Family-Friendly 1-Day Itinerary for Chennai and Kanchipuram in July 2023

  1. 9:00AM: Mahabalipuram Beach
    1 hour 20 minutes (39 miles) from Chennai

    Mahabalipuram Beach is a perfect place for a family to start their day. With crystal-clear water and golden sand, it provides a refreshing atmosphere for visitors. Tourists can also hire watersports equipment such as jet skis and speedboats.

  2. 11:30AM: DakshinaChitra Museum
    1 hour 30 minutes (30 miles) from Mahabalipuram Beach

    DakshinaChitra Museum is a place to learn about art and architecture from different parts of South India. Visitors can witness artists at work and visit a replica of a traditional South Indian house. They offer workshops for kids to learn folk art, dance and music.

  3. 1:30PM: Lunch at Pind Balluchi
    20 minutes (6 miles) from DakshinaChitra Museum

    Experience a traditional North Indian meal at Pind Balluchi. They provide a great family-friendly atmosphere with live traditional music. The dining experience transports visitors to a rural Punjab setting.

  4. 3:00PM: Kanchi Kudil
    1 hour 20 minutes (41 miles) from Pind Balluchi

    Kanchi Kudil is a traditional 19th-century South Indian house which has been converted into a museum. It offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Tamil Brahmins. Visitors can also enjoy the traditional meal and shopping here. Do check the museum timings and holiday closure.

  5. 5:00PM: Kamakshi Amman Temple
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Kanchi Kudil

    Kamakshi Amman Temple is set in a traditional Dravidian architecture and providence a serene environment for devotees. Visitors can view a large number of intricate sculptures and carvings in this 14th-century temple and experience the religious rituals.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Mahabalipuram Beach (1 hour, free)
  • DakshinaChitra Museum (2 hours, ₹250/adult, ₹150/child)
  • Lunch at Pind Balluchi (1 hour, ₹500/person)
  • Kanchi Kudil (2 hours, ₹150/person)
  • Kamakshi Amman Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): ₹800

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Kanchipuram, visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, which has one of the tallest gopurams (tower gate) and a 1000-year-old mango tree. If you have less time, you can skip Kamakshi Amman Temple and try the famous street food at Gandhi Bazaar.

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