4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Chennai, Madurai, Theni, Munnar, and Kodaikanal

  1. Day 1: Chennai
    3 hours (120 miles) from Madurai

    Start your trip in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Visit the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a towering gopuram (monumental entrance tower). Then, head over to Fort St. George, the first British Fortress in India, and learn about its rich history. Next, visit the Government Museum which has an amazing collection of art and artifacts including ancient coins, sculptures, and paintings.

  2. Day 2: Madurai
    2 hours 30 minutes (75 miles) from Theni

    Madurai is known as the "Athens of the East" and is famous for its temples and rich cultural heritage. Start your day with a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is one of the most famous temples in India. Then, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th century palace that has a fusion of Dravidian and Islamic styles of architecture. End your day with a visit to the Gandhi Memorial Museum which has a collection of books, letters, and photographs relating to Mahatma Gandhi.

  3. Day 3: Theni and Munnar
    3 hours (70 miles) from Kodaikanal

    Theni is a small town located at the foothills of the Western Ghats. Start your day with a visit to the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. If you're lucky, you might spot an elephant or a tiger. Then, drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations. Take a stroll through the tea gardens and visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea in the region.

  4. Day 4: Kodaikanal

    Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats. Start your day with a visit to Coaker's Walk, a beautiful pathway that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. Then, visit the Kodaikanal Lake where you can go boating or just relax by the lake. End your day with a visit to the Pillar Rocks which are three giant rock pillars that stand tall amidst the lush green valleys.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kapaleeswarar Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Fort St. George (2 hours, ₹500 per person)
  • Government Museum (2 hours, ₹50 per person)
  • Meenakshi Amman Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace (1 hour, ₹25 per person)
  • Gandhi Memorial Museum (1 hour, ₹10 per person)
  • Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, ₹500 per person)
  • Tea Gardens (2 hours, free)
  • Tea Museum (1 hour, ₹100 per person)
  • Coaker's Walk (1 hour, free)
  • Kodaikanal Lake (2 hours, ₹10 per person for entry + boating fee)
  • Pillar Rocks (1 hour, ₹10 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹1,205 per person
0