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Exploring Chennai by Rail - 5-Day Itinerary

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Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a visit to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll along the Bay of Bengal.
Marina Beach is approximately a 30-minute drive from the city centre. You can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing service.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Head to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a magnificent Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Marvel at its intricate architecture and religious significance.
The temple is a short 15-minute drive from Marina Beach. You can hire a local auto-rickshaw for transportation.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in a traditional South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop known for its delicious and authentic idlis and dosas.
Murugan Idli Shop is a popular eatery located near the temple. It's a 5-minute walk from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Explore the historical Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India. Visit the museum inside to learn about Chennai's colonial past.
Fort St. George is a 20-minute drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple. You can hire a taxi to reach there.
£3, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ente Keralam

End your day with a delightful dinner at Ente Keralam, offering authentic Kerala cuisine in a cosy ambience.
Ente Keralam is located in the city centre and can be reached by a short taxi ride from Fort St. George.
£10, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Marvels

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Shore Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
The Shore Temple is around a 2-hour train journey from Chennai Central Railway Station to Mahabalipuram Station.
£2, 2 hours

11:00AM

Pancha Rathas

Explore the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), monolithic rock-cut temples representing the Dravidian style of architecture.
Pancha Rathas is a short walk from the Shore Temple, allowing for easy exploration.
£1, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers, a beachside restaurant offering fresh catch and stunning views of the coast.
Moonrakers is located near the Shore Temple, providing a convenient dining option after sightseeing.
£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Beach Time at Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of Mahabalipuram Beach and witness the picturesque sunset over the horizon.
Mahabalipuram Beach is a short walk from the restaurant, allowing for a leisurely beach experience.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

Enjoy dinner at Moonrakers once again to savour more of their delicious seafood offerings as you unwind by the sea.
Head back to Moonrakers for a delightful dinner experience before retiring for the night.
£10, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Pondicherry Exploration

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey at Auroville, an experimental township promoting human unity and sustainable living.
Take a morning train from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry. Auroville is a short drive from the Pondicherry Railway Station.
£3, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Indulge in a delicious wood-fired pizza at Tanto Pizzeria, offering a taste of Italy in the heart of Pondicherry.
Tanto Pizzeria is located in the White Town area, known for its vibrant streets and French colonial architecture.
£7, 1 hour

2:00PM

Paradise Beach

Spend the afternoon at Paradise Beach, a secluded paradise with golden sands and clear waters perfect for relaxation.
Paradise Beach can be reached by a short ferry ride from Chunnambar Boat House. Enjoy the scenic journey to the beach.
£4, 2 hours

5:00PM

Exploring French Quarters

Stroll through the charming French Quarters of Pondicherry, admiring the colonial architecture and quaint cafes lining the streets.
The French Quarters are best explored on foot, allowing you to immerse yourself in the cultural blend of French and Indian influences.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Dine at Le Dupleix, a restored colonial villa serving delectable French and fusion cuisine in an elegant setting.
Le Dupleix is a short walk from the French Quarters, making it a convenient choice for a sophisticated dinner experience.
£15, 2 hours
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Day 4: Kanchipuram Heritage

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Kanchi Kudil

Start your day at Kanchi Kudil, a traditional heritage house showcasing the architectural beauty of Kanchipuram.
Take a morning train from Pondicherry to Kanchipuram. Kanchi Kudil is a short auto-rickshaw ride from the Kanchipuram Railway Station.
£2, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kanchipuram Temples

Explore the famous temples of Kanchipuram, known for their intricate carvings and religious significance in Hindu culture.
The temples are located within walking distance from Kanchi Kudil, allowing for an immersive temple-hopping experience.
£3, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali at Saravana Bhavan, a renowned chain of restaurants known for its authentic vegetarian cuisine.
Saravana Bhavan is a popular eatery in Kanchipuram, located near the temple area for a convenient dining option.
£6, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kanchipuram Silk Saree Shopping

Indulge in some silk saree shopping at Kanchipuram, famous for its exquisite silk fabrics and intricate weaving techniques.
Explore the local shops near the temple area to find the perfect Kanchipuram silk saree as a souvenir of your visit.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Conclude your day with dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, another branch of the popular chain offering a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Head back to the restaurant for a satisfying dinner before heading back to Chennai by train.
£8, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Chennai Farewell

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Government Museum

Visit the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India, housing an impressive collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics.
The museum is located in the Egmore area of Chennai and can be reached by a short taxi ride from the city centre.
£2, 2 hours

11:00AM

Vivekananda House

Explore the Vivekananda House, a historic landmark where Swami Vivekananda stayed, showcasing his life and teachings.
Vivekananda House is a short drive from the Government Museum. You can hire a taxi for convenient transportation.
£1, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine and charitable dining concept.
Annalakshmi Restaurant is located near Marina Beach, offering a serene dining experience after sightseeing.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Indulge in some retail therapy at T. Nagar, a bustling shopping district known for its silk sarees, jewellery, and traditional souvenirs.
Take a taxi or local transport to T. Nagar for a vibrant shopping experience. Bargain for unique finds at the local shops.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

End your Chennai adventure with a dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, relishing their signature idlis and dosas before departing.
Head back to Murugan Idli Shop for a final culinary delight before bidding farewell to this vibrant city.
£5, 1.5 hours
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