10-Day Family Friendly Eco-Adventure in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Chennai, India on December 21, 2024

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its dosa and idli.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to the restaurant.
INR300, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historical Fort St. George, the first fort built by the British in India, and its fascinating museum.
Travel via auto-rickshaw to Fort St. George.
INR100, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Autumn Leaf Café

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at this cozy café with a range of local and international options.
Auto-rickshaw from Fort St. George.
INR600, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Marina Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, perfect for family fun.
Auto-rickshaw to Marina Beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Mylai Karpaga Vinayagar Mess

Savor authentic Tamil cuisine at this local favorite known for its thali.
Auto-rickshaw to restaurant.
INR500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Chennai, India on December 22, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in steaming hot idlis and spicy chutneys for breakfast at this popular spot.
Auto-rickshaw to the shop.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the stunning architecture of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, immerse in the local culture.
Auto-rickshaw to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Kumarakom

Feast on delectable Kerala cuisine giving the perfect mix of flavors and spices.
Auto-rickshaw from the temple.
INR700, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the Government Museum

Discover a rich collection of art and archaeological artifacts that depict Tamil Nadu's history.
Travel via auto-rickshaw to the museum.
INR100, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Experience the hustle and bustle of this famous shopping district known for textiles and jewelry.
Auto-rickshaw to T. Nagar.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Buhari

Enjoy a delightful North Indian and Mughlai dinner known for its biryani.
Auto-rickshaw to the restaurant.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Coastal Adventure in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India on December 23, 2024

7:00 AM

Breakfast at M Gourmet

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of pancakes or local thali at this beach-front café.
Travel by train from Chennai to Mahabalipuram (1.5 hours).
INR200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Shore Temple

Witness the exquisite Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing elegantly against the tide.
Walk to the temple from the café.
INR250, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance and Pancha Pandava Rathas

Marvel at the intricately carved reliefs and chariots, showcasing ancient Dravidian art.
Walk to the nearby site.
INR150, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Fluid Café

Enjoy a fabulous meal with a view of the ocean featuring both Indian and Continental cuisines.
Walk back to the café.
INR600, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Beach Relaxation or Water Sports

Choose between relaxing on the beach or enjoying fun water sports like banana boat rides.
Head back to the beach.
INR500-1000 (depending on activity), 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at the Theevu Plage

End your day with a delightful seafood dinner at this charming beachside restaurant.
Auto-rickshaw to Theevu Plage.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Puducherry

Puducherry, India on December 24, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Le Cafe

Indulge in a leisurely French breakfast at the beachfront café, complete with pastries and coffee.
Travel via train to Puducherry (2 hours).
INR400, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Auroville Visit

Experience the unique community of Auroville, aimed at human unity, with a visit to the Matrimandir.
Rent a bicycle for a fun ride to Auroville.
INR200, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Enjoy a mixture of French and Tamil cuisine at this elegant restaurant with a lovely ambiance.
Cycle back to Puducherry.
INR700, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Promenade Beach Stroll

Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Promenade Beach, enjoying the views and sunset.
Walk to the beach from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Learn more about the spiritual philosophy of Sri Aurobindo at his ashram, a serene place for meditation.
Walk to the ashram.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Zuka Choco-Late

End your day at this amazing chocolate café known for its desserts and breakfast items.
Cycle to Zuka Choco-Late.
INR500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nature Awaits in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India on December 25, 2024

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your journey to Kodaikanal.
Travel via train from Puducherry to Kodaikanal (3.5 hours).
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Upon arrival, head to Kodaikanal Lake for boating amidst stunning natural beauty.
Auto-rickshaw from the station to the lake.
INR500, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Astoria Veg Restaurant

Savor a vegetarian meal at this well-known spot offering delicious local dishes.
Auto-rickshaw from Kodaikanal Lake.
INR400, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Pine Forest Exploration

Experience a serene walk or trek in the picturesque Pine Forest, surrounded by towering trees.
Walk to the forest from the restaurant.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Carlton

Enjoy a cozy dinner with beautiful views of the lake at this upscale hotel restaurant.
Auto-rickshaw back to the hotel.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature and Culture

