Family Friendly 3-Day Itinerary for Pondicherry

  1. Day 1: Explore the French Quarter on foot
    Starting from Le Café
    Estimated time: 3 hours | Estimated distance: 4km

    Begin your trip by visiting the famous Le Café, which offers an exceptional breakfast menu overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Walk to the Pondicherry Museum, which showcases the rich heritage of the French in India. Visit the renowned Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a neo-Gothic church that is a beautiful example of the French architecture in Pondicherry. End the day at the Promenade Beach, a seaside promenade with several street food vendors.

  2. Day 2: Visit Auroville and Serenity Beach
    Starting from Auroville
    Estimated time: 6 hours | Estimated distance: 12km

    Begin your day by visiting the unique Auroville, an experimental city that is committed to the idea of human unity. Explore the Matri Mandir, a stunning golden globe monument that is the focal point of Auroville. Afterward, head to the Serenity Beach, one of the most tranquil beaches of Pondicherry. Experience the water sports like surfing and kayaking. Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the beach shacks before returning to your hotel.

  3. Day 3: Explore the Temples of Pondicherry
    Starting from Manakula Vinayagar Temple
    Estimated time: 5 hours | Estimated distance: 10km

    Visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, featuring an elephant that will bless visitors. Next, see the magnificent architecture of the Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, a popular Hindu shrine in Pondicherry. Thereafter, move to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral considered as mother church for all Roman Catholic diocese in the Pondicherry. End your day by exploring the local markets and indulge in shopping during the evening.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Le Café (1 hour, INR 600)
  • Entrance fee for Pondicherry Museum (INR 10 per person)
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (30 minutes, free entry)
  • Street food at Promenade Beach (1.5 hours, INR 400 for 2 people)
  • Auroville (1 hour, free entry)
  • Matri Mandir (2 hours, free entry)
  • Serenity Beach (2 hours, INR 1500 per person for surfing lessons)
  • Manakula Vinayagar Temple (30 minutes, free entry)
  • Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple (1 hour, free entry)
  • Immaculate Conception Cathedral (30 minutes, free entry)
  • Shopping in the local markets (2 hours, variable costs)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,500 per person

Useful Tips

Add a visit to Paradise Beach with the previous day's itinerary if you have an additional day. Try the local cuisines like Dosa, Sambar and Coconut Chutney at the local restaurants like Surguru Spot or Dindigul Thalappakatti. For enthusiasts, add a Boat Ride to Ousteri Lake to get a closer look at the sunrise and sunset.

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