Four-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Pondicherry

1. Day 1: Arrival and Beach Fun
   From Chennai to Pondicherry (160km), it takes approximately 3 hours. 10 minutes (4.6km) from the bus stand is Promenade Beach. This beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll and the kids can build sandcastles or dip their toes in the Bay of Bengal. The beach doesn’t have any chairs or umbrellas so remember to bring sunscreen and hats. Take a walk further down to the French War Memorial and the Gandhi Statue. The picturesque promenade is perfect for a relaxing evening with an ice-cream and chips from the street vendors.
2. Day 2: History and Culture
   The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is at a distance of 3.3km and approximately 10 minutes from Promenade Beach. It opens as early as 6 am and closes by 9 pm. Founded by Sri Aurobindo, a philosopher, and yogi, the Ashram is a center for spiritual practice. Take a guided tour around the premises to understand the principles of Integral Yoga. 12 minutes (1km) away is the famous Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which opens from 6 am - 6 pm. The Basilica is known for its neo-gothic structure and the French stained glass windows relaying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Forty-seven minutes (18.3km) away from Basilica is the Auroville. This experimental township is a celebration of human diversity and brings together people and cultures from all over the world. The township opens from 9 am - 5 pm.
3. Day 3: Nature and Adventure
   The Serenity Beach is a 15-minute drive from the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It opens at 8 am and closes by 6 pm. Surfing is the go-to activity for adventure lovers here. Take a surfing lesson with the Surf School in Pondicherry or rent a kayak and paddle through the waves. After the waves, take a trip to the Bharathi Park and Pondicherry Museum (3.5km) which opens from 10 am - 5 pm. The museum exhibits artifacts and paintings showcasing Pondicherry's rich history and culture.
4. Day 4: Shopping and Cuisine
   Shop for souvenirs in the mustard-yellow building of the Goubert Market known for its fresh produce, flowers, and handicrafts. The market opens from 7 am - 12 pm and 3 pm - 7 pm. Stroll through the streets of the vibrant White Town and the French Quarter with its colonial architecture and stop by one of the French bakeries or cafes. For dinner, head to the famous Appachi Chettinad Restaurant (2.7km) that opens at 11 am and closes by 11 pm. The restaurant brings authentic Chettinad cuisine to Pondicherry with its signature dishes - Chettinad Chicken and Mutton Chukka.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Promenade Beach (2 hours, free entry)
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram (2 hours, free entry)
• Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus (1 hour, free entry)
• Auroville (2-3 hours, free entry)
• Serenity Beach (2-3 hours, INR 2000 for surfing and INR 500 for Kayaking)
• Bharathi Park and Pondicherry Museum (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Goubert Market (1 hour, free entry)
• White Town and the French Quarter (1 hour, free entry)
• Appachi Chettinad Restaurant (1 hour, INR 600 for two people)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 3150

Useful Tips

For those with extra time, take a day trip to the famous Paradise Beach. The beach is open from 9 am - 5 pm and offers activities like beach volleyball, boating, and sunbathing. Additionally, taking a walk around the Botanical Garden (2.8km) can be a refreshing addition to Day 2. Those with less time can choose between either the Ashram or Auroville for Day 2 or reduce the number of activities for Day 1. Don’t forget to take a break and try the local snacks like Bondas or Vadas from the street vendors around the city.