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17-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Chennai, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Pondicherry, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari

17-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Chennai, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Pondicherry, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari

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Day 1: Friday, December 15, 2023 - Chennai Arrival

Morning: Start your trip in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and a bustling metropolitan city. Explore the historical sites in the morning such as Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India. Visit the nearby St. Mary's Church and the Government Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts.

Afternoon: Head to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore and experience the local street food. For a cultural experience, visit Kalakshetra, an institute of classical arts.

Evening: Indulge in shopping at T. Nagar, known for its vibrant markets and traditional handicrafts. Witness the evening prayer ceremony at the Kapaleeswarar Temple and immerse yourself in the spirituality of the city.

  • Fort St. George: INR 100, 2 hours
  • Government Museum: INR 250, 2-3 hours
  • Marina Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Kalakshetra: INR 100, 2 hours
  • T. Nagar Shopping: Varies, 2-3 hours

Day 2: Saturday, December 16, 2023 - Ooty

Morning: Depart Chennai for Ooty, a picturesque hill station. Enjoy the scenic drive and take in the beautiful landscapes of tea plantations and misty mountains. Visit the Government Botanical Garden, home to a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna.

Afternoon: Explore the Ooty Lake and enjoy a boat ride in the serene surroundings. Indulge in shopping for local handicrafts and homemade chocolates at the Tibetan Market.

Evening: Witness the stunning sunset from the Dodabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains. Relax and enjoy the pleasant weather of Ooty.

  • Government Botanical Garden: INR 30, 2-3 hours
  • Ooty Lake: INR 10 (boat ride extra), 2 hours
  • Dodabetta Peak: INR 10, 1-2 hours

Day 3: Sunday, December 17, 2023 - Ooty

Morning: Embark on a toy train ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Enjoy the scenic journey through tunnels and valleys.

Afternoon: Visit the Thread Garden, a unique attraction showcasing a variety of artificial flowers and plants made entirely from thread.

Evening: Explore the beautiful Rose Garden and lose yourself in the colorful blooms and fragrant air. Take a leisurely walk through the enchanting tea estates and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea.

  • Toy Train Ride: INR 205 (first-class), 4-5 hours
  • Thread Garden: INR 10, 1-2 hours
  • Rose Garden: INR 30, 1-2 hours
  • Tea Estate Visit: Free, 1-2 hours

Day 4: Monday, December 18, 2023 - Kodaikanal

Morning: Depart Ooty for Kodaikanal, another scenic hill station known as the "Princess of Hill Stations". Explore the breathtaking views of the Coaker's Walk, a picturesque promenade.

Afternoon: Visit the Silver Cascade Falls, a mesmerizing waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Discover the tranquil atmosphere of the Bryant Park, home to a wide variety of flowers and plants.

Evening: Enjoy a boat ride on the serene Kodaikanal Lake and witness the beauty of the surrounding hills.

  • Coaker's Walk: INR 20, 2 hours
  • Silver Cascade Falls: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Bryant Park: INR 30, 1-2 hours
  • Kodaikanal Lake Boat Ride: INR 100, 1-2 hours

Day 5: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - Kodaikanal

Morning: Explore the Pillar Rocks, a set of three giant rock formations offering panoramic views. Take a nature walk along the beautiful trails of the Pine Forest.

Afternoon: Visit the Bear Shola Falls, a cascading waterfall nestled amidst the lush Shola forests. Engage in adventure activities like horseback riding or cycling.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely picnic at the peaceful Green Valley View Point, also known as Suicide Point, offering stunning valley views.

  • Pillar Rocks: Free, 2 hours
  • Pine Forest: INR 20, 1-2 hours
  • Bear Shola Falls: INR 10, 1-2 hours
  • Green Valley View Point: INR 20, 1-2 hours

Day 6: Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Pondicherry

Morning: Depart Kodaikanal for Pondicherry, a charming coastal town known for its French influence. Explore the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and discover their teachings.

Afternoon: Visit the French Quarter and wander through the colorful streets lined with colonial buildings. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Promenade Beach.

Evening: Witness the beautiful architecture of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and attend the evening mass if interested. Experience the vibrant nightlife at the famous Rock Beach.

  • Aurobindo Ashram: Free, 1-2 hours
  • French Quarter Exploration: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Promenade Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Free, 1-2 hours

Day 7: Thursday, December 21, 2023 - Pondicherry

Morning: Explore the Matrimandir, a spiritual center dedicated to inner peace and tranquility. Enjoy the serene ambience of the surrounding gardens.

Afternoon: Visit the Paradise Beach and indulge in water activities such as swimming or sunbathing. Take a leisurely boat ride to the Chunnambar Boat House.

Evening: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Pondicherry Market and indulge in street food and shopping.

  • Matrimandir: Free, 2-3 hours (prior booking required)
  • Paradise Beach: INR 300 (boat ride included), 2-3 hours
  • Pondicherry Market: Varies, 1-2 hours

Day 8: Friday, December 22, 2023 - Rameshwaram

Morning: Depart Pondicherry for Rameshwaram, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus. Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple and explore its intricate architecture.

Afternoon: Experience the spirituality and tranquility of Dhanushkodi Beach. Take a dip in the sacred waters of Agni Theertham.

Evening: Witness the spectacular sunsets at Gandhamadhana Parvatham, offering panoramic views of the town and sea.

