7-Day Tamil Nadu Nature and Food Adventure

Day 1: Beach Bliss

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a serene sunrise at Marina Beach, India's longest urban beach.
Marina Beach is easily accessible by taxi or public bus from most parts of Chennai.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Head to Murugan Idli Shop for a traditional South Indian breakfast featuring delicious idlis and dosas.
A short taxi ride from Marina Beach to Murugan Idli Shop.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple known for its Dravidian architecture and vibrant religious activities.
Take a taxi or walk to the temple from Murugan Idli Shop.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian feast at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering a variety of South Indian dishes.
A short taxi ride from Kapaleeshwarar Temple to Annalakshmi Restaurant.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Besant Nagar Beach

Relax at Besant Nagar Beach, popular among locals for its evening ambiance and street food.
Take a taxi or public bus from Annalakshmi Restaurant to Besant Nagar Beach.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Mess

End your day with a hearty dinner at Murugan Mess, known for its authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine.
A short taxi ride from Besant Nagar Beach to Murugan Mess.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 2: Historical Wonders

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Shore Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shore Temple, amidst picturesque coastal surroundings.
Travel by hired car or bus from Chennai to Mahabalipuram (1.5 hours).
INR 250, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch with a view at Moonrakers overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
A short walk from Shore Temple to Moonrakers.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Pancha Rathas

Marvel at the monolithic rock-cut sculptures at Pancha Rathas complex, showcasing ancient architectural brilliance.
A leisurely walk from Moonrakers to Pancha Rathas.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach, known for its golden sands and tranquil atmosphere.
A short walk from Pancha Rathas to Mahabalipuram Beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sea La Vie

Indulge in a fusion dinner at Sea La Vie, offering a blend of local and international cuisines.
A short walk from Mahabalipuram Beach to Sea La Vie.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: French Delights

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey at Auroville, an experimental township promoting human unity and sustainable living.
Travel by bus or hired car from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (2 hours).
INR 100, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Savor wood-fired pizzas and Italian delicacies at Tanto Pizzeria in the French Quarter.
A short walk from Auroville to Tanto Pizzeria.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Paradise Beach

Relax on the pristine shores of Paradise Beach, accessible by a short ferry ride from Chunnambar Boat House.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Tanto Pizzeria to Chunnambar Boat House.
INR 200 (including ferry ride), 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

Enjoy a candlelit dinner at Rendezvous, known for its romantic ambience and delectable French cuisine.
A short walk from Paradise Beach to Rendezvous.
INR 900, 2 hours
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Day 4: Spiritual Sojourn

Chidambaram, India

8:00AM

Nataraja Temple

Explore the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, and witness the intricate stone carvings.
Travel by bus or hired car from Pondicherry to Chidambaram (1.5 hours).
INR 150, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sri Balaji Bhavan

Relish a traditional South Indian meal at Sri Balaji Bhavan, known for its authentic flavors.
A short walk from Nataraja Temple to Sri Balaji Bhavan.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Thillai Kali Temple

Visit the Thillai Kali Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali, showcasing remarkable architecture.
A short walk from Sri Balaji Bhavan to Thillai Kali Temple.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Chidambaram Market

Explore the vibrant Chidambaram Market for souvenirs, spices, and local handicrafts.
A short walk from Thillai Kali Temple to Chidambaram Market.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Saradharam

Enjoy a wholesome dinner at Hotel Saradharam, offering a mix of regional and North Indian dishes.
A short walk from Chidambaram Market to Hotel Saradharam.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Heritage

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the grandeur of Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural splendor.
Travel by bus or hired car from Chidambaram to Thanjavur (2 hours).
INR 250, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Raya's Grand

Relish a royal lunch experience at Raya's Grand, serving authentic Chettinad cuisine in a regal setting.
A short walk from Brihadeeswarar Temple to Raya's Grand.
INR 800, 2 hours

3:00PM

Thanjavur Royal Palace

Explore the historic Thanjavur Royal Palace, showcasing a blend of Nayak and Maratha architectural styles.
A short walk or auto-rickshaw ride from Raya's Grand to Thanjavur Royal Palace.
INR 150, 2 hours

6:00PM

Shopping at Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium

Shop for exquisite Tanjore paintings and handicrafts at Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium.
A short walk from Thanjavur Royal Palace to Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium.
Variable, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Sathars

Savor traditional Tamil Nadu dishes at Sathars, known for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
A short walk from Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium to Sathars.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 6: Temple Trails

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a significant pilgrimage site with intricate sculptures and vibrant shrines.
Travel by train or hired car from Thanjavur to Madurai (3 hours).
INR 200, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Kadai

Treat yourself to a delicious South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Kadai, a local favorite known for its variety of chutneys.
A short walk from Meenakshi Amman Temple to Murugan Idli Kadai.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an architectural marvel blending Dravidian and Islamic styles.
A short auto-rickshaw ride from Murugan Idli Kadai to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Puthu Mandapam

Browse through the bustling Puthu Mandapam street market for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
A short walk from Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace to Puthu Mandapam.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Amma Mess, known for its authentic Chettinad cuisine and homely ambiance.
A short walk from Puthu Mandapam to Amma Mess.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Hill Station Retreat

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Coakers Walk

Start your day with a refreshing walk along Coakers Walk, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
Travel by bus or hired car from Madurai to Kodaikanal (3 hours).
INR 150, 2 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Altaf's Cafe

Relish a hearty breakfast at Altaf's Cafe, known for its delicious pancakes and coffee.
A short walk from Coakers Walk to Altaf's Cafe.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Pine Forest

Explore the serene Pine Forest, ideal for nature walks and picnics amidst tall pine trees.
A short bus or taxi ride from Altaf's Cafe to Pine Forest.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Boating at Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the picturesque Kodaikanal Lake, surrounded by lush greenery.
A short walk from Pine Forest to Kodaikanal Lake.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Local Street Food

Satisfy your evening cravings with local street food delicacies like hot bajjis and fresh fruit juices.
Explore the food stalls near Kodaikanal Lake for a variety of street food options.
INR 200, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Astoria Veg Restaurant

End your day with a wholesome dinner at Astoria Veg Restaurant, offering a mix of North and South Indian vegetarian dishes.
A short walk from the street food stalls to Astoria Veg Restaurant.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability