Tamil Nadu 5-Day Adventure Road Trip

Day 1: Beach Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, to witness the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal.
Marina Beach is located in the heart of Chennai. It takes about 30 minutes to drive from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a beautiful Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and admire its intricate architecture and vibrant surroundings.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is in Mylapore, around 20 minutes drive from Marina Beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in a traditional South Indian lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delicious idlis and vadas.
Murugan Idli Shop is located in Mylapore, near Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
₹500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Explore Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and learn about its historical significance and British colonial architecture.
Fort St. George is in the heart of Chennai, about 30 minutes drive from Mylapore.
₹100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering a variety of authentic South Indian dishes in a serene ambiance.
Annalakshmi Restaurant is located near Fort St. George in Chennai.
₹800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Historical Marvels

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Shore Temple

Begin your day by exploring the ancient Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Bay of Bengal, and marvel at its architectural grandeur.
Mahabalipuram is about 55 kilometers from Chennai, and it takes around 1.5 hours to drive there.
₹250, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant, known for its delicious coastal cuisine and scenic views of the beach.
Moonrakers Restaurant is located near the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram.
₹700, 1 hour

2:00PM

Pancha Rathas

Visit the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples representing the Dravidian architectural style and depicting various mythological figures.
Pancha Rathas is in the same complex as the Shore Temple, within walking distance.
₹100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Beach Relaxation

Unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach, soak in the serene atmosphere, and enjoy the coastal breeze before heading to Pondicherry.
Mahabalipuram Beach is a short walk from the Pancha Rathas.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Travel to Pondicherry

Drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its colonial architecture, serene beaches, and vibrant culture.
Pondicherry is approximately 100 kilometers from Mahabalipuram and takes around 2.5 hours to reach.
Fuel Cost, 2.5 hours
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Day 3: French Flair

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Auroville

Visit Auroville, an international township and a universal town where people from different countries and cultures live together in harmony.
Auroville is about 15 kilometers from Pondicherry city center and takes around 30 minutes to drive.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Indulge in a gourmet French lunch at Le Dupleix, a colonial-style restaurant offering a blend of French and Indian cuisines.
Le Dupleix is located in the French Quarter of Pondicherry.
₹1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Promenade Beach

Relax at Promenade Beach, a popular seafront promenade where you can enjoy a leisurely walk, catch the sunset, and witness the confluence of cultures.
Promenade Beach is within walking distance from the French Quarter in Pondicherry.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous Restaurant

Savor a fusion dinner at Rendezvous Restaurant, known for its eclectic menu blending French and Indian flavors, creating a unique culinary experience.
Rendezvous Restaurant is located near Promenade Beach in Pondicherry.
₹1000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Heritage

Thanjavur, India

9:00AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of Chola architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Thanjavur is around 170 kilometers from Pondicherry, and it takes approximately 4 hours to drive there.
₹250, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sathars

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali lunch at Sathars, a local favorite restaurant known for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
Sathars is located in the heart of Thanjavur city, near the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
₹400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Thanjavur Royal Palace

Visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace, a historic site that showcases the architectural splendor of the Nayak and Maratha dynasties and houses a museum with royal artifacts.
Thanjavur Royal Palace is a short drive from Brihadeeswarar Temple.
₹100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Art Village

Explore the local art village in Thanjavur, where you can witness traditional artisans creating exquisite Tanjore paintings and handicrafts.
The art village is located on the outskirts of Thanjavur city and can be reached by a short drive or tuk-tuk ride.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Travel to Madurai

Drive to Madurai, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, known for its rich cultural heritage, temples, and bustling markets.
Madurai is approximately 200 kilometers from Thanjavur and takes around 4.5 hours to reach.
Fuel Cost, 4.5 hours
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Day 5: Temple City

Madurai, India

9:00AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and known for its intricate carvings, colorful gopurams, and sacred tanks.
Meenakshi Amman Temple is located in the heart of Madurai city and can be easily reached by walking or a short drive.
₹50 (Foreigners), Free (Indians), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Kadai

Treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Murugan Idli Kadai in Madurai, a popular eatery serving authentic South Indian dishes like idlis, dosas, and filter coffee.
Murugan Idli Kadai is located near Meenakshi Amman Temple.
₹300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai, which houses a fascinating collection of memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts related to Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings.
The museum is situated near the Tamukkam Grounds in Madurai city.
₹50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Local Market Exploration

Explore the vibrant streets and bustling markets of Madurai, such as the Puthu Mandapam and Town Hall Road, to experience the local culture, shop for souvenirs, and savor street food.
The local markets are within walking distance from the Gandhi Memorial Museum.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Amma Mess

Conclude your Tamil Nadu adventure with a traditional Chettinad dinner at Amma Mess, known for its authentic Chettinad cuisine and warm hospitality.
Amma Mess is a renowned restaurant in Madurai, offering a unique dining experience.
₹800, 2 hours
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