Family Adventure in Tamil Nadu: 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Café

Start your day with a delicious traditional South Indian breakfast at Ratna Café, famous for its dosas and idlis.
Take a taxi from your accommodation to Ratna Café, located in Mylapore.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the stunning architecture of one of the oldest temples in Chennai, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It's a short 10-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Marina Beach

Spend some leisure time at Marina Beach where children can enjoy sandcastle making and a refreshing sea breeze.
A 20-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Sea Shells Restaurant

Savour some seafood and South Indian cuisine right by the beach, perfect for kids and adults.
A short walk away from the beach.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Vivekananda House

Learn about the life of Swami Vivekananda in this historic place featuring beautiful gardens where children can play.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 250, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Express Avenue

End your day with some family shopping in one of Chennai's largest malls that also has a children’s arcade.
20 minutes by taxi from Vivekananda House.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Experience authentic Chettinad cuisine with a variety of dishes that will delight the whole family.
A 15-minute drive from the mall.
INR 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Marvels of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Mamalla

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Hotel Mamalla known for its local delicacies.
Head towards Mahabalipuram, about an hour’s drive from Chennai.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Admire one of the earliest structural temples built in South India located by the coast.
A short 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 40, 1 hour

10:30AM

Pancha Rathas

Explore the impressive rock-cut monolithic temples known as the Five Chariots.
Continuing on foot to the site nearby.
INR 50, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Sea Breeze

Enjoy lunch with a great view of the beach, offering a variety of cuisines.
A brief 5-minute drive from Pancha Rathas.
INR 1,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Witness the colossal bas-relief carving depicting a scene from Indian mythology.
Just a 10-minute walk from your lunch spot.
INR 40, 1 hour

3:00PM

Sand Dune Fun

Allow the children to have fun on the sandy shores of Mahabalipuram while you relax.
A short walk from Arjuna's Penance.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Lighthouse

Climb the lighthouse for stunning views of the coastline and photo opportunities.
A quick 10-minute drive from the beach.
INR 100, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Wharf

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring grilled seafood and local dishes, perfect after an adventurous day.
A short 5-minute drive back towards the town.
INR 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Start your day with a French breakfast at this charming café known for its ambiance.
Travel to Pondicherry, about a 2-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Promenade Beach

Stroll along the scenic beach promenade where the kids can play and you can relax.
A 5-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Aurobindo Ashram

Visit the peaceful ashram that is a symbol of harmony and community.
A 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Savour some Indo-French cuisine in this delightful restaurant set in a heritage building.
A 10-minute walk from the ashram.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore French Quarter

Take a leisurely exploration of the charming streets and colourful colonial buildings.
On foot from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Auroville

Journey to the community of Auroville to learn about its unique principles and visit the Matrimandir.
Expect 30 minutes by taxi from the French Quarter.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset at Auroville Beach

Savor the sunset at the nearby beach, a perfect end to the day.
A short 10-minute drive from Auroville.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Asian Kitchen

Explore Asian cuisine in a family-friendly setting where everyone will find something they enjoy.
Return to Pondicherry town, about 20-minutes drive.
INR 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Historical Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Mangalem

Enjoy a local breakfast featuring delicious parottas and sambar.
Drive from Pondicherry to Thanjavur, approximately a 4-hour journey.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its massive structure and intricate carvings.
A short 15-minute drive from the hotel.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Thanjavur Palace

Explore the historical palace complex and its beautiful gardens.
A short 10-minute walk from the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Dhanam

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals with excellent variety amidst a welcoming atmosphere.
A 5-minute drive from the palace.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library

Discover one of the oldest libraries in Asia, housing ancient manuscripts and texts.
A quick 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Royal Palace Museum

Explore the artifacts and items of the Maratha kings in this fascinating museum.
Adjacent to the library.
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stoll in the Market

Be amazed by the vibrant street market full of local crafts and textiles.
A 15-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sangam

Recap the day over a hearty dinner featuring North and South Indian favourites.
A 20-minute drive from the market.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Subway

Start your day with a quick yet satisfying breakfast from a popular chain to fuel your travels.
Depart Thanjavur for Madurai, about a 3-hour drive.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Visit the breathtaking temple known for its magnificent architecture and vibrant festivals.
A 20-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the grandeur of this historical palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture.
A 15-minute drive from the temple.
INR 50, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at AHAARAM

Delight in traditional cuisine served in a casual setting, perfect for families.
A short drive, around 10 minutes from the palace.
INR 1,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi and his influence in Indian history.
A quick drive from the restaurant.
INR 20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Puthu Mandapam Market

Experience the local culture by visiting the vibrant market filled with handicrafts and textiles.
A 15-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Peaceful Evening at Vaigai River

Relax by the riverbank and watch the locals go by, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
A short 10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Heritage

Conclude your journey with a scrumptious meal of local favourite dishes in a family-friendly restaurant.
A 15-minute drive from the river.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Heritage

Enjoy a last breakfast at the hotel, with a selection of local and continental dishes.
In Madurai.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Chennai

Relax during the 6-hour road trip back to Chennai, enjoying the countryside views.
Private vehicle arranged for the return journey.
INR 2000, 6 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Experience one last taste of South Indian cuisine at this iconic restaurant in Chennai.
Arrive in Chennai and head to the restaurant.
INR 1,000, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Birla Planetarium

Spend an educational afternoon exploring astronomy exhibits and enjoy a show in the planetarium.
A 20-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 150, 2 hours

6:30PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Dabble in some last-minute shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
A quick 15-minute drive from the planetarium.
Variable, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Final Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring seafood and other local dishes while reminiscing about the trip.
A 30-minute drive from T Nagar.
INR 1,800, 1.5 hours

9:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your accommodation, reflecting on a wonderful week of family adventures in Tamil Nadu.
A short ride back from the restaurant.
INR 200, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability