Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Tamilnadu

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, perfect for a morning stroll or a dip in the sea.
From your accommodation, take a taxi to Marina Beach. It takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the traffic.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Fort St. George

Head to Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India. Explore the museum inside to learn about Chennai's colonial history.
From Marina Beach, take a taxi to Fort St. George. It's a 20-minute drive.
INR 100 per person, 2 hours

3:00PM

Egmore Museum

Visit the Egmore Museum to see a rich collection of archaeological and numismatic items. Great for both kids and adults.
Take a short taxi ride from Fort St. George to Egmore Museum. It's around 15 minutes away.
INR 50 per person, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a traditional South Indian dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delicious idlis and dosas.
Take a taxi or a short walk from the museum to the restaurant.
INR 300 for a family of 4, 1 hour
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Day 2: More of Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Spend the day at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the largest in South Asia, home to a variety of animals and birds.
Take a taxi or public transport to the zoo. It's around a 1-hour journey.
INR 50 per person, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Have a delicious vegetarian lunch at Saravana Bhavan, a popular chain known for its authentic South Indian cuisine.
From the zoo, take a taxi to Saravana Bhavan for a 30-minute ride.
INR 500 for a family of 4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Phoenix MarketCity

Go shopping or enjoy some indoor entertainment at Phoenix MarketCity, one of the largest shopping malls in Chennai.
Take a taxi from the restaurant to the mall, which is approximately a 45-minute drive.
Shopping costs vary, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

End your day with a scrumptious dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant, serving authentic vegetarian South Indian dishes.
From the mall, take a taxi to the restaurant for a 30-minute journey.
INR 600 for a family of 4, 1 hour
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Day 3: Mahabalipuram Day Trip

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Shore Temple

Visit the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
Travel from Chennai to Mahabalipuram by private car or taxi, which takes around 2 hours.
INR 500 per person for entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers, a beachfront restaurant offering fresh catch of the day.
Walk from the Shore Temple to Moonrakers for a 5-minute stroll.
INR 800 for a family of 4, 1 hour

2:00PM

Pancha Rathas

Explore the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples, each carved in a different style.
From Moonrakers, take a short walk to the Pancha Rathas complex.
INR 250 per person for entry, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend some leisure time at Mahabalipuram Beach, known for its golden sands and picturesque views.
A short walk from Pancha Rathas will lead you to Mahabalipuram Beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Seashell Restaurant

Enjoy a dinner by the sea at Seashell Restaurant, serving a mix of local and international cuisines.
From the beach, walk to Seashell Restaurant for a lovely seaside dining experience.
INR 1000 for a family of 4, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Pondicherry Exploration

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Auroville

Visit Auroville, an experimental township focused on community living, sustainability, and spiritual practice.
Travel from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry by private car or bus, which takes around 2 hours.
INR 100 per person for entry, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Have a delicious Italian lunch at Tanto Pizzeria, known for its wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes.
From Auroville, take a short taxi ride to Tanto Pizzeria in Pondicherry.
INR 800 for a family of 4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Paradise Beach

Relax at Paradise Beach, a serene and clean beach away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Take a taxi from the restaurant to Paradise Beach, which is around a 30-minute drive.
INR 20 per person for entry, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Club

Enjoy dinner at Le Club, a beachside restaurant offering a mix of French and Indian cuisine.
From Paradise Beach, take a taxi to Le Club for a 20-minute journey.
INR 1200 for a family of 4, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Relaxing Day in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Promenade Beach

Spend the morning at Promenade Beach, a popular spot for morning walks and enjoying the sea breeze.
Take a short taxi ride from your accommodation to Promenade Beach, which is just 10 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Rendezvous Cafe

Have a leisurely lunch at Rendezvous Cafe, a charming cafe offering a mix of French and Indian dishes.
From Promenade Beach, walk or take a short taxi ride to Rendezvous Cafe.
INR 600 for a family of 4, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping at Nehru Street

Explore the shops at Nehru Street for souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts.
A short walk from the cafe will take you to Nehru Street for some retail therapy.
Shopping costs vary, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Surguru

Enjoy a traditional South Indian dinner at Surguru, known for its authentic flavours and variety of dishes.
From Nehru Street, take a taxi to Surguru for a 15-minute ride.
INR 500 for a family of 4, 1 hour
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Day 6: Historical Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

9:00AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural grandeur.
Travel from Pondicherry to Thanjavur by private car or train, approximately a 4-hour journey.
INR 250 per person for entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Raya's Grand

Enjoy a traditional Tamil Nadu meal at Raya's Grand, offering a range of local dishes.
From the temple, take a short taxi ride to Raya's Grand for a 10-minute journey.
INR 700 for a family of 4, 1 hour

2:00PM

Thanjavur Royal Palace

Explore the Thanjavur Royal Palace, a historic site with museums and galleries showcasing the region's cultural heritage.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from the restaurant to the Royal Palace.
INR 100 per person, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Thanjavur Market

Shop for traditional Tanjore paintings and handicrafts at the bustling Thanjavur Market.
A short walk from the Royal Palace will lead you to Thanjavur Market for some souvenir shopping.
Shopping costs vary, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Karthik

End your day with dinner at Hotel Karthik, a local favourite known for its delicious Chettinad cuisine.
From the market, take a taxi to Hotel Karthik for a 15-minute ride.
INR 800 for a family of 4, 1 hour
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Day 7: Cultural Madurai

Madurai, India

9:00AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and known for its intricate architecture.
Travel from Thanjavur to Madurai by train or private car, approximately a 3-hour journey.
INR 50 per person for entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Have a quick lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delicious idlis and variety of chutneys.
From the temple, take a taxi to Murugan Idli Shop for a 15-minute journey.
INR 300 for a family of 4, 1 hour

2:00PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, showcasing the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi through photographs, artefacts, and documents.
Take a short taxi ride from the restaurant to the museum, which is around 20 minutes away.
INR 20 per person for entry, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Walk around Meenakshi Amman Temple

Spend some time exploring the vibrant streets around the Meenakshi Amman Temple, filled with shops and local culture.
The temple area is ideal for a leisurely walk and immersing yourself in the bustling local atmosphere.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

End your day with a hearty dinner at Amma Mess, a popular eatery serving authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine.
From the temple area, take a taxi to Amma Mess for a short ride to relish local flavours.
INR 600 for a family of 4, 1 hour
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