Pondicherry Family Friendly 5-Day Itinerary

  1. Sunday July 16: Paradise Beach
    20 minutes (7.5 miles) from Pondicherry

    In the morning, head to Paradise Beach, a serene and picturesque beach known for its clean sands and clear waters. Enjoy a relaxing swim or indulge in beach activities. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Chunnambar Boat House for a boat ride along the backwaters. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the promenade in Pondicherry, enjoying the sea breeze and vibrant atmosphere.

    • Beach Activities: INR 200, 2 hours
  2. Monday July 17: Auroville
    25 minutes (8 miles) from Pondicherry

    Start your day with a visit to Auroville, an experimental township known for its spiritual and cultural significance. Explore the Matrimandir, a futuristic golden sphere that serves as the town's focal point. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Sadhana Forest, a unique ecological project. In the evening, indulge in some shopping at the Auroville boutiques, offering a wide range of handicrafts and organic products.

    • Matrimandir Visit: Free, 2 hours (booking required)
    • Sadhana Forest: Free (donation appreciated), 2 hours
  3. Tuesday July 18: Sri Aurobindo Ashram
    5 minutes (1.2 miles) from Pondicherry

    Start your day with a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Explore the tranquil surroundings and attend a meditation session. In the afternoon, visit the Pondicherry Museum to learn about the region's rich history and heritage. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing walk along the Promenade Beach, dotted with cafes and eateries.

    • Meditation Session: Free, 1 hour
    • Pondicherry Museum: INR 10, 1-2 hours
  4. Wednesday July 19: Botanical Garden and Bharati Park
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Pondicherry

    Spend the morning exploring the Botanical Garden, a lush green oasis featuring a diverse collection of plants and trees. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and admire the vibrant flora. In the afternoon, visit Bharati Park, a peaceful park with statues, fountains, and a musical fountain show in the evenings. End your day with a visit to the French War Memorial, paying tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

    • Botanical Garden: INR 20, 1-2 hours
    • Musical Fountain Show: INR 10, 30 minutes
  5. Thursday July 20: Chunnambar Boat House and Serenity Beach
    30 minutes (8 miles) from Pondicherry

    Start your day with a boat ride at the Chunnambar Boat House, exploring the scenic backwaters and enjoying the tranquility of nature. In the afternoon, head to Serenity Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing and surfing. Relax on the sandy shores or try your hand at surfing. In the evening, visit the Pondicherry Promenade for a delightful sunset view and street food experience.

    • Boat Ride: INR 400, 1-2 hours
    • Surfing Lesson: INR 500, 1 hour

Recommendations

If you have some extra time, consider exploring the following attractions: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry Botanical Research Institute, and the Pondicherry Science Centre & Planetarium. For day trips, you can visit the temples of Chidambaram or take a scenic drive to Mahabalipuram, known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites. To make the most of your money, look out for local restaurants serving authentic South Indian cuisine at reasonable prices. Don't forget to try the famous French pastries and cakes at the bakeries in the French Quarter.

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