Since you depart Chennai in the evening, use the morning to finish packing, pick up snacks and last-minute child essentials from Phoenix Marketcity Chennai and fuel the Tata Punch at a trusted station like BHEL Fuel Station, Thiruvanmiyur. Enjoy a relaxed family lunch at Murugan Idli Shop to stock up on light, travel-friendly meals, then double-check reservations and load luggage while the child watches a favorite show to keep things calm before your 7 PM departure.
Spend a relaxed afternoon picking up last-minute travel comforts with a quick stop at Adayar Ananda Bhavan (A2B) for pacchi idli and snack packs, then head to Lattice Road Park (Besant Nagar) for a short stretch and fresh air so the child can play before the long drive. Before departure, swing by Spur Mall Pharmacy, Adyar to grab any medications or child supplies, top up the Tata Punch at a nearby petrol station, and load luggage while sharing a simple car game to keep everyone cheerful as evening approaches.
Begin your journey at 7:00 PM and make an early stop for a light dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant, Guindy to grab flavorful, travel-friendly boxes that suit both adults and the child. Continue the drive with a planned comfort break at Krishnagiri Welcome Center for restrooms and tea, then settle into the car with cozy blankets and a downloaded playlist or audiobook to help the child sleep as you head into the hill roads toward Kodaikanal Ghat Road, timing arrival around dawn for a calm first morning.
Wake up to a crisp hill morning and start with a peaceful stroll around Kodaikanal Lake, where you can hire a rowboat or paddle boat for a gentle family ride while the child feeds ducks and snaps photos. From there, walk or drive a short distance to the fragrant Bryant Park to wander its flower beds and greenhouse, then grab a late-morning snack of hot chocolate and homemade baked goods at Shenoys Bakery before continuing your day of exploring.
After a relaxed morning by the lake and gardens, drive up to the panoramic viewpoint at Pillar Rocks for sweeping valley views and short, stroller-friendly trails that let the child run safely while adults photograph the cliffs. Continue with a family-friendly picnic at Coaker's Walk-stroll the paved promenade for misty vistas, watch paragliders in the distance, and pop into a nearby tea stall for piping-hot masala tea and local snacks before heading back to town for evening plans.
As dusk falls, wander down to Vattakanal for a peaceful sunset view over the valley, then stop at the cozy Hilltop Inn Café (or a similar family-friendly tea shop) for hot chocolate and local snacks while the child enjoys a small playground area. Finish the night with a relaxed, early dinner at Cloud Street Restaurant, sampling mild Kodai-style thali options, and return to your stay for board games or a short stargazing walk-perfect for unwinding after a full day of sightseeing and preparing for a leisurely morning before departure.
Savour a slow Kodai morning with a hearty breakfast at Pastry Corner (kid-friendly pancakes and warm filter coffee for adults), then take a short, gentle walk to Silent Valley Viewpoint for a final panorama and a few family photos before packing. Before you leave, stop by Kodai Chocolate Shop to pick up handmade truffles and local jams as travel treats, top up the Tata Punch at a nearby pump, and aim to depart by 08:00-08:30 to comfortably reach Chennai by 16:00 with planned breaks.
After a gentle morning, pick up a takeaway brunch of fresh sandwiches and local walnut cakes from Kodai Bakery & Sweets and enjoy a last family picnic at the peaceful Moir Point, where the child can explore short grassy trails while adults soak in valley views. Before departing, make a quick scenic detour to Berijam Lake Viewpoint for final photos and to refill water/snacks at the small stall, then load the Tata Punch, check tyre pressure at a nearby pump, and begin your drive south with a planned comfort stop at Dindigul Highway Family Stop for lunch and leg-stretching breaks en route to Chennai.
Spend a relaxed final evening wandering the quaint lanes near T.G. Garden where you can pick up fresh local cheeses and walnut brittle, then enjoy a simple family-friendly meal of soft dosas and tomato chutney at Astoria Veg Restaurant before packing. After dinner, take a short, peaceful drive to Pine Forest Viewpoint for a last stargazing stop and gentle playtime for the child among the pines, then return to your accommodation to load the Tata Punch and set an 20:00-21:00 departure to make your Chennai arrival target comfortably with planned breaks.