Two-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Pondicherry

  1. Day 1: Seaside Exploration
    Starting point: Promenade Beach
    Time and distance from last point: 10 minutes (0.8 km) to Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory

    Begin your day with a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach, one of Pondicherry's popular attractions. Next, visit Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory where you can see the paper-making process and buy eco-friendly paper products. For lunch, satisfy your cravings with some delicious treats at Baker Street, known for their authentic French pastries. After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat ride in Paradise Beach Island followed by an evening stroll around the Seaside Promenade, where you can witness the beautiful sunset and indulge in some street foods.

  2. Day 2: Historical and Cultural Tour
    Starting point: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
    Time and distance from last point: 10 minutes (2 km) to Puducherry Museum

    Discover the rich history and culture of Pondicherry by visiting its iconic landmarks. Begin your day at Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and take in its grandeur architecture. Next up, explore the Puducherry Museum and learn about the French and British colonial past of Pondicherry. For lunch head over to the famous Aurobindo Ashram, where you can relish in some delicious vegetarian meals. After lunch, take a rickshaw ride to the Botanical Gardens and immerse in the beauty of exotic plants and flowers. End your day by exploring the vibrant Goubert Market and get your hands on some authentic Pondicherry souvenirs.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Promenade Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory (30 mins-1 hour, approx ₹100 per person)
  • Baker Street (1 hour, approx ₹500 for two people)
  • Paradise Beach Island (2-3 hours, approx ₹250 per person)
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (30 mins-1 hour, free)
  • Puducherry Museum (1-2 hours, approx ₹20 per person)
  • Aurobindo Ashram (1 hour, approx ₹100 for two people)
  • Botanical Gardens (1-2 hours, approx ₹50 per person)
  • Goubert Market (1-2 hours, prices vary)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Approx ₹1220 per person

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, you can consider visiting Arikamedu Archaeological Site, known for its ancient Roman pottery artifacts. Another place to add to your itinerary is the Pondicherry lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the city. For those running short of time, you can skip some locations on the itinerary. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes because there will be lots of walking involved. Also, it's recommended to carry cash while exploring the markets and street stalls.

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