7-Day Nature Itinerary in Pondicherry

1. Day 1: Ousteri Lake
   20 minutes (9.6 km) from Pondicherry city center

   Enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and the birds. Go boating or enjoy a picnic by the lake.

2. Day 2: Auroville
   20 minutes (10 km) from Ousteri Lake

   Visit the Matrimandir, a golden dome symbolizing human unity. Experience peace, serenity, and spirituality in the lush green surroundings.

3. Day 3: Paradise Beach
   20 minutes (8.5 km) from Auroville

   Relax on the pristine white sand beach that can be accessed only by a boat ride.

4. Day 4: Gingee Fort
   1 hour 10 minutes (71 km) from Paradise Beach

   Explore the ruins of the massive citadel built on a hill, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the surroundings.

5. Day 5: Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
   2 hours 30 minutes (130 km) from Gingee Fort

   Take a boat ride through the dense mangrove forest and witness the diverse flora, fauna, and fish breeding farms.

6. Day 6: Pondicherry Botanical Garden
   2 hours (91.5 km) from Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

   Experience the beautiful gardens, fountains, and musical fountain light shows at night

7. Day 7: Promenade Beach
   20 minutes (5 km) from Pondicherry Botanical Garden

   Enjoy the scenic rocky beach stretch, get wet by strong sea waves, and take a stroll or cycle along the shoreline.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ousteri Lake (2 hours, free)
• Auroville (4-5 hours, free entry, charges for booking guided tours)
• Paradise Beach (3 hours, boat rental charge and entry fee)
• Gingee Fort (3-4 hours, INR 15 per person)
• Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (3-4 hours, boat ride charges approx INR 700-1000 per boat for 5 persons)
• Pondicherry Botanical Garden (2 hours, INR 20 per person entry fee)
• Promenade Beach (2 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 8000-10000

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can visit other nearby places like the Chunnambar Boat House, Serenity Beach, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. If you have less time, you can choose to skip Gingee Fort or Pichavaram Mangrove Forest.