Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

5-Day Tamil Nadu Adventure Itinerary

Viewed by 138 travelers

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your adventure with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its delicious dosas.
Located in T. Nagar, a quick taxi ride from most hotels in central Chennai.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Admire the stunning Dravidian architecture at the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore.
Take a taxi to the temple, approximately 20 minutes from Saravana Bhavan.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Marina Beach

Stroll along the shores of Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a delicious seafood meal at The Fisherman's Wharf with a vibrant ambiance.
A 20-minute taxi ride from Marina Beach.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Fort St. George

Discover Chennai's colonial history at Fort St. George and its fascinating museum.
A short 10-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
INR100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Shopping at T. Nagar

Dive into Chennai's vibrant shopping scene at T. Nagar, famous for silk sarees and traditional wear.
Just a 10-minute taxi ride from Fort St. George.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Savor traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine at Ponnusamy Hotel, known for its spicy Chettinad dishes.
A close 15-minute taxi ride from T. Nagar.
INR600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Beachside Charm

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to Mahabalipuram.
N/A
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Depart for Mahabalipuram, known for its coastal temples and sculptures.
The drive takes approximately 1 hour.
INR2000 for taxi, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at the ancient Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the sea.
A short drive from the Mahabalipuram center.
INR500, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Witness the remarkable rock carving of Arjuna's Penance, depicting various animal figures.
Just a 15-minute walk from Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sea View Restaurant

Feast on fresh seafood while enjoying views of the Bay of Bengal.
A 5-minute drive from Arjuna's Penance.
INR1000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend a few hours soaking up the sun on the beautiful beach.
Walk from the restaurant to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Explore the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples.
A quick 10-minute drive from the beach.
INR500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Mamalla

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring South Indian specialties at Hotel Mamalla.
Just a short drive from Pancha Rathas.
INR800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Temple Hopping

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel in Mahabalipuram before heading to Kanchipuram.
N/A
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Kanchipuram

Depart for Kanchipuram, the 'City of a Thousand Temples'.
The drive takes approximately 1 hour.
INR2000 for taxi, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Explore Kailasanathar Temple, one of the oldest examples of Dravidian architecture.
A short drive from the Kanchipuram market.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

See Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Visit the majestic Varadaraja Perumal Temple, known for beautiful sculptures.
Approximately 20 minutes drive.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Return to Saravana Bhavan for a superb vegetarian thali experience.
Back in the market; a short drive.
INR400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Stop by Ekambareswarar, famous for its massive temple complex and 3,500-year-old mango tree.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping for Silk Sarees

Don't miss the chance to shop for exquisite Kanchipuram silk sarees.
Head to local shops; easily accessible by walking.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Mayur

Indulge in north Indian cuisine with a Tamil twist at Hotel Mayur.
Close by the silk shopping area.
INR600, 1-1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kanchipuram

Day 4: French Connection

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Pondicherry.
N/A
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Pondicherry

Set forth to Pondicherry, the charming coastal town with a blend of cultures.
The drive is around 2 hours.
INR2000 for taxi, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Auroville

Visit the spiritual township of Auroville, known for its unique community setup.
A 30-minute taxi ride from Pondicherry.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Auroville's Solar Kitchen

Experience organic cuisine with dishes prepared from fresh farm produce.
Inside Auroville, easy walking distance.
INR700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Pondicherry Beach

Relax and walk along the serene Pondicherry Beach.
Return to Pondicherry; it’s a 30-minute drive from Auroville.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Walk in the French Quarter

Explore the charming streets of the French Quarter, with its colorful buildings.
Take a leisurely walk around town.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Indulge in French-inspired cuisine in a lovely ambiance.
Located in the French Quarter, easy to reach by walking.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 5: Cultural Heritage

Tanjore, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a local breakfast before making your way to Tanjore.
N/A
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Tanjore

Head towards Tanjore, the heart of Tamil Nadu's art and culture.
This road trip takes around 2 hours.
INR2000 for taxi, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its magnificent architecture.
Located in the heart of Tanjore, easily accessible.
INR300, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Delight in a traditional Tamil meal at Hotel Gnanam.
A short taxi ride from the temple.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tanjore Palace

Explore Tanjore Palace and its museum that tells the history of the Chola dynasty.
A short 10-minute drive from the hotel.
INR200, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Visit Musical Pillars of Soundarya Mahal

Admire the famous musical pillars that resonate different notes when tapped.
Located within the Tanjore Palace.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Ramaswamy Hotel

Finish your Tamil Nadu adventure with a traditional dinner featuring Chettinad cuisine.
Close to the Tanjore Palace.
INR700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tanjore
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Tamil nadu

Trip Packing List: Tamil Nadu (December)
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Tamil nadu Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go