Exploring Tamil Nadu: A Family-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Chennai
    Estimated Time from Chennai Central Railway Station: 15 minutes (5.4 km)

    Start your day at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a beautiful 7th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here you will see intricate carvings and vibrant Dravidian architecture. Then, head to the Government Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and artwork. Next, visit the Marina Beach. This pristine beach stretches over 13km and is ideal for a relaxing day with your family. Wrap up your day at the DakshinaChitra Museum, where you can see South Indian heritage and lifestyle exhibits.

  2. Day 2: Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram
    Estimated Time from Chennai: 2 hours (70 km)

    Day 2 starts with a trip to Kanchipuram, the "City of Thousand Temples". Here, visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple, a well-known Goddess Shakti temple, followed by the Ekambareswarar Temple, a spectacular Shiva temple, known for its five enclosures and the 1000-pillar hall. After lunch, head to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, explore the Shore Temple, a beautifully crafted temple by the Bay of Bengal, and the Pancha Rathas, a five rock-curved monument set. Children will enjoy the Arjuna's Penance, an enormous open-air bas-relief structure that depicts tales from the Mahabharata.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Kapaleeshwarar Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Government Museum (2 hours, ₹15/person)
  • Marina Beach (3-4 hours, Free)
  • DakshinaChitra Museum (2 hours, ₹100/person)
  • Kamakshi Amman Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Ekambareswarar Temple (1.5 hours, Free)
  • Shore Temple (1 hour, ₹40/person)
  • Pancha Rathas (1 hour, ₹40/person)
  • Arjuna's Penance (1 hour, ₹40/person)

  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹420/person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit other popular attractions in Chennai like the Fort St. George or spend more time at Mahabalipuram temple complex. You can also try traditional South Indian cuisine at popular restaurants like Buhari or Murugan Idli Shop. For those who have less time, you can skip a few temples in Kanchipuram, depending on your preferences.

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