Exploring Chennai and Pondicherry in 5 Days

Day 1: Immersing in Chennai's Culture

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Visit Marina Beach

Begin your journey with a visit to Marina Beach, absorbing the bustling energy and beauty of the second-longest urban beach in the world.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Experience the rich spirituality of Chennai by exploring the intricately designed Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a delicious South Indian meal at the renowned Hotel Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic flavors and hospitality.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Government Museum

Explore the diverse cultural heritage of Chennai at the Government Museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

End your day with a serene dining experience at Annalakshmi Restaurant, where you will be treated to delectable vegetarian dishes.
$$, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Exploring Chennai's History

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Visit Fort St. George

Delve into Chennai's colonial past with a visit to Fort St. George, a historic fortress that now houses museums and monuments.
$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a scrumptious South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop, famous for its authentic and flavorsome idlis and dosas.
$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Indulge in a shopping spree at T. Nagar, one of Chennai's bustling shopping districts where you can find traditional garments and souvenirs.
$$, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Valluvar Kottam

Discover the architectural marvel of Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the classical Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, set amidst peaceful surroundings.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Dakshin Restaurant

Savor traditional South Indian flavors with a dinner at Dakshin Restaurant, known for its authentic regional cuisine.
$$, 1.5 hours

Day 3: French Flair in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Stroll around Promenade Beach

Begin your exploration of Pondicherry at the picturesque Promenade Beach, taking in the tranquil seaside views and refreshing breeze.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Auroville

Embark on a cultural journey at Auroville, an experimental township promoting peace and sustainability, and visit the iconic Matrimandir.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Delight in gourmet pizzas and a cozy ambiance at Tanto Pizzeria, offering a fusion of Italian and French culinary delights.
$$, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Aurobindo Ashram

Find inner peace at Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual retreat established by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, radiating tranquility and serenity.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Indulge in a gourmet dining experience at Le Dupleix, a colonial-era heritage hotel serving a blend of French and Indian cuisines.
$$$, 2 hours

Day 4: Spiritual Sojourn to Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram, India

8:00AM

Darshan at Ramanathaswamy Temple

Commence your spiritual journey at Ramanathaswamy Temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site known for its ornate corridors and holy tanks.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Pamban Bridge

Visit the iconic Pamban Bridge, India's first sea bridge, connecting Rameshwaram and mainland, offering panoramic views of the ocean.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Temple Trees

Savor a traditional Tamil Nadu meal at Temple Trees, a local restaurant known for authentic regional dishes and warm hospitality.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Dhanushkodi

Embark on a journey to Dhanushkodi, the ghost town at the tip of Rameshwaram, offering a surreal landscape and poignant history.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sangam Hotels

Relish a delectable dinner at Sangam Hotels, enjoying a blend of South Indian flavors and coastal specialties by the sea.
$$$, 2 hours

Day 5: Farewell in Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Seagate Restaurant

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Seagate Restaurant, offering a range of local and continental dishes amidst scenic views.
$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Dhanushkodi Beach

Spend your morning at Dhanushkodi Beach, known for its untouched beauty and historical significance as the land's end of India.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood feast at Moonrakers, a beachside eatery offering fresh catches and stunning views of the ocean.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Ram Setu Point

Explore the mystical Ram Setu Point, a natural formation linking India and Sri Lanka, steeped in Hindu mythology and breathtaking vistas.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Seagate Restaurant

Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner at Seagate Restaurant, reminiscing about your unforgettable experiences in Dhanushkodi.
$$$, 2 hours

Day 6: Returning to Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Savor one last South Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop, bidding farewell to the flavors of Chennai.
$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Santhome Cathedral

Explore the historic Santhome Cathedral, a revered monument with stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ente Keralam

Relish a traditional Kerala meal at Ente Keralam, offering a flavorful journey through the cuisine of 'God's Own Country'.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore DakshinaChitra

Discover the heritage of South India at DakshinaChitra, an open-air museum showcasing traditional crafts, art, and architecture.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Southern Spice

Conclude your journey with a lavish farewell dinner at Southern Spice, where you can relish the authentic flavors of Chettinad cuisine.
$$$, 2 hours