Tamilnad Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary - July 2023

1. Day 1: Marina Beach
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Chennai

   Enjoy a morning stroll along the beautiful Marina Beach. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Santhome Cathedral, and in the evening, explore the vibrant markets of George Town.

2. Day 2: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 30 minutes (36.4 miles) from Chennai

   Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and stunning shore temple. Spend the morning exploring the architectural marvels. Afternoon can be dedicated to relaxing on the beach, and in the evening, witness a traditional dance performance.

3. Day 3: Pondicherry
   2 hours 30 minutes (100 miles) from Mahabalipuram

   Visit the charming French Quarter in Pondicherry in the morning, with its colonial architecture and vibrant streets. In the afternoon, explore the Auroville spiritual community and indulge in some shopping at the local boutiques. For the evening, enjoy a serene sunset at the Promenade Beach.

4. Day 4: Madurai
   5 hours 30 minutes (282 miles) from Pondicherry

   Experience the rich cultural heritage of Madurai by visiting the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple. Spend the morning exploring the temple complex and nearby attractions. In the afternoon, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, and in the evening, witness the enchanting evening prayer ceremony at the temple.

5. Day 5: Ooty
   6 hours (238 miles) from Madurai

   Embark on a scenic journey to Ooty, known as the Queen of Hill Stations. Enjoy a morning ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, followed by a visit to the beautiful Botanical Gardens. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Ooty Lake, and in the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the tea plantations.

6. Day 6: Coimbatore
   3 hours (55.9 miles) from Ooty

   Explore the bustling city of Coimbatore in the morning. Visit the ancient Marudamalai Temple and enjoy a peaceful walk at the VOC Park and Zoo. In the afternoon, indulge in some shopping at the vibrant markets. For the evening, savor the local cuisine at a traditional restaurant.

7. Day 7: Kanyakumari
   6 hours 30 minutes (228 miles) from Coimbatore

   Witness the mesmerizing sunrise at Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. Explore the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Kanyakumari Temple and take a ferry ride to the nearby pristine beaches. End your day by enjoying the breathtaking sunset.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai, taking a day trip to the ancient city of Thanjavur, or exploring the natural beauty of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. To maximize your fun, try local cuisine, participate in cultural events, and interact with the friendly locals.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Marina Beach (2 hours, free)
• Santhome Cathedral (1 hour, free)
• George Town Markets (2 hours, budget-friendly)
• Mahabalipuram Temples (3 hours, moderate)
• Beach Relaxation (2 hours, free)
• Traditional Dance Performance (2 hours, moderate)
• French Quarter (2 hours, free)
• Auroville Visit (3 hours, free)
• Promenade Beach Sunset (1 hour, free)
• Meenakshi Amman Temple (3 hours, free)
• Gandhi Memorial Museum (2 hours, free)
• Evening Prayer Ceremony (1 hour, free)
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway (2 hours, moderate)
• Botanical Gardens (2 hours, moderate)
• Ooty Lake (2 hours, budget-friendly)
• Tea Plantation Walk (1 hour, free)
• Marudamalai Temple (2 hours, free)
• VOC Park and Zoo (2 hours, moderate)
• Shopping (2 hours, budget-friendly)
• Local Cuisine (1 hour, moderate)
• Vivekananda Rock Memorial (2 hours, moderate)
• Thiruvalluvar Statue (1 hour, moderate)
• Kanyakumari Temple (1 hour, free)
• Ferry Ride (2 hours, budget-friendly)
• Sunset View (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.