Family-Friendly 7-Day Road Trip from Pala to Puducherry, Mahabalipuram, and Chennai

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Day 1: Pala to Kochi

Pala to Kochi, Kerala on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pala

Start your day with a traditional Kerala breakfast at the famous '367 Restaurant', known for appam and egg stew that's perfect for all ages.
INR 150 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Kochi

A comfortable 2.5-hour drive covering approximately 110 km on the NH85, scenic with hill views. Avoid tolls to save costs.
Fuel approx INR 600, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in to hotel in Kochi

Stay at 'Malabar House', a boutique mid-range hotel offering family rooms and heritage ambience in Fort Kochi area, near attractions.
INR 5000 per night family room, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

A calm, artsy cafe with healthy, kid-friendly options, try their wood-fired pizzas and fresh juices. Located near the hotel.
INR 400 per dish approx., 1h

2:30pm

Visit Fort Kochi Beach and Chinese Fishing Nets

An iconic, less crowded historical fishing spot perfect for a relaxed stroll and photo opportunities at sunset.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Mattancherry Palace

A small, family-friendly heritage site with interesting murals and exhibits about regional history. Opens till 5pm.
INR 10 per person, 1h

6:00pm

Evening break and refreshments at Hotel

Rest and freshen up before dinner; hotel offers kids' play area and garden space to unwind.
Included with stay, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fusion Bay

A seafood restaurant with a serene courtyard setting, offering delicious Kerala curries and biryanis, suitable for adults and children.
INR 600 per plate, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kochi to Puducherry

Kochi to Puducherry, Tamil Nadu on August 31, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast with pastries and coffee to prepare for a long drive ahead.
Included, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Puducherry

A long but pleasant 8-hour drive of approximately 580 km via NH44 and NH32, crossing scenic rural Tamil Nadu. Plan small breaks every 2.5 hrs.
Fuel approx INR 2800, 8h

10:00am

Break stop at Salem for snacks & photos

Stretch legs at Salem, a less crowded area with local fruit markets and a nice park for kids to play.
Snacks INR 200, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch Break at Villupuram

Stop at a clean highway restaurant like 'Hotel Sangeetha' for traditional South Indian thali - filling and family-friendly.
INR 150 per plate, 1h

3:30pm

Arrival and check-in in Puducherry

Book 'The Promenade' hotel with family suites near Promenade Beach. It offers easy access to walkable attractions and good amenities.
INR 6000 per night family suite, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Promenade Beach

Take a calm evening walk at the beachside promenade, less crowded after 5 PM, with gentle sea breeze and kids playground nearby.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Surguru Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Tamil vegetarian cuisine with a variety of dosas, idlis, and chutneys - highly rated by families and budget-friendly.
INR 120 per dish approx, 1h
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Day 3: Puducherry Exploring

Puducherry, Tamil Nadu on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Start with French-style baked goods and fresh coffee at this peaceful bakery, a hit with kids and adults alike.
INR 200 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Auroville

Experience the offbeat tranquility of Auroville, about 12 km from town, ideal for nature walks and exploring eco-friendly community life.
Free entry, 2h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Auroville Visitors Center

Sample organic, vegetarian meals prepared fresh with local ingredients in a serene environment inside Auroville.
INR 300 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Puducherry Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful stroll in beautifully maintained botanical gardens where kids can run freely and spot local flora.
INR 20 per person, 1h

3:30pm

Visit French Quarter

A leisurely walk through colorful streets lined with colonial buildings, boutiques and quaint cafes, avoiding peak crowd hours.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Evening snacks at Le Cafe

Cafe with sea views serving light snacks, ice cream and beverages. Kids will love the desserts.
INR 150 per item, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Upscale dining with a mix of French and Tamil cuisine. Recommended dish: Chettinad chicken, with milder kids menu options.
INR 700 per adult, 350 per child, 1h30m
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Day 4: Puducherry to Mahabalipuram

Puducherry to Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

A relaxed breakfast at your hotel with continental and Indian choices to fuel the morning ride.
Included, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

A 1.5-hour, 95 km scenic coastal drive via ECR highway, avoiding toll roads and peak traffic.
Fuel approx INR 400, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in to accommodation

