Discover Tamil Nadu in 5 Days

Day 1: Chennai Charm

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a refreshing walk along Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world.
Marina Beach is about a 30-minute drive from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the ancient and stunning Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its Dravidian architecture and vibrant festivals.
The temple is a short 15-minute drive from Marina Beach.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in delicious South Indian vegetarian cuisine at the iconic Saravana Bhavan restaurant.
Saravana Bhavan is a 10-minute drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Explore the historic Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and visit the museum inside.
Fort St. George is a 20-minute drive from Saravana Bhavan.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi

Enjoy a traditional Indian dinner buffet with a view of the sea at Annalakshmi restaurant.
Annalakshmi is located nearby Fort St. George.
$$, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

DakshinaChitra

Spend the morning at DakshinaChitra, a living history museum showcasing South Indian heritage and art.
DakshinaChitra is a 1-hour drive from the city center.
$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Taste authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine with a variety of flavorful idlis at Murugan Idli Shop.
Murugan Idli Shop is a 15-minute drive from DakshinaChitra.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Shopping

Shop for souvenirs and traditional items near Kapaleeshwarar Temple to take a piece of Chennai back home.
Shopping area is within walking distance from the temple.
$$, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Mess

Experience authentic Chettinad cuisine at Murugan Mess, known for its flavorful dishes and cultural ambiance.
Murugan Mess is a short drive from the shopping area near Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Marvels in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Shore Temple

Start your day at the ancient Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Shore Temple is a 1-hour drive from Chennai.
$, 2 hours

11:00AM

Pancha Rathas

Explore the unique monolithic rock-cut temples of Pancha Rathas, each carved from a single rock formation.
Pancha Rathas is a short 10-minute drive from Shore Temple.
$, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch by the beach at Moonrakers restaurant, known for its scenic views and fresh catch.
Moonrakers is located near Pancha Rathas.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the intricate rock carvings of Arjuna's Penance, depicting scenes from Indian mythology.
Arjuna's Penance is within walking distance from Pancha Rathas.
$, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach, known for its golden sands and serene atmosphere as the sun sets.
Mahabalipuram Beach is a short walk from Arjuna's Penance.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Seagull Restaurant

Enjoy a flavorful dinner at Seagull Restaurant, offering a mix of Indian and international cuisine with a sea view.
Seagull Restaurant is located near Mahabalipuram Beach.
$$, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: French Flair in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey at Auroville, an experimental township focused on human unity and peace.
Auroville is a 2-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Savor wood-fired pizzas and delectable Italian cuisine at Tanto Pizzeria in the heart of Pondicherry.
Tanto Pizzeria is a short drive from Auroville.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Aurobindo Ashram

Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and known for its peaceful ambiance.
Aurobindo Ashram is located in central Pondicherry.
$, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Promenade Beach

Stroll along the picturesque Promenade Beach, lined with palm trees and offering stunning sunset views.
Promenade Beach is a short walk from Aurobindo Ashram.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

Dine at Rendezvous restaurant, serving a mix of French, Indian, and continental cuisine in a cozy setting.
Rendezvous is located near Promenade Beach.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 5: Spiritual Exploration in Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day at the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture and vibrant ceremonies.
Meenakshi Amman Temple is a 4-hour drive from Pondicherry.
$, 2 hours

11:00AM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace is located near Meenakshi Amman Temple.
$, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its authentic South Indian flavors and variety of chutneys.
Murugan Idli Shop is a short drive from the palace.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, showcasing the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi through exhibits and artifacts.
The museum is located in the city center of Madurai.
$, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Prayer Ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple

Witness the evening prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple, a spiritual experience with music and rituals.
The temple is a short walk from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Amma Mess, a local favorite known for its traditional Tamil Nadu dishes and warm hospitality.
Amma Mess is located near the temple.
$, 2 hours
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