8-Day Family-Friendly Relaxation Itinerary in Southern India

Day 1: Archaeological Gems

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The New Café

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast, savour the iconic dosa and sambhar while enjoying coastal views.
Walk to nearby Shore Temple after breakfast.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore the Shore Temple

Admire the intricate carvings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, while soaking in sea breezes.
Walk to the Pancha Rathas from here.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel MMI

Grab a simple yet delicious thali meal, perfect for a family lunch.
Use an auto-rickshaw to get to the restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Explore ancient rock-cut temples symbolizing different styles of architecture.
Catch an auto-rickshaw to the site.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind with family, building sandcastles or enjoying the waves.
Walk from Pancha Rathas to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

Savour local seafood, with a special focus on the day's catch, in a relaxing, family-friendly environment.
Use an auto-rickshaw to reach the restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Puducherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Enjoy a delightful French breakfast of croissants and local coffee just like the French used to, while admiring artwork.
Walk to Aurobindo Ashram from the café.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience peace and tranquility at this spiritual centre filled with rich heritage.
Walk to the nearby Botanical Gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Botanical Gardens

Stroll through lush gardens, spotting various plant species and enjoying the scenery.
Walk over to the beach.
INR 25, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Le Café

Relax at this beachside café over delightful sandwiches and shakes.
Walk from the gardens to the café.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Promenade

Walk along the scenic promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and spotting interesting statues.
Walk along the coast.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Sri Manika Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Explore one of the prominent temples in Puducherry known for its ornate architecture.
Take a bus or auto-rickshaw to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

End your day with a sumptuous dinner of local and French cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Divine Zone

Koothanur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Parveen

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli and chutney to fuel your day.
Travel from Puducherry to Koothanur by bus.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Koothanur Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this sacred spot devoted to Lord Shiva with beautiful sculptures and architecture.
Walk to the temple from the bus stop.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sri Anandha Bhavan

Savour a chilly chutney and rice thali that the whole family will love.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the nearby Kadambavaneshwarar Temple

Spend time marveling at ancient architecture before continuing on your journey.
Walk to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Travel to Trichy

Head to Trichy, and relax on the way.
Take a bus from Koothanur to Trichy.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in and Freshen Up

Settle into your accommodation in Trichy before continuing your adventure.
Use local auto-rickshaws for convenience.
INR 2000 per night, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at banana Leaf

Indulge in a traditional banana leaf meal that Trichy is famous for.
Walk or take a local auto-rickshaw.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Temple Tour

Trichy, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sriram

Enjoy a traditional breakfast of pongal and dosa with steaming filter coffee.
Travel from your hotel to the temple.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Rock Fort Temple

Climb the 437 steps leading to an ancient temple, enjoying stunning views of Trichy.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to the site.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Explore one of the largest temple complexes in the world dedicated to Lord Vishnu, renowned for its massive gopurams.
Travel via auto-rickshaw to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Anbu

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch that caters to families.
Walk from the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Jambukeswarar Temple

Marvel at this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique water-based worship.
Travel via local auto-rickshaw.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel & Relax

Take time to relax and refresh after a busy day.
Take an auto-rickshaw back to your hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel’s restaurant, perfect for winding down.
Simply go downstairs from your room.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Heritage Days

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Modern Cafe

Start your day with a tasty breakfast, and don’t forget the filter coffee.
Travel via bus from Trichy to Madurai.
INR 400, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Visit the iconic temple known for its 14 gopurams, scheduled rituals, and stunning architecture.
Use local transport to reach the temple.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a lip-smacking vegetarian meal in this popular family spot.
Take a short walk to the restaurant.
INR 500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the rich heritage and architecture of this royal palace reflecting the grandeur of Madurai’s past.
Walk or take a local auto-rickshaw.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about India’s independence and the role of Gandhi in an engaging environment.
Take a local auto-rickshaw.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Rest and refresh at your hotel before evening explorations.
Use local transport to get back.
INR 200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Naidu Biryani

Relish the famous Madurai style chicken biryani in a vibrant local setting.
Walk from your hotel to the restaurant.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Spiritual Journey

Rameswaram, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Star Residency

Enjoy a light breakfast before setting off for Rameswaram.
Catch a bus from Madurai to Rameswaram.
INR 500, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Have a spiritual encounter at this ancient temple renowned for its long corridors and 22 wells.
Take an auto-rickshaw to the temple.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Woodlands Restaurant

Enjoy traditional South Indian vegetarian meals in a family setting.
Walk back to the main street.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Dhanushkodi

Explore the haunting beauty of the abandoned town and enjoy stunning coastal views.
Hire a shared jeep to reach.
INR 700, 3 hours

6:00PM

Return to Rameswaram

Make your way back with cherished memories of Dhanushkodi.
Head back via jeep.
INR 700, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Gather for a delightful dinner, indulging in local fish delicacies.
Head to the restaurant via auto-rickshaw.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Natural Serenity

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Enjoy a lovely breakfast before starting your journey to Kodaikanal.
Take a bus from Rameswaram to Kodaikanal.
INR 600, 5 hours

1:00PM

Check-in at Kodaikanal Hotel

Settle at your hotel surrounded by breathtaking views.
Walk from the bus station.
INR 2000 per night, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at The Royal Restaurant

Savour exquisite mountain cuisine with local ingredients, a treat for the family.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Enjoy Kodaikanal Lake

Relax by the serene lake, rent a pedal boat or simply take in the natural beauty.
Take a local rickshaw to the lake.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:30PM

Visit Coaker’s Walk

End the day with a peaceful walk along this scenic point and catch a glimpse of the sunset.
Walk to Coaker’s Walk from the lake.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Pear Tree Restaurant

Close the day with a cozy family dinner of local Indian cuisine and seasonal specialties.
Walk from Coaker’s Walk to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return Journey

Kodaikanal, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, soaking in the morning serenity.
Enjoy your last morning at the hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-Out

Check-out and get ready for your journey back.
Use local transportation to the bus stand.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Travel to Madurai

Head towards Madurai, reminiscing about your wonderful journey.
Catch a bus to Madurai.
INR 100, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Madurai

Enjoy a final quick meal at your preferred restaurant in Madurai.
Choose a restaurant near the bus station.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:30PM

Departure

Wrap up the trip by heading to the Madurai Airport or Railway Station for your journey home.
Arrange local transport to the airport or station.
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability