5-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Tamilnadu

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a classic South Indian breakfast of dosa and sambar at this beloved chain.
Located in various spots across the city.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marina Beach

Spend some time relaxing on one of the longest urban beaches in the world, perfect for a family outing.
A quick drive to Marina Beach, around 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a mouth-watering thali, showcasing Tamil hospitality and taste.
Head back towards the city centre, approximately 20 minutes.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Fort St. George

Discover the city's rich colonial history at the fort and the museum.
Just a 15-minute drive from lunch.
INR100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Government Museum

Explore the diverse collections from archaeology to anthropology.
A short 10-minute drive away.
INR15, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at an Authentic Local Eatery

Taste traditional Chettinad chicken curry or vegetable biryani to end your Chennai adventure.
Find local eateries in T. Nagar or Mylapore, approximately 15 minutes by car.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Marvels

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy some fresh idli and coconut chutney to start your day outside Chennai.
Drive approximately 1 hour to Mahabalipuram.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore UNESCO Heritage Sites

Marvel at the intricately carved stone temples and rock-cut sculptures.
Sites are within walking distance of each other.
INR250, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Beach Restaurant

Enjoy delicious seafood by the beach with a stunning view.
Just a short walk down the beach.
INR500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at the Shore Temple

Take in the views and the tranquil ambiance of the famous Shore Temple.
A short stroll from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Witness one of the largest bas relief sculptures in the world.
A short drive or walk from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Dhaba

Savour simple, scrumptious North Indian food while mingling with locals.
Head back to town, 10 min drive.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 3: Pondicherry Bliss

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Indulge in fresh pastries and coffee at this charming French café.
Drive 1.5 hours to Pondicherry.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Auroville

Visit the unique universal town and the Matrimandir, a meditation centre.
A 30-minute drive from Pondicherry.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Auroville Visitor Centre Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
On-site at Auroville.
INR400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Pondicherry Museum

Discover the rich history of the region and its cultural heritage.
Take a 20-minute drive back to Pondicherry.
INR150, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Walk along Promenade Beach

Take a stroll, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch the sunset.
Head to the beach, approximately 10 minutes by car.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kasha Ki Aasha

Relish a mix of Indian and French cuisine in a lovely garden setting.
Drive a short 15-minute ride.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 4: Kanyakumari Highlights

Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea View

Fill up on a hearty breakfast before setting off to the southern tip.
About a 5-hour drive from Pondicherry.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to this iconic tribute to Swami Vivekananda.
Ferry station is close by.
INR100, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy fresh seafood and coconut dishes at a beachside café.
Immediately accessible after ferry return.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

Marvel at the towering statue and the stunning vistas of the coastline.
A short walk from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Kanyakumari Beach

Take a dip in the Arabian Sea and unwind on the sandy beach.
Adjacent to the statue.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Surya Hotel

Indulge in South Indian dishes like fried fish curry and banana fritters.
Short drive or walk from the beach.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 5: Madurai Adventures

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Restaurant

Savour soft idlis with spicy chutney, a true breakfast delight.
Drive 4 hours from Kanyakumari to Madurai.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning architecture of this ancient temple known for its magnificent towers.
A short drive to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Heritage

Try their famous sadhya, a traditional feast served on banana leaves.
Nearby temple area, 10 min drive.
INR500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

Admire this Indo-Saracenic architecture and learn about its history.
Close to lunch spot, just 5 minutes away.
INR50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Walk through the local markets

Experience the vibrant local life and shop for authentic local crafts.
A short drive back towards the city centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Simmakkal Mess

End your trip with a feast of Chettinad cuisine, offering spicy and rich flavours.
Not far from the markets.
INR600, 1 hour
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