4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Pondicherry

1. Day 1: Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Museum
   5 minutes (0.5 km) from Promenade Beach

   Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual and cultural institution founded by Sri Aurobindo and his French collaborator, The Mother. This is a serene spot for meditation and introspection. The Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts where one can see photographs, documents, and personal belongings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The ashram also has a boutique that houses handmade soaps, incense sticks and candles.

2. Day 2: Paradise Beach and Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
   20 minutes (7.5 km) from Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Museum

   Paradise Beach, also known as Plages Paradiso, is a haven for beach lovers. This beautiful beach is accessible only by boat, which makes the visit even more exciting. The turquoise blue water with golden sand is a sight to behold. After visiting the beach, tourists can visit Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. This 300-year-old temple has fantastic architecture, and the spiritual vibes set a beautiful ambiance.

3. Day 3: Botanical Garden and Pondicherry Museum
   15 minutes (4 km) from Paradise Beach and Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

   Botanical Garden is a lush green garden that boasts of exotic species of plants and trees. A toy train takes tourists on a tour of this fantastic garden. After a relaxing afternoon at the garden, a visit to Pondicherry Museum is a must. This museum is home to sculptures, paintings, and rare items that are linked to Puducherry's history and culture.

4. Day 4: Auroville and Matrimandir
   20 minutes (10 km) from Botanical Garden and Pondicherry Museum

   Auroville is an experimental township created in 1968 to promote global unity and peace. It's an eco-friendly place with unique dome-shaped buildings and houses quirky cafes and boutiques. Auroville's most famous attraction is the Matrimandir, a magnificent golden dome created as a place for quiet contemplation. Visitors must book in advance to enter Matrimandir.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hrs, free)
• Paradise Beach (2-3 hrs, boat fare INR 300 per person)
• Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple (1-2 hrs, free)
• Botanical Garden (1-2 hrs, INR 20 per person for toy train ride)
• Pondicherry Museum (1-2 hrs, INR 15 per person)
• Auroville (2-3 hrs, free entrance)
• Matrimandir (2-3 hrs, free entrance after booking)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 335 per person

Useful Tips

Make sure to book the boat and Matrimandir in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. If you have more time, visit the Chunnambar Boat House, Ousteri Lake, and Serenity Beach. For foodies, local cuisine is a must-try, especially the seafood. If you have less time, skip the Botanical garden. Note that some places remain closed on Mondays and government holidays. Check the opening timings beforehand and plan accordingly to make the most of your trip to Pondicherry.