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7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in South India

Viewed by 137 travelers

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start your day with a hearty south Indian breakfast of idli, dosa, and filter coffee in this iconic eatery.
Located in Mylapore, easy accessible via auto-rickshaw.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at the vibrant architecture and rich history of this ancient Hindu temple.
Located near Ratna Cafe, best explored by walking.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Chennai Museum

Discover artifacts from ancient South Indian civilizations, a great experience for both kids and adults.
15 minutes by car from the temple.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a tempting spread of vegetarian south Indian dishes at this famous restaurant.
10 minutes drive from the museum.
INR 700, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Marina Beach

Spend some leisurely time building sand castles or enjoying the sea breeze on the iconic beach.
20 minutes drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dindigul Thalappakatti

Feast on their famous chicken biryani, a must-try in Chennai.
30 minutes from Marina Beach.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Historical Marvels

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Savor a refreshing breakfast with a sea view to kickstart your day.
Located near the entrance to Mahabalipuram.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Shore Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning architectural beauty.
Located just a short walk from breakfast.
INR 40, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Pancha Rathas

Witness the incredible rock-cut architecture of these five chariots, perfect for family photos.
10-minute drive from Shore Temple.
INR 40, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Wharf

Dine by the beachfront with a variety of Indian and Continental dishes.
15 minutes from Pancha Rathas.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Arjuna's Penance

Admire one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world depicting a story from the Mahabharata.
5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from lunch.
INR 40, 1 hour

3:30PM

Beach Time

Unwind at the beautiful Mahabalipuram beach, where kids can enjoy splashing in the water.
Short walk from Arjuna's Penance.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Moonrakers Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood and local delicacies to cap off your day.
10 minutes walk from the beach.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Enjoy a French-style breakfast at this quaint cafe known for its ambiance.
A charming short drive from Mahabalipuram.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Aurobindo Ashram

Experience the tranquil environment of this spiritual retreat and learn about Sri Aurobindo.
Located within the city center, a short drive from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Auroville Visit

Take a short drive to Auroville to visit the Matrimandir and learn about community living.
20 minutes from the Ashram.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Anandha Inn

Taste the fusion of Indian and continental flavors while enjoying the warm hospitality.
30-minute drive from Auroville.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the French Quarters

Stroll through the attractive streets filled with French colonial architecture.
10 minutes from lunch—easily walkable.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Beach Time at Promenade

Relax at the serene beach at sunset, offering beautiful views and a peaceful ambiance.
15-minute walk from French Quarters.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Feast on Indo-French cuisine to end the day beautifully.
10 minutes from Promenade Beach.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 4: Heritage and Culture

Tanjore, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Ideal River View

Get your day started with a traditional South Indian breakfast overlooking the river.
Located conveniently near the city center.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a marvel of architecture that represents the Chola dynasty.
5-minute drive from the hotel.
INR 50, 2 hours

11:30AM

Royal Palace of Thanjavur

Discover the fascinating history of the Nayak kings in this grand palace complex.
15-minute walk from the temple.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Relish traditional Tamil meals in a comfortable environment.
10 minutes from the Royal Palace.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Tanjore Art Gallery

Appreciate traditional Tanjore paintings and artworks.
15-minute drive from lunch.
INR 40, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Schwartz Church

Join a historical tour of this 18th-century church, reflecting the Jesuit architecture.
10 minutes drive from the art gallery.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sree Ariyabhavan

Indulge in authentic South Indian cuisine with a cozy family ambiance.
5 minutes drive from the church.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tanjore

Day 5: Cultural Richness

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Heritage

Start the day with traditional Madurai breakfast featuring idli and sambar.
Conveniently located in the city.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant rituals of this iconic temple dedicated to goddess Meenakshi.
Local transport or a short drive from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Visit this historical palace reflecting the grandeur of the Nayak dynasty.
10 minutes auto-rickshaw ride from the temple.
INR 50, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Simmakkal Annalakshmi

Dive into yummy traditional dishes served in a traditional Tamil manner.
15 minutes drive from the palace.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi and India's freedom struggle at this museum.
15-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Flower Market

Immerse in the vibrant colors and fragrance of the local flower market.
10 minutes drive from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kumar Mess

Feast on delicious South Indian non-veg delights in an authentic setting.
5 minutes drive from the flower market.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 6: Nature and Adventure

Thekkady, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Thekkady Wild Corridor

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the lush green surroundings.
Ideally located inside the forest area.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Embark on a thrilling nature walk or a boat ride to catch glimpses of wildlife in this vast sanctuary.
Easily accessible via the hotel.
INR 200, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Spice Garden

Savor a variety of dishes serving local spices in a garden setting.
Located near the entrance of the sanctuary.
INR 750, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Spice Plantation

Take a guided tour of the spice plantation and learn about various spices and their uses.
15 minutes drive from the lunch spot.
INR 300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Cultural Show

Wrap up your day with a traditional Keralan cultural show showcasing dance and music.
Easily available in local venues around Thekkady.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Thekkady Cafe

End your day with a delightful dinner offering various local dishes.
Short walk from the cultural show locations.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 7: Backwater and Culture

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Malabar House

Enjoy a delightful breakfast buffet featuring local and continental dishes.
Situated in the heart of Fort Kochi.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Fort Kochi

Stroll through the historic streets filled with colonial buildings and art galleries.
Walking distance from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit to Chinese Fishing Nets

Witness the unique fishing method using ancient Chinese nets along the coast.
5 minutes walk from Fort Kochi.
Free, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch at the Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy fresh seafood while watching the backwaters, a culinary highlight.
10 minutes drive from the fishing nets.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Heritage Walk in Mattancherry

Delve into Jewish heritage while visiting the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace.
15 minutes drive from the lunch spot.
INR 150, 2 hours

4:30PM

Backwater Cruise

Indulge in a scenic cruise over the tranquil backwaters, perfect for families to unwind.
Easily pre-booked from the local docks.
INR 800, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Brunton Boatyard

Savor Keralan dishes in a beautifully restored heritage hotel restaurant.
Located by the waterfront, easy to access.
INR 1200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kochi
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