7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Tamil Nadu in June 2023

1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 15 minutes (35 miles) from Chennai International Airport

   In the morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mahabalipuram including the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas. In the afternoon, visit the Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoy watersports. In the evening, stroll through the bustling Mahabalipuram Bazaar.

2. Day 2: Pondicherry
   2 hours 30 minutes (95 miles) from Mahabalipuram

   Spend the morning at the Promenade Beach and Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In the afternoon, explore the French Quarter, visit Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. In the evening, experience the lively nightlife of Pondicherry.

3. Day 3: Thanjavur
   4 hours (150 miles) from Pondicherry

   In the morning, visit the Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, explore the Thanjavur Palace, Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library. In the evening, take a stroll around the vibrant Thanjavur Market.

4. Day 4: Trichy
   1 hour 30 minutes (40 miles) from Thanjavur

   In the morning, visit the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam Temple. In the afternoon, explore the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Kaveri River. In the evening, enjoy a traditional South Indian dinner at a local restaurant.

5. Day 5: Madurai
   3 hours 30 minutes (110 miles) from Trichy

   In the morning, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple and Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. In the afternoon, explore the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing evening ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

6. Day 6: Kodaikanal
   4 hours (120 miles) from Madurai

   In the morning, enjoy the serene views of the Kodaikanal Lake. In the afternoon, visit the Pine Forest, Coaker’s Walk and Pillar Rocks. In the evening, go for a boat ride in the Kodaikanal Lake.

7. Day 7: Coimbatore
   4 hours 30 minutes (140 miles) from Kodaikanal

   In the morning, visit the Marudhamalai Hill Temple and Dhyanalinga Temple. In the afternoon, explore the Velliangiri Mountains and Siruvani Waterfalls. In the evening, go shopping for local handicrafts at the Coimbatore Market.

Recommendations

Other local attractions worth considering include the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari. Side trips to Yercaud and Ooty can also be an excellent way to explore the hill stations of Tamil Nadu. Don't forget to taste the local delicacies of Tamil Nadu, including dosa, idli, and sambar, and shop for souvenirs such as silk sarees and Tanjore paintings.