Exploring Pondicherry on a Shoestring Budget

  1. 8:00AM: Promenade Beach
    Located in the heart of Pondicherry

    Start your day at the Promenade Beach, a scenic seafront with a 1.5 km long clean promenade lined with statues of famous personalities. Take a stroll, witness the sunrise and spend time with some fresh breeze.

  2. 10:00AM: Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
    Just a 5-minute walk from Promenade beach

    Next up, head to this iconic temple that is famous for its grand architecture and religious significance. The entrance itself astonishes you with a huge statue of Lord Ganesha.

  3. 11:30AM: Botanical Garden
    5 km from the temple

    Visit the Botanical Garden, which offers a wide variety of flora to witness. Established in 1826, it houses over 1500 species of plants, a small aquarium and a musical fountain that plays some popular tunes.

  4. 1:30PM: French Colony
    2.5km from the botanical garden

    The french colony or 'White town' is a quaint place with narrow streets and colourful walls. It is an ideal spot for a leisurely walk. You'll be charmed by the mix of french and Indian architecture and cute little cafes to grab a bite.

  5. 3:00PM: Pondicherry Museum
    550m from the French Colony

    The Pondicherry museum showcases the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Pondicherry. It contains a collection of sculptures and artefacts from the Chola and Pallava dynasties to name a few.

  6. 4:30PM: Paradise Beach
    15km from Pondicherry Museum

    A beautiful beach located in the Chunnambar river backwaters, accessible only by boat. The entrance fee is negligible and is worth every penny once you reach the location. Do carry some snacks, if you plan to spend more time here.

  7. 7:30PM: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
    3km from Paradise Beach

    The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a beautiful church with breathtaking architecture that will leave you awe-struck. It is open until 8:00PM, so you'll have enough time to explore.

  8. 8:30PM: Pondy Bazaar
    2.3km from the Church

    No trip is complete without some shopping. Pondy Bazaar has a range of things to offer, from trendy clothes to souvenirs. You can bargain here and get some great deals, so don't forget to do so.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Promenade Beach (2 hours, Free)
  • Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Botanical Garden (1.5 hours, Rs.10/person)
  • French Colony (2 hours, Free)
  • Pondicherry Museum (1.5 hours, Rs.15/person)
  • Paradise Beach (2 hours, Rs.150/person for boat ride)
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1 hour, Free)
  • Pondy Bazaar (1.5 hours, as per your budget)

  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs.200/person

Useful Tips

If you have more time to spare, you can visit Auroville, a township famous for its spiritually charged environment. For food, you can try some mouth-watering seafood near the beach area or at any street vendors nearby.

If you have a lesser time, you can skip either the museum, the botanical garden or paradise beach. Be wary of changing weather conditions and carry some snacks and water along with you.

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