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8 Days in Puducherry: Unveiling the Charms of the French Riviera of the East

Tanishk Mahakalkar

Tanishk Mahakalkar

20 Dec 2023

Embark on an enchanting journey through the captivating streets of Puducherry, where French colonial architecture meets Indian spirituality. Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and serene beaches of this coastal paradise.

Trip to Puducherry

Day 1Science, Sunsets, and Serenity
+

$18

·

$ 3

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Puducherry Science Centre and Planetarium
Hands-on science exhibits in the museum & on its grounds, plus a marine life gallery & planetarium.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$18
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Puducherry Beach
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Mahatma Gandhi Statue
A white structure surrounded by granite pillars houses a bronze statue of the independence leader.
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
•
Free
Day 2Temples, Tranquility, and a Stroll by the Sea
+

$9

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
Vibrant Hindu temple known for its elephant blessings, ornately carved stone walls & golden chariot.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
•
Free
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Romain Rolland Library
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
•
Free
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Aayi Mandapam
Neoclassical monument built by the French in 1854 to celebrate bringing water into the city.
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
•
$9
18 - 27 min

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Directions

Promenade Beach
Strip of rocky shoreline in a populous urban area with a promenade, a war memorial & a park.
11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
•
Free
Day 3Aquatic Wonders and Cultural Delights
+

$62

·

$ 3

Meera Fish Aquarium
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
•
$18
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Sri Ayyappa Swamy Temple Pondicherry
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$9
11 - 16 min

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Directions

Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
•
$9
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Centuries-old, Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with a colorful, multi-tier tower.
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$9
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Mahakavi Bharathiyar Memorial Centre
Museum in the former home of renowned writer & activist, featuring historical artifacts & more.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$18
Day 4Spiritual Retreat and Historical Insights
+

$27

Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Large residential spiritual community with meditation & yoga practice, open to day visitors.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Puducherry Museum
Quaint museum known for its rare sculpture collection, including ancient bronze & stone artifacts.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$26
4 - 6 min

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Directions

French War memorial
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
Day 5Divine Encounters and Nature's Bliss
+

$7

·

$ 6

Our lady of angels church
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Bharathi Park
Landscaped park featuring a Greco-Roman arch structure, plus flowers, a play area & fountains.
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Botanical Garden
Botanical garden built by French colonists on 22 acres with themed plots, an aquarium & train rides.
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
•
$7
39 - 47 min

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Directions

Sellipet annai
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
•
Free
Day 6Beach Vibes and Architectural Marvels
+

$27

·

$ 3

Rock Beach
Coastal stretch with a seawall & a palm tree-lined promenade, popular for watching the sunrise.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
24 - 35 min

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Directions

Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Portuguese-style church with white & yellow columns & a gold statue, offering bilingual services.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$18
11 - 16 min

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Directions

The Sacred Heart Basilica
Gothic-style Catholic church in a peaceful setting with stained-glass panels of Biblical scenes.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
24 - 29 min

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Directions

Sri Kokilambigai Vudanurai Sri Thirukameswarar Temple
Historic Hindu temple to Lord Shiva, with ornate sculptures & a dramatic, colorful exterior.
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
•
$9
Day 7Coastal Charms and Artistic Heritage
+

$27

·

$ 6

Lighthouse Beach
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
25 - 30 min

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Directions

Arikamedu
Former Chola port city dating from the 1st Century BC with a large number of Roman artifacts.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$18
34 - 51 min

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Directions

Art and Craft Village
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$9
39 - 47 min

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Directions

Osudu Lake
Boating, amusements & birdwatching in a protected wildlife area home to nesting flamingos & coots.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
Day 8Beachside Bliss and Sacred Serenity
+

$18

·

$ 6

Karaikal Beach
Long sandy stretch with a jetty, popular for swimming, boating & strolls, plus a nearby kids' park.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple
Ornately decorated Hindu temple, constructed in 1929 & known for an annual mango festival.
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
•
$9
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Sri Dharbaranyeswara Swamy Temple
Bright temple featuring stepped towers & carved stone pillars, plus a pond for ceremonial baths.
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$9
6 - 9 min

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Directions

NALATHEERTHAM (Nalan Kulam)
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $215 In total

Activities & Food:$191
Transport:$24