8-Day Family Friendly Relaxation Itinerary through Southern India

Day 1: Beach Relaxation Day

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Enjoy a delightful South Indian breakfast overlooking the ocean with options like dosa and idli.
Hotel is centrally located with a short walk to the beach.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Shore Temple

After breakfast, head to the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to appreciate its intricate architecture.
20-minute walk from the breakfast location.
INR150, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Wharf

Relax at The Wharf with seafood specialties, offering a serene view of the coastline.
5 minutes by car from Shore Temple.
INR600, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Beach Time

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach; build sandcastles and enjoy the waves.
Direct access from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Head to this massive rock carving that tells a mythical story and is perfect for taking family photos.
15-minute walk from the beach.
INR50, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

Try their famous fish curry and enjoy a relaxed family dining experience.
5 minutes by car from Arjuna's Penance.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Trip

Pondicherry, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Savor a French croissant and coffee to kickstart the day in this charming café.
30-minute drive from Mahabalipuram.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Auroville

Explore the unique community of Auroville, learn about their vision, and see the Matrimandir.
15-minute drive from breakfast.
Free (donation appreciated), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Experience Pondicherry's delightful ambiance while tasting some local and European dishes.
15-minute drive from Auroville.
INR500, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Stroll at Promenade Beach

Spend your afternoon relaxing and walking along the picturesque beachside promenade.
10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Participate in a quiet meditation session and learn about the life and teachings of Sri Aurobindo.
15-minute walk from Promenade Beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy a blend of Indian and French cuisine in an elegant setting.
5-minute walk from the ashram.
INR700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Temple Exploration

Chidambaram, India

6:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick but hearty breakfast at the hotel.
Early morning departure.
INR150, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Chidambaram

Drive to Chidambaram to visit the famous Nataraja Temple.
2.5-hour drive.
Fuel cost - INR800, 2.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Explore the grand architecture and partake in the vibrant spiritual atmosphere of this ancient temple.
Directly adjacent to parking.
INR100, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Hotel Saradharam

Enjoy traditional South Indian thali for an authentic culinary experience.
10-minute drive.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Chidambaram Market

Take a leisurely stroll through the market, experiencing local culture and perhaps picking up some souvenirs.
5-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Enjoy a boat ride through one of the largest mangrove forests, witnessing breathtaking natural beauty.
30-minute drive.
INR500 for a boat ride., 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Ananda Bhavan

Relish vegetarian South Indian cuisine in a family-friendly environment.
30-minute drive back.
INR300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Art and Architecture Day

Thanjavur, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with idlis or vadas along with filter coffee in this popular chain.
Early morning departure.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Head towards Thanjavur, renowned for its rich cultural heritage.
1.5-hour drive.
Fuel cost - INR500, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its grand architecture and towering gopuram.
Immediately adjacent to parking.
INR200, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Hotel Ruchi

Relish vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a cozy setting.
15-minute drive.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Thanjavur Palace

Take a stroll through the beautiful palace complex and its museum showcasing historical artifacts.
15-minute drive back.
INR250, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Art Gallery

Discover traditional Tanjore paintings and craftsmanship in this dedicated art space.
5-minute walk from the palace.
INR150, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Garden Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of dishes surrounded by beautiful garden landscaping.
10-minute drive.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Temple Town & Spirituality

Kumbakonam, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Ruchi

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast before setting out for Kumbakonam.
Depart early from Thanjavur.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kumbakonam

Drive towards Kumbakonam, famous for its temples and cultural significance.
30-minute drive.
Fuel cost - INR200, 30 minutes

9:30 AM

Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Explore one of the oldest temples, known for its architecture and historical significance.
15-minute drive from parking.
INR100, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Mahamaham Tank

Discover this sacred water tank that hosts a grand festival once every 12 years.
10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Rayas Restaurant

Enjoy a wholesome vegetarian meal featuring the local cuisine.
15-minute drive.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Nageswara Swamy Temple

Visit this ancient temple and unwind in its tranquil surroundings.
15-minute drive.
INR100, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Tea Break at GnanaBharathi

Relax with a cup of tea and snacks at this popular corner café.
10-minute drive.
INR150, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Kumbakonam Dosa Place

Indulge in a variety of dosas and other south Indian staples in a laid-back atmosphere.
10-minute drive.
INR400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Heritage Day

Kuttanur, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Kumbakonam Dosa Place

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast of delicious dosas.
Depart early from Kumbakonam.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kuttanur

Drive towards Kuttanur, known for its temples and serene surroundings.
30-minute drive.
Fuel cost - INR200, 30 minutes

9:30 AM

Visit Kuttanur Sree Krishna Temple

Admire the intricate architecture and peaceful ambiance of this sacred temple.
15-minute drive.
INR100, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Kuttanur Agricultural Fields

Take a walk through the lush fields while learning about local agriculture.
10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Hotel Sandhya

Enjoy homely cooked meals in a comforting atmosphere.
20-minute drive.
INR350, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Sree Anjaneya Swamy Temple

A peaceful space to relax and soak in the spiritual energy of the site.
15-minute drive.
INR100, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Cultural Activity or Local Craft Workshop

Join a local craft workshop for an engaging family experience in handicrafts.
Arranged by local organizers.
INR300, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Sandhya

Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at the same delightful hotel.
Returning to hotel.
INR400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Temple City Exploration

Madurai, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sandhya

Start your day with a delightful traditional breakfast.
Leave for Madurai post breakfast.
INR200, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Madurai

Drive to Madurai, known for its ancient temples and culture.
2.5-hour drive.
Fuel cost - INR800, 2.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Experience the vibrant architecture and spiritual essence of the famous temple.
Parking available nearby.
INR100, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at this popular eatery.
10-minute drive.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Explore the grand palace built in the 17th century, steeped in history and architecture.
20-minute drive.
INR150, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about India’s freedom struggle and the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
15-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Kumar Mess

Savor authentic South Indian non-vegetarian fare in a homely environment.
15-minute drive.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Island and Scenic Hill Station

Rameswaram & Kodaikanal, India

5:30 AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick bite at the hotel to prepare for a packed day.
Prepare for an early start.
INR200, 30 minutes

6:00 AM

Travel to Rameswaram

Set off for Rameswaram, known for its spiritual significance.
3-hour drive.
Fuel cost - INR1000, 3 hours

9:00 AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Pay homage at this ancient temple revered by many devotees.
Parking available nearby.
INR100, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Pamban Bridge

Enjoy stunning views from this remarkable bridge connecting the island to the mainland.
10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Travel to Kodaikanal

Begin your scenic journey to Kodaikanal, a picturesque hill station.
3-hour drive.
Fuel cost - INR800, 3 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at The Wooden Box

Enjoy a hearty meal in a cozy ambiance upon arrival.
When you arrive in Kodaikanal.
INR500, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Spend a relaxing afternoon by the beautiful lake; consider pedal boating with the family.
10-minute drive.
INR300 for boat rental., 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Astoria Veg Restaurant

Enjoy delicious vegetarian delicacies to conclude your journey.
5-minute drive.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability