Tamil Nadu Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary for June 2023

1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 15 minutes (35 miles) from Chennai Airport

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, including the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and other rock-cut temples and sculptures. Take a stroll on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.

2. Day 2: Pondicherry
   2 hours 30 minutes (100 miles) from Mahabalipuram

   Explore the French Quarter of Pondicherry, including the Promenade Beach, Notre Dame des Anges, and Alliance Francaise. Visit the Matrimandir, a golden sphere in the middle of Auroville, an experimental township.

3. Day 3: Thanjavur
   3 hours 30 minutes (150 miles) from Pondicherry

   Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest temples in India. Explore the Palace complex, which includes the Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library.

4. Day 4: Madurai
   2 hours 50 minutes (120 miles) from Thanjavur

   Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Parvati. Explore the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century palace built in Indo-Saracenic style. Enjoy a night ceremony at the temple, the sound and light show

5. Day 5: Kodaikanal
   3 hours (80 miles) from Madurai

   Enjoy the scenic beauty of Kodaikanal, known as the Princess of Hill Stations. Visit the Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, and Pillar Rocks. Take a horseback ride and taste the local homemade chocolates.

6. Day 6: Ooty
   7 hours (170 miles) from Kodaikanal

   Visit the "Queen of Hill Stations," Ooty, and enjoy the panoramic views from Doddabetta Peak. Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Government Botanical Garden and Ooty Lake.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (2-3 hours, INR 600 per person)
• Auroville (3-4 hours, free entry)
• Brihadeeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Meenakshi Amman Temple (2-3 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway (2-3 hours, INR 205 per person for first class)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,455 per person (excluding accommodation and food)

Recommendations

Don't miss the chance to taste traditional Tamilian dishes such as dosa, idli, sambar, and filter coffee. You can also visit the Dakshinachitra Museum near Mahabalipuram, showcasing the culture and heritage of South India. To maximize the fun, you can take a boat ride in Ooty Lake, hire a bike in Kodaikanal, and try adventure activities such as ziplining and trekking at the Hill Stations.