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Discovering Tamil Nadu in 7 Days

Viewed by 59 travelers

Day 1: Cultural Delights

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its stunning Dravidian architecture.
Take a taxi from your hotel to the temple, approximately 30 minutes drive.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Marina Beach

Head to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from the temple, about 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in some authentic South Indian cuisine at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delicious idlis and dosas.
Short walk or taxi ride from Marina Beach, approximately 15 minutes.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historic Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and learn about Chennai's colonial past.
Take a taxi to the fort, around 20 minutes away.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at T Nagar

End your day with some shopping at T Nagar, one of the busiest shopping districts in Chennai.
Taxi or public transport to T Nagar, approximately 30 minutes.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant, known for its authentic South Indian dishes.
Take a taxi to the restaurant, about 15 minutes from T Nagar.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Historical Wonders

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Visit Shore Temple

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Take a private car or taxi from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, approximately 1.5 hours drive.
INR 250, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Discover the unique monolithic rock-cut temples of Pancha Rathas, showcasing exquisite Dravidian architecture.
Short walk from Shore Temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers restaurant, offering a stunning view of the sea.
Walk or short drive from Pancha Rathas.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Explore the impressive rock carving of Arjuna's Penance, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Walking distance from Moonrakers.
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoy the serene sunset views over the Bay of Bengal.
Short walk from Arjuna's Penance.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Seashell Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at Seashell Restaurant, known for its fresh catch of the day.
Walk to the restaurant from the beach.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: French Colonial Charm

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Explore Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey at Auroville, an experimental township promoting unity and peace.
Take a private car or taxi from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry, around 2 hours drive.
INR 200, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy a fusion lunch at Tanto Pizzeria, offering a mix of Italian and Indian flavors.
Short drive or walk from Auroville.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the serene Aurobindo Ashram, dedicated to Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, known for spirituality and meditation.
Short walk from Tanto Pizzeria.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Stroll along Promenade Beach

Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Promenade Beach, lined with colonial buildings and cafes.
Walk from Aurobindo Ashram to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Shopping at Nehru Street

Explore the vibrant Nehru Street for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local artifacts.
Walk or short drive from Promenade Beach.
Variable, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

Savor a cozy dinner at Rendezvous, a charming restaurant offering French and Indian cuisine.
Walk or short drive from Nehru Street.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 4: Temple Trail

Thanjavur, India

9:00AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel of Chola architecture.
Take a private car or taxi from Pondicherry to Thanjavur, approximately 4 hours drive.
INR 250, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thanjavur Royal Palace

Discover the history of the Nayak and Maratha dynasties at the Thanjavur Royal Palace, showcasing art and artifacts.
Short drive or walk from Brihadeeswarar Temple.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Sangam

Relish a traditional South Indian thali lunch at Hotel Sangam, known for its authentic flavors.
Walk or short drive from Thanjavur Royal Palace.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Schwartz Church

Explore the historic Schwartz Church, built during the British colonial era and known for its Gothic architecture.
Short walk from Hotel Sangam.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Shopping at Thanjavur Market

Shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs at Thanjavur Market, known for its brass items and traditional artworks.
Walk or short drive from Schwartz Church.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Raya's Grand

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Raya's Grand, offering a blend of South Indian and Chettinad cuisine.
Walk or short drive from Thanjavur Market.
INR 600, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Thanjavur

Day 5: Cultural Heritage

Madurai, India

9:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site with intricate carvings and vibrant sculptures.
Take a private car or taxi from Thanjavur to Madurai, approximately 3 hours drive.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century architectural marvel with stunning pillars and courtyards.
Short drive or walk from Meenakshi Amman Temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Amma Mess

Indulge in a traditional South Indian meal at Amma Mess, known for its authentic flavors and homely ambiance.
Walk or short drive from Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Explore the Gandhi Memorial Museum, showcasing the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi through exhibits and artifacts.
Short walk from Amma Mess.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Puthu Mandapam

Shop for traditional textiles and handicrafts at Puthu Mandapam, a bustling market near Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Walk or short drive from Gandhi Memorial Museum.
Variable, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a light dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, famous for its fluffy idlis and variety of chutneys.
Walk or short drive from Puthu Mandapam.
INR 200, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 6: Hill Station Retreat

Kodaikanal, India

9:00AM

Visit Coaker's Walk

Start your day with a scenic walk along Coaker's Walk, offering panoramic views of the lush valleys and hills.
Take a private car or taxi from Madurai to Kodaikanal, approximately 4 hours drive.
INR 300, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Bryant Park

Discover the botanical beauty of Bryant Park, featuring a diverse collection of flowers, hybrids, and rafts.
Short walk or drive from Coaker's Walk.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cloud Street Cafe

Enjoy a cozy lunch at Cloud Street Cafe, known for its delicious sandwiches and hot beverages.
Short walk from Bryant Park.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Bear Shola Falls

Explore the tranquil Bear Shola Falls, a serene waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and ideal for a peaceful retreat.
Short drive or hike from Cloud Street Cafe.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Boating at Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride at Kodaikanal Lake, surrounded by misty mountains and serene landscapes.
Short walk or drive from Bear Shola Falls.
INR 200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Astoria Veg

Savor a vegetarian dinner at Astoria Veg, offering a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes.
Walk or short drive from Kodaikanal Lake.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kodaikanal

Day 7: Hill Station Escape

Ooty, India

9:00AM

Visit Botanical Gardens

Start your day with a visit to the picturesque Botanical Gardens, home to a diverse collection of exotic plants and flowers.
Take a private car or taxi from Kodaikanal to Ooty, approximately 5 hours drive.
INR 100, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Ooty Lake

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride at Ooty Lake, surrounded by eucalyptus trees and offering stunning views of the Nilgiri hills.
Short walk or drive from Botanical Gardens.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Indulge in a gourmet lunch at Earl's Secret, a colonial-style restaurant known for its delectable European cuisine.
Short walk from Ooty Lake.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Doddabetta Peak

Head to Doddabetta Peak for panoramic views of the Nilgiris, the highest mountain in the region offering breathtaking vistas.
Short drive or hike from Earl's Secret.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:30PM

Tea Tasting at Tea Museum

Experience a tea tasting session at the Tea Museum, learning about the history and production of tea in the region.
Short drive from Doddabetta Peak.
INR 100, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe

Savor a cozy dinner at Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe, offering a mix of Indian and Continental cuisines in a relaxed setting.
Walk or short drive from Tea Museum.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ooty
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