Shoestring Budget 3-Day Itinerary for Pondicherry

  1. Day 1: Explore the Heritage of Pondicherry
    Walking distance from Pondicherry Bus Station

    Start your tour by exploring the untouched beauty of Pondicherry's heritage. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville where one can meditate in the peaceful environment. Next, head to the Pondicherry Museum to see the town's fascinating past. Finish the day with a beautiful sunset at Promenade Beach.

  2. Day 2: Experience the French Influence in Pondicherry
    5 minutes (1.2 km) by vehicle from Pondicherry Bus Station

    Get lost in the French influence while visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Notre Dame des Anges. Afterward, Head to the charming White Town area to visit the Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple and Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Also, do not miss enjoying fresh croissants and coffee at Baker Street.

  3. Day 3: Nature and Adventure in Pondicherry
    10 minutes (4.6 km) by vehicle from Pondicherry Bus Station

    Head to Chunnambar Boat House to spend a morning in nature. Take a boat to Paradise Beach and return by lunchtime. Spend your afternoon at the Bharathi Park with lush greenery and serene waters. End the day by experiencing the Surfing School at Serenity Beach.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hours, entrance is free)
  • Auroville (2-3 hours, entrance is free, donations are welcome)
  • Pondicherry Museum (1-2 hours, INR 15 entry fee)
  • Promenade Beach (1-2 hours, entrance is free)
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1-2 hours, entrance is free)
  • Notre Dame des Anges (1-2 hours, entrance is free)
  • Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple (30min-1 hour, entrance is free)
  • Manakula Vinayagar Temple (30min-1 hour, entrance is free)
  • Baker Street (30min-1 hour, prices vary depending on purchase)
  • Chunnambar Boat House (2-3 hours, INR 10 entry fee)
  • Paradise Beach (2-3 hours, INR 150 boat ride)
  • Bharathi Park (1-2 hours, entrance is free)
  • Surfing School at Serenity Beach (1-2 hours, INR 2,500 for a basic course)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding food and accommodation): INR 2,685

Useful Tips

For travelers with extra time, it is recommended to visit the ancient temples located in the surrounding villages of Pondicherry. However, for travelers with less than three days, it is suggested to exclude Chunnambar Boat House from the itinerary to experience everything through sightseeing within Pondicherry's town limits. Local transportation is available through app-based taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses.

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