3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Tamil Nadu

  1. Day 1: Explore Chennai city
    20 minutes (10.5 km) from Chennai International Airport

    Start your journey in the bustling city of Chennai. Visit the Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and enjoy the scenic view of sunrise or sunset. Next, head to the Mylapore Temple, a historical temple famous for its intricate architecture and vibrant cultural atmosphere. In the afternoon, discover the Gandhi Mandapam where Mahatma Gandhi's last rituals were performed, followed by a visit to the Government Museum, housing an impressive collection of art and artifacts. End your day at the Guindy National Park, a sprawling 2.70 Sq. Km park considered one of the smallest national parks in India, home to over 130 species of birds and 14 species of mammals.

  2. Day 2: Experience Nature
    4 hours 30 minutes (195 km) from Chennai city.

    Embark on a scenic drive towards the hill station of Ooty. Start your day with a visit to the Bison Valley forest reserve, one of the best places in the state to spot rare and exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. Next, take a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its beautiful views and historic charm. After lunch, head to the Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills standing tall at a height of 2,637 meters and offering panoramic views of the valley. End your day with a visit to the popular Ooty Botanical Gardens, one of the top botanical gardens in India, with an array of rare plants and flowers.

  3. Day 3: Historical Journey
    2 hours 10 minutes (85 km) from Ooty

    Begin your day with a trip to the Dhanushkodi Beach, a picturesque beach that has a unique history relating to the Ramayana mythology, where Lord Rama is said to have built a bridge to Sri Lanka. Next, head to the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, a renowned Hindu temple that has been a landmark of the city for thousands of years. In the afternoon, visit the historic Tirumalai Nayak Palace, known for its stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture. Complete your day with a visit to the Thiruparamkundram Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan situated on a hilltop, offering a panoramic view of the countryside below.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Marina Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Mylapore Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Gandhi Mandapam (1 hour, free)
  • Government Museum (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
  • Guindy National Park (3 hours, INR 20 per person)
  • Bison Valley (2 hours, free)
  • Nilgiri Mountain Railway (3 hours, starts at INR 495 per person)
  • Doddabetta Peak (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
  • Ooty Botanical Gardens (2 hours, INR 30 per person)
  • Dhanushkodi Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Meenakshi Amman Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Tirumalai Nayak Palace (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
  • Thiruparamkundram Murugan Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 615 per person

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and checking out its stunning gopuram structure. Alternatively, spend a relaxing evening in the Coonor Tea Estate and enjoy the scenic beauty with a refreshing cup of tea. For a culturally immersive experience, visit the Tanjavur Palace and see the marvellous architecture of the Chola Empire. If you have less time, consider extending your stay in Chennai and explore its food culture or visit the hill station of Kodaikanal.

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