Pondicherry Tour

Duration: 6 Nights 7 Days

Details

Day 1
: Arrival at Pondicherry

Arrive in Pondicherry and check into your hotel.
Evening walk at Promenade Beach to enjoy the sea breeze and a beautiful sunset.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 2
: French Quarter and Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful spiritual retreat.
Explore the charming French Quarter, with its colonial-era buildings and vibrant cafes.
Visit Bharathi Park and the Pondicherry Museum to learn about the city's cultural heritage.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 3
: Auroville and Paradise Beach

Spend the morning visiting the Auroville Matrimandir, a spiritual center and architectural wonder.
After lunch, head to Paradise Beach for a relaxing afternoon by the water.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 4
: Serenity Beach and Botanical Garden

Visit the tranquil Serenity Beach for some quiet time or water activities like surfing.
In the afternoon, explore the lush Botanical Garden, filled with exotic plants.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 5
: Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Shopping

Visit the iconic Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and local crafts in the bustling markets of Pondicherry.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 6
: Optional Day Tour to Mahabalipuram

Take a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rock-cut temples and sculptures.
Explore landmarks such as the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance.
Return to Pondicherry for an overnight stay.

Day 7
: Departure

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (135 km away). By Train: The nearest major railway station is Villupuram Junction, 35 km from Pondicherry. By Road: Pondicherry is well connected by road to cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Regular buses and taxis are available.

Distance Between Important Points

Promenade Beach to Sri Aurobindo Ashram: 1.5 km Sri Aurobindo Ashram to French Quarter: 0.5 km French Quarter to Paradise Beach: 8 km Auroville to Pondicherry: 12 km Pondicherry to Serenity Beach: 7 km

Entry Fees

Paradise Beach: ₹150 per person (for ferry ride) Auroville Matrimandir: Free, but prior booking required for visiting the inner chamber. Pondicherry Museum: ₹10 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners. Botanical Garden: ₹20 per person.

Closing Day

Most tourist spots remain open all week, but the Pondicherry Museum is closed on Mondays, and the Botanical Garden is closed on Tuesdays

Add-on Spots

• Chunnambar Boat House: Perfect for a backwater ride near Paradise Beach. Gingee Fort: Located 70 km from Pondicherry
• ideal for a historical detour. Ousteri Lake: A serene freshwater lake
• great for birdwatching and boating.

Historical Background

Pondicherry, once a French colony, boasts a unique blend of French and Tamil cultures. It became part of India in 1954 and is known for its colonial architecture, peaceful ashrams, and spiritual retreats like Auroville. The French Quarter, also known as White Town, is lined with charming bougainvillea-draped townhouses that reflect the city’s colonial past.

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