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7-Day Family Friendly Tamilnadu Itinerary

Saturday, September 9: Chennai

Begin your trip in Chennai, the capital city of Tamilnadu. In the morning, visit Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and enjoy a peaceful walk along the coastline. In the afternoon, explore the historic Fort St. George, which houses the St. Mary's Church and the Fort Museum. As the evening approaches, head to the vibrant neighborhood of Mylapore and visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its stunning Dravidian architecture.

  • Marina Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Fort St. George: ₹100 ($1.35), 2-3 hours
  • Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Sunday, September 10: Mamallapuram

On day two, travel to Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. Start your morning by exploring the Shore Temple, a stunning example of Pallava architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Five Rathas, monolithic rock temples representing the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. End your day by enjoying the beautiful sunset at the Mahabalipuram Beach.

  • Shore Temple: ₹600 ($8.10) for foreigners, ₹40 ($0.55) for Indians, 2-3 hours
  • Five Rathas: ₹600 ($8.10) for foreigners, ₹40 ($0.55) for Indians, 1-2 hours
  • Mahabalipuram Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Monday, September 11: Pondicherry

Head south to the charming town of Pondicherry, known for its French influence. Begin your day by strolling through the French Quarter, admiring the colonial architecture and visiting the iconic Aurobindo Ashram. In the afternoon, explore the Auroville and Matrimandir, a unique spiritual community dedicated to human unity. Enjoy the evening at the Promenade Beach, lined with cafes and perfect for a leisurely walk.

  • Aurobindo Ashram: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Auroville and Matrimandir: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Promenade Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, September 12: Kodaikanal

Travel to the hill station of Kodaikanal, nestled amidst the lush Western Ghats. Start your day with a visit to the serene Kodaikanal Lake, where you can rent a boat and enjoy a peaceful ride. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Bryant Park, famous for its colorful flower beds and horticultural exhibits. End your day by taking a leisurely walk along Coaker's Walk, a picturesque pathway offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

  • Kodaikanal Lake: ₹10 ($0.14) per person for boating, 2-3 hours
  • Bryant Park: ₹30 ($0.40) per person, 1-2 hours
  • Coaker's Walk: ₹10 ($0.14) per person, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, September 13: Madurai

Continue your journey to Madurai, a city known for its rich cultural heritage. Start your morning by visiting the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi. In the afternoon, explore the historic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, known for its grand architecture and light-and-sound show. As the evening sets in, witness the vibrant and colorful evening ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

  • Meenakshi Amman Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: ₹50 ($0.68) for adults, ₹10 ($0.14) for children, 1-2 hours
  • Evening ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Thursday, September 14: Rameswaram

Head to the sacred island of Rameswaram, one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Start your day by visiting the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. In the afternoon, explore the Pamban Bridge, a historic railway bridge connecting Rameswaram to the mainland. If time permits, take a dip in the holy waters of Agni Theertham. End your day with a serene walk along Dhanushkodi Beach, known for its pristine beauty.

  • Ramanathaswamy Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Pamban Bridge: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Dhanushkodi Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Friday, September 15: Ooty

Conclude your trip in the picturesque hill station of Ooty. Start your morning by taking a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Government Botanical Gardens, home to a wide variety of exotic flora. End your day with a boat ride in the serene Ooty Lake.

  • Nilgiri Mountain Railway: ₹205 ($2.77) for adults, ₹30 ($0.40) for children, 2-3 hours
  • Government Botanical Gardens: ₹30 ($0.40) for adults, ₹15 ($0.20) for children, 1-2 hours
  • Ooty Lake: ₹15 ($0.20) per person for boating, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • An ideal spot for breakfast is Sidewalk Cafe, known for its delicious sandwiches and baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
  • For lunch, head to Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe, a popular restaurant offering a variety of Indian and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
  • Enjoy a memorable dinner at Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant, famous for its authentic Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Tamilnadu, make sure to visit Dindigul, known for its ancient hilltop fort and mouth-watering biryani. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Mudumalai National Park offers the opportunity to spot elephants, tigers, and various other wildlife species. Another hidden gem is the Hogenakkal Falls, located on the border of Tamilnadu and Karnataka, where you can enjoy a boat ride amidst stunning cascades. Don't forget to try the local delicacies such as filter coffee, dosa, and Chettinad cuisine, known for its spicy flavors.

For checking hotel and flight prices, click here.

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