7-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with delicious soft idlis and piping hot sambar, a beloved South Indian dish.
Located in multiple locations in Chennai, find the nearest one to your accommodation.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Government Museum

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu with ancient artefacts and art collections.
Drive to Egmore for a quick 15-minute journey.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sangeetha Eatery

Enjoy a range of vegetarian South Indian dishes, perfect for sharing with the family.
Head towards T Nagar, about a 20-minute drive.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Marina Beach

Stroll along the iconic Marina Beach, mingling with locals and enjoying the sea breeze.
A short 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore the San Thome Basilica

Marvel at the stunning neo-Gothic architecture of this significant church.
Drive for 10 minutes to reach the basilica.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to hotel and relax

Spend some time unwinding at your hotel, perhaps by the pool.
Head back to your accommodation in about 15 minutes.
N/A, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Feast on some authentic Chettinad cuisine, famous for its spices and flavours.
Take a 20-minute drive to Anjappar.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Heritage of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Start your day with a hearty breakfast with an ocean view.
Located conveniently in Mahabalipuram.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Shore Temple

Admire the intricate stone carvings of this UNESCO World Heritage Site by the coast.
A 10-minute journey from your hotel.
INR 40, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Discover the monolithic rock-cut temples, perfect for family photos.
Head a short 5-minute drive to Pancha Rathas.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy delicious seafood and local delicacies in a unique setting.
Just a 15-minute drive from Pancha Rathas.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Witness the magnificent bas-relief carvings depicting scenes from Mahabharata.
Only a 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind on the sandy beaches, allowing the kids to splash in the waves.
Just a 10-minute walk from the site.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to hotel and prepare for dinner

Spend a leisurely hour refreshing before heading out.
Walk back to your hotel.
N/A, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Vinayaga

Delight in a selection of North and South Indian dishes suitable for everyone.
A quick stroll to the restaurant nearby.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Savour the French-inspired pastries and coffee in a charming setting.
Located in the French Quarter of Pondicherry.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Explore the unique township and its Matrimandir, a stunning meditation centre.
It's a 30-minute drive from Pondicherry.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Auroville Solar Kitchen

Enjoy a healthy, fresh vegetarian meal made from local ingredients.
On-site at Auroville, 5-minute walk.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at Promenade Beach

Unwind and enjoy some beach time, watching the waves roll in.
A 30-minute drive back to Pondicherry.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Take a heritage walk in the French Quarter

Wander the colourful streets and admire colonial architecture.
Easily walkable from the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to hotel and refresh

Enjoy some downtime before heading out to dinner.
Walk back to your hotel.
N/A, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The New Café

Experience a mix of French and Indian cuisine that appeals to the family.
Located close to your hotel.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Temple City

Indulge in a traditional South Indian breakfast with dosa and chutney.
Conveniently near your accommodation.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with history and architecture.
A short 15-minute drive from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thanjavur Palace

Learn about the rich heritage of the Maratha kings through artefacts and sculptures.
A short 10-minute drive.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Naga Restaurant

Satisfy cravings with local non-vegetarian cuisines and vegetarian options.
A 15-minute drive from the palace.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery

Discover exquisite bronze sculptures and paintings of this vibrant region.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at your hotel

Take a breather and enjoy the amenities your hotel offers.
A 10-minute drive back to your hotel.
N/A, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Aditya

Enjoy authentic dishes that reflect the culinary diversity of Tamil Nadu.
A 10-minute drive from your hotel.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historical Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Simmies

Enjoy scrumptious South Indian breakfast dishes, a must-try in Madurai.
Located not far from your hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the intricate sculptures and vibrant festivities at this spiritual site.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Theeya Family Restaurant

Choose from an array of local delicacies that cater to all tastes.
Just a short drive from the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the influence of Mahatma Gandhi in India's history.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at your hotel

Enjoy some downtime after a day of sightseeing.
Return to your hotel with a 10-minute drive.
N/A, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Heritage

Savour a blend of Indo-Chinese dishes suitable for families.
Just a 15-minute drive from your hotel.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hilltop Towers

Relish a scrumptious breakfast overlooking the hills, perfect for a family feast.
Located in the heart of Kodaikanal.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Boating on Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy a peaceful morning on the lake with paddle boats, perfect for family bonding.
Located of Kodaikanal Lake, a short drive away.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Coaker's Walk

Take a scenic walk with stunning views, great for the family to enjoy.
A 15-minute drive to reach the starting point.
INR 10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Cloud Street

Sample well-crafted dishes in a beautiful setting that welcomes families.
A 15-minute drive from Coaker's Walk.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Bryant Park

Let the kids enjoy playing while you relax in the park's serene atmosphere.
Only a 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to hotel and unwind

Take a break and soak in the peaceful hill station ambiance.
Head back to your hotel within 10 minutes.
N/A, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Royal Palace

Dine at this family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu that is sure to please everyone.
A short drive from your hotel.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Day in Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

A popular spot to enjoy traditional South Indian fare before heading back.
Located conveniently in the city.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping at Pondy Bazaar

Explore this bustling market for souvenirs, clothes, and local products.
A 30-minute drive from your breakfast location.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kumarakom Restaurant

Savour delicacies from the Kerala region, including fresh fish and vegetarian dishes.
Back to the restaurant area within a 30-minute drive.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit VGP Universal Kingdom

Spend an exciting afternoon at this amusement park, perfect for family enjoyment.
A quick 20-minute drive to the amusement park.
INR 1000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Relax at your hotel

Unwind after a busy day, enjoying hotel amenities.
Head back for a relaxing 30-minute journey.
N/A, 1 hour

7:30PM

Farewell Dinner at The Fisherman’s Wharf

Celebrate the end of your Tamil Nadu family road trip with a grand dinner by the coast.
A short drive to the coastal restaurant.
INR 1200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability