Pondicherry: A Day Trip Itinerary

1. 9:00 AM: Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
   Located in the heart of the city, this is a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple has a rich history and is known for its beautiful architecture.
   Estimated time spent: 1.5 hours
   Estimated distance from the city centre: 1.5 km
2. 11:00 AM: Aurobindo Ashram
   Founded by Sri Aurobindo, this ashram is a spiritual community that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The ashram is known for its serene surroundings and beautiful gardens.
   Estimated time spent: 2 hours
   Estimated distance from the temple: 2.6 km
3. 1:30 PM: Kasha Ki Aasha
   Located in a beautiful old French home, this quaint restaurant serves delicious vegetarian food and is a favourite among tourists and locals alike.
   Estimated time spent: 1 hour
   Estimated distance from the ashram: 1.5 km
4. 3:00 PM: Promenade Beach
   Stretching over 1.5 km, this beach is a popular spot for tourists and locals to enjoy a stroll, watch the waves crash against the shore and admire the beautiful sunset.
   Estimated time spent: 1.5 hours
   Estimated distance from the restaurant: 1.2 km
5. 5:00 PM: Botanical Garden
   This beautiful garden is home to an array of plants and trees from around the world. The garden also has a toy train that takes visitors around the park.
   Estimated time spent: 1 hour
   Estimated distance from the beach: 3.5 km
6. 6:00 PM: Pondicherry Museum
   This museum showcases the history and culture of Pondicherry. The museum has an impressive collection of artefacts, sculptures, and paintings from different periods.
   Estimated time spent: 1 hour
   Estimated distance from the garden: 2.8 km

Time and Costs Estimates

• Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple (1.5 hours, Free)
• Aurobindo Ashram (2 hours, Free)
• Kasha Ki Aasha Restaurant (1 hour, ₹600 )
• Promenade Beach (1.5 hours, Free)
• Botanical Garden (1 hour, ₹20)
• Pondicherry Museum (1 hour, ₹10)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹630

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, or take a rickshaw ride through the streets of the French Quarter. For those with less time, you can skip the museum or garden and spend more time at the beach or ashram. Don’t forget to try the local coffee in one of the many cafes dotted along the streets.