Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Explore Tamil Nadu

Chennai, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its delicious dosas and filter coffee, giving you the energy to explore Tamil Nadu.
Located centrally in Chennai, it's easily accessible.
INR 250, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Visit Marina Beach

After breakfast, head to Marina Beach to enjoy the sunrise and take a leisurely stroll along India's second longest beach.
A short 15-minute drive from Saravana Bhavan.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Explore Fort St. George

Delve into Chennai's history at Fort St. George, which houses a museum showcasing artifacts from the colonial era.
15-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 100, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Set off for Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rock-cut temples and sculptures.
45-minute drive from Fort St. George.
N/A, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch overlooking the ocean at The Fisherman’s Wharf, renowned for its coastal cuisine.
Located near the beach in Mahabalipuram.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Shore Temple

After lunch, visit the iconic Shore Temple, an ancient architectural marvel overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
A short drive (10 minutes) from The Fisherman’s Wharf.
INR 50, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Next, head to the Pancha Rathas, a complex of five monolithic rock-cut temples that are masterpieces of Dravidian architecture.
15-minute drive from Shore Temple.
INR 100, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Drive to Kanchipuram

Continue your journey to Kanchipuram, known as the 'City of a Thousand Temples'.
A 1-hour drive from Pancha Rathas.
N/A, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram.
Located in the heart of Kanchipuram.
Free, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan Kanchipuram

Indulge in a sumptuous dinner featuring traditional Tamil meals at Hotel Saravana Bhavan in Kanchipuram.
Located centrally and accessible after visiting the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Head back to Chennai

Wrap up your day with a return trip to Chennai to rest for the night.
A convenient 2-hour drive back to Chennai.
N/A, 2 hours
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