One Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Pondicherry in May 2023

  1. 9:00 AM: Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple
    15 minutes (4.8 km) from Pondicherry Railway Station

    Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple is known for its impressive architecture, vibrant colors and intricate designs. It is believed to have been built more than 300 years ago.

  2. 10:00 AM: Pondicherry Museum
    5 minutes (800 m) from Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

    Pondicherry Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. It houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the Chola and Pallava dynasties, as well as exhibits showcasing French colonial heritage. Exhibits include bronzes, handicrafts, sculptures, and coins.

  3. 11:00 AM: Promenade Beach
    10 minutes (2.3 km) from Pondicherry Museum

    Popularly known as the Rock Beach or Promenade Beach, it is where tourists flock to take in the fresh sea breeze and scenic views of the Bay of Bengal. Promenade Beach has plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants selling delicious snacks and souvenirs.

  4. 12:30 PM: Lunch at Surguru Restaurant
    15 minutes (3.8 km) from Promenade Beach

    Surguru Restaurant is a family-friendly dining spot known for its wide array of delicious Indian food options and generous portions. This place is loved by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. It has a cozy ambiance and good service.

  5. 2:00 PM: Ousteri Lake
    15 minutes (6.7 km) from Surguru Restaurant

    Ousteri Lake is a popular attraction for nature lovers. It's an ideal place for boating and birdwatching. This place also provides a peaceful retreat from city life. Ousteri Lake is home to rich variety of flora and fauna including migratory birds.

  6. 4:30 PM: Botanical Garden
    25 minutes (7.5 km) from Ousteri Lake

    The Botanical Garden is a beautiful place with lush greenery and over 1500 exotic species of plants from around the world, including rare and endangered species. It has a children's train ride which is a major attraction for kids.

  7. 6:00 PM: Sri Aurobindo Ashram
    5 minutes (1.2 km) from Botanical Garden

    Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of the most famous spiritual centers in India was founded by Sri Aurobindo in the year 1926. It is an ideal place for spiritual seekers. Visitors are allowed inside the ashram only for a limited period of time and are required to maintain silence inside the premises.

Time and Cost Estimates:

  • Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple (30 mins, free)
  • Pondicherry Museum (1 hour, INR 20 per person)
  • Promenade Beach (1.5 hours, free)
  • Lunch at Surguru Restaurant (1.5 hours, INR 500 per person)
  • Ousteri Lake (2 hours, INR 100 per person for boat ride)
  • Botanical Garden (1.5 hours, INR 20 per person)
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 650 per person

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider visiting the Auroville Beach, Paradise Beach, and the French War Memorial. If you are traveling with kids, you can include the Chunnambar Boat House and the Children's Park in the itinerary. If you have less time, consider skipping the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Botanical Garden to spend more time at the Promenade Beach and explore more street food options.

0