Stay at 'Chill Art Resort', a budget to mid-range family-friendly hotel near the Shore Temple, offering family rooms.
INR 3500 per night family room, 1h

11:00am

Visit Shore Temple and Beach

Cultural and natural beauty with less crowds in the morning; explore historic temple architecture and nearby peaceful beach.
INR 40 entry per adult, children free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Seafood and Indian delicacies by the sea; kid-friendly menu available with indoor/outdoor seating.
INR 500 approx per dish, 1h

2:30pm

Visit DakshinaChitra Museum

A cultural museum 7 km away showcasing South Indian heritage with interactive exhibits suitable for children.
INR 100 Adults, 50 kids, 2h

5:00pm

Evening stroll at Mahabalipuram Light House Beach

Quiet beach spot good for photo ops and watching the sunset away from crowds.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Wharf

Relaxed dining with a fusion of Tamil and continental cuisine, offering dishes children usually enjoy with ample choices.
INR 400-600 per plate approx, 1h30m
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Day 5: Mahabalipuram Sightseeing

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast including fresh fruit, baked goods, and South Indian delicacies at the resort.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Arjuna’s Penance and Five Rathas

Explore these UNESCO heritage monuments early to avoid midday crowd and enjoy detailed stone carvings with the family.
INR 40 entry per adult, kids free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at New Breeze Restaurant

Known for their dosas and local seafood dishes, child-friendly and less touristy spot in town.
INR 200-350 per dish, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend a quiet afternoon at the beach, with opportunity for kids to play and adults to relax away from crowds.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit local handicraft shops

Explore local arts and crafts in shops near the town center; great souvenirs and kid-friendly browsing.
Free to browse, 1h

6:00pm

Evening tea and snacks at Café Mahabalipuram

A quiet cafe with fresh juices, snacks and shaded seating, perfect for winding down before dinner.
INR 150 per item, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Breeze Restaurant

Try their chicken Chettinad and vegetable thali – highly rated, friendly ambiance suitable for families.
INR 350-600 per plate, 1h30m
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Day 6: Mahabalipuram to Chennai

Mahabalipuram to Chennai, Tamil Nadu on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final day breakfast with generous portions before setting off to Chennai.
Included, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Chennai

A short 1.5-hour drive covering around 60 km via ECR, avoiding tolls by taking the scenic coastal route.
Fuel approx INR 300, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in at Hotel in Chennai

Stay at 'The Residency Towers' with family-friendly suites near key attractions like Marina Beach and museums.
INR 7000 per night family suite, 1h

11:00am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the Dravidian style temple with vibrant colors and cultural vibrancy, suitable for families preferring spiritual visits.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy classic Tamil vegetarian meals and kids' favorites like masala dosa and idli at this world-renowned restaurant.
INR 150-250 per dish, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Chennai Egmore Railway Museum

An offbeat attraction showcasing vintage locomotives and rail memorabilia - fun and educational for kids.
INR 15 per person, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Marina Beach

Late afternoon visit to the very broad, open Marina Beach with space for kids to play avoiding the large crowds found midday.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening snacks at Marina

Try fresh coconut water and local chaat snacks from reputed beachside stalls.
INR 100 per person, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

A local favorite for authentic Chettinad cuisine with spicy flavors balanced with milder dishes for kids.
INR 350-600 per plate, 1h30m
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Day 7: Chennai Leisure and Return

Chennai, Tamil Nadu on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with diverse options before your day's activities.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Guindy National Park

A rare urban national park good for kids to see flora and fauna without leaving the city; does not get too crowded early morning.
INR 20 per person, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dakshin, Crowne Plaza

Upscale yet family-friendly, offering Southern Indian delicacies served in elegant ambiance, close to your hotel.
INR 600 per person approx, 1h

1:30pm

Return preparations and local shopping

Visit nearby markets for last-minute souvenirs and gifts; explore areas like T Nagar avoiding peak afternoon heat and crowds.
Free to browse, 2h

4:00pm

Departure from Chennai

Prepare for your onward journey or drive back home according to your travel plans, well-rested from a fulfilling trip.
Fuel approx INR 300 (if driving back to Pala from Chennai), Variable
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed