7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring South Indian Temples

Day 1: Chennai Highlights

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Begin your South Indian adventure with a delicious breakfast at Ratna Cafe, famous for its crispy dosa and aromatic filter coffee.
Located in the city centre, easily accessible via taxi or public transport.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the stunning Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an excellent introduction to Dravidian architecture with its colourful gopuram.
A short 10-minute drive from the cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Marina Beach

Take your family to Marina Beach, where the kids can enjoy the sand and surf while you relax by the waves.
A quick 15-minute ride from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its fluffy idlis and delectable coconut chutney.
Just a 20-minute taxi ride from the beach.
INR300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historical Fort St. George, which houses a museum with exhibits on colonial history.
A 10-minute drive from lunch.
INR100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Wander through T Nagar, Chennai's bustling shopping hub, perfect for traditional saris and souvenirs.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the fort.
Varies, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Savour a delightful family dinner with an array of south Indian dishes at Saravana Bhavan.
A short 10-minute ride from T Nagar.
INR500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Kanchipuram Temples

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Royal Ambers

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at Hotel Royal Ambers, offering a variety of Indian dishes.
Located in Chennai, this will require a 1-hour ride to reach Kanchipuram.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Marvel at the majesty of Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, with its massive entrance tower.
Head straight to the temple after breakfast, just 10 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Explore the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, known for its ornate carvings and impressive architecture.
Only a 15-minute drive from Ekambareswarar Temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saradharam

Satisfy your hunger with a traditional vegetarian thali at Hotel Saradharam.
A short 10-minute drive from the temple.
INR350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Spend the afternoon at Varadaraja Perumal Temple, known for its stunning carvings and beautiful pond.
Just a 5-minute ride from the lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Kanchipuram Weaving Village

Experience the beauty of traditional silk weaving, a craft that Kanchipuram is famous for.
Drive 20 minutes into the weaving village.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Viceroy Hotel

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Viceroy Hotel, which serves a mix of Indian and Continental cuisines to cater to everyone's taste.
Return to the hotel located 30 minutes away.
INR550, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Mahabalipuram Marvels

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mammalapuram Cafe

Start your morning at Mammalapuram Cafe with their famous south Indian meals and fresh juices.
A 1-hour drive from Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Begin your sightseeing with the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the ocean.
A short 10-minute drive from the cafe.
INR200, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the massive relief sculpture of Arjuna's penance and take family photos against its backdrop.
Just a 5-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Sea Breeze

Indulge in a seaside dining experience at Hotel Sea Breeze, well-known for its fresh seafood.
The restaurant is a 10-minute drive from the previous location.
INR600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Five Rathas

Visit the group of monolithic rock-cut temples, known as the Five Rathas, and learn about their historical significance.
Only a 5-minute drive from the lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend the late afternoon relaxing at Mahabalipuram Beach, perfect for the kids and a great way to unwind.
Head directly to the beach, just 10 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Azzuri Bay

Dine on international cuisine at Azzuri Bay, overlooking the beach to cap off a beautiful day.
A 15-minute drive from the beach.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Tirupati Pilgrimage

Tirupati, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Start your day early with breakfast at Hotel Tamil Nadu, which offers a variety of local delicacies.
An early morning drive from Mahabalipuram to Tirupati takes approximately 2 hours.
INR350, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Tirupati Balaji Temple

Spend your morning at Tirupati Balaji Temple, one of the richest and most revered temples in India.
The temple is just a 20-minute drive from your hotel.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vishnu Nivasam

Enjoy a sumptuous vegetarian lunch at Vishnu Nivasam, catering to the tastes of all family members.
A short 10-minute drive from the temple.
INR500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Sri Vari Museum

Take your family to the Sri Vari Museum to learn about the history and culture of Tirupati temple.
Only a 5-minute ride from the lunch spot.
INR100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Akasaganga Teertham

Make a visit to Akasaganga Teertham, a beautiful waterfall and a great spot for family photos.
A scenic 30-minute drive uphill.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Tirupati City

Head back to your accommodation for some rest.
Return drive takes about 30 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Minerva Grand

End your day with a comforting dinner featuring both Indian and North Indian cuisine at Minerva Grand.
A short 10-minute drive from your accommodation.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Madurai Temples

Madurai, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Heritage

Enjoy a lavish breakfast at Hotel Heritage, known for its extensive buffet options.
A 2.5-hour drive from Tirupati to Madurai.
INR500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its intricate sculptures and vibrant gopuram.
Located just a 10-minute drive from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the historical grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, known for its impressive architecture.
A short 15-minute ride from the temple.
INR100, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy an authentic south Indian meal at Sree Sabarees, famous for its authentic tastes.
Just a 10-minute drive from the palace.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about India's freedom struggle at Gandhi Museum, located in the historic palace of the Nayakkar dynasty.
Just a 10-minute ride from lunch.
INR50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Unwind at the beautiful Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, an artificial water tank surrounded by lovely gardens.
A brief 15-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Madurai Residency

Enjoy a delightful dinner of fine south Indian cuisine at Hotel Madurai Residency, catering to all tastes.
A 20-minute ride from the garden.
INR600, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Kumbakonam Culture

Kumbakonam, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Kumbakonam

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Hotel Kumbakonam, with offerings of traditional south Indian fare.
A 2-hour drive from Madurai to Kumbakonam.
INR300, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Discover the stunning architecture of Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, a significant Shaivite site.
Only a 10-minute ride from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Brahma Temple

Visit the unique Brahma Temple, one of the few dedicated to Lord Brahma in India.
A 15-minute drive from Adi Kumbeswarar Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal with a variety of options at Hotel Saravana Bhavan.
Just a 20-minute drive from the Brahma Temple.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Kumbakonam Market

Explore the local market for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts, which the family will love.
A quick 15-minute ride from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Kumbakonam Tank

Spend a peaceful afternoon around Kumbakonam Tank, perfect for relaxation.
A short 10-minute drive from the market.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Sriram Mess

Enjoy a hearty and authentic south Indian feast at Sriram Mess, known for its warm service.
Just 15 minutes away.
INR500, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Thanjavur Treasures

Thanjavur, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Parisutham

Indulge in a delightful breakfast buffet at Hotel Parisutham before starting your day.
A 30-minute drive from Kumbakonam to Thanjavur.
INR400, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
A 10-minute ride from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Thanjavur Palace

Discover the grandeur of Thanjavur Palace, exploring its architecture, art, and history.
Only a 15-minute drive from the temple.
INR150, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ramasamy Naidu Hotel

Savour an authentic Thanjavur lunch with some delicious non-vegetarian options at Ramasamy Naidu Hotel.
Just a short 10-minute ride from the palace.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Art and Craft of Thanjavur

Witness the exquisite Thanjavur paintings and handicrafts, known for their intricate detailing.
Only a 15-minute drive from the lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Schwartz Church

Spend some quiet time at the historic Schwartz Church, observing its beautiful architecture.
A quick 10-minute ride from the art centre.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Farewell dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu, featuring a variety of south Indian dishes to conclude your temple tour.
A short 15-minute drive from Schwartz Church.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability