Relaxation in Tamil Nadu 7-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Marina Beach
   40 minutes (22km) from Chennai International Airport

   Enjoy the waves at the world-renowned 13km beach while watching the sunrise or sunset.

2. Day 2: Kodaikanal Lake
   8 hours (460km) from Marina Beach

   Take a rowboat or pedal boat to explore the serenity of the star-shaped artificial lake.

3. Day 3: Berijam Lake
   1 hour (22km) from Kodaikanal Lake

   Visit the source of Periyakulam town's drinking water. Find yourself surrounded by dense forest and hills around the reservoir.

4. Day 4: Ooty Botanical Gardens
   4 hours (182km) from Berijam Lake

   Stroll through the vibrant, spacious garden including an Italian-style garden, prehistoric trees, and a variety of rare exotic and indigenous fauna.

5. Day 5: Nilgiri Mountain Railway
   3 hours (85km) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

   Take a scenic train ride in a UNESCO World Heritage site offering panoramic views of Shimla, tea gardens at Coonoor, ramps looping around a hill, and more stunning views.

6. Day 6: Poombarai Village Viewpoint
   5 hours (190km) from Nilgiri Mountain Railway

   Experience rich rural life, scenic sunsets, Miruthi sweets, and the view of the Kodaikanal hills forming layers of blue haze.

7. Day 7: Mahabalipuram
   8 hours (428km) from Poombarai Village Viewpoint

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site with plenty of fascinating stone mandapas, rock-cut caves, and shore temples showcasing the art and architecture of the Pallava dynasty.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Marina Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Kodaikanal Lake (3 hours, 34 INR/rowboat; 54 INR/pedal boat)
• Berijam Lake (3 hours, 20 INR/person entry fee)
• Ooty Botanical Gardens (2 hours, 50 INR/person entry fee)
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway (5 hours, 110 INR/person ticket price)
• Poombarai Village Viewpoint (2 hours, Free)
• Mahabalipuram (4 hours, 40 INR/person entry fee)
• Total Estimated Costs (21 hours, 234 INR/person)

Useful Tips

You can unwind by visiting an Ayurvedic spa, shopping at local markets, visiting religious sites, or attending cultural festivities.

If time permits, add an extra day to visit the charming French-style colony of Puducherry. Subtract a day if you're interested in a more relaxed, shortened trip.