Auroville, Paradise Beach & More: Pondicherry Timings & Fees

Entry fees, opening hours, and best times for Trip Planning. Avoid crowds and plan ahead.

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Quick Reference

Attraction Hours Entry Best Time Duration
Auroville 09:30-16:30 daily Free Morning - cooler temperatures Half day
Paradise Beach 09:00-17:00 daily β‚Ή50 Morning - less crowded 2-3 hours
Sri Aurobindo Ashram 08:00-12:00 & 14:00-18:00 daily Free Morning or afternoon - quiet contemplation 1-2 hours
French War Memorial Open 24 hours Free Evening - lit up beautifully 30 minutes
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 07:00-12:00 & 15:00-20:00 daily Free Morning or evening - cooler temperatures 1 hour
Pondicherry Museum 09:00-17:00 daily β‚Ή10 (Indians), β‚Ή150 (foreigners) Anytime during opening hours 2 hours
Arikamedu Open 24 hours Free Early morning or late afternoon - avoid the heat 1-2 hours

Best Times by Attraction

Auroville

Morning - cooler temperatures

Paradise Beach

Morning - less crowded

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Morning or afternoon - quiet contemplation

French War Memorial

Evening - lit up beautifully

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Morning or evening - cooler temperatures

Pondicherry Museum

Anytime during opening hours

Arikamedu

Early morning or late afternoon - avoid the heat

Crowd Notes

Auroville

Worth visiting for its unique concept, but the Matrimandir requires advance booking.

Paradise Beach

Worth visiting for a relaxing beach experience, but can get crowded on weekends.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

A must-visit for those interested in spirituality and yoga.

French War Memorial

A quick stop for history buffs and those interested in French colonial history.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Worth visiting for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance.

Pondicherry Museum

A good place to learn about the history of Pondicherry, but may not be of interest to everyone.

Arikamedu

Worth visiting for history enthusiasts, but not much to see for casual tourists.

Practical Tips

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What To Wear

Light and comfortable clothing is recommended due to the warm climate. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

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Money

Daily Budget: Budget: β‚Ή1500, Mid: β‚Ή3000, Luxury: β‚Ή5000+

ATMs: Widely available

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions, while cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Expected in local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.

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Health

Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water to avoid stomach problems.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants to avoid food poisoning. Be cautious of street food.

Common Issues: Heatstroke and dehydration are common during the summer months. Carry sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

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Communication

SIM Cards: Available at the airport and local shops. Airtel and Vodafone are popular networks.

WiFi: Available at most hotels and cafes.

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Language & Tipping

Language: English is widely spoken. Learning a few basic Tamil phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: β‚Ή20-50

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