Discovering Tamil Nadu: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Discovering Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Begin your day at the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, steeped in history and architectural beauty that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Located in Mylapore, approximately a 30-minute drive from Chennai city centre.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

11:00 AM

Marina Beach

Stroll along the picturesque Marina Beach, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere, and witness the vibrant coastal life of Chennai.
Marina Beach is a 20-minute drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple via Kamarajar Salai.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in a delectable South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop, renowned for its authentic flavours and hearty dishes.
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, an architectural marvel that narrates the colonial past of Chennai and houses intriguing artefacts and exhibits.
Fort St. George is situated 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

Enjoy an authentic vegetarian feast at Annalakshmi Restaurant, savouring the diverse flavours of South Indian cuisine in a serene dining ambience.
Visit 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: Majestic Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00 AM

Explore Shore Temple

Embark on a journey to the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, an architectural wonder nestled by the shores of the Bay of Bengal, offering a glimpse into ancient Pallava craftsmanship.
Shore Temple is a scenic 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 magnificent Pancha Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples sculpted with precision from single stones, showcasing the artistic flair of early Indian sculptors.
Pancha Rathas is a short walk away within the same complex as Shore Temple.
INR 30 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Relish a fresh seafood lunch at Moonrakers restaurant, offering a delightful culinary experience with a serene view of the sea.
Dine at the restaurant near Othavadai Street, just a 5-minute walk from Pancha Rathas.
Approx. INR 800 per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Visit the remarkable Arjuna's Penance, a massive bas-relief that narrates age-old mythological tales and daily life scenarios, reflecting the artistic mastery of the past.
Arjuna's Penance is located a brief 10-minute stroll from Pancha Rathas.
INR 10 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sea Shore Garden Restaurant

Dine at the Sea Shore Garden Restaurant, known for its delectable South Indian cuisine and tranquil beachside setting, offering a perfect blend of flavours and serenity.
Head to the restaurant near Othavadai Street, merely 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 sojourn to Auroville, an experimental township promoting unity, peace, and sustainable living, and explore the serene Matrimandir meditation centre.
Auroville is approximately a 2-hour drive from Mahabalipuram via the scenic East Coast Road (ECR).
Free entry (donations appreciated), 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Savour an authentic wood-fired pizza at Tanto Pizzeria, where Italian cuisine meets a French twist, providing a delightful gastronomic experience.
Indulge in lunch at the pizzeria in White Town, just a 30-minute drive from Auroville.
Approx. INR 800 per person, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Promenade Beach

Relax at the tranquil Promenade Beach, a charming seafront promenade perfect for unwinding, taking leisurely strolls, and admiring the soothing coastal vista.
Promenade Beach is a mere 10-minute walk from Tanto Pizzeria.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Aurobindo Ashram

Delve into serenity at Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual sanctuary founded by Sri Aurobindo, offering a peaceful retreat for contemplation and spiritual rejuvenation.
Aurobindo Ashram is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Promenade Beach.
Free entry (donations appreciated), 1-2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

Dine at Rendezvous, an inviting eatery where delectable French and Indian fusion dishes take centre stage, providing a delightful culinary fusion.
Head to the restaurant in White Town, merely 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

Commence the day with a visit to the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site flaunting the grandeur of Chola architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Brihadeeswarar Temple is roughly a 4-hour scenic drive from Pondicherry via NH32.
INR 50 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

11:00 AM

Tanjore Royal Palace

Explore the historical Tanjore Royal Palace, an ancient edifice showcasing the opulence of a bygone era through artefacts, exhibitions, and insights into royal life.
The palace is conveniently located a mere 10-minute walk from Brihadeeswarar Temple.
INR 85 for Indians, INR 340 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sangeetha Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional South Indian thali at Sangeetha Restaurant, relishing a plethora of regional delicacies in a cosy and welcoming ambience.
Enjoy lunch at the restaurant in Kumara Vayalur, just a quick 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, a treasure trove of exquisite paintings, Thanjavur art plates, and ornate bronze sculptures that depict the artistic grandeur of the region.
The gallery is conveniently located within 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

Relish a sumptuous dinner at Svatma Heritage Hotel, famed for its fine dining experience that beautifully blends traditional and contemporary culinary offerings.
Head to the hotel in Ramaswamy Nagar, just a 15-minute drive from the Tanjore Art Gallery.
Approx. INR 1500 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 5: Sacred Raameshwaram

Raameshwaram, India

8:00 AM

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Begin the day with a visit to the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple, an ancient marvel known for its sacred corridors, majestic architecture, and spiritual significance.
Ramanathaswamy Temple is situated in the heart of Raameshwaram, approximately a 3-hour drive from Tanjore via NH87.
INR 50 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners, 1-2 hours

11:00 AM

Agni Teertham

Sooth your senses at Agni Teertham, a holy sea bathing spot where pilgrims perform rituals and offer prayers for spiritual cleansing and blessings.
Agni Teertham is a short walk from Ramanathaswamy Temple, offering a serene setting by the azure waters.
Free entry, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Temple View Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian meal at Temple View Restaurant, offering a delightful array of local delicacies amidst a serene temple view backdrop.
Head to the restaurant near the temple complex, providing a perfect blend of flavours and ambiance.
Approx. INR 400 per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Pamban Bridge

Explore the iconic Pamban Bridge, a marvel of engineering connecting the mainland to the island of Raameshwaram, offering breathtaking views of the sea and surroundings.
Pamban Bridge can be reached by a short drive from the temple area, providing panoramic vistas of the exquisite landscape.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sri Ariyabhavan

Relish a traditional dinner at Sri Ariyabhavan, a local favourite renowned for its authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine and warm hospitality, offering an immersive culinary experience.
Head to the restaurant in the Raameshwaram town centre, celebrating the rich flavours of the region.
Approx. INR 400 per person, 1-2 hours
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