Exploring Tamil Nadu in 5 Days

Day 1: City Exploration in Chennai

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a visit to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, offering stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
Marina Beach is located in the heart of Chennai and can be reached by taxi or public transportation. It takes about 30 minutes to reach from the city center.
INR 0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the beautiful Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate architecture and vibrant sculptures.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is located in Mylapore, easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw. It takes about 20 minutes to reach from Marina Beach.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a delicious South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its authentic and mouth-watering idlis and dosas.
Murugan Idli Shop has multiple branches across Chennai. The nearest one is in T. Nagar, easily reachable by taxi or public transportation.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Visit Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, housing a museum with exhibits on the colonial history of Chennai.
Fort St. George is located in the Fort area of Chennai and can be reached by taxi or public transportation. It takes about 40 minutes to reach from Murugan Idli Shop.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ente Keralam

Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Ente Keralam, serving authentic Kerala cuisine with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Ente Keralam is located in Alwarpet, easily reachable by taxi or auto-rickshaw. It takes about 30 minutes to reach from Fort St. George.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Historical Sites in Chennai

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

9:00AM

Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Start your day with a visit to Santhome Cathedral Basilica, a Gothic-style church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
Santhome Cathedral Basilica is located in Santhome, easily accessible by taxi or public transportation. It takes about 30 minutes to reach from the city center.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Government Museum

Explore the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India, showcasing a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and natural history.
Government Museum is located in Egmore, easily reachable by taxi or public transportation. It takes about 20 minutes to reach from Santhome Cathedral Basilica.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian South Indian thali at Annalakshmi Restaurant, known for its authentic flavors and serene ambiance.
Annalakshmi Restaurant is located in Egmore, easily reachable by taxi or public transportation. It takes about 10 minutes to reach from Government Museum.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Vivekananda House

Visit Vivekananda House, a historic landmark where Swami Vivekananda stayed during his visit to Chennai, now converted into a museum dedicated to his life and teachings.
Vivekananda House is located in Triplicane, easily accessible by taxi or public transportation. It takes about 15 minutes to reach from Annalakshmi Restaurant.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Absolute Barbecue

End your day with a barbecue feast at Absolute Barbecue, offering a wide variety of grilled meats and vegetarian options in a lively atmosphere.
Absolute Barbecue is located in T. Nagar, easily reachable by taxi or auto-rickshaw. It takes about 30 minutes to reach from Vivekananda House.
INR 800, 2 hours
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Day 3: Ancient Temples and Beaches in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

8:00AM

Shore Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal.
Shore Temple is located in Mahabalipuram and can be reached by taxi or local transportation. It takes about 10 minutes to reach from the city center.
INR 250, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Pancha Rathas

Explore the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples representing the unique Dravidian architecture, each carved in the shape of a chariot.
Pancha Rathas is located near the Shore Temple and can be accessed on foot. It takes about 20 minutes to explore the entire complex.
INR 100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers, a popular restaurant in Mahabalipuram known for its fresh catch of the day and beachside dining experience.
Moonrakers is located near the Shore Temple, offering a scenic view of the Bay of Bengal. It takes about 5 minutes to walk from Pancha Rathas.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and picturesque shore temples in the backdrop, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Mahabalipuram Beach is a short walk from Moonrakers restaurant. You can spend as much time as you like enjoying the beach.
INR 0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Handicrafts at DakshinaChitra

Visit DakshinaChitra, a heritage village showcasing the art, craft, and cultural heritage of South India through interactive exhibits and traditional workshops.
DakshinaChitra is located a short drive away from Mahabalipuram. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the village.
INR 200, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Seagull

Enjoy dinner at Seagull, a rooftop restaurant offering a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal and serving a variety of seafood delicacies and international cuisine.
Seagull is located in Mahabalipuram and can be reached by walking from DakshinaChitra. It offers a serene ambiance for a relaxed dining experience.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: French Colony and Beaches in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

9:00AM

Auroville

Begin your day with a visit to Auroville, an experimental township focused on sustainable living, spiritual practice, and cultural exchange, known for the Matrimandir.
Auroville is located near Pondicherry and can be reached by taxi or rental bike. It takes about 30 minutes to reach from the city center.
INR 0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Promenade Beach

Relax at Promenade Beach, a popular seafront promenade in Pondicherry, lined with cafes, statues, and a lighthouse, ideal for a leisurely walk by the sea.
Promenade Beach is located in the French Quarter of Pondicherry and can be reached by walking from Auroville. It offers a serene setting for a beach day.
INR 0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Le Club

Enjoy a French-inspired lunch at Le Club, a colonial-style restaurant overlooking the Bay of Bengal, offering a blend of French and Indian cuisine.
Le Club is located near Promenade Beach, easily reachable by walking. It takes about 5 minutes to walk from the beach to the restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Aurobindo Ashram

Visit Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, known for its tranquil ambiance, meditation sessions, and spiritual teachings.
Aurobindo Ashram is located in the French Quarter of Pondicherry, a short walk from Le Club. You can explore the ashram and attend meditation sessions.
INR 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset at Paradise Beach

Witness a breathtaking sunset at Paradise Beach, a secluded sandy beach accessible by boat, offering serenity and natural beauty away from the bustling city.
Paradise Beach can be reached by boat from Chunnambar Boat House. You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the boat house from Aurobindo Ashram.
INR 200 (boat ride), 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

End your day with dinner at Rendezvous, a cozy restaurant in Pondicherry serving a mix of Indian and Continental dishes, perfect for a relaxing evening.
Rendezvous is located in the French Quarter of Pondicherry, easily reachable by walking from Paradise Beach. It offers a charming setting for a delightful dining experience.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Nature and Tranquility in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

9:00AM

Coakers Walk

Begin your day with a leisurely walk along Coakers Walk, a picturesque paved pedestrian path offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Coakers Walk is located in Kodaikanal and can be reached by taxi or local transportation. It takes about 10 minutes to reach from the city center.
INR 30, 1 hour

11:00AM

Pine Forest

Explore the Pine Forest in Kodaikanal, a serene expanse of pine trees ideal for nature walks, photography, and enjoying the soothing ambiance of the forest.
The Pine Forest is located near Coakers Walk and can be reached by walking or hiring a local guide. It offers a tranquil setting for nature lovers.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Altaf's Cafe

Enjoy a hearty meal at Altaf's Cafe, a cozy eatery in Kodaikanal known for its delicious pancakes, sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee.
Altaf's Cafe is located near the Pine Forest, offering a relaxed atmosphere for dining. It takes about 5 minutes to walk from the forest to the cafe.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kodai Lake

Spend the afternoon boating at Kodai Lake, a man-made lake surrounded by lush greenery, offering pedal boats and scenic views of the hills and forests.
Kodai Lake is a short walk from Altaf's Cafe. You can rent a pedal boat and enjoy a leisurely ride on the tranquil waters of the lake.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tava Vegetarian Restaurant

Indulge in a vegetarian dinner at Tava Restaurant, known for its North Indian and South Indian dishes, offering a mix of flavors in a cozy setting.
Tava Vegetarian Restaurant is located near Kodai Lake, easily reachable by walking. It provides a peaceful environment for a delightful dining experience.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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