast; start early to beat heat and ensure timely departure for the return drive.
INR300, 0h45m

7:30am

Quick visit — Manakula Vinayagar Temple (short darshan)

Family-friendly, colorful temple near the Promenade; open early (typically 5:00am–12:00pm and 4:00pm–8:00pm). Keep the visit brief to stay on schedule.
INR0, 0h30m

8:15am

Checkout and depart Pondicherry for Bangalore

Leave by 8:15am (or earlier if possible) so you can reach Bangalore well before nightfall; follow the same Hosur–Krishnagiri corridor. Plan a fuel stop and a lunch break en route (Krishnagiri/Hosur area).
INR3000, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch en route (Krishnagiri/Hosur) — family restaurant

Stop for a proper lunch and rest; family-friendly highway restaurants (A2B, local dhabas or multi-cuisine restaurants) are available near Krishnagiri/Hosur. Stretch and refuel.
INR600, 0h45m

3:00pm

Estimated arrival in Bangalore (home before night)

Target arrival in Bangalore in mid-to-late afternoon (approx 3:00–4:30pm depending on exact departure and traffic), fulfilling the requirement to reach home before night. Check live traffic updates for final ETA and route changes.
INR0, 0h0m
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