4-Day Itinerary for Pondicherry

1. Day 1: Beaches and Museum Tour
   Starting location: Pondicherry Railway Station
   9:00am
   Travel time: 15 min (3.5 km)
   • Promenade Beach (1 hour) - One of the most popular beaches in Pondicherry with a long walking path for a lovely view of the Bay of Bengal.
   • Pondicherry Museum (1 hour 30 minutes) - Artifacts from the Chola and Pallava dynasties, some fine bronze statues and carvings and an archaeological section.
   • Auroville Beach (1 hour) - A peaceful beach located near Auroville. It is known for its golden sand and tranquil atmosphere.
   Travel time: 20 min (7.5 km)
   Estimated end time: 2:30pm

   Pondicherry has a rich culture and heritage that is visible in its various museums, art galleries, and beaches. Explore the beautiful beaches and museums in the city to experience the diverse history of the place.

2. Day 2: Aurobindo Ashram, Gingee Fort and Shopping
   Starting location: Promenade Beach
   9:00am
   • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1 hour) - A spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, The Mother. The center has a library, boutique, handmade paper factory, perfume factory.
   • Gingee Fort (2 hours) - An hour's drive from Pondicherry, the fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its spectacular architecture.
   • Auromics (1 hour) - A shop that sells organic food products, handmade perfumes and candles.
   • Janaki (1 hour) - Located near the Pothys building, it is a good place to purchase Indian garments.
   Travel time: 1 hour 30 min (75 km)
   Estimated end time: 5:00pm

   On the second day, explore the spiritual side of Pondicherry by visiting the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. After that, head to Gingee Fort to witness the most prominent architectural marvel that the place offers. In the evening, enjoy some local shopping at Auromics and Janaki.

3. Day 3: Auroville and Botanical Garden
   Starting location: Hotel Artisan
   9:00am
   • Auroville (2 hours) - A universal township that was inaugurated in 1968. Auroville is a hub of alternative living and offers yoga sessions, meditation, and organic farming
   • Botanical Garden (1 hour) - The Botanical Garden is an ideal tourist spot to relax and witness various exotic species of plants and trees.
   Travel time: 25 min (15 km)
   Estimated end time: 1:00pm

   Spend some tranquil time at Auroville - a place where one can explore the diverse culture of India. After that, visit the Botanical Garden to see the exotic species of plants and trees that the garden offers.

4. Day 4: Chunnambar Boat House, Manakula Vinayagar Temple and French Colony
   Starting location: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
   9:00am
   • Chunnambar Boat House (3 hours) - This is an excellent spot for boat rides and picnics. The boathouse is situated along the backwaters, which leads to the Bay of Bengal.
   • Manakula Vinayagar Temple (1 hour) - A temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, built during the French colonial period.
   • French Colony (2 hours) - Take a leisurely stroll through the French colony to see the different pieces of heritage buildings. Raj Bhavan, Puducherry Museum, French Institute of Pondicherry, Alliance Francaise are some of the landmarks in this region.
   Travel time: 40 min (11 km)
   Estimated end time: 5:00pm

   The last day of your trip will take you to Chunnambar Boathouse, where you'll have a fun boat ride and picnic by the backwaters. Afterward, visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple to seek blessings. The French colony of the town will be the last destination, where you can visit some heritage sites that show the town's French influences.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Pondicherry Museum (1 hour 30 minutes, INR 10)
• Gingee Fort (2 hours, INR 25)
• Auroville (2 hours, Free Entry)
• Botanical Garden (1 hour, INR 10)
• Chunnambar Boathouse (3 hours, INR 10-20)
• Manakula Vinayagar Temple (1 hour, Free Entry)
• Raj Bhavan (30 minutes, Free Entry)
• Alliance Francaise (30 minutes, Free Entry)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 75-85 (~$1-2 USD)

Useful tips

If you have more time: Add a trip to Paradise Beach, which is one of the famous beaches in Pondicherry, and take part in some fun activities. Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, which is one of the oldest churches located in Pondicherry.

If you have less time: Skip the visit to the French Colony and the shopping at Auromics and Janaki.