5-Day Road Trip Itinerary to Velankanni, India - October 2024

Day 1: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast of dosas and idlis at the famous Saravana Bhavan.
After breakfast, drive to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a short 20-minute drive.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the stunning architecture of this ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
After your visit, head to Marina Beach, about a 30-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Marina

Savor fresh seafood and local dishes with beautiful beach views.
Take a stroll on the beach for an hour after lunch.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Relax at Marina Beach

Spend some time soaking up the sun and watching the waves.
Next, drive to the Chennai Railway Station, approximately 30 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Pondicherry

Set off for Pondicherry, a picturesque coastal town.
Enjoy the scenic route through lush fields.
INR 2000 (fuel), 3.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Café des Arts

Indulge in a mix of French and Indian cuisine at this charming café.
After dinner, check into your hotel.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy fresh croissants and pastries in this cozy French bakery.
Then visit the Aurobindo Ashram, which is just 10 minutes away.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience a tranquil atmosphere and learn about spiritual practices.
Head towards the Promenade Beach next, about a 15-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll on Promenade Beach

Relax or take pictures along the scenic beach with different historical monuments.
Walk to the nearby hotel for lunch.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Indian Kaffe Express

Enjoy a perfect blend of Indian and continental cuisine.
Visit the Botanical Garden which is a 10-minute drive.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Botanical Garden

Wander through beautiful flora and fauna and take in the tranquility.
Make your way to the local shopping street after.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Mission Street

Shop for handicrafts and souvenirs unique to Pondicherry.
Head back to the hotel to refresh.
Varies, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Maison Rose

Dine at this exquisite French-inspired restaurant showcasing various cuisines.
Return to your hotel for the night.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historic Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Poppys

Start with a hearty breakfast at this well-known local restaurant.
Leave for Thanjavur shortly after.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Thanjavur

Hit the roads towards the historical town of Thanjavur.
Enjoy scenic views along the way.
INR 800 (fuel), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stunning example of Chola architecture.
Head to a nearby restaurant for lunch after your visit.
Entry INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Sethu

Enjoy traditional South Indian meals that are popular among locals.
After lunch, visit the Thanjavur Palace, just a 5-minute drive away.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Thanjavur Palace

Visit the grand palace, which boasts a fascinating history and beautiful artifacts.
Drive towards Kumbakonam after your visit.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Kumbakonam

Continue your journey to Kumbakonam known for its temples.
Relax and enjoy the scenic countryside.
INR 600 (fuel), 1 hour

5:30PM

Check in to Hotel in Kumbakonam

Unwind and refresh.
Head out for dinner after a quick rest.
INR 2000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Matha Restaurant

Relish authentic local dishes amidst a cozy ambiance.
Return to the hotel for the night.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel to kickstart your day.
Leave for nearby temples after breakfast.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Immerse yourself in the architectural beauty of this ancient temple.
Make your way to the next temple just 15 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Kumbakonam's Famous Temples

Explore a few of the city’s numerous sacred temples and their rich history.
Return to the hotel to freshen up.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aasai Dosai

Savor delicious dosas and traditional thali in this local eatery.
Head out for further exploration after lunch.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Take a Temple Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of the prominent temples in Kumbakonam.
Travel in shared auto-rickshaws for convenience.
INR 400, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel

Relax and refresh yourself after the day’s activities.
Get ready for dinner after some downtime.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in varied South Indian delicacies at this popular chain.
Return to your hotel for rest.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Journey to Velankanni

Velankanni, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel in Kumbakonam.
Prepare for the final leg of your trip to Velankanni.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Velankanni

Enjoy the serene drive towards the coastal town of Velankanni.
Stay alert for scenic views as you travel.
INR 600 (fuel), 1 hour

10:30AM

Arrive in Velankanni

Check-in to your hotel and take a moment to relax.
Prepare to explore the famous basilica after your check-in.
Varies, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Velankanni Basilica

Witness the grandeur of the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, a prominent pilgrimage site.
Walk to a local restaurant for lunch afterward.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Seashore Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with an ocean view.
Head to the beach to relax post lunch.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Velankanni Beach

Unwind at the beach, taking in the sights and sounds of the coast.
Next, explore the local shopping market.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Local Market

Shop for souvenirs, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.
Get ready for dinner at a near restaurant.
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Velankanni Beach

Cap off your trip with a delightful dinner featuring coastal specialties.
Conclude your day at the hotel.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability