Comprehensive 5-Day Puducherry and Surroundings Itinerary Including Auroville and Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Day 1: French Heritage Tour

Puducherry, India on August 5, 2025

11:00am

Check-in and Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at this charming café in the French Colony, known for its crepes and strong coffee.
INR500, 1h0m

12:00pm

French Colony Walking Tour

Explore the French Colony's colonial architecture, colourful streets and quaint cafés. Admire the heritage buildings and soak in the unique ambience.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Visit Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Lighthouse, French War Memorial, Statue of Dupleix, and Aayi Mandapam

These landmarks near the Promenade beach reflect Puducherry’s history and colonial ties. The French War Memorial is especially picturesque during daylight.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Le Cafe

Relax at Le Cafe located on the Promenade Beach; ideal for an afternoon coffee with a seaside view.
INR300, 0h45m

4:15pm

Leisure time at Rock Beach

Walk or relax at Rock Beach during late afternoon to enjoy the coastal breeze and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Dine in this elegant heritage villa offering authentic Tamil and French cuisine, highly rated for ambience and service.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Auroville and Beaches

Puducherry and Auroville, India on August 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee at Baker Street, a popular French-style bakery on Mission Street.
INR400, 1h0m

8:45am

Visit Matrimandir, Auroville

Visit this spiritual and architectural marvel. Entry inside requires advance booking; however, the viewing point and gardens are accessible daily from 9am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Beach time at Auroville Beach

Relax on the serene and less crowded Auroville Beach just a short drive from Matrimandir.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at The Solar Kitchen, Auroville

Enjoy an organic, buffet-style meal featuring wholesome and locally-sourced ingredients.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Serenity Beach

Known for its tranquil atmosphere and surfing opportunities, Serenity Beach is perfect to spend the afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

3:45pm

Visit Eden Beach

A quieter beach with soft sand and peaceful surroundings, ideal for a late afternoon visit.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Explore this vibrant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known for its colorful frescoes and elephant blessing rituals.
Free, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Coromandel Café

Offering a fusion of French and Tamil dishes in an elegant setting within the French Colony.
INR1300, 1h30m
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Day 3: Heritage and Culture

Puducherry, India on August 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Xtasi

Start the day with delicious wood-fired pizza and freshly brewed tea in this quaint café.
INR350, 1h0m

9:15am

Visit Pondicherry Museum

Explore the museum's collection of archaeological and colonial artefacts; open from 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5:30pm.
INR50, 1h30m

11:00am

Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges

Visit this beautiful 18th-century church noted for its serene atmosphere and striking architecture.
Free, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Surguru

Enjoy authentic South Indian thali meals at this popular local restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Admire the Gothic-style basilica's impressive stained glass windows and peaceful interiors.
Free, 0h45m

2:30pm

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

A spiritual centre and peaceful retreat, the Ashram welcomes visitors daily from 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 5:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Shop at Craft Bazaar and Goubert Market

Browse and purchase local handicrafts, textiles and spices from these vibrant markets, ideal for souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Savour a fusion of traditional Tamil and French cuisine in a beautiful colonial heritage setting.
INR1800, 1h30m
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Day 4: Paradise and Arikamedu

Puducherry, India on August 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Surguru

Fuel up with South Indian breakfast classics before a busy day of exploring.
INR350, 1h0m

8:30am

Boat Ride and Relaxation at Paradise Beach

Catch a ferry (opens from 9am) to Paradise Beach for pristine sands and clear waters; perfect for swimming and relaxing.
INR150 (boat ride), 3h0m

12:00pm

Visit Arikamedu Archaeological Site

Explore this historic site dating back to Roman trade times; open from 10am to 5pm, the site offers fascinating insights into ancient history.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Tamra

Enjoy a mix of Indian and European dishes in a laid-back café near the shoreline.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Botanical Garden

Stroll through well-maintained gardens with a variety of plants and a serene ambience, open from 9am to 6pm.
INR40, 1h0m

4:15pm

Relax at Rock Beach

Spend late afternoon enjoying the coast and watching the sunset at the popular Rock Beach.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Villa

Fine dining experience with French and Indian fusion cuisine in a stylish heritage villa setting.
INR2000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Mangroves and Departure

Pichavaram and en route to Velenkani, India on August 9, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

A quick breakfast to energise before the day trip to Pichavaram Mangrove Forest.
Included in hotel, 0h30m

7:00am

Travel to Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Drive approximately 3 hours to Pichavaram area for your eco boat tour.
INR1500 (taxi fare approx.), 3h0m

10:00am

Boat Tour at Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Enjoy a scenic boat ride through Asia’s second largest mangrove forest, appreciating the rich biodiversity; tours available from 9am to 5pm.
INR300, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at local restaurant near Pichavaram

Taste fresh coastal seafood or traditional Tamil cuisine at nearby restaurants.
INR500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Travel to Velenkani

Continue journey to Velenkani village, approximately 1 hour from Pichavaram.
INR500, 1h0m
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