Exploring Tamil Nadu in 3 Days

  1. Day 1: Chennai
    Estimated distance: 19 km (35-40 mins) from Chennai Airport

    Start your Tamil Nadu adventure in the bustling city of Chennai. Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Walk through the Marina Beach Promenade, the longest urban beach in India, and witness a mesmerizing sunset. End your day with some retail therapy at the Phoenix Marketcity Mall.

  2. Day 2: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
    Estimated distance: 100 km (2 hr 30 mins) from Chennai

    Start off your day with a visit to the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Mahabalipuram. Next, visit the Pancha Rathas, a set of five monolithic temples. Take a break and enjoy some South Indian cuisine at the Mahabalipuram Food Village. Head towards Pondicherry and visit the Seaside Promenade in the evening, which offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. End your day exploring the French Quarters in Pondicherry.

  3. Day 3: Madurai
    Estimated distance: 450 km (7-8 hours) from Pondicherry

    Get an early start and travel to Madurai to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the largest and oldest temples in India. Take a stroll through the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which houses a collection of exhibits related to Mahatma Gandhi. Finally, relax and unwind at the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, an opulent palace from the Nayaka dynasty, which features a beautiful light and sound show in the evening.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Marina Beach Promenade (1-2 hours, free)
  • Phoenix Marketcity Mall (2-3 hours, varies)
  • Shore Temple (1-2 hours, INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners)
  • Pancha Rathas (1-2 hours, INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners)
  • Mahabalipuram Food Village (1-2 hours, varies)
  • Seaside Promenade (1-2 hours, free)
  • French Quarters (2-3 hours, varies)
  • Meenakshi Amman Temple (2-3 hours, free entry)
  • Gandhi Memorial Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10 for Indians, INR 125 for foreigners)
  • Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal (1-2 hours, INR 10 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding shopping and transportation): INR 1045 - INR 1985

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add Mamallapuram Beach to your Day 2 itinerary. If you have less time, you can skip the French Quarters in Pondicherry. Do not forget to carry sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. Tamil Nadu is well connected with buses and trains. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Also, try some traditional Tamil Nadu delicacies like idli, dosa, and filter coffee.

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