Budget-Friendly 5-Day Tamilnadu Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a visit to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. Enjoy the sunrise and take a stroll along the shore.
Marina Beach is located in the heart of Chennai and can be reached by local bus or taxi from your accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Head to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a traditional Hindu temple known for its stunning architecture and vibrant religious activities.
From Marina Beach, you can take a short taxi ride to reach the temple.
Free (small donation optional), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a delicious South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop known for its authentic and affordable food.
You can walk or take a short taxi ride from the temple to the restaurant.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Government Museum

Visit the Government Museum to explore a wide range of exhibits showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Tamilnadu.
The museum is a short taxi ride away from the restaurant.
INR 50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

End your day with a scrumptious dinner at Saravana Bhavan, a popular spot for authentic vegetarian Tamil cuisine.
You can take a taxi or local bus to reach the restaurant.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 2: More of Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Fort St. George

Explore Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India. Dive into the history and visit the museum inside the fort.
Fort St. George is easily accessible by taxi or local bus from your accommodation.
INR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Junior Kuppanna

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Hotel Junior Kuppanna, known for its authentic Chettinad cuisine at budget-friendly prices.
Take a taxi or local bus to reach the restaurant from Fort St. George.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Indulge in some budget-friendly shopping at T. Nagar, a bustling market area famous for its variety of products.
You can reach T. Nagar easily by taxi or local bus from the restaurant.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Marina Lighthouse

Head to Marina Lighthouse to catch a panoramic view of Chennai city during the sunset.
From T. Nagar, you can take a taxi to reach Marina Lighthouse.
INR 20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ratna Cafe

Relish a traditional Tamil dinner at Ratna Cafe, known for its authentic flavours and pocket-friendly prices.
You can take a taxi or local bus to reach the restaurant.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 3: Exploring Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Shore Temple

Start your day by visiting the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural beauty.
You can take a local bus or taxi from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, which takes around 1.5 hours.
INR 500 (inclusive of all site tickets), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers, a popular restaurant offering fresh catch of the day at affordable prices.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from the temple to the restaurant.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Visit the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples showcasing Dravidian architecture and history.
Pancha Rathas is a short walk away from Moonrakers.
INR 250, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend some leisure time at Mahabalipuram Beach, soaking in the sun and enjoying the serene coastal views.
The beach is within walking distance from Pancha Rathas.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

Head back to Moonrakers for a delightful dinner experience with a variety of seafood options to choose from.
You can walk or take a short taxi ride back to the restaurant.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 4: Pondicherry Exploration

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey at Auroville, an experimental township known for its focus on human unity and sustainable living.
Take a local bus or taxi from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry, with a travel time of around 2 hours.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Surguru Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at Surguru Restaurant, offering a range of vegetarian dishes at affordable prices.
Surguru Restaurant is a short walk away from Auroville.
INR 250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Promenade Beach

Visit the Promenade Beach, a popular spot in Pondicherry for a leisurely stroll or to relax by the shore.
You can easily walk to the beach from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Explore White Town

Take a walk through the charming streets of White Town, known for its French colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
White Town is within walking distance from Promenade Beach.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Le Dupleix, a colonial-era building turned into a fine dining restaurant offering a blend of cuisines.
You can walk or take a short taxi ride to reach the restaurant.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 5: Thanjavur Day Trip

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Start your day with a visit to Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
Take an early morning bus or train from Pondicherry to Thanjavur, with a travel time of around 4 hours.
INR 250 (inclusive of site visit), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Karthick

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Hotel Karthick, known for its traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine and warm hospitality.
The restaurant is a short walk away from the temple.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thanjavur Royal Palace, which houses a museum displaying artefacts and history of the region.
The palace is within walking distance from Hotel Karthick.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Thanjavur Market

Shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts at Thanjavur Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique offerings.
You can walk to the market from Thanjavur Royal Palace.
Variable, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Raya's Grand

Conclude your day trip with a delicious dinner at Raya's Grand, offering a mix of traditional and modern dishes at reasonable prices.
You can walk or take a short taxi ride to reach the restaurant.
INR 300, 1 hour
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