Family-Friendly Itinerary for 5 Days in Pondicherry

  1. Day 1: Puducherry Promenade Beach
    15 minutes (5.6 km) from Puducherry Airport

    Start your trip with a relaxing day at Puducherry Promenade Beach, a popular attraction for its scenic views and water activities. Take a stroll along the beach, go surfing, or enjoy the local street food from the vendors nearby.

  2. Day 2: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Auroville
    20 minutes (5.7 km) from Puducherry Promenade Beach

    Visit The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Catholic church known for its stunning neo-gothic architecture and stained-glass windows. Next, head over to Auroville, an experimental township focused on eco-friendly living and diverse cultural exchange. Here, you can take a guided tour and learn more about their projects.

  3. Day 3: Paradise Beach and Botanical Garden
    30 minutes (8.9 km) from Auroville

    Unwind at Paradise Beach, a secluded oasis accessible only by boat. The clear blue waters and soft white sand make it a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. Later in the day, visit the Botanical Garden, known for its collection of exotic plants and a toy train that takes you on a scenic ride.

  4. Day 4: Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Immaculate Conception Cathedral
    15 minutes (4.2 km) from Botanical Garden

    Start your day with a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by sages Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Learn about their teachings and practices while exploring the tranquil grounds. Afterward, head over to Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a Catholic church known for its grand architecture and serene atmosphere.

  5. Day 5: Ousteri Lake and Serenity Beach
    30 minutes (11.5 km) from Immaculate Conception Cathedral

    Start your day at Ousteri Lake, a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery. Take a boat ride and try your hand at fishing, or simply enjoy the calm atmosphere. Later, head over to Serenity Beach for a final day of watersports before leaving Pondicherry.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Puducherry Promenade Beach (2 hours, free)
  • The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1 hour, free)
  • Auroville (3-4 hours, 300-500 INR)
  • Paradise Beach (3 hours, 200 INR for boat ride)
  • Botanical Garden (2-3 hours, 20-50 INR)
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hours, free)
  • Immaculate Conception Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Ousteri Lake (2-3 hours, 100-200 INR for boat ride)
  • Serenity Beach (3 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: 620-920 INR per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting some of the nearby temples such as Manakula Vinayagar Temple or Kamakshi Amman Temple, or exploring the local markets such as Goubert Market or Mission Street for souvenirs and street food. If you have less time, skip Ousteri Lake and Serenity Beach and spend more time exploring the other places.

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