Enchanting Tamilnadu Exploration

Day 1: Cultural Delights

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a visit to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, perfect for a morning stroll.
Marina Beach is a 30-minute drive from Chennai city centre.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Head to Kapaleeshwarar Temple to admire its Dravidian architecture and take in the spiritual ambiance.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a 20-minute drive from Marina Beach.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic flavours.
Saravana Bhavan is a short walk from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Explore the historical Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and visit the museum inside.
Fort St. George is a 20-minute drive from Saravana Bhavan.
£5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ente Keralam

Indulge in a delicious dinner featuring authentic Kerala cuisine at Ente Keralam.
Ente Keralam is a 30-minute drive from Fort St. George.
£15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Historical Wonders

Chennai, India

9:00AM

San Thome Basilica

Visit the San Thome Basilica, a beautiful church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
San Thome Basilica is a 20-minute drive from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Government Museum

Explore the Government Museum, home to a rich collection of archaeological and numismatic items.
Government Museum is a 30-minute drive from San Thome Basilica.
£3, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Savour some delicious idlis and traditional South Indian dishes at Murugan Idli Shop.
Murugan Idli Shop is a 15-minute drive from Government Museum.
£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Valluvar Kottam

Visit Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to the classical Tamil poet-philosopher, Thiruvalluvar.
Valluvar Kottam is a 10-minute drive from Murugan Idli Shop.
£2, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Spend your evening shopping for traditional silk sarees and jewellery at the bustling T Nagar market.
T Nagar is a 20-minute drive from Valluvar Kottam.
Variable, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Enjoy a sumptuous vegetarian dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine.
Annalakshmi Restaurant is a 30-minute drive from T Nagar.
£12, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Coastal Charms

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Shore Temple

Explore the ancient Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Shore Temple is a 2-hour drive from Chennai.
£5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Moonrakers, a popular restaurant by the beach.
Moonrakers is a 15-minute walk from Shore Temple.
£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Pancha Rathas

Visit the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples, each carved in a different style.
Pancha Rathas is a 10-minute walk from Moonrakers.
£3, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend your afternoon relaxing at Mahabalipuram Beach, soaking in the sun and sea breeze.
Mahabalipuram Beach is a 20-minute walk from Pancha Rathas.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Seashell Restaurant

Enjoy a seaside dinner at Seashell Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and ocean views.
Seashell Restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Mahabalipuram Beach.
£20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: French Vibes

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Auroville

Start your day with a visit to Auroville, an experimental township focused on human unity and sustainable living.
Auroville is a 2-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
Donation-based, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza at Tanto Pizzeria, a charming eatery with a French touch.
Tanto Pizzeria is a 30-minute drive from Auroville.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Promenade Beach

Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Promenade Beach, lined with cafes and colonial buildings.
Promenade Beach is a 15-minute walk from Tanto Pizzeria.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Aurobindo Ashram

Visit the serene Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
Aurobindo Ashram is a 10-minute walk from Promenade Beach.
Donation-based, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Le Dupleix, a historic French colonial-style restaurant.
Le Dupleix is a 5-minute walk from Aurobindo Ashram.
£30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Heritage

Madurai, India

9:00AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
Meenakshi Amman Temple is a 4-hour drive from Pondicherry.
£3, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Kadai

Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at Murugan Idli Kadai, a local favourite known for its flavourful dishes.
Murugan Idli Kadai is a 10-minute walk from Meenakshi Amman Temple.
£7, 1 hour

2:00PM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century marvel of Dravidian architecture.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace is a 20-minute walk from Murugan Idli Kadai.
£2, 1 hour

4:00PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about India's freedom struggle and see artefacts related to Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi Memorial Museum is a 15-minute drive from Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
£4, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

Experience authentic Tamil cuisine at Amma Mess, a local eatery known for its homely atmosphere and delicious food.
Amma Mess is a 10-minute drive from Gandhi Memorial Museum.
£8, 1 hour
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