A Day in Pondicherry on a Shoestring Budget

1. 8:00 AM: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
   Located in the heart of the city, the Basilica is one of Pondicherry's most visited attractions and is renowned for its Neo-Gothic architecture. This magnificent church is worth a visit not just for its religious significance but also for its historical and architectural significance.

   Estimated Time Spent: 1 hour

2. 9:30 AM: Immaculate Conception Cathedral
   Located just a few minutes walk from the Basilica, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a beautiful church with a white and cream façade that exudes a sense of peace and quietude from the busy streets of Pondicherry. The church grounds are quiet and peaceful and provide an opportunity for a short break.

   Estimated Time Spent: 30 minutes

3. 10:15 AM: Pondicherry Museum
   This is a beautiful museum that has a collection of rare items, including a French bed, a collection of coins, and French antiques. This museum will give you a glimpse of the culture, history, and art of Pondicherry and is situated in the heart of the city, making it easy to get to.

   Estimated Time Spent: 1 hour

4. 12:00 PM: Auroville Beach
   The Auroville Beach is a popular beach located just 12 km from Pondicherry and is an ideal place to relax and unwind. Here you can indulge in water sports activities, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the sea breeze.

   Estimated Time Spent: 2 hours (including travel time)

   Distance Travelled: 12 km

5. 3:00 PM: Matrimandir
   The Matrimandir is a beautiful golden dome situated in Auroville. The dome is a serene place that is dedicated to meditation and was designed by the spiritual leader of the Aurobindo Ashram, Sri Aurobindo. This is a must-visit place for those interested in spirituality and meditation.

   Estimated Time Spent: 1 hour (including travel time)

   Distance Travelled: 8 km

6. 4:30 PM: Botanical Garden
   The Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden situated in the heart of the city and is known for its lush greenery, rare trees, and exotic flowers. This is a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

   Estimated Time Spent: 1 hour

Time and Costs Estimates

• Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1 hour, free)
• Immaculate Conception Cathedral (30 minutes, free)
• Pondicherry Museum (1 hour, ₹10 for Indians and ₹250 for Foreign Nationals)
• Auroville Beach (2 hours, ₹20 for entry fee)
• Matrimandir (1 hour, free entry with prior booking)
• Botanical Garden (1 hour, ₹20 for Indians and ₹50 for Foreign Nationals)
Total Estimated Costs: ₹100 for Indians and ₹520 for Foreign Nationals

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit some other places like the French War Memorial or the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple. If you have less time, you can prioritize visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral as they are situated in the heart of the city and can be visited in a short amount of time. Do carry a water bottle and comfortable shoes for the day. Lastly, be mindful of the environmental conditions and strictly follow the COVID-19 protocols during your visit.