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Discover the Wonders of Tamil Nadu: A 13-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey

Viewed by 90 travelers

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a feast at the iconic Saravana Bhavan, known for its delicious South Indian breakfast.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this beautiful ancient temple famous for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture.
10-minute taxi ride from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful Chettinad meal, known for its rich spices and flavors.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Marina Beach

Stroll along the vast stretch of Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India.
15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Fort St. George Tour

Explore the historic Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at hotel or nearby

Relax and enjoy dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
Walk or 10-minute taxi ride.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Cultural Delight

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cream Centre

Satisfy your morning cravings with their famous chaat items and a hot cup of coffee.
Taxi to the restaurant.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Government Museum

Delve into Tamil Nadu’s rich history and art at this fascinating museum.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Another chance to enjoy the traditional thali meal with various South Indian dishes.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Explore the bustling markets of T. Nagar for silks and traditional handicrafts.
20-minute taxi ride.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Valluvar Kottam

Pay homage to the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar at this iconic memorial.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at BBQ Nation

Enjoy a lavish buffet with grilling options at this popular restaurant.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 1200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 3: Temples of Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a day of temple visiting.
N/A
INR 300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Kanchipuram

Drive to Kanchipuram, renowned as the temple city.
1.5-hour drive from Chennai.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple

Admire the architectural grandeur and spirituality of this 1,000-year-old temple.
30-minute drive from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Poonam

Taste authentic South Indian dishes available in the local eateries.
5-minute drive.
INR 500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Kailasanathar Temple

See the magnificent sculptures and zenith of Dravidian architecture.
10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping for Kanchipuram Silks

Indulge in shopping exquisite silk sarees and textiles from local shops.
30-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy local delights before heading to your accommodation.
5-minute taxi ride.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kanchipuram

Day 4: Coastal Marvels

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel to fuel your journey ahead.
N/A
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Head south to Mahabalipuram, known for its rock-cut temples and sculptures.
1-hour drive from Kanchipuram.
INR 800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Shore Temple

Marvel at the ancient architecture situated by the sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
15-minute drive.
INR 40, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Sea Shore Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies with a view of the ocean.
5-minute walk.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Arjuna’s Penance

Witness the intricate carvings on the rock depicting a famous epic scene.
15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Take some time to unwind at the beach, soaking in the sun and sand.
20-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at the Big Banana

Enjoy a variety of cuisines in this vibrant restaurant atmosphere.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 5: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Savor a French-style breakfast in this quaint café filled with charm.
Taxi to the café.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Explore Auroville, an experimental township focused on community living and sustainability.
30-minute drive.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Baker Street

Enjoy delicious pastries and fresh local foods at this popular bakery.
20-minute taxi ride.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the French Quarter

Wander through the charming streets of the French Quarter, absorbing the unique culture.
15-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Pondicherry Museum

Learn about Pondicherry’s rich history and heritage through various exhibits.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Casita

Sit down for a delightful meal in this cozy restaurant offering Indian and Continental dishes.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 600, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 6: Historical Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before departing for Thanjavur.
N/A
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Drive to the historic city of Thanjavur, famous for its temples and art.
3-hour drive from Pondicherry.
INR 1500, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Savor authentic Chettinad cuisine at this esteemed local restaurant.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple

Admire the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at its architecture.
5-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Thanjavur Palace

Visit the royal palace complex and discover its fascinating history.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Vegetarian

Indulge in a delicious vegetarian buffet with a variety of options.
15-minute walk.
INR 500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Thanjavur

Day 7: More of Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at the hotel.
N/A
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery

Explore extensive collections of Tanjore paintings and other art forms.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Schwartz Church

Admire this historic church showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture.
10-minute taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ananda Bhavan

Enjoy a delectable South Indian meal at this local eatery.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram

Participate in a short yoga session and experience tranquility.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 200, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Local Markets

Shop for handicrafts and traditional items in the bustling local markets.
10-minute taxi ride.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sangeetha

End your day with a delightful meal at this popular vegetarian restaurant.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 700, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Thanjavur

Day 8: Madurai's Heritage

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, preparing you for a filled day in Madurai.
N/A
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Madurai

Drive to the ancient and vibrant city of Madurai, known for its rich history.
3-hour drive from Thanjavur.
INR 1500, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Fortview

Experience local flavors with a meal in this charming restaurant.
5-minute taxi ride.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple

Wander through the intricate corridors of this famous temple, a marvel of architecture.
15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the beautiful architecture and culture at this historical palace.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kumar Mess

Taste authentic South Indian meals at this local favorite eatery.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 9: Madurai's Vibrance

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures.
N/A
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Gandhi Museum

Explore the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi at this dedicated museum.
15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Shopping in Local Markets

Stroll through local markets to shop for textiles and handicrafts.
15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Relish the famous idlis and dosas, a must-try in South India.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Alagar Kovil

Enjoy the serene setting of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.
45-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Duke

Relax with a casual dinner at this cozy eatery with great ambiance.
30-minute taxi ride.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 10: Cape Comorin

Kanyakumari, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Get an early start with breakfast at the hotel before moving on.
N/A
INR 300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Kanyakumari

Drive south towards Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.
3-hour drive from Madurai.
INR 1500, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Triveni Restaurant

Try some local seafood and traditional Indian dishes.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to this memorial located on a rocky islet with stunning views.
15-minute taxi ride to ferry point.
INR 50, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Kanyakumari Temple

Explore this important temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari.
10-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at Kanyakumari Beach

Enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunset at the southernmost point of India.
10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea View

Feast on delicious seafood with a panoramic view of the ocean.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kanyakumari

Day 11: Tranquil Kovalam

Kovalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before heading to Kovalam.
N/A
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kovalam

Drive to Kovalam, a renowned beach destination.
1.5-hour drive from Kanyakumari.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Relax at Lighthouse Beach

Soak in the sun and sea at Kovalam’s famous beach.
10-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fisherman's Cafe

Feast on freshly caught seafood in this beachside café.
5-minute walk.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Hawa Beach

Take a stroll along Hawa Beach to enjoy the scenic beauty.
15-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at the Rachael’s Restaurant

Relish a mix of cuisines in a relaxed atmosphere.
10-minute walk.
INR 600, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kovalam

Day 12: Spiritual Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to Rameswaram.
N/A
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Rameswaram

Drive to Rameswaram, famous for its temples and stunning beach.
3-hour drive from Kovalam.
INR 1500, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Lynx

Have a delicious meal featuring local specialties.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the sacred shrine and admire its magnificent architecture.
15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Dhanushkodi

Discover the ruins of this ghost town at the eastern tip of the island.
30-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Rameswaram

Enjoy a cozy dinner while reflecting on your journey.
30-minute drive.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rameswaram

Day 13: Departure to Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final hearty breakfast at the hotel before your departure.
N/A
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to Chennai

Head back to Chennai for your departure.
3.5-hour drive from Rameswaram.
INR 1500, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Have a final meal in Chennai before heading to the airport.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping or Relaxation

Spend some last moments shopping or relaxing at a café.
Local options within 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Head to Chennai Airport

Make your way to the airport for your journey back home.
30-minute taxi ride.
INR 500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Chennai
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