3-Day Itinerary for Pondicherry

1. Day 1: Auroville
   25 minutes (6.5 miles) from Pondicherry

   For morning, visit the Matri Mandir, a beautiful golden globe structure and a place for meditation. In the afternoon, explore the Auroville Botanical Gardens, a peaceful oasis with a wide variety of plants. End the day with a visit to the Visitor's Centre and an introductory video about Auroville.

2. Day 2: Promenade Beach
   10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Auroville

   Enjoy a morning walk along the Promenade Beach, a bustling stretch of sand with restaurants and cafes. In the afternoon, visit the French War Memorial and the Pondicherry Museum. End the day with a visit to the Sacred Heart Basilica, a stunning church with stained glass windows.

3. Day 3: Chunnambar Boat House
   30 minutes (8.2 miles) from Promenade Beach

   Take a morning boat ride from Chunnambar Boat House to Paradise Beach, a secluded and pristine beach. Spend the afternoon exploring the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, a beautiful park with a wide variety of flora. End the day with a visit to the Ousteri Lake, a serene and peaceful spot to watch the sunset.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, The Mother. For a side trip, you can visit Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient temples and rock carvings. To maximize your fun, rent a bike or scooter to explore Pondicherry at your own pace. Finally, don't forget to try the local cuisine, especially the seafood and French pastries.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Auroville (4 hours, free)
• Promenade Beach (2 hours, free)
• Chunnambar Boat House (3 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Pondicherry Museum (2 hours, INR 15 per person)
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram (2 hours, free)
• Mahabalipuram (1 day, INR 500 per person)
• Bike/scooter rental (1 day, INR 300-500 per day)
• Food and drink (varies)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 815-1,015 per person

Check hotel and flight prices here.