  • Ramanathaswamy Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dhanushkodi Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Gandhamadhana Parvatham: Free, 1-2 hours

Day 9: Saturday, December 23, 2023 - Rameshwaram

Morning: Visit the Pamban Bridge, an engineering marvel connecting Rameshwaram island with the mainland. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean.

Afternoon: Explore the Ram Setu, a mythical bridge believed to be built by Lord Rama's army. Take a boat tour to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Evening: Take a dip in the 22 holy wells of the Rama Tirtha, known for their spiritual significance.

  • Pamban Bridge: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Ram Setu: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Rama Tirtha: Free, 1-2 hours

Day 10: Sunday, December 24, 2023 - Kanyakumari

Morning: Depart Rameshwaram for Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India. Explore the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and enjoy the ferry ride to reach it.

Afternoon: Visit the Thiruvalluvar Statue, a towering monument dedicated to the poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Explore the tranquil surroundings of Gandhi Mandapam.

Evening: Witness the breathtaking sunset at the confluence of three oceans - the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.

  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial: INR 50 (ferry ride extra), 2-3 hours
  • Thiruvalluvar Statue: INR 40, 1-2 hours
  • Gandhi Mandapam: Free, 1-2 hours

Day 11: Monday, December 25, 2023 - Kanyakumari

Morning: Explore the Kumari Amman Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari. Witness the unique phenomenon of the sunrise and sunset from this point.

Afternoon: Visit the Kanyakumari Beach and unwind in the serene surroundings. Take a short boat ride to the Vivekananda Memorial.

Evening: Attend a cultural performance showcasing the vibrant folk dances and music of the region.

  • Kumari Amman Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Kanyakumari Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Vivekananda Memorial Boat Ride: INR 34, 1-2 hours
  • Cultural Performance: INR 100, 1-2 hours

Day 12: Tuesday, December 26, 2023 - Chennai

Morning: Depart Kanyakumari for Chennai. Relax and unwind in the comfort of your hotel after a long journey.

Afternoon: Indulge in some shopping at the vibrant markets of Chennai and buy souvenirs or traditional textiles.

Evening: Enjoy a delicious South Indian dinner at a local restaurant and savor the flavors of Tamil Nadu.

  • Shopping: Varies, 2-3 hours
  • Dinner: Varies, 1-2 hours

Day 13: Wednesday, December 27, 2023 - Chennai

Morning: Explore the ancient temples of Chennai, such as the Kapaleeswarar Temple and the Parthasarathy Temple. Witness the beautiful architecture and religious rituals.

Afternoon: Visit the Santhome Cathedral, a sacred Christian pilgrimage site associated with Saint Thomas the Apostle. Explore the fascinating artifacts in the museum.

Evening: Take a relaxing stroll along the scenic Elliot's Beach and enjoy the serene ambiance.

  • Kapaleeswarar Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Parthasarathy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Santhome Cathedral: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Elliot's Beach: Free, 1-2 hours

Day 14: Thursday, December 28, 2023 - Chennai

Morning: Visit the famous Marina Beach and enjoy the sunrise. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the beach promenade.

Afternoon: Explore the Chennai Rail Museum, showcasing the rich history of the Indian Railways. Ride the miniature train and learn about the railway system.

Evening: Indulge in some traditional South Indian cuisine at a local restaurant and try popular dishes like dosa and idli.

  • Marina Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Chennai Rail Museum: INR 50, 2-3 hours
  • Dinner: Varies, 1-2 hours

Day 15: Friday, December 29, 2023 - Chennai

Morning: Take a heritage walk through the George Town area and explore the bustling markets and narrow streets.

Afternoon: Visit the National Art Gallery and appreciate the rich collection of Indian art. Explore the nearby Government Museum for a deeper understanding of Tamil Nadu's history.

Evening: Treat yourself to a traditional Ayurvedic massage and rejuvenate your body and mind.

  • Heritage Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
  • National Art Gallery: INR 50, 1-2 hours
  • Government Museum: INR 250, 2-3 hours
  • Ayurvedic Massage: Varies, 1-2 hours

Day 16: Saturday, December 30, 2023 - Chennai

Morning: Explore the DakshinaChitra Museum, showcasing the culture and heritage of South India through various exhibits and demonstrations.

Afternoon: Visit the Birla Planetarium and learn about astronomy through informative shows.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Chennai Marina Promenade and soak in the beautiful views of the city skyline.

  • DakshinaChitra Museum: INR 100, 2-3 hours
  • Birla Planetarium: INR 100, 1-2 hours
  • Chennai Marina Promenade: Free, 1-2 hours

Day 17: Sunday, December 31, 2023 - Chennai Departure

Morning: Explore the vibrant markets of Chennai for some last-minute shopping and pick up souvenirs.

Afternoon: Bid farewell to Chennai as you depart for your onward journey.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Ooty, take a visit to the Avalanche Lake, a serene and untouched natural beauty that is perfect for a picnic. In Kodaikanal, explore the lesser-known Bearberry Farm and enjoy a farm-to-table experience with organic produce. For a unique experience in Pondicherry, visit the Auroville Village and participate in community activities. In Rameshwaram, discover the stunning Dhanushkodi Ghost Town, which was destroyed by a cyclone in the 1960s. Lastly, in Kanyakumari, take a detour to the beautiful Vattakottai Fort, an ancient coastal fort with panoramic views.

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