7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Pondicherry

1. Day 1: Promenade Beach
   5 minutes (1.3 km) from Pondicherry Bus Stand

   A scenic beach perfect for evening walks and enjoying the sunset. Children can play on the sand or in the shallow water.

2. Day 2: Sri Aurobindo Ashram
   10 minutes (3.2 km) from Promenade Beach

   A peaceful spiritual centre, where visitors can attend silent meditation or attend educational classes.

3. Day 3: Paradise Beach
   15 minutes (7.2 km) from Sri Aurobindo Ashram

   A beautiful beach accessible by boat ride, offering water sports and various outdoor activities.

4. Day 4: Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
   20 minutes (6.9 km) from Paradise Beach

   A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, you can interact with the resident elephant Lakshmi and explore intricate carvings.

5. Day 5: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 20 minutes (97 km) from Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut cave temples, monuments, and beaches.

6. Day 6: Ousteri Lake
   30 minutes (10 km) from Mahabalipuram

   An ideal spot for nature lovers and bird watchers, offering boating facilities and scenic views.

7. Day 7: Auroville
   30 minutes (13.3 km) from Ousteri Lake

   Explore the international community promoting peace, sustainability, and cultural diversity. Take a vegetarian meal at the solar-powered cafeteria.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Promenade Beach (1-2 hours, free)
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram (2-3 hours, free)
• Paradise Beach (4-5 hours, boat ride INR 200/person, water sports extra)
• Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Mahabalipuram (5-6 hours, car rental/taxi from INR 2600-3500)
• Ousteri Lake (2-3 hours, boating INR 300-500, birdwatching free)
• Auroville (3-4 hours, free, cafeteria meals INR 100-250)
Total Estimated Costs (excluding accommodation and transportation): INR 500-1000 per person

Useful tips

For families with more time, consider visiting nearby attractions such as Gingee Fort, Botanical Garden, or Chidambaram Temple. If time is limited, consider omitting one of the destinations on day 5 or day 6.