Explore the Enchanting South India: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Kick-off

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Begin your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast of dosas and filter coffee at the famous Saravana Bhavan, a culinary staple in Chennai.
Head to Saravana Bhavan located near T. Nagar.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Shiva temple showcasing stunning Dravidian architecture and serene temple grounds.
It's a 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Stroll in Marina Beach

Relax at the famous Marina Beach, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal and watch the local life unfold.
A 20-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Pavilion

Savor a variety of South Indian dishes at The Pavilion, located in the ITC Grand Chola hotel.
It's a scenic 30-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Fort St. George

Visit Fort St. George, the first fortress built by the British in India, now a museum, and learn about Chennai's colonial history.
Another 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Shopping at T. Nagar

Spend your evening shopping at T. Nagar, known for its vibrant shops specializing in silk sarees and traditional handicrafts.
A 10-minute drive from Fort St. George.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Enjoy a flavorful dinner featuring Chettinad cuisine at Anjappar, a must-visit for authentic South Indian flavors.
Easily accessible within 15 minutes by car.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Heritage Exploration

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Mamalla Heritage

Have a hearty breakfast at Hotel Mamalla Heritage before heading out to explore the nearby monuments.
A 1-hour drive from Chennai.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Shore Temple

Discover the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with intricately carved stone structures overlooking the sea.
A short 10-minute drive from the hotel.
INR 40, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the impressive bas-relief carvings at Arjuna's Penance, depicting scenes from Mahabharata.
A 10-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Fisherman's Wharf

For lunch, indulge in fresh seafood and coastal South Indian dishes at The Fisherman's Wharf.
Just a 15-minute drive from Arjuna's Penance.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Spend your afternoon at the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples, perfect for photography and history buffs.
A quick 10-minute drive from the lunch spot.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend some leisurely time at Mahabalipuram Beach, where you can unwind and soak in the sunset views.
It's just a 5-minute drive from Pancha Rathas.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

Experience a delightful dinner at Moonrakers, known for its unique ambiance and delectable seafood.
A quick 5-minute drive from the beach.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: French Connection

Pondicherry, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Le Café

Start your day at Le Café with a delightful breakfast along the promenade, enjoying French pastries and coffee.
A 1.5-hour drive from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Auroville

Explore the experimental township of Auroville, where you can visit the Matrimandir and enjoy serene surroundings.
A 30-minute drive from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Explore French Quarter

Wander through the charming streets of the French Quarter, admiring colonial architecture and vibrant bougainvillea.
Drive back 30 minutes to the French Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Enjoy a cozy lunch and try their famous Ratatouille at Café des Arts, set in a vintage ambiance.
Located in the French Quarter, within walking distance.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Visit the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where you can learn about spirituality and tranquility.
It's just a 10-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Relax at Promenade

Stroll along the Promenade Beach to enjoy the evening sea breeze and local snacks from street vendors.
A 15-minute walk from the ashram.
Variable, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

For dinner, indulge in exquisite local and French fusion dishes prepared with care at Villa Shanti.
A leisurely 15-minute walk from the promenade.
INR 1000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Treasures

Thanjavur, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Fuel up with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Sree Ariya Bhavan before heading to Thanjavur.
A 2-hour drive from Pondicherry.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Discover the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning architecture and history.
Just a short drive from the restaurant, around 10 minutes.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Thanjavur Palace

Tour the historic Thanjavur Palace, where you can discover royal artifacts and beautiful art.
Located nearby, just a 10-minute drive.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy a delightful lunch featuring regional specialties at Hotel Gnanam- a popular local eatery.
Less than 10-minute drive from the palace.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Thanjavur Art Gallery

Admire the rich collection of Tanjore paintings and bronze sculptures at the Thanjavur Art Gallery.
A short 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Local Markets

Wander through local markets, where you can shop for silk sarees and intricately crafted handicrafts.
A short drive, around 10 minutes.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Sree Gnanam Restaurant

End your day with a delicious dinner at Sree Gnanam Restaurant featuring traditional South Indian dishes.
Easily accessible within a 10-minute drive.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Spiritual Depths

Madurai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at KFC Style Tea Shop

Enjoy a unique breakfast at a local tea shop, relishing homemade parottas and tea before driving to Madurai.
A 3-hour drive from Thanjavur to Madurai.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its towering gopurams and intricate sculptures.
A 10-minute drive from the tea shop.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Explore Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Visit the splendid Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Just a short 10-minute drive from the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Banquet Hall

Refuel with a sumptuous lunch of traditional rice and sambar at The Banquet Hall, famed for its authentic flavors.
A quick 10-minute drive from the palace.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi's life and work at the Gandhi Museum, housed in a serene setting worth exploring.
It's another 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Local Streets

Spend time wandering the bustling local streets of Madurai, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy street food.
A short 10-minute drive from the museum.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Surya Restaurant

Conclude your South Indian journey with a wonderful dinner at Surya Restaurant, famous for its thalis.
Easily accessible within a 15-minute drive.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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