Exploring South India: Chennai, Rameshwaram, Thiruvanamalai, Murdeshwar & Back to Chennai

Day 1: Discovering Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a visit to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, and enjoy a relaxing walk along the shores.
Marina Beach is a 30-minute drive from Chennai city centre.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and admire its stunning Dravidian architecture.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a 20-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in a delicious South Indian meal at the famous Murugan Idli Shop known for its authentic idlis and dosas.
Murugan Idli Shop is a 10-minute drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Visit Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and explore its museum showcasing colonial artefacts.
Fort St. George is a 15-minute drive from Murugan Idli Shop.
INR 50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering a variety of authentic South Indian dishes.
Annalakshmi Restaurant is a 20-minute drive from Fort St. George.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: More of Chennai

Chennai, India

8:30AM

San Thome Basilica

Start your day with a visit to San Thome Basilica, a beautiful Roman Catholic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas.
San Thome Basilica is a 10-minute drive from Chennai city centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Government Museum

Explore the Government Museum, housing a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics from South India.
Government Museum is a 15-minute drive from San Thome Basilica.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Have a delicious vegetarian meal at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine and variety of dosas.
Saravana Bhavan is a 10-minute drive from Government Museum.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Mylapore

Stroll through the vibrant neighbourhood of Mylapore, known for its cultural heritage, temples, and traditional music and dance.
Mylapore is a 15-minute drive from Saravana Bhavan.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Mess

End your day with a hearty dinner at Murugan Mess, a local favourite for Chettinad cuisine and spicy curries.
Murugan Mess is a 20-minute drive from Mylapore.
INR 450, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Spiritual Exploration in Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram, India

8:00AM

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Begin your day with a visit to Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, known for its architectural grandeur.
Ramanathaswamy Temple is a 10-minute walk from most hotels in Rameshwaram.
INR 50, 2 hours

11:00AM

Agni Theertham Beach

Relax at Agni Theertham Beach, a sacred sea bathing spot where pilgrims take a dip before visiting the temple.
Agni Theertham Beach is a 5-minute walk from Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Temple City Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at Temple City Restaurant, offering a mix of South Indian and North Indian dishes in a casual setting.
Temple City Restaurant is a 15-minute walk from Agni Theertham Beach.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Pamban Bridge

Walk along the iconic Pamban Bridge, India's first sea bridge connecting Rameshwaram island to the mainland.
Pamban Bridge is a 20-minute drive from Temple City Restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sri Ariya Bhavan

Savour traditional Tamil cuisine at Sri Ariya Bhavan, known for its authentic flavours and homely ambiance.
Sri Ariya Bhavan is a 15-minute drive from Pamban Bridge.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Tranquil Retreat in Thiruvanamalai

Thiruvanamalai, India

9:00AM

Arunachalesvara Temple

Explore the Arunachalesvara Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva, and participate in the ritualistic prayers and ceremonies.
Arunachalesvara Temple is a 10-minute drive from most hotels in Thiruvanamalai.
INR 20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at A2B - Adyar Ananda Bhavan

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at A2B, serving a variety of South Indian dishes and sweets in a comfortable setting.
A2B is a 15-minute drive from Arunachalesvara Temple.
INR 350, 1 hour

2:00PM

Seshadri Swamigal Ashram

Visit the Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, a spiritual retreat known for its serene atmosphere and meditation sessions.
Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is a 5-minute walk from A2B.
Donation-based, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Skandashramam

Hike up to Skandashramam, a hill cave where Sri Ramana Maharshi meditated, and enjoy panoramic views of Thiruvanamalai.
Skandashramam is a 30-minute walk from Seshadri Swamigal Ashram.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sri Ramana

Dine at Hotel Sri Ramana, offering a range of vegetarian dishes and local specialities in a tranquil garden setting.
Hotel Sri Ramana is a 10-minute walk from Skandashramam.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Coastal Charms of Murdeshwar

Murdeshwar, India

8:00AM

Murdeshwar Temple

Begin your day with a visit to Murdeshwar Temple, known for its towering gopuram and stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
Murdeshwar Temple is a 10-minute walk from most hotels in Murdeshwar.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Murdeshwar Beach

Relax on the pristine Murdeshwar Beach, offering calm waters and a picturesque setting for sunbathing and beach activities.
Murdeshwar Beach is a 5-minute walk from Murdeshwar Temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Naveen Beach Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and coastal delicacies at Naveen Beach Restaurant overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Naveen Beach Restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Murdeshwar Beach.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Netrani Island Boat Tour

Embark on a boat tour to Netrani Island for snorkelling and diving in its clear waters, teeming with diverse marine life.
Boat tours to Netrani Island depart from Murdeshwar Beach and take approximately 1.5 hours.
INR 1500, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at RNS Residency

Relish a buffet dinner at RNS Residency, offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines in a comfortable setting.
RNS Residency is a 15-minute walk from Murdeshwar Beach.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Final Day in Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Vivekananda House

Visit Vivekananda House, a historic site where Swami Vivekananda stayed, and explore the museum showcasing his life and teachings.
Vivekananda House is a 20-minute drive from Chennai city centre.
INR 100, 2 hours

11:30AM

Express Avenue Mall

Shop and dine at Express Avenue Mall, a popular shopping destination in Chennai offering a range of brands and eateries.
Express Avenue Mall is a 10-minute drive from Vivekananda House.
Depends on personal spending, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at Buhari Hotel, renowned for its biryanis, kebabs, and authentic local dishes.
Buhari Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Express Avenue Mall.
INR 400, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore George Town

Take a stroll through George Town, a bustling market area known for its vibrant street life, shops, and historical buildings.
George Town is a 20-minute drive from Buhari Hotel.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Absolute Barbecue

End your trip with a delicious dinner buffet at Absolute Barbecue, offering a wide selection of grilled dishes and desserts.
Absolute Barbecue is a 15-minute drive from George Town.
INR 800, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability