7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in South India

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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