Kodaikanal, India on December 26, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a traditional breakfast before today's adventures.
At your hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Berijam Lake

Take a scenic drive to Berijam Lake, a tranquil spot perfect for nature lovers and bird-watchers.
Auto-rickshaw to Berijam Lake.
INR500, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Picnic Lunch at Berijam Lake

Pack a picnic and enjoy dining amidst some of the most beautiful surroundings.
Bring your own food or buy from a local store.
INR500, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Coaker's Walk

Walk along Coaker's Walk to enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and mountains.
Auto-rickshaw to Coaker's Walk.
INR250, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

End your tours today by visiting the Solar Observatory, intriguing for both adults and kids.
Auto-rickshaw to the observatory.
INR200, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Hilltop

Relax with a comforting dinner featuring multi-cuisine in a warm setting.
Auto-rickshaw back to Hotel.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Heritage in Madurai

Madurai, India on December 27, 2024

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start fresh with a fulfilling breakfast before departure.
At your hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Madurai via train

Take the scenic train ride to Madurai (3 hours), observing beautiful landscapes.
Board the train to Madurai.
INR300, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a traditional meal at this reputed eatery, known for its thali.
Walk from the train station.
INR400, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Delve into the rich culture and artistic heritage of Madurai by exploring the magnificent Meenakshi Temple.
Walk to the temple.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the grandeur of the palace, showcasing exquisite Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Auto-rickshaw to the palace.
INR200, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Planet Café

End your day with a delightful meal featuring local and continental options.
Auto-rickshaw back to the hotel.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Explore Beyond

Madurai, India on December 28, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day right with a nutritious breakfast.
At your hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Experience the profound impact of Mahatma Gandhi on India at this well-curated museum.
Auto-rickshaw to the museum.
INR100, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore local markets

Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring the vibrant markets filled with spices, textiles, and handicrafts.
Walk to the nearby market.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Aasai Restaurant

Savor traditional Tamil meals enriched with spices and flavors.
Walk back from the market.
INR500, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Kodaikanal or Yercaud if time permits

An optional excursion to Kodaikanal or Yercaud for beautiful sights and nature walks.
Auto-rickshaw to station for train.
INR500, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Taj Restaurant

Enjoy sumptuous dinner with a variety of dishes in a calming atmosphere.
Auto-rickshaw back to hotel.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cultural Richness of Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India on December 29, 2024

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a healthy breakfast before setting out to explore Thanjavur.
At your hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Thanjavur via train

Enjoy the scenic ride that takes you to the historical city of Thanjavur (2 hours).
Board the train to Thanjavur.
INR250, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the incredible architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterwork of the Chola architecture.
Walk to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Famous Hotel

Indulge in rich Tamil cuisine at this renowned eatery.
Auto-rickshaw to the restaurant.
INR600, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Tanjore Maratha Palace and Museum

Dive into the history of Thanjavur at this fascinating palace filled with artifacts.
Auto-rickshaw to the museum.
INR200, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library

End your day's explorations at this ancient library, known for its rare manuscripts.
Auto-rickshaw to the library.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Tanjore Fish Land

Experience a delightful seafood dinner to conclude your day.
Auto-rickshaw back to hotel.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India on December 30, 2024

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast before departing for Chennai.
At your hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel back to Chennai via train

Hop onto a train back to Chennai (3 hours), reflecting on your trip.
Board the train from Thanjavur.
INR300, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Revisit the iconic hotel for a celebratory lunch, enjoying some of your favorite dishes.
Auto-rickshaw from station.
INR600, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Last-minute Shopping at Phoenix MarketCity

Explore one of Chennai's largest shopping malls for souvenirs and gifts.
Auto-rickshaw to the mall.
Free - variable, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Valluvar Kottam

Pay your last respects to Tamil Nadu's rich literary culture at the Valluvar Kottam memorial.
Auto-rickshaw to Valluvar Kottam.
INR100, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Farewell Dinner at Pind Baluchi

Wrap up your incredible Tamil Nadu journey with a hearty dinner before heading to the airport.
Auto-rickshaw to Pind Baluchi.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability