2-Day Itinerary in Pondicherry

  1. Day 1: Explore the French Quarter
    10 minutes (1.5 km) from Pondicherry Railway Station

    Begin your day at the iconic Pondicherry Promenade Beach, a popular spot for morning walks and watching the sunrise. From there, head to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a stunning church built in neo-gothic style. Next, visit the Pondicherry Museum, showcasing a collection of artifacts and exhibits on the region's history. For lunch, grab a delicious crepe at Cafe des Arts, a charming French cafe. In the afternoon, stroll through the streets of the French Quarter, admiring the colonial architecture and browsing the boutiques and art galleries. End your day at the serene Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and his disciple, The Mother.

  2. Day 2: Auroville and Beyond
    30 minutes (12 km) from Pondicherry Railway Station

    Start your day with a visit to Auroville, an experimental community focused on sustainable living and spiritual development. Explore the Matri Mandir, a spherical temple dedicated to the Mother of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Next, head to the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, a lush park with a variety of exotic plants and trees. For lunch, try some traditional Tamil cuisine at Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a popular Hindu temple with a vegetarian restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Pondicherry National Museum, showcasing a collection of sculptures, bronzes, and archaeological findings. End your day at the Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple with Dravidian architecture.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Pondicherry Promenade Beach (1 hour, free)
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (30 minutes, free)
  • Pondicherry Museum (1 hour, ₹10)
  • Cafe des Arts (1 hour, ₹500)
  • Aurobindo Ashram (1 hour, free)
  • Auroville (2 hours, free)
  • Matri Mandir (2 hours, free)
  • Pondicherry Botanical Garden (1 hour, ₹20)
  • Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple (1 hour, ₹200)
  • Pondicherry National Museum (1 hour, ₹10)
  • Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹740
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