3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Pondicherry

  1. Day 1: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Paradise Beach
    8 minutes (2.3km) from Pondicherry Bus Stand

    Start the day at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a stunning Catholic Church built in the Gothic style and filled with ornate stained glass windows. Afterward, head to the Paradise Beach, famous for its clean shore, clear waters, and plenty of leisure activities. Don't forget to try out the delicious street food sold by local vendors at the beach.

  2. Day 2: Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram
    20 minutes (6.5km) from Paradise Beach

    Visit Auroville, a one-of-a-kind experimental international community where people from all over the world live and work together in spiritual harmony. After lunch, make your way to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a center for yoga and meditation and the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo, one of India's greatest philosophers and freedom fighters. Learn about the ashram's history and teachings.

  3. Day 3: Pondicherry Museum and Raj Niwas
    15 minutes (3.5km) from Sri Aurobindo Ashram

    Start the day at the Pondicherry Museum, a historical museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Pondicherry and French India. Then, take a leisurely stroll to the Raj Niwas, the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry and a beautiful example of French colonial architecture. Admire the beautiful gardens, fountains and the French-style building. End the trip with some souvenir shopping or enjoying Pondicherry's cuisine.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1.5 hrs, Free)
  • Paradise Beach (2-3 hrs, Rs.20/person)
  • Auroville (2-3 hrs, Free)
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hrs, Free)
  • Pondicherry Museum (1-2 hrs, Rs.10/person)
  • Raj Niwas (1-2 hrs, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs.30/person

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Chunnambar Backwater, Botanical Garden, or Arikamedu Archaeological Site. If you have less time, you can skip some of the activities or shorten the amount of time you spend at each location. Make sure to check the opening and closing times before going to each place, as they may vary based on the season or day of the week.

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