Discovering Tamil Nadu: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its stunning Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.
The temple is located in Mylapore, about 30 minutes drive from Chennai city centre.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

11:00 AM

Marina Beach

Take a leisurely stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and soak in the local culture and sea breeze.
From Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Marina Beach is a 20-minute drive along Kamarajar Salai.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop, famous for its delicious idlis and dosas.
Head to the branch on GN Chetty Road, a 15-minute drive from Marina Beach.
Approx. INR 300 per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Fort St. George

Explore the historical Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and learn about Chennai's colonial past.
Fort St. George is located in the heart of Chennai, a 20-minute drive from Murugan Idli Shop.
INR 50 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Indulge in a vegetarian feast at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering a variety of authentic Tamil Nadu dishes in a serene setting.
Head to the restaurant in Egmore, a 15-minute drive from Fort St. George.
Approx. INR 700 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 2: Magnificent Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00 AM

Explore Shore Temple

Start your day by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shore Temple, a stunning example of ancient Pallava architecture overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Shore Temple is a 2-hour drive from Chennai via East Coast Road (ECR).
INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

11:00 AM

Pancha Rathas

Marvel at the monolithic rock-cut temples of Pancha Rathas, each carved from a single piece of stone, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
Pancha Rathas is a short walk from Shore Temple within the same complex.
INR 30 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Relish a seafood lunch at Moonrakers restaurant, offering fresh catch of the day with a view of the sea.
Head to the restaurant near Othavadai Street, a 5-minute walk from Pancha Rathas.
Approx. INR 800 per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Visit Arjuna's Penance, a massive open-air bas-relief that depicts scenes from Indian mythology and daily life, showcasing the artistic finesse of ancient times.
Arjuna's Penance is a 10-minute walk from Pancha Rathas.
INR 10 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sea Shore Garden Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional dinner at Sea Shore Garden Restaurant, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine and serene beachside ambience.
Head to the restaurant near Othavadai Street, a 5-minute walk from Arjuna's Penance.
Approx. INR 600 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Tranquil Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00 AM

Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey to Auroville, an experimental township promoting peace and sustainable living, and explore the Matrimandir meditation centre.
Auroville is a 2-hour drive from Mahabalipuram via East Coast Road (ECR).
Free entry, donations welcome, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza at Tanto Pizzeria, known for its authentic Italian cuisine with a French twist.
Head to the pizzeria in White Town, a 30-minute drive from Auroville.
Approx. INR 800 per person, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Promenade Beach

Relax at Promenade Beach, a picturesque seafront promenade perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying the coastal breeze.
Promenade Beach is a 10-minute walk from Tanto Pizzeria.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Aurobindo Ashram

Visit Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo, and experience moments of tranquillity and reflection.
Aurobindo Ashram is a 15-minute walk from Promenade Beach.
Free entry, donations welcome, 1-2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

Dine at Rendezvous, a charming restaurant serving delectable French and Indian fusion dishes in a cosy ambience.
Head to the restaurant in White Town, a 10-minute walk from Aurobindo Ashram.
Approx. INR 1000 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 4: Historical Tanjore

Tanjore, India

8:00 AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Begin your day with a visit to Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural marvel showcasing Chola dynasty grandeur.
Brihadeeswarar Temple is a 4-hour drive from Pondicherry via NH32.
INR 50 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

11:00 AM

Tanjore Royal Palace

Explore the Tanjore Royal Palace, an ancient fortress complex with museums displaying artefacts and insights into the region's history.
The palace is a 10-minute walk from Brihadeeswarar Temple.
INR 85 for Indians, INR 340 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sangeetha Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali at Sangeetha Restaurant, offering a variety of regional delicacies in a comfortable setting.
Head to the restaurant in Kumara Vayalur, a 10-minute drive from Tanjore Royal Palace.
Approx. INR 400 per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Art Gallery

Explore the Tanjore Art Gallery, showcasing exquisite paintings, Thanjavur art plates, and bronze sculptures reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the region.
The gallery is a 5-minute walk from Sangeetha Restaurant.
INR 20 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Svatma Heritage Hotel

Indulge in a luxurious dinner at Svatma Heritage Hotel, known for its fine dining experience with a blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine.
Head to the hotel in Ramaswamy Nagar, a 15-minute drive from Tanjore Art Gallery.
Approx. INR 1500 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00 AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin the day with a visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple complex known for its intricate architecture, colourful sculptures, and spiritual significance.
Meenakshi Amman Temple is a 3-hour drive from Tanjore via NH83.
INR 50 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

11:00 AM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and historical importance.
The palace is a 10-minute walk from Meenakshi Amman Temple.
INR 10 for Indians, INR 50 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its variety of idlis and chutneys.
Head to the branch near East Avani Moola Street, a 5-minute walk from Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
Approx. INR 300 per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, showcasing a fascinating collection of artefacts, photographs, and memorabilia related to Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings.
The museum is a 15-minute drive from Murugan Idli Shop.
INR 10 for Indians, INR 150 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

Relish a hearty dinner at Amma Mess, a popular eatery serving authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine with a homely touch.
Head to the restaurant in West Perumal Maistry Street, a 10-minute drive from Gandhi Memorial Museum.
Approx. INR 400 per person, 1-2 hours
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