6 Days Family Friendly Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Kick-off your trip with an authentic South Indian breakfast of idli and dosa at Saravana Bhavan.
Located in T. Nagar, it’s easily accessible via rickshaw.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Immerse yourself in the spirituality of this ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Drive for about 20 minutes from the breakfast venue.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Marina Beach

Enjoy a stroll along one of the longest beaches in the world, building sandcastles with your family.
A quick 15-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Marina Beach Restaurant

Savor seafood and local delicacies while enjoying the coastal view.
Simply walk to the restaurant along the beach.
INR1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Government Museum

Explore art and archaeological findings like ancient coins and sculptures.
A 30-minute drive from Marina.
INR100, 2 hours

5:30PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Spend some time shopping for silk sarees and souvenirs in this bustling market.
A short 10-minute drive from the museum.
Variable, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Balaji Bhavan

End your day with delicious North Indian dishes in a family-friendly restaurant.
A 20-minute short drive from the market.
INR800, 1 hour
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Day 2: Beach Day in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet at your hotel before heading out.
Onsite at your accommodation.
INR500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Depart Chennai for Mahabalipuram, known for its exquisite rock-cut temples.
A 1-hour drive via East Coast Road.
INR2000 (for taxi), 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at the stunning architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the sea.
Located near the beach; parking available nearby.
INR30, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Discover the monolithic rock-cut temples shaped like chariots dedicated to the Pandavas.
A short 10-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
INR30, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The New Lighthouse Restaurant

Enjoy seafood and local cuisine with a view of the ocean.
Only 5 minutes from Pancha Rathas.
INR1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind under the sun while the kids enjoy building sandcastles and splashing in the waves.
Just a short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Observe the intricate carvings depicting Arjuna’s penance in this massive relief sculpture.
A quick 5-minute ride from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

Dine on a variety of continental and Indian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
A 10-minute drive from Arjuna's Penance.
INR1200, 1 hour
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Day 3: Heritage City of Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a hearty breakfast before heading to Kanchipuram.
Onsite at your accommodation.
INR500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Head to Kanchipuram

Travel to the city famous for its silk sarees and temples.
A 1-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
INR2000 (for taxi), 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Explore one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram dedicated to Lord Shiva, surrounded by lush gardens.
10-minute drive from the main road.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Kamakshi Amman Temple

Visit this revered temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, known for its colorful gopuram.
A quick 15-minute drive from Ekambareswarar Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy scrumptious South Indian meals in a family-friendly setting.
20-minute drive from Kamakshi Temple.
INR800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping for Silk Sarees

Discover the renowned Kanchipuram silk sarees at various local shops.
Assistance available for local shop locations.
Variable, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Marvel at this important Vaishnavite temple, known for its impressive deity carvings.
A short drive from the shopping area.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Vellore's Restaurant

Relish local favorites as you wind down your day in Kanchipuram.
Conveniently located near your accommodation.
INR1000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a delicious breakfast before traveling to Pondicherry.
Onsite at your accommodation.
INR500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Pondicherry

Depart for the charming coastal town known for its French influence.
A scenic 2-hour drive.
INR2500 (for taxi), 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Promenade Beach

Enjoy a scenic beach day, ideal for enjoying the sea breeze and relaxing.
Located close to the main town area.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Le Cafe

Dine at this oceanfront café serving a mix of French and Indian dishes.
Right on the Promenade.
INR1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Aurobindo Ashram

Discover the peaceful surroundings of this famous spiritual community.
A 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore French Quarter

Stroll through the vibrant streets adorned with colonial architecture and unique boutiques.
A short walk from Aurobindo Ashram.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Serenity Beach

An uncrowded beach perfect for families wishing to splash in the waves.
A 10-minute drive from French Quarter.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Appachi Chettinad

Savor authentic Chettinad cuisine in a family-friendly setting.
20-minute drive from the beach.
INR1200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Culture and Heritage in Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast buffet.
Onsite at your accommodation.
INR500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Journey to the cultural hub of Tamil Nadu, famous for its temples and art.
A 2-hour drive from Pondicherry.
INR2000 (for taxi), 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its massive gopuram and intricate sculptures.
Located in the heart of Thanjavur.
INR50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Explore Thanjavur Palace

Wander through the historic palace to learn about the Maratha dynasty.
5-minute walk from the temple.
INR100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Venkatasubha Dinning Hall

Delight in Tamil Brahmin meals in traditional style.
Short walk from the palace.
INR800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Art Gallery

Admire traditional Tanjore paintings and bronze sculptures from Tamil Nadu.
Located near the palace, within walking distance.
INR20, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Local Craft Shops

Spend some time shopping for beautiful Tanjore paintings and handicrafts.
Short walk from the art gallery.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ananda Bhavan

Savor a wide range of vegetarian Tamil dishes to conclude your day.
10-minute drive from the craft shops.
INR1000, 1 hour
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Day 6: Cultural Heritage in Madurai

Madurai, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast to start your day.
Onsite at your accommodation.
INR500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Madurai

Head towards the ancient city of Madurai, famous for its temples and vibrant market.
A 2.5-hour drive from Thanjavur.
INR2500 (for taxi), 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Experience the grandeur of this iconic temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi.
Located in the city center.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Discover the architectural beauty of this palace, a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles.
5-minute drive from the temple.
INR50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Dine on traditional vegetarian dishes beloved by locals.
Short drive from the palace.
INR800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Azhagar Kovil

Explore this picturesque hill temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, set amidst lush greenery.
A 30-minute drive from the lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Market Visit

Stroll through the vibrant markets of Madurai, filled with local culture and flavors.
Return to the city center, about 30 minutes from the temple.
Variable, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Theji's Kitchen

Enjoy a delightful dinner to conclude your Tamil Nadu adventure.
Located near the market.
INR1000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability