Two-day Itinerary for Pondicherry

  1. Day 1: Promenade Beach
    5 minutes (0.5 miles) from Aurobindo Ashram

    Start your day at Promenade Beach, where you can take a morning stroll along the coastline and enjoy the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal. This place is perfect to relax and embrace the beauty of nature. The beach is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can indulge in breakfast and coffee. Enjoy some street performances by local artists and musicians. Spend some peaceful time watching the waves of the sea.

  2. Day 1: Amma Mandapam
    5 minutes (0.3 miles) from Promenade Beach

    Next, you will visit Amma Mandapam, a beautiful monument built during the French colonial rule. It has a unique architecture with a beautiful garden surrounding it. You can click some beautiful pictures and walk around the garden exploring the flora.

  3. Day 1: Aurobindo Ashram
    10 minutes (0.9 miles) from Amma Mandapam

    Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual center that promotes the practice of yoga. It was founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa. The ashram has beautiful gardens, a library, and a shop selling some organic products. You can participate in meditation and yoga sessions conducted by the ashram members. Learn about the teachings and enlightenment of Sri Aurobindo.

  4. Day 1: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
    20 minutes (1.1 miles) from Aurobindo Ashram

    Next on the list is Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a beautiful church with mesmerizing stained glass windows, wooden carvings, and gothic architecture. The serene atmosphere of the place will surely calm your mind. You can attend the mass and light a candle, wishing for your loved ones.

  5. Day 1: Paradise Beach
    30 minutes (8.5 miles) from Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    Your final destination for the day is Paradise Beach, a white sandy beach with crystal clear waters. This place is not accessible by road. You can take a ferry ride from Chunnambar Boat House to reach the beach. The place has some water sports activities like kayaking, boating, and surfing. Relax and enjoy the evening watching the sunset and having a barbeque dinner.

  6. Day 2: Matrimandir
    30 minutes (8.7 miles) from Paradise Beach

    Start your day at Matrimandir, a spiritual center dedicated to the practice of meditation. The place has a unique architecture and a serene atmosphere. It is a bit of a walk from the entrance to the mandir, but the lush green garden surrounding it is worth the walk. You need to book the tickets in advance to visit the mandir.

  7. Day 2: Pondicherry Museum
    20 minutes (6.1 miles) from Matrimandir

    Pondicherry Museum is a must-visit for all history enthusiasts. The place has unique collections of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts that reflect the cultural heritage of the region. It also has a section dedicated to the prehistoric era with fossils and remains of ancient creatures. The place also has an old-world charm with beautiful French architecture.

  8. Day 2: Botanical Garden
    10 minutes (0.6 miles) from Pondicherry Museum

    Botanical Garden is a beautiful place with a variety of plants and trees. The place also has some rare species of plants and flowers. Spend some time walking around the park and enjoying the scenic beauty. The park also has some water fountains and a small train ride to keep the kids entertained.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Breakfast at Promenade Beach (1 hour, INR 400)
  • Entry Fee to Aurobindo Ashram (1 hour, INR 10)
  • Lunch at Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1 hour, INR 700)
  • Ferry Ride to Paradise Beach (45 minutes, INR 300)
  • Dinner at Paradise Beach (2 hours, INR 1000)
  • Ticket Fee to Matrimandir (2 hours, INR 1500)
  • Entry Fee to Pondicherry Museum (1 hour, INR 300)
  • Entry Fee to Botanical Garden (1 hour, INR 50)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 3260

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore other nearby places like Auroville and Chunnambar Boat House. If you have less time, you can skip the Pondicherry Museum and Botanical Garden. Make sure to book tickets to Matrimandir in advance and check the opening and closing times of all places to make sure that they are open on that day. Do not forget to try local cuisines like Paniyaram and Kadugu Yerra.

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