One day in Pondicherry Itinerary

  1. 9:00AM: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
    Within walking distance of most downtown hotels and guesthouses

    Begin the morning with a visit to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The church is one of the most visited landmarks in Pondicherry, designed in a neo-Gothic style. Take a stroll around the church compound and admire the architecture and stained-glass windows.

  2. 10:00AM: Pondicherry Museum
    10-minute taxi ride from the basilica (2.5km)

    The Pondicherry Museum is a must-visit destination for any history buff. Exhibits include rare bronze statues and artefacts from Chola and Pallava dynasties. The highlight of the museum is the statue gallery with sculptures mainly from the Chola period organised chronologically and in stylistic sequence.

  3. 11:00AM: Promenade Beach
    10-minute taxi ride from the Pondicherry Museum (3 km)

    A 1.5 km long walkway along the coast, Promenade Beach is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. The beach not only offers panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal, but also various food and souvenir stalls. Relax and soak up the sun or take a swim in the sea.

  4. 1:00PM: Surguru Restaurant
    Within walking distance of Promenade Beach (600m)

    When it comes to cuisine in Pondicherry, it's hard to pass up the charming atmosphere and delicious food of Surguru Restaurant. Try their Tandoori dishes and North Indian specialities, which are sure to leave your taste buds craving for more.

  5. 3:00PM: Auroville
    30-minute taxi ride from Surguru Restaurant (11km)

    Take a taxi ride to Auroville, a unique experimental township that was built with the mission of seeking human unity, international understanding, and cultural diversity. You can visit the Matrimandir and other interesting places in Auroville, which give insights into Auroville's vision of sustainable living.

  6. 6:00PM: Serenity Beach
    15-minute taxi ride from Auroville (6.3km)

    End your day with a breathtaking sunset at Serenity Beach, a quiet and pristine stretch of golden sand and clear water. It's the perfect place for a peaceful and calming end to an exciting day exploring Pondicherry

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1 hour, Free)
  • Pondicherry Museum (1 hour, INR 15)
  • Promenade Beach (2 hours, Free)
  • Surguru Restaurant (1 hour, INR 400)
  • Auroville (2 hours, Free)
  • Serenity Beach (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 415

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can explore other popular landmarks in Pondicherry such as Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry Botanical garden, and Gandhi Statue. If you have less time, prioritise visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Auroville.If you're planning to visit Auroville, remember to book tickets in advance to avoid any delays.

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