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Discovering Tamilnadu in 5 Days

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Day 1: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a visit to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and enjoy a relaxing walk by the Bay of Bengal.
Marina Beach is located in the heart of Chennai, easily accessible by local buses and taxis. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach from the city centre.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its Dravidian architecture and vibrant surroundings.
The temple is situated in Mylapore, a historic neighbourhood in Chennai. It's a 20-minute drive from Marina Beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a traditional South Indian meal at Saravana Bhavan, renowned for its delicious dosas and filter coffee.
There are multiple Saravana Bhavan outlets in Chennai. The closest one from Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a 15-minute drive away.
£10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Fort St. George

Visit Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and explore its museum showcasing colonial artefacts.
Fort St. George is located in the Fort area of Chennai and can be reached by a 30-minute drive from Saravana Bhavan.
£3, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a dinner of flavourful idlis and chutneys at Murugan Idli Shop, a popular spot for authentic Tamil cuisine.
There are multiple outlets of Murugan Idli Shop in Chennai. The nearest one from Fort St. George is a 20-minute drive away.
£8, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Government Museum

Start your day by exploring the Government Museum, housing a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics.
The museum is located in Egmore, around a 30-minute drive from the city centre. You can take a taxi or a local bus to reach there.
£2, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dakshin

Have a traditional Thali meal at Dakshin restaurant, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine.
Dakshin is situated in the ITC Grand Chola Hotel, a 20-minute drive from the Government Museum.
£15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Kollywood Film Studio

Explore the Kollywood Film Studio to get an insight into the Tamil film industry, known for its vibrant movies and music.
The film studio is located in Vadapalani, approximately a 40-minute drive from Dakshin restaurant.
£5, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Shop for traditional silk sarees and jewellery at T Nagar, one of the busiest shopping districts in Chennai.
T Nagar is easily accessible by local buses or taxis from Kollywood Film Studio. The journey takes around 1 hour.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Indulge in a vegetarian dinner buffet at Annalakshmi, offering a variety of authentic Tamil dishes.
Annalakshmi Restaurant is situated in Egmore, a 30-minute drive from T Nagar.
£12, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historical Marvels in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Shore Temple

Begin your day by visiting the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient Dravidian architecture.
The Shore Temple is located on the coast of Mahabalipuram, around a 1.5-hour drive from Chennai. You can hire a taxi for the journey.
£5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant, offering a variety of fresh catch from the Bay of Bengal.
Moonrakers is situated near the Shore Temple complex, a perfect spot for a meal after exploring the temple.
£20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Pancha Rathas

Explore the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples representing the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.
The Pancha Rathas are located within walking distance from the Shore Temple complex.
£3, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend a relaxing evening at Mahabalipuram Beach, known for its golden sands and serene atmosphere.
The beach is a short walk away from the Pancha Rathas, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the coastal beauty.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sea Shore Garden Restaurant

Have dinner at Sea Shore Garden Restaurant, offering a scenic view of the Bay of Bengal and delicious seafood dishes.
Sea Shore Garden Restaurant is located near Mahabalipuram Beach, providing a perfect dining experience by the sea.
£15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: French Vibes in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Auroville

Start your day with a visit to Auroville, an experimental township known for its sustainable living and spiritual community.
Auroville is located around a 2-hour drive from Mahabalipuram. You can hire a taxi to reach this unique destination.
£5, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Enjoy a French-inspired lunch at Le Dupleix, a heritage hotel offering a blend of Indian and French cuisine.
Le Dupleix is situated in the French Quarter of Pondicherry, a 30-minute drive from Auroville.
£25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Promenade Beach

Spend your afternoon at Promenade Beach, a popular seafront promenade lined with cafes and colonial buildings.
Promenade Beach is within walking distance from Le Dupleix, allowing you to enjoy the coastal breeze and picturesque views.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Exploring Aurobindo Ashram

Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and known for its tranquil ambiance.
The ashram is located in the heart of Pondicherry and can be reached by a short 10-minute drive from Promenade Beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Satsanga

Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at Satsanga, a cosy restaurant offering a mix of Indian and European dishes.
Satsanga is located near the French Quarter and provides a relaxing dining experience after a day of exploration.
£15, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Spiritual Journey in Madurai

Madurai, India

9:00AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple known for its intricate carvings and vibrant architecture.
The temple is located in the heart of Madurai, easily accessible by taxis or auto-rickshaws from the city centre.
£2, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Kadai

Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at Murugan Idli Kadai, known for its delicious idlis and variety of chutneys.
There are multiple outlets of Murugan Idli Kadai in Madurai. The nearest one from Meenakshi Amman Temple is a 10-minute drive away.
£8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century architectural marvel showcasing a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles.
The palace is located near the temple and can be reached by a short 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk.
£3, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about India's struggle for independence and Mahatma Gandhi's life through exhibits and artefacts.
The museum is situated in Tallakulam, a 15-minute drive from Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
£2, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

Indulge in a traditional Chettinad cuisine dinner at Amma Mess, known for its spicy curries and authentic flavours.
Amma Mess is located in the city centre of Madurai, providing a taste of the local culinary delights.
£10, 1 hour
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