6-Day Family Friendly Relaxation Rail Trip in South India

Day 1: Charming Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this popular eatery.
Walk to the nearby train station.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this ancient temple known for its stunning Dravidian architecture, perfect for a family photo op.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy more delicious South Indian cuisine in this vibrant and family-friendly restaurant.
Walk from the temple back towards the main road.
INR600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at Marina Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon at one of the world’s second-longest beaches, letting the kids play in the sand.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Marina Beach.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Fort St. George

Visit the historic fort that marks the beginning of British presence in India, with engaging stories of its past.
Rickshaw ride to Fort St. George.
INR100, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

Unwind with some delicious seafood and Indian dishes at this popular restaurant by the waterfront.
Walk to the restaurant from Fort St. George.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Train to Kanchipuram

Start early and enjoy a scenic train ride to Kanchipuram, famous for its temples and silk sarees.
Board the train at Chennai Egmore Station.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple

Marvel at one of the largest temples dedicated to Shiva, featuring a beautiful garden and ancient architecture.
Auto-rickshaw from the station to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Silk Shopping at Kanchipuram

Browse through various silk saree shops, and consider picking up some authentic souvenirs for family back home.
Short walk to the nearest silk shops.
Varies, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Vasanta Bhavan

Treat yourself to a classic thali which offers a variety of dishes representing the local cuisine.
Easy walk from the shopping area.
INR500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Explore this ancient temple, a top-tier attraction in Kanchipuram with serene surrounding gardens.
Auto-rickshaw or walk to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Mayura

End your day with a delightful family dinner featuring North and South Indian choices.
Rickshaw ride from the temple.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Seaside Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Train to Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, board a train to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rock-cut temples.
Train from Kanchipuram.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at the magnificent Shore Temple, a key highlight for its beautiful beachside location.
Short walk from the station.
INR100, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Pancha Rathas

A family-friendly outing exploring five monolithic rock-cut temples, perfect for kids to run and explore.
Auto-rickshaw from Shore Temple.
INR50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Bay View

Enjoy lunch at this seaside restaurant with a fantastic view and a variety of cuisines.
Walk from Pancha Rathas.
INR1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Arjuna's Penance

Discover the world's largest bas-relief sculpture, a fantastic spot for taking family photos.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Neptune Restaurant

Relax at this family-friendly restaurant with a wonderful ambiance and diverse menu.
Auto-rickshaw from Arjuna's Penance.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Odyssey in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Train to Pondicherry

Enjoy a scenic ride to Pondicherry, known for its French colonial architecture and peaceful beaches.
Train from Mahabalipuram.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Start with Auroville, an experimental township that promotes peace and sustainability, a delightful adventure for the whole family.
Auto-rickshaw from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Matrimandir

Visit the iconic meditation centre and marvel at its architecture, enhancing your spiritual journey.
Walk around Auroville.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at this quaint café featuring French cuisine amidst a vibrant setting.
Walk back to the main road.
INR700, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Pondicherry Museum

Educate the kids about Pondicherry's rich history through interactive exhibits and collections.
Take a short rickshaw ride to the museum.
INR100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Indian Kaffe Express

Experience the local flavours and enjoy a friendly atmosphere to cap off your day.
Rickshaw ride to the restaurant.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Heritage Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Train to Thanjavur

Commence your journey to Thanjavur, home to grand temples and a significant heritage.
Board the train from Pondicherry.
INR250, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Witness one of the largest temples in India, famed for its architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status.
Auto-rickshaw from the station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Kumbakonam

Savour traditional South Indian fare in a family-friendly setting.
Short walk from the temple.
INR700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Discover the rich history of the Marathas through the palace’s grandeur and art.
Rickshaw ride to the palace.
INR100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery

Explore traditional Tanjore paintings and bronze sculptures, enriching your artistic appreciation.
Walk from the palace.
INR50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy a thali dinner while being served in a charming restaurant frequented by locals.
Rickshaw ride from the gallery.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Spiritual Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Train to Madurai

Board an early morning train to Madurai, known for its rich culture and history.
Train from Thanjavur.
INR300, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning masterpiece of Tamil architecture, with intricate sculptures and vibrant gopurams.
Auto-rickshaw from the station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a lavish meal at this renowned restaurant offering delectable treats of South Indian cuisine.
Short walk from the temple.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Calm your mind and appreciate the architectural beauty in this magnificent palace.
Rickshaw ride from the lunch spot.
INR100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about India’s freedom struggle and Gandhi’s principles through engaging exhibits.
Auto-rickshaw to the museum.
INR50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Merrily’s Restaurant

Wrap up your adventure with a comforting family dinner featuring local delicacies in a relaxed setting.
Rickshaw ride from the museum.
INR700, 1 hour
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