6-Day Tamil Nadu and Kerala Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with fluffy idlis and aromatic filter coffee at this iconic eatery.
Take a local taxi or drive to the restaurant.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this stunning Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled in the vibrant Mylapore neighborhood.
Drive to the temple, around 15 minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Fort St. George

Visit this historic fort showcasing the British colonial past, including the fascinating museum.
It's about a 20-minute drive from the temple.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at the Marina Beach

Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the shacks along the famous beach, perfect for people-watching.
Drive to Marina Beach, approximately 10 minutes from Fort St. George.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Government Museum

Explore artefacts and collections showcasing Tamil Nadu's rich heritage.
It’s a 15-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 50, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Evening at Besant Nagar Beach

Relax by the sands, enjoy the sunset, and indulge in local snacks from street vendors.
Around a 30-minute drive from the Government Museum.
Free, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Savor a variety of traditional Chettinad dishes for a flavorful finale to your day.
Drive is approximately 20 minutes from Besant Nagar Beach.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Beach Day at Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Sangeetha

A quick breakfast featuring South Indian staples before departing for Mahabalipuram.
Drive to Sangeetha, approximately 10 minutes from your hotel.
INR 250, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Enjoy a scenic drive along the East Coast Road enveloped in beautiful coastal views.
Drive 56 km (1 hour) directly to Mahabalipuram.
N/A, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Shore Temple

Admire this UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning architecture and sea view.
Drive to the temple, only about 5 minutes from the parking area.
INR 40, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Witness the world's largest bas-relief, a masterpiece of ancient Indian art.
The site is just a short walk from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy coastal cuisine and fresh seafood with a view of the beach.
It's about 5-10 minutes of walking from the previous site.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Explore these magnificent rock-cut temples dedicated to the Pandavas, showcasing unique architecture.
A 10-minute drive from Fisherman’s Wharf.
INR 30, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Relax on Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind on the sun-kissed shores or take a quick dip in the Arabian Sea.
Drive to the beach area, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Wharf Restaurant

Dine with a beachfront view, relishing the flavors of South Indian fare.
Located near the beach area, a short stroll away.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Escape in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Start your day at this charming French cafe known for its delightful pancakes and coffee.
Drive to Pondicherry, around 30 minutes from Mahabalipuram.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Auroville Visit

Explore the unique experimental community of Auroville and visit the Matrimandir.
15 minutes drive from the cafe.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit the French Quarter

Stroll through quaint cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings and vibrant French architecture.
Drive back to the French Quarter, about 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Indulge in a mix of Indian and French cuisine within a beautifully restored heritage villa.
It's nearby the French Quarter, around 10 minutes drive.
INR 750, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience peace and tranquility in this spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo.
Drive approximately 10 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Promenade Beach Stroll

Walk along the scenic beach, enjoying the views or stop by for ice cream at a local shop.
A short drive or walk from the ashram, about 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Savor a culinary delight of fusion Indian-European fare in a nostalgic setting.
It's close by, another 10-minute walk.
INR 850, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Heritage of Madurai

Madurai, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast of upma and vadas at this beloved local spot before hitting the road to Madurai.
Drive to Madurai, approximately 2.5 hours.
INR 200, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Madurai

Enjoy the scenic road journey surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
Continue driving to Madurai.
N/A, 2.5 hours

11:00 AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple Visit

Marvel at this architectural masterpiece dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a vibrant temple complex filled with sculptures.
Drive to the temple, approximately 15 minutes from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Azhagar Kovil

Taste authentic Tamil cuisine in proximity to this legendary temple.
Drive to Azhagar Kovil, about 15 minutes from the temple.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore this 17th-century palace known for its grand architecture and fascinating history.
It's a 15-minute drive back to the city.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Gandhi Museum Tour

Learn about Gandhi's connection to the region at this informative museum.
A quick 10-minute drive.
INR 20, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at the vegetarian Hotel Sree Sabarees

Indulge in the rich flavors of Tamil Nadu's vegetarian dishes, located close to your hotel.
Take a 20-minute drive from the museum.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Serene Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Jain's

Start off with a spread of South Indian dishes before driving to Kanyakumari.
Drive to Kanyakumari, approximately 3 hours.
INR 250, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Kanyakumari

Embark on your journey through the scenic landscapes of Tamil Nadu.
Continue driving, enjoy the coastline.
N/A, 3 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry ride to this revered site offering breathtaking views.
Ferry departure point is located near the entrance to the memorial.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Sea View

Enjoy a meal with an ocean view, featuring local seafood and South Indian specialties.
Walking distance from the memorial.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Kanyakumari Beach

Relax at the beach, soaking in the sun and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Just a short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Sunset at Cape Comorin

Catch an unforgettable sunset as the sun dips below the horizon at the southernmost tip of India.
Head to Cape Comorin, a quick drive from the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The New Cape Hotel

feast on delicious Indian and continental fare while reflecting on your day.
An easy 10-minute drive back to the hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Final Leg to Trivandrum

Trivandrum, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at New Trivandrum Hotel

Savor a combination of Kerala and Tamil Nadu breakfast dishes before departing for Trivandrum.
Drive to Trivandrum, about 2.5 hours.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Trivandrum

A picturesque route awaits through lush fields and coconut groves.
Continue your drive to Trivandrum.
N/A, 2.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore one of the richest Hindu temples in the world, known for its impressive architecture.
Directly a 10-minute drive from town center.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Villa Maya

Dine at this beautiful restaurant set in a heritage structure serving traditional Kerala cuisine.
A 15-minute drive from Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Napier Museum

Discover Kerala’s rich heritage through its art and history exhibits.
It's about a 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Kovalam Beach

End your trip by unwinding at the famous beach, soaking up the sun and sea.
A 30-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Leela Kovalam

Enjoy an extravagant dinner with stunning views of the Arabian Sea as a beautiful conclusion to your trip.
A short drive from Kovalam Beach.
INR 1500, 2 hours
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