Family Adventure in Tamil Nadu: 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start your day with the famous idlis and filter coffee at Ratna Cafe, a local favourite known for its South Indian breakfast.
Located in Mylapore, around 20 minutes from the city centre.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marina Beach

Stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, perfect for family fun and beautiful sunrise views.
Drive about 10 minutes from the cafe to reach the beach.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Katis and Kebabs

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with delicious kebabs and wraps, appealing to all age groups.
A 15-minute drive from the beach.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Government Museum

Discover art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits, offering a rich historical backdrop for your family visit.
A quick 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 50, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Cubbon Park

Take a break and let the kids play in the lush surroundings of Cubbon Park, a perfect retreat amid the city buzz.
15-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Vivekananda House

A historical site that every family should visit, showcasing the life of Swami Vivekananda with engaging exhibits.
10-minute drive from Cubbon Park.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Zodiac

End your day with a delightful dinner featuring multi-cuisine options suited for all taste buds.
Located conveniently near Vivekananda House.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Wonders

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Satsanga

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast consisting of fresh fruits, pancakes, and a local twist.
Roughly an hour drive from Chennai.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Shore Temple

Marvel at the ancient Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
A short drive of about 15 minutes from the café.
INR 100 per person, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Witness this magnificent rock carving, a great way to delve into Indian folklore with the family.
Just a 5-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Village Restaurant

Take a break with delicious South Indian meals in a traditional atmosphere, perfect for families.
A 10-minute drive from Arjuna's Penance.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Explore the Pancha Rathas, a complex of rock-cut temples that are a fun and educational experience.
A brief 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100 per person, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Beach Time at Mahabalipuram

Head to the beach to play in the sand and enjoy the sea breeze while relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Just a 5-minute drive from the temple complex.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Taste of Asia

Enjoy some Asian delicacies for dinner; their sushi and stir-fries are sure to please everyone.
A quick drive from the beach.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Pondicherry Charm

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Maison Perumal

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at this heritage hotel known for its authentic French and Tamil cuisine.
About 1 hour and 30 minutes from Mahabalipuram.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Discover the unique communal living concept at Auroville, an inspiring place rich in learning opportunities for all ages.
A 30-minute drive from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Savour delightful items from their extensive menu inspired by international flavours in a tranquil setting.
20 minutes from Auroville.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the French Quarters

Wander through the colourful streets of the French Quarter, spotting charming buildings and boutiques.
A 10-minute walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Promenade Beach

Enjoy the soothing ambience of Promenade Beach, perfect for some leisure time and waterfront views.
10 minutes walk from the French Quarters.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

A serene place for meditation and reflection, suitable for families looking to connect with inner peace.
Just a 15-minute walk from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Italian Pavilion

End the day with an array of mouth-watering Italian dishes that are a hit with families.
A short drive back towards the Promenade.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Kanchipuram Temples

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Royal Rajputana

Start with a delicious buffet breakfast at this family-friendly hotel before your day of exploration.
A 2-hour drive from Pondicherry.
INR 900, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sri Ekambareswarar Temple

Discover one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram, showcasing splendid architecture that will captivate your family.
A short 15-minute drive from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kailasanathar Temple

This temple is a gem famous for its intricate carvings, enlightening for both adults and kids.
A quick 10-minute drive from the previous temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a rich vegetarian spread at this popular restaurant known for its authentic South Indian cuisine.
A 15-minute drive from Kailasanathar Temple.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Kanchipuram Silk Weaving Centre

Learn about the history of silk weaving in Kanchipuram and see skilled artisans at work, an interesting experience for your family.
20 minutes drive after lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Another significant temple that offers peaceful surroundings, ideal for family exploration.
A quick 10-minute drive from the silk weaving centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Vikram Kitchen

Cap off your day with scrumptious local dishes that the whole family will enjoy.
A 10-minute drive back towards the city centre.
INR 1700, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Ooty Retreat

Ooty, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Lakeview

Enjoy a breathtaking view and a wholesome breakfast to set the tone for your Ooty adventure.
A 6-hour drive from Kanchipuram, recommended to start early.
INR 1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ooty Lake

Spend a morning at Ooty Lake with pedal boating and scenic walks perfect for families.
Located just a short 15-minute drive from the hotel.
INR 200 (boating), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Experience delicious continental cuisine in a charming hilltop setting, ideal for all family members.
A 30-minute drive from Ooty Lake.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Botanical Gardens

A delightful place with beautiful flora, offering a lot to explore and enjoy in the serene surroundings.
Just 10 minutes from the restaurant.
INR 30, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Doddabetta Peak

Take a drive up Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills, perfect for taking family photos.
A 30-minute drive from the Botanical Gardens.
INR 10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nahar's Sidewalk Café

End your remarkable journey with comforting Indian and Italian dishes overlooking scenic views.
A 30 minutes drive back towards the town center.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
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