5-Day Adventure Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Cultural Dive

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast featuring dosa, idli, vada, and filter coffee at this iconic restaurant.
Located in T. Nagar, easily reachable by public transport.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this stunning Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing intricate Dravidian architecture.
A short drive, approximately 20 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Fort St. George

Discover British colonial history at this fort which houses a museum and the St. Mary's Church.
About 30 minutes drive from the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Marina

Relish seafood and South Indian delicacies while enjoying a view of the Marina Beach.
15-minute drive from Fort St. George.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll at Marina Beach

Take a leisurely walk along one of the longest urban beaches in India and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Directly accessible from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Admire this beautiful basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
A short 10-minute drive from Marina Beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Enjoy authentic Chettinad cuisine that is rich in flavor and heritage at this popular eatery.
20-minute drive from the cathedral.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Temple Trail

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Saradha

Savor a traditional breakfast with options like pongal and sambar, preparing for a day of exploration.
A quick stop in Kanchipuram, which is 2 hours from Chennai.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Marvel at the grand architecture and sacred mango tree at one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram.
After breakfast, just 10 minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Explore this ancient temple known for its amazing stone carvings and tranquil sanctum.
A quick 15-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Kanchipuram Kitchen

Indulge in local vegetarian fare featuring the famous Kanchipuram idli.
Close by, 10-minute drive.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Experience the vibrant rituals and unique architecture of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Another 15-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Devarajaperumal Temple

Little-known gem with exquisite carvings perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
Just a 10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax and Tea at Dasaprakash

Unwind with a cup of traditional Indian tea and snacks in this charming café.
Just a 15-minute drive back to the town.
INR 200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Alankar Restaurant

Experience a flavorful menu featuring North and South Indian dishes in a casual setting.
10-minute drive from the café.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historic Marvels

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Seaside Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast with an ocean view featuring fresh fruit and light South Indian meal.
Drive 1 hour from Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Shore Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted for its unique architecture overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
A short drive from the restaurant.
INR 30, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Discover the intricately carved monolithic rock temples that are an engineering marvel.
Only a 15-minute drive away.
INR 30, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Studio

Savor local seafood dishes and vegetarian options with a view of the monuments.
Nearby, a quick 10-minute drive.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Admire the massive rock relief depicting Arjuna’s penance, a highlight of Mahabalipuram.
A 10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Take a break and unwind at the beautiful beach enjoying the sunset.
Walking distance from Arjuna's Penance.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Baga Beach

Enjoy a seaside dinner with a fusion of Indian and continental cuisine paired with local drinks.
A 10-minute walk from the beach.
INR 800, 2 hours
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Day 4: French Influence

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Start your day with a French-style breakfast of croissants and café au lait in this charming café.
Drive 1 hour from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Spend time at this tranquil ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo, known for its spiritual ambiance.
A short 10-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll in the French Quarter

Wander through the colorful streets of the French Quarter, appreciating the colonial architecture.
5-minute walk from the Ashram.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Indulge in a delightful menu with a mix of local and French dishes in a historic setting.
Walking distance from the French Quarter.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Promenade Beach

Relax and enjoy the scenic beachfront with French colonial landmarks along the promenade.
A short drive from lunch, or walk 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Auroville

Visit this unique township dedicated to human unity and sustainability, it forms a part of Pondicherry.
A 30-minute drive from Promenade Beach.
Free (matrimandir entry: INR 50), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Maison Rose

Experience an exquisite meal inspired by French cuisine with finishing touches of South Indian flavors.
Drive back towards Pondicherry, about 30 minutes from Auroville.
INR 900, 2 hours
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Day 5: Heritage Wonders

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Roof Top Restaurant

Kick-off the day with a wholesome breakfast overlooking Thanjavur’s grand temple.
Drive 3 hours from Pondicherry to Thanjavur.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its massive size and stunning Dravidian architecture.
Located just next to the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Discover the history of the Maratha rule in Tamil Nadu and enjoy the mix of architecture styles.
A short walk from the temple.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Annapoorna

Savor traditional South Indian thali, served with an array of dishes, all bursting with flavor.
A 10-minute drive from the palace.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library

Immerse yourself in ancient manuscripts and a vast collection of historical texts, a hidden gem.
5-minute drive from lunch.
INR 20, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore the Bronze Museum

Marvel at various bronze sculptures and learn about the ancient art of bronze casting in Tamil Nadu.
A 10-minute drive from the library.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

End your journey with a delightful dinner featuring local Tamil Nadu cuisine, perfect to reflect on your adventures.
Just a 10-minute drive from the museum.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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