7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Rameswaram, Madurai, Chennai

Friday, September 1: Arrival in Rameswaram

Start your trip in the holy town of Rameswaram. In the morning, visit the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a stroll along the Pamban Bridge, the iconic railway bridge connecting Rameswaram to mainland India. In the evening, spend time at Dhanushkodi Beach, known for its serene beauty.

• Ramanathaswamy Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
• Pamban Bridge: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
• Dhanushkodi Beach: Cost - Free, Time - 2 hours

Restaurants

• Sri Saravana Bhavan: A popular vegetarian restaurant serving delicious South Indian breakfast dishes like idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• Nearby Lunch Restaurant: Hotel Tamilnadu: This restaurant offers a variety of lunch options including traditional South Indian thali meals and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Hotel Vinayaga: A great place to enjoy a dinner with a view, serving a range of North Indian and South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.

Saturday, September 2: Rameswaram to Madurai

After breakfast, travel to Madurai. In the morning, explore the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its intricately carved gopurams (towering gateways). Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace in the afternoon, a stunning palace known for its fusion of Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles. In the evening, enjoy a walk in the lively streets of the Meenakshi Bazaar.

• Meenakshi Amman Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: Cost - INR 50 per person, Time - 1-2 hours
• Meenakshi Bazaar: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Madurai is Murugan Idli Shop, known for its fluffy and flavorful idlis. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Amma Mess and indulge in delicious South Indian thalis. This place is known for its authentic flavors and the average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For dinner, try the rooftop restaurant of Hotel North Gate, which offers a stunning view of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. They serve a variety of North Indian and Chinese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Sunday, September 3: Madurai to Chennai

Take a morning flight to Chennai. In the morning, visit Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. Explore the historic Fort St. George, which houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat. In the evening, spend time at the Government Museum, known for its rich collection of art and archaeological artifacts.

• Marina Beach: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
• Fort St. George: Cost - INR 5 per person, Time - 1-2 hours
• Government Museum: Cost - INR 35 per person, Time - 2-3 hours

Monday, September 4: Exploring Chennai

Start your day with a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Mylapore, known for its cultural heritage and traditional South Indian cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Valluvar Kottam, a monument honoring the renowned Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. Spend the evening at the beautiful Birla Planetarium and watch captivating shows about the universe.

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
• Mylapore: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
• Valluvar Kottam: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
• Birla Planetarium: Cost - INR 60 per person, Time - 2-3 hours

Tuesday, September 5: Chennai Sightseeing

Embark on a heritage tour of Chennai. Start at the iconic Santhome Basilica, a beautiful church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Visit the Government Museum and National Art Gallery, showcasing an extensive collection of artifacts and art from different periods. In the evening, explore the vibrant streets of Pondy Bazaar, a popular shopping destination.

• Santhome Basilica: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
• Government Museum and National Art Gallery: Cost - INR 35 per person, Time - 2-3 hours
• Pondy Bazaar: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Chennai to Kanchipuram

Take a day trip to Kanchipuram, known for its ancient temples and silk sarees. Start with a visit to Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the intricately carved Kailasanathar Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram. In the afternoon, indulge in silk shopping at the local markets. Return to Chennai in the evening.

• Ekambareswarar Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
• Kailasanathar Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
• Silk Shopping: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours

Thursday, September 7: Departure from Chennai

On your last day, spend some time exploring the iconic Marina Beach once again. Visit the DakshinaChitra Museum, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of South India. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets of T. Nagar and indulge in some last-minute shopping. Bid farewell to Chennai and depart for your onward journey.

• Marina Beach: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
• DakshinaChitra Museum: Cost - INR 100 per person, Time - 2-3 hours
• T. Nagar Shopping: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Birla Planetarium in Chennai, which offers a unique experience of stargazing and astronomy. Families can also explore the Crocodile Bank, located near Chennai, which houses various species of crocodiles and provides educational insights about these incredible creatures. Another gem is the Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai, where you can learn about the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi through exhibits and artifacts.

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.