3-Day Itinerary: Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu for Food Lovers

  1. Day 1: Chennai
    Approximately 18 km (11 miles) from Chennai International Airport

    Chennai is known for its rich culinary heritage, and your first day should be all about experiencing the best of south Indian cuisine. Start with a traditional breakfast of idli, dosa and filter coffee at Murugan Idli Shop in T. Nagar. Next, visit Dakshin in Crowne Plaza hotel for a luxurious lunch of Chettinad cuisine. Take a stroll by the Marina Beach and snack on sundal or murukku. End the day with a sumptuous dinner at Annalakshmi, a vegetarian restaurant serving delectable dishes from across the country.

  2. Day 2: Madurai
    Approximately 7 hours (450 km or 280 miles) from Chennai

    Madurai is often called the food capital of Tamil Nadu and is famous for its delicious street food. Start the day with a piping hot cup of filter coffee at Murugan Idli Shop. Explore the city's food markets, such as the Meenakshi Amman Kovil Street and taste some local delicacies, such as Jigarthanda, a refreshing drink made with almond gum, milk and ice cream. For lunch, head to the iconic Amma Mess and savour their signature mutton biryani. In the evening, head to Ahaaram, an open-air restaurant serving traditional cuisine of the region.

  3. Day 3: Coimbatore
    Approximately 5 hours (350 km or 217 miles) from Madurai

    Coimbatore is a city with a rich food culture and is known for its fusion cuisine. Start the day with a breakfast of hot appams and stew or vadais at Sree Annapoorna. Head to the famous Brookefields Mall for a fine-dining experience at On the Go, which serves an eclectic mix of Indian and western cuisine. Visit the 100-year-old Shree Annapoorna Gowrishankar for some local street food like kachoris and chaats. End the day with a visit to Kovaipudur to relish the famous Drumstick Chicken at Junior Kuppanna.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Murugan Idli Shop, Chennai (1 hour, INR 300)
  • Dakshin, Chennai (2 hours, INR 1500)
  • Marina Beach, Chennai (1 hour, Free)
  • Annalakshmi, Chennai (2 hours, INR 800)
  • Amma Mess, Madurai (1.5 hours, INR 500)
  • Ahaaram, Madurai (2 hours, INR 1000)
  • Sree Annapoorna, Coimbatore (1 hour, INR 300)
  • On the Go, Coimbatore (2 hours, INR 1500)
  • Shree Annapoorna Gowrishankar, Coimbatore (1 hour, INR 200)
  • Junior Kuppanna, Coimbatore (2 hours, INR 800)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 7,900
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