Southern India Road Trip Adventure

Day 1: Beach Bliss

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with an early morning stroll along the iconic Marina Beach, India's longest urban beach.
Marina Beach is easily accessible by cab from most parts of Chennai.
FREE, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Mahabalipuram

Head south to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and rock carvings.
Drive along East Coast Road for a scenic coastal route to Mahabalipuram.
INR 100 for entry, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Moonrakers, a popular restaurant that offers a stunning view of the Bay of Bengal.
Moonrakers is located near the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram.
INR 800, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore Shore Temple

Visit the Shore Temple, a structural temple by the sea and a prominent attraction in Mahabalipuram.
The Shore Temple is within walking distance from Moonrakers.
INR 600 for entry, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Moonrakers and watch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal.
Relax and dine at Moonrakers for a perfect end to your day.
INR 1000, 1 hour
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Day 2: French Influence

Pondicherry, India

9:00 AM

Auroville

Visit Auroville, an experimental township with a focus on sustainability and spiritual growth.
Auroville is a short drive from Pondicherry city center.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Indulge in a sumptuous French-inspired lunch at Le Dupleix, a charming heritage hotel in Pondicherry.
Le Dupleix is located in the French Quarter of Pondicherry.
INR 1200, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore French Quarter

Stroll through the quaint streets of the French Quarter, lined with colonial buildings and stylish boutiques.
Walkable from Le Dupleix, the French Quarter offers a glimpse of Pondicherry's colonial past.
FREE, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Promenade Beach

Relax at Promenade Beach as the sun sets, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Promenade Beach is a short walk from the French Quarter.
FREE, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy a fusion dinner at Villa Shanti, a chic restaurant known for its creative cuisine.
Villa Shanti is located in the White Town area of Pondicherry.
INR 1500, 1 hour
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Day 3: Historical Marvels

Thanjavur, India

9:00 AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Chola architecture.
The temple is a short drive from the city center.
INR 250 for entry, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Savor authentic South Indian cuisine at Hotel Tamil Nadu, known for its traditional flavors.
Hotel Tamil Nadu is located near the temple complex.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Thanjavur Royal Palace

Visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace, a historic landmark showcasing the grandeur of the Nayak and Maratha dynasties.
The palace is within walking distance from the temple.
INR 150 for entry, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Art Gallery

Explore the Art Gallery within the palace complex, featuring a collection of ancient sculptures and paintings.
The Art Gallery is part of the Royal Palace and offers insights into Thanjavur's art heritage.
INR 50 for entry, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Sathars

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Sathars, a popular local eatery known for its flavorful biryani and traditional dishes.
Head to Sathars in the city center for an authentic culinary experience.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Delights

Madurai, India

9:00 AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple, a vibrant and intricate masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
The temple is located in the heart of Madurai.
INR 50 for entry, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Taste authentic South Indian flavors at Murugan Idli Shop, a famous eatery known for its fluffy idlis and spicy chutneys.
Murugan Idli Shop is a short walk from the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Explore the Gandhi Memorial Museum, dedicated to the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
The museum is a brief drive from the temple.
INR 100 for entry, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a fusion of Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles with colorful murals and pillars.
The palace is near the temple and the museum, allowing for a seamless cultural experience.
INR 50 for entry, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Dinner at Murugan Mess

Enjoy a traditional Chettinad meal at Murugan Mess, a popular restaurant serving up authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine.
Head to Murugan Mess for a flavorful dinner experience in Madurai.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 5: Southernmost Tip

Kanyakumari, India

9:00 AM

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Begin your day with a boat trip to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a sacred monument dedicated to Swami Vivekananda's meditation.
Boats depart from the Kanyakumari Ferry Point.
INR 200 for boat ride, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Triveni Restaurant

Savor a seafood lunch at Triveni Restaurant with a view of the meeting point of three seas - Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.
Triveni Restaurant is located near the Kanyakumari Beach.
INR 1000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Gandhi Memorial Mandapam

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi marking the spot where his ashes were kept before immersion.
The memorial is a short walk from Triveni Restaurant.
INR 50 for entry, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Sunset at Kanyakumari Beach

Witness a breathtaking sunset at the Kanyakumari Beach, known for its unique view of the sun setting over the confluence of seas.
Enjoy the evening at the beach, capturing the beauty of nature's spectacle.
FREE, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Sea View Restaurant

Dine at Sea View Restaurant, offering fresh seafood delicacies with a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.
Sea View Restaurant is a perfect spot to enjoy dinner while soaking in the views of the sea.
INR 1200, 1 hour
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Day 6: Sacred Pilgrimage

Rameswaram, India

9:00 AM

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the Ramanathaswamy Temple, a significant pilgrimage site with long corridors, holy tanks, and intricate carvings.
The temple is located in the heart of Rameswaram town.
INR 50 for entry, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Temple City Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian Thali meal at Temple City Restaurant, offering a taste of authentic South Indian cuisine.
Temple City Restaurant is conveniently located near the temple complex.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Pamban Bridge

Drive across the iconic Pamban Bridge, India's first sea bridge connecting Rameswaram island to the mainland.
Take a scenic drive along the bridge for panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscapes.
FREE, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Agnitheertham

Take a dip in the sacred waters of Agnitheertham beach, believed to cleanse sins according to Hindu mythology.
Agnitheertham is a short walk from the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
FREE, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Sri Ariya Bhavan

Relish traditional South Indian dinner at Sri Ariya Bhavan, a local favorite known for its delectable dosas and filter coffee.
Head to Sri Ariya Bhavan for an authentic culinary experience in Rameswaram.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 7: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00 AM

Local Market Exploration

Spend the morning exploring the vibrant local markets of Chennai, known for spices, textiles, and traditional crafts.
Head to George Town or T. Nagar for a cultural shopping experience.
Varies based on purchases, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Murugan Mess

Savor one last meal at Murugan Mess before concluding your road trip adventure.
Return to Murugan Mess for a final taste of authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Homeward Journey

Embark on the journey back to Chennai, reminiscing about the diverse experiences and cultural wonders of Southern India.
Drive back along the picturesque coastal route to Chennai, cherishing the memories of your unforgettable road trip.
Fuel and toll charges, 4 hours
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