5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Kanchipuram to Madurai to Kodaikanal

Day 1: Explore Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its delicious idlis and dosas.
Head to Saravana Bhavan which is conveniently located in the city center.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Explore the grand Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the largest in the city, known for its stunning architecture and sacred mango tree.
The temple is around 15 minutes by car from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Chandra

Enjoy authentic Tamil cuisine at Hotel Chandra, renowned for its thalis and flavorful vegetarian dishes.
Drive about 10 minutes to reach Hotel Chandra.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple

Discover the ornate Kamakshi Amman Temple, an important pilgrimage site with vibrant sculptures and an aura of devotion.
Ten-minute drive from the lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping for Silk Sarees

Browse through Kanchipuram's famous silk saree shops—a great opportunity to pick up some traditional garments.
Move to the nearby silk saree markets by car.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Durga Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Durga Restaurant, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Just a 10-minute drive from the shopping area.
INR400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Journey to Madurai

Madurai, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with breakfast at a local café, soaking in the morning ambiance.
Choose any local café nearby.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Madurai

Leave Kanchipuram and head toward Madurai, enjoying the scenic route on your way.
Take the taxi or train for smooth travel.
INR1500, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Amman's Restaurant

Relish a delicious lunch at Hotel Amman, known for its variety of local dishes.
The restaurant is roughly 15 minutes from the railway station in Madurai.
INR350, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the architectural grandeur of Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Walk through the beautiful halls of Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace, learning about Madurai's royal history.
Just 15 minutes away by car from the temple.
INR50, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Rice Bowl

Savor a family dinner at The Rice Bowl, celebrated for its mouth-watering noodles and rice dishes.
About 10 minutes drive from the palace.
INR500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Exploring Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Amma Mess

Kick off the day with a local Tamil breakfast at Amma Mess, highly recommended for its authentic flavors.
Located nearby your accommodation.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum to understand the history of India’s freedom struggle in an interactive setting.
It's a quick 15-minute ride from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kumar Mess

Step into Kumar Mess for a traditional South Indian meal amidst local ambiance.
A short 10-minute drive from the museum.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Azhagar Kovil

Take a scenic trip to Azhagar Kovil, which features captivating landscapes and serene temples.
Approximately 30 minutes away by taxi.
INR20, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to City and Relax

Return back to Madurai, explore local shops or relax at your stay.
30-minute drive returning to the city.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Surya Hotel

Enjoy family-friendly dining at Surya Hotel featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Situated just a 15-minute drive from your hotel.
INR500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Journey to Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Heritage Restaurant

Fuel your day with a filling breakfast at Heritage Restaurant which offers delightful Indian breakfast dishes.
Located near the hotel.
INR250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kodaikanal

Leave Madurai and head to Kodaikanal, an enchanting hill station with breathtaking views.
Take a pre-booked taxi for a comfortable ride.
INR2200, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Royal Hotel

Dine at The Royal Hotel, popular for its continental and Indian cuisine.
Drive 10 minutes from the taxi drop-off point.
INR400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Float on the serene waters of Kodaikanal Lake and enjoy a paddle boat ride for family fun.
It's a short 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR300 for boat rental, 2 hours

4:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel room, relaxing after a day of travel.
Hotel is located nearby the lake.
INR5000 (average rate), 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cloud Street

Indulge in a cozy dinner at Cloud Street, known for its multi-cuisine options and scenic views.
Only a short walk from your hotel.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Explore Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, featuring a variety of options.
Dine in the hotel's restaurant.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Coaker's Walk

Stroll along Coaker’s Walk and take in the breathtaking views of the valley.
Located nearby your hotel, a pleasant walk away.
INR10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Tandoori Hut

Savor delicious Indian dishes from The Tandoori Hut, offering a unique blend of flavors.
Just a 15-minute drive from Coaker's Walk.
INR350, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Bryant Park

Relax and enjoy nature at Bryant Park, filled with vibrant flowers and greenery.
A quick 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Pillar Rocks

Head to Pillar Rocks, known for its stunning rock formations and views—perfect for family photos!
Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from the park.
INR30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Dhivya Restaurant

Finish your trip with a delightful dinner at Dhivya Restaurant, known for its friendly service and vast menu.
Only a short drive from Pillar Rocks.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability