10-Day Family Adventure in Tamil Nadu: Culture, Nature, and Rail Journey

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India on January 23, 2025

9:00AM

Visit Marina Beach

Start your day with a peaceful stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.
Navigate via local taxi (30 mins).
INR 0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy the traditional South Indian breakfast with soft idlis and spicy sambar.
5 minutes by taxi from the beach.
INR 500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historical Fort St. George, revealing the colonial history of Chennai.
10 minutes taxi ride from breakfast.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Dakshin

Relish authentic South Indian dishes in this renowned restaurant within the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
10 minutes taxi ride.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Marundeeswarar Temple Visit

Dive into the local culture by visiting one of the prominent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

End your day with a delightful dinner featuring vegetarian specialties.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Mahabalipuram Day Trip

Mahabalipuram, India on January 24, 2025

7:00AM

Take a Train to Mahabalipuram

Catch an early train from Chennai to Mahabalipuram to make the most of your day.
Train from Chennai Egmore to Mahabalipuram.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at a local eatery

Savor local delicacies like Pongal and Filter Coffee in a nearby restaurant.
Walk to a local restaurant (10 mins).
INR 200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Shore Temple

Admire the beautiful architecture of the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
5 minutes walk.
INR 150, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ocean View

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch overlooking the ocean.
10 minutes walk.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the intricate rock-carved relief that tells the epic tale from Mahabharata.
10 minutes taxi ride.
INR 100, 1 hour

3:00PM

Surfing Lessons at Mahabalipuram Beach

Engage the family with surfing lessons for a thrilling beach experience.
20 minutes taxi ride.
INR 3000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Wharf

Dine at a beachside restaurant offering a mix of Indian and Continental cuisine.
15 minutes walk.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Chennai by Train

Head back to Chennai for the night.
Train from Mahabalipuram to Chennai.
INR 200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Pondicherry Exploration

Pondicherry, India on January 25, 2025

8:00AM

Take a Train to Pondicherry

Depart from Chennai to Pondicherry for a peaceful retreat.
Train from Chennai to Pondicherry.
INR 250, 2 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Enjoy a French-style breakfast with croissants and coffee at this charming café.
Walk (10 mins).
INR 600, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Auroville

Engage with the concept of sustainable living at Auroville community and the Matrimandir.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Auroville Bakery

Try the delightful organic meals made with fresh ingredients.
Within Auroville.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll Through The French Quarter

Experience the colorful streets, colonial buildings, and lace shops of this unique area.
Taxi back to city center (15 mins).
INR 0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Learn about the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and explore the tranquil space.
Walking distance from the quarter.
INR 0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Savor the local cuisine in a unique atmosphere at this excellent restaurant.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Heritage in Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India on January 26, 2025

8:00AM

Travel to Thanjavur by Train

Catch a morning train to Thanjavur, famous for its temples.
Train from Pondicherry to Thanjavur.
INR 300, 2 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Diner

Enjoy traditional Thanjavur cuisine around the local area.
Walk (10 mins).
INR 500, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Short taxi ride (10 mins).
INR 50, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Hotel International

Indulge in a buffet featuring South Indian dishes.
Taxi back to town (10 mins).
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace

Explore the grand palace and its robust history as a royal residence.
10 minutes taxi ride.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Explore Local Pottery

Experience local crafts and pottery making at a nearby artisan village.
30 minutes taxi ride.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Briyani Pot

Finish the day with a delicious pot of Chicken Biryani at this popular eatery.
30 minutes taxi ride back.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam, India on January 27, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Kumbakonam

Travel to Kumbakonam, the town of temples, known for its rich culture.
Train from Thanjavur to Kumbakonam.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy pongal and vadai with delicious coconut chutney.
Walk (10 mins).
INR 400, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Explore this significant temple known for its stunning architecture and carvings.
10 minutes taxi ride.
INR 0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Nala Veg

Choose from a wide range of vegetarian dishes and desserts.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Kumbakonam's Famous Coffee

Sip on Kumbakonam's famed filter coffee from a local vendor.
Walking distance.
INR 50, 30 mins

2:30PM

Visit Mahamaham Tank

Learn about the local festival celebrated every 12 years at this sacred tank.
5 minutes walk.
INR 0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Local Markets

