Family-Friendly 1-Day Itinerary for Pondicherry

  1. 9:00AM: Sri Aurobindo Ashram
    5 minutes (0.5 miles) from Promenade Beach

    Spend your morning at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in the early 20th century. The ashram is a spiritual community that is open to all and houses many museums, libraries, and art galleries. Visitors can explore the Ashram's beautiful gardens and visit the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

  2. 11:00AM: Bharathi Park
    10 minutes (1 mile) from Sri Aurobindo Ashram

    After your visit to the ashram, take a relaxing stroll through the lush greenery of Bharathi Park. This scenic public park is popular with locals and visitors alike, and offers plenty of open space for kids to run around and play.

  3. 12:30PM: Le Café
    5 minutes (0.5 miles) from Bharathi Park

    For lunch, head to the iconic Le Café restaurant. Located on the Promenade Beach, Le Café is a popular spot where you can enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal. Don't miss their famous wood-fired pizzas!

  4. 2:00PM: Pondicherry Museum
    10 minutes (1 mile) from Le Café

    After lunch, delve into the history and culture of Pondicherry by exploring the Pondicherry Museum. Housing an impressive collection of artefacts, relics, and sculptures, the museum provides a fascinating insight into the rich past of the city.

  5. 4:00PM: Auroville
    20 minutes (6 miles) from Pondicherry Museum

    No trip to Pondicherry is complete without a visit to Auroville. This experimental township is home to people from all over the world, who have come together to create a sustainable, harmonious community. Take a guided tour of the Matri Mandir, and marvel at the stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

  6. 6:00PM: Paradise Beach
    15 minutes (5 miles) from Auroville

    To end your day, head to Paradise Beach. Accessible only by boat and situated close to Chunnambar River, the beach is known for its stunning white sands, shallow waters, and tranquil surroundings. Take a dip in the sea, soak in the sun, and unwind before heading back to your hotel.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (2 hours, Free entry)
  • Bharathi Park (1.5 hours, Free entry)
  • Le Cafe (1 hour, ₹500 per person)
  • Pondicherry Museum (1.5 hours, ₹10 for Indian adults, ₹5 for children)
  • Auroville (2 hours, Free entry, Matri Mandir tour with prior booking ₹200 per person)
  • Paradise Beach (2 hours, Entry ₹20 per person, boat ride ₹300 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹720 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the French Quarter and take a stroll along the charming streets lined with colourful houses, cafes and boutiques. For those with less time, skip the visit to Auroville as it requires a bit of travel time. If you are traveling with young children, consider adding a visit to the Botanical Garden for a fun and educational experience or the Jawahar Toy Museum.

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