2-Day Itinerary for Pondicherry

  1. Day 1: Promenade Beach
    10 minutes (2.3 km) from Pondicherry Railway Station

    Indulge in the beauty and tranquility of the coastline at Promenade Beach. This place is ideal for morning walks and witnessing the sunrise with the sea breeze. You can take a stroll along the beach, take a dip in the sea, or simply sit back and relax. Make sure to click a picture with the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue which is installed on the beach.

  2. Day 1: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
    8 minutes (1 km) from Promenade Beach

    A serene church in the heart of the city, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a must-visit. The church's architecture is a blend of Gothic and Christian styles. This white-painted church features a peaceful ambiance that offers some time for introspection and contemplation. The church also has a tall spire, which serves to capture the attention of the visitors.

  3. Day 1: Auroville
    20 minutes (6 km) from Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    Visit Auroville a unique township situated in the outskirts of Pondicherry. This spiritual community is an experimental model for sustainable living and green practices. There are multiple activities available inside the community like visiting the Matrimandir, trying pottery making, and enjoying local cuisines. Matrimandir is the center of attraction which represents the town’s purpose of “Universal Peace”.

  4. Day 2: Paradise Beach
    20 minutes (8 km) from Pondicherry city center

    Get a boat ride and travel across the Chunnambar backwaters channel where the river meets the sea to reach the stunning Paradise Beach. Admire and bask in the golden sand beach as the peaceful waves kiss your feet. You can swim in the gentle sea, play beach games, or simply relax on the illuminated huts available here.

  5. Day 2: Sri Aurobindo Ashram
    15 minutes (5 km) from Paradise Beach

    Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual center and ashram in Pondicherry, which was established in the early 20th century by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. This ashram is a major tourist attraction as it represents spiritual knowledge and meditative practices. Spend a few hours in the ashram’s peaceful ambiance and meditate to rejuvenate your soul.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Boat ride to Paradise Beach (30 min, INR 300)
  • Matrimandir in Aroville (2 hrs, INR 350)
  • Craft center in Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1 hr, INR 50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 700

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, you can visit the Pondicherry Museum and the Botanical Garden. If you prefer shopping, you can visit the Nehru Street Market, which has a plethora of shops selling clothing, jewelry, and artisanal products. If you have less time, you can visit the famous Aayi Mandapam, an iconic monument in the heart of the city, and enjoy street food and get a quick snack at the local food stalls near the beach.

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