Stroll through local markets, immersed in vibrant colors and local handicrafts.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel New Anand

End your day with a flavorful meal at this famous local establishment.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Madurai Heritage and Culture

Madurai, India on January 28, 2025

7:30AM

Travel to Madurai by Train

Embark on a train journey to the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, Madurai.
Train from Kumbakonam to Madurai.
INR 200, 2 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy more fluffy idlis and sambar in this famous local eatery.
Walk (10 mins).
INR 500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

An iconic temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi with stunning architecture.
10 minutes taxi ride.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Tuck into a satisfying thali filled with delicious regional dishes.
5 minutes taxi ride.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Explore exhibitions showcasing the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll in the Flower Market

Soak in the vibrant colors and fragrances of Madurai's famous flower market.
15 minutes taxi ride.
0 INR, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Dum Biryani

Feast on delicious Dum Biryani, a local favorite to delight your taste buds.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Spiritual Journey to Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India on January 29, 2025

7:00AM

Train to Rameswaram

An early train ride to the holy town of Rameswaram, known for its rich spiritual significance.
Train from Madurai to Rameswaram.
INR 200, 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Eatery

Savor fresh South Indian breakfast specialties before starting the day.
Walk (10 mins).
INR 500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this iconic temple renowned for its 22 holy wells and exquisite architecture.
Walk from breakfast (5 mins).
INR 0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in dishes like crab curry and fried fish at a nearby restaurant.
Walking distance (10 mins).
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Dhanushkodi

Take a short drive to this hauntingly beautiful ghost town and witness the merging of two seas.
30 minutes taxi ride.
INR 200, 3 hours

6:30PM

Return to Rameswaram and Dinner

Finish the day with a traditional dinner at a local family-run restaurant.
30 minutes taxi ride.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Amazing Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India on January 30, 2025

6:00AM

Train to Kanyakumari

Catch the early morning train to Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India.
Train from Rameswaram to Kanyakumari.
INR 300, 3 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Seashore

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Walking distance (5 mins).
INR 600, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to the breathtaking Vivekananda Rock Memorial, dedicated to the spiritual leader.
Take a ferry from the nearest taxi point.
INR 250, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Ocean View

Dine with a stunning view of the ocean while enjoying local seafood delicacies.
Walking distance (15 mins).
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Kanyakumari Beach

Relax on the beach and take in the beautiful views of the land meeting the sea.
10 minutes walk.
INR 0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Suchindram Temple

Discover the mystical architecture and cultural essence of this famous temple nearby.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea View

Enjoy dinner with a spectacular sunset view, featuring a mix of vegetarian and seafood options.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Nature at Ooty

Ooty, India on January 31, 2025

6:00AM

Travel to Ooty by Train

Journey to Ooty, known for its lush greenery and beautiful hills.
First take a taxi from Kanyakumari to the nearest major station, then catch the train.
INR 600, 4 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at a Local eatery

Indulge in a local breakfast featuring hot parathas and chai.
Walk from the station (10 mins).
INR 500, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Botanical Garden

Stroll through the lush gardens with exotic plants and vibrant flowers.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Dine at Earl's Secret, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious continental food.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Ooty Lake

Rent a paddle boat or take a boat ride on the serene Ooty Lake, an experience perfect for families.
10 minutes taxi ride.
INR 500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Doddabetta Peak

Take a short trek to the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills for panoramic views.
20 minutes taxi ride.
INR 30, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Hotel Hilltop

End your adventure with a cozy dinner with diners overlooking panoramic views of the hills.
10 minutes taxi ride.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Travel Back to Chennai

Chennai, India on February 1, 2025

8:00AM

Morning Train to Chennai

Catch the morning train to head back to Chennai and conclude your adventure.
Train from Ooty to Chennai.
INR 500, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sangeetha Restaurant

Refuel your energy with an authentic South Indian meal at this popular chain.
Walk from the train station (10 mins).
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit this beautiful temple known for its stunning Dravidian architecture.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Shop for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts in one of Chennai's biggest shopping areas.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Great Kebab Factory

Conclude your Tamil Nadu adventure with a delectable meal at this renowned restaurant.
15 minutes taxi ride.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability