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Discovering Tamil Nadu in 7 Days

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Day 1: Beach Bliss

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a serene walk along Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world.
Take a taxi or Uber from your accommodation to Marina Beach. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Mahabalipuram Shore Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram Shore Temple and marvel at its architectural beauty.
Travel from Marina Beach to Mahabalipuram by car or bus, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
INR 250, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Local Seafood Lunch

Indulge in fresh seafood at a local restaurant near Mahabalipuram beach.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the nearby restaurants.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Discover the intricately carved sculptures at Arjuna's Penance, a massive rock-cut relief.
Arjuna's Penance is within walking distance from the Shore Temple.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Relax at the Beach

Wind down your day by relaxing at Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoying the beautiful sunset.
A short walk from Arjuna's Penance will lead you to the beach.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: French Delights

Pondicherry, India

9:00 AM

Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey at Auroville, an experimental township promoting human unity.
Travel from Chennai to Pondicherry by car or bus, which takes around 3 hours.
INR 100, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Enjoy a delectable French cuisine experience at the historic Le Dupleix restaurant.
Le Dupleix is located in the White Town area of Pondicherry.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Promenade Beach

Stroll along the picturesque Promenade Beach and soak in the French colonial charm.
Promenade Beach is a short walk from White Town.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Shopping at Goubert Market

Explore the vibrant Goubert Market for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Goubert Market is near Promenade Beach, easily accessible on foot.
Variable, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Heritage

Pondicherry, India

9:00 AM

Arikamedu

Discover the ancient Roman trading centre of Arikamedu and its archaeological remains.
Arikamedu is a short drive from Pondicherry city centre.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Surguru

Relish authentic South Indian cuisine at the renowned Surguru restaurant in Pondicherry.
Surguru is centrally located in the city.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Visit the majestic Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a famous Catholic church in Pondicherry.
The basilica is a short drive from Arikamedu.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Chunnambar Boat House

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride at Chunnambar Boat House and witness the scenic backwaters.
Chunnambar Boat House is a short drive from the city centre.
INR 200, 2 hours
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Day 4: Historical Marvels

Thanjavur, India

9:00 AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and architectural wonder.
Travel from Pondicherry to Thanjavur by car or bus, approximately a 4-hour journey.
INR 250, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Sathars

Enjoy a traditional Tamil Nadu meal at the popular Sathars restaurant near the temple.
Sathars is located in close proximity to the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Thanjavur Royal Palace

Visit the historic Thanjavur Royal Palace to witness the grandeur of Tamil architecture.
The palace is a short walk from Brihadeeswarar Temple.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Art Museum

Explore the Art Museum within the palace complex, showcasing exquisite artefacts and paintings.
The museum is part of the Royal Palace visit.
INR 100, 1 hour
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Day 5: Spiritual Retreat

Madurai, India

9:00 AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.
Travel from Thanjavur to Madurai by car or bus, a journey of approximately 3 hours.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Savour authentic South Indian dishes at the popular Murugan Idli Shop near the temple.
The restaurant is located near the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century marvel of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
The palace is a short distance from the temple.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about India's freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi's life.
The museum is easily accessible from Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
INR 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Diversity

Madurai, India

9:00 AM

Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple

Visit the ancient Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, a sacred pilgrimage spot for Hindus.
The temple is a short drive from the city centre.
INR 20, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Amma Mess

Indulge in a traditional Chettinad meal at the famous Amma Mess restaurant in Madurai.
Amma Mess is a renowned eatery in the city.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Goripalayam Dargah

Explore the historic Goripalayam Dargah, a prominent Islamic shrine in Madurai.
The dargah is a short distance from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Shopping at Puthu Mandapam

Shop for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts at the bustling Puthu Mandapam market.
Puthu Mandapam is located in the heart of Madurai city.
Variable, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Hill Station Retreat

Kodaikanal, India

9:00 AM

Kodai Lake

Start your day with a serene boat ride on the picturesque Kodai Lake, surrounded by lush greenery.
Travel from Madurai to Kodaikanal by car, a scenic journey of about 3.5 hours.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Astoria Veg Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at the popular Astoria Veg Restaurant overlooking the lake.
The restaurant is situated near Kodai Lake.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Coaker's Walk

Take a leisurely walk along Coaker's Walk for stunning views of the valley and surrounding hills.
Coaker's Walk is easily accessible from the lake area.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Pine Forest

Explore the enchanting Pine Forest, a popular filming location and perfect spot for nature lovers.
The Pine Forest is a short distance from Coaker's Walk.
INR 30, 1 hour
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