Explore Pondicherry in 5 Days

  1. Day 1: Promenade Beach
    15 minutes (2.4 km) from Pondicherry Railway Station

    The Promenade Beach is a picturesque location with a wide-open view of the Bay of Bengal. The beach is lined with magnificent statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Jeanne d’Arc, and many others. Enjoy a morning stroll or an evening walk and soak in the sea breeze.

  2. Day 2: Sri Aurobindo Ashram
    10 minutes (2.1 km) from Promenade Beach

    The ashram is a spiritual site founded by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, Mirra Alfassa. The place serves as a retreat and promotes a lifestyle of meditation, self-awareness, and community service.

  3. Day 3: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
    20 minutes (4.1 km) from Sri Aurobindo Ashram

    The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a renowned pilgrimage spot for Christians. It is an architectural marvel with stunning stained glass windows and beautiful paintings. The church is situated in the heart of Pondicherry and has a serene and calm environment.

  4. Day 4: Auroville
    25 minutes (12 km) from Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    Auroville is an experimental township that houses people from all over the world. The beautiful and natural setting of Auroville allows visitors to enjoy nature walks, bird watching, and more. The Matrimandir - a golden dome meditation center, is the most visited attraction in Auroville.

  5. Day 5: Paradise Beach
    20 minutes (8.8 km) from Auroville

    Paradise Beach is a hidden gem of Pondicherry, commonly known as Plage Paradiso. The Beach is situated on Chunnambar backwaters. With clear turquoise water, golden sand, and lush greenery surroundings it is an excellent spot to unwind.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Pondicherry Railway Station to hotel (30 minutes, INR 200)
  • Car rental for 5 days (INR 3000)
  • Food expenses (INR 2500)
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1 hour, free)
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1-2 hours, free)
  • Auroville (2-3 hours, free entry)
  • Matrimandir (1-2 hours, free)
  • Paradise Beach (2-3 hours, INR 150 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 6050

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a visit to the Botanical Garden, Puducherry Museum, and the French War Memorial. For a more spiritual retreat, visit the Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple. If you have less time, cut down the 5-day itinerary to suit your schedule and preferences, or you can skip the Paradise Beach and Auroville.

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