Tamil Nadu Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

1. Sunday, July 16: Chennai
   10 minutes (5 miles) from Chennai Airport

   In the morning, visit the iconic Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. In the afternoon, explore the famous Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its Dravidian architecture. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Breezy Beach.

   • Marina Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Breezy Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
2. Monday, July 17: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 30 minutes (36 miles) from Chennai

   Start your day by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. In the afternoon, visit the Shore Temple, an ancient temple complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal. End the day by witnessing the beautiful sunset at Mahabalipuram Beach.

   • Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram: INR 600 (approx. $8), 2-3 hours
   • Shore Temple: INR 340 (approx. $4.50), 1-2 hours
   • Mahabalipuram Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
3. Tuesday, July 18: Kodaikanal
   7 hours 30 minutes (329 miles) from Mahabalipuram

   Embark on a scenic drive to Kodaikanal, a charming hill station. Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Kurinji Andavar Temple and the serene Bryant Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the picturesque Kodaikanal Lake. End the day with a visit to the enchanting Silver Cascade Falls.

   • Kurinji Andavar Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Bryant Park: INR 30 (approx. $0.40), 1-2 hours
   • Kodaikanal Lake: INR 30 (approx. $0.40) for boat ride, 1-2 hours
   • Silver Cascade Falls: Free, 1-2 hours
4. Wednesday, July 19: Ooty
   6 hours 30 minutes (161 miles) from Kodaikanal

   Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Ooty. In the afternoon, take a scenic ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the evening exploring the charming Ooty Lake.

   • Botanical Gardens: INR 30 (approx. $0.40), 1-2 hours
   • Nilgiri Mountain Railway: INR 205 (approx. $2.75), 2-3 hours
   • Ooty Lake: INR 10 (approx. $0.15), 1-2 hours
5. Thursday, July 20: Madurai
   7 hours 30 minutes (228 miles) from Ooty

   Visit the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple in the morning, known for its towering gopurams and intricate carvings. In the afternoon, explore the historical Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Gandhi Memorial Museum.

   • Meenakshi Amman Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
   • Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: INR 50 (approx. $0.70), 1-2 hours
   • Gandhi Memorial Museum: INR 5 (approx. $0.07), 1-2 hours
6. Friday, July 21: Pondicherry
   4 hours 30 minutes (155 miles) from Madurai

   Start your day by exploring the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual retreat founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. In the afternoon, visit the famous French Quarter, known for its charming colonial buildings. Enjoy the evening at the serene Paradise Beach.

   • Aurobindo Ashram: Free, 1-2 hours
   • French Quarter: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Paradise Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
7. Saturday, July 22: Coimbatore
   3 hours 30 minutes (100 miles) from Pondicherry

   In the morning, visit the ancient Marudamalai Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Gedee Car Museum, featuring vintage cars and motorcycles. End your day by enjoying the serene surroundings of Singanallur Lake.

   • Marudamalai Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Gedee Car Museum: INR 50 (approx. $0.70), 1-2 hours
   • Singanallur Lake: Free, 1-2 hours

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, the beautiful hill station of Kanyakumari, or the historical town of Rameswaram. For day trips, you can explore the scenic beauty of Yercaud or visit the famous Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur. To make the most of your trip, consider booking guided tours or hiring a local guide who can provide you with in-depth insights into the local culture and history.

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.