8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Chennai, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Tanjore, Coimbatore

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a sumptuous South Indian breakfast comprising idlis, dosas, and filter coffee at the iconic Saravana Bhavan.
Located in T. Nagar, a 15-minute drive from most hotels in Chennai.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marina Beach

Relax with your family on the sandy shores of Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.
15-minute drive from Saravana Bhavan.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Spice Route

Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Spice Route, known for its vibrant South Asian cuisine.
Located in the heart of Chennai, a 15-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which showcases stunning Dravidian architecture.
10-minute drive from The Spice Route.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Government Museum

Wander through the Government Museum, which has a great collection of artifacts, especially for art and history enthusiasts.
20-minute drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Snacks at Murugan Idli Shop

Treat yourself to some evening snacks with famous rava idlis and crispy vadas.
15-minute drive from the museum.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Peshawri

Experience northwestern frontier cuisine at Peshawri, a fine dining restaurant.
15-minute drive from Murugan Idli Shop.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sangeetha

Relish a delicious breakfast of pongal and filter coffee at Sangeetha.
Located nearby in T. Nagar.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, with its museum showcasing relics.
20-minute drive from Sangeetha.
INR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Aasai Veg Restaurant

Savor vegetarian Tamil Nadu specialties at Aasai Veg Restaurant.
25-minute drive from Fort St. George.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Dakshinchitra

Take your family to Dakshinchitra, a living museum dedicated to South Indian cultural heritage.
30-minute drive from Aasai Veg Restaurant.
INR 100, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Valluvar Kottam

Marvel at the impressive monument dedicated to the poet Thiruvalluvar while enjoying some family time.
25-minute drive from Dakshinchitra.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Snacks at K.P. Nadar

Indulge in fresh juices and local snacks at K.P. Nadar.
15-minute drive from Valluvar Kottam.
INR 300, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

Head to The Fisherman's Wharf for a delightful dinner featuring seafood and local dishes.
20-minute drive from K.P. Nadar.
INR 1500, 2 hours
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Day 3: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Travel to Pondicherry

Begin your journey to Pondicherry, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Drive from Chennai to Pondicherry, approximately 3 hours.
INR 2000 (transport), 3 hours

11:30AM

Check-in and Breakfast at Villa Shanti

Check in to your accommodation, and enjoy breakfast at Villa Shanti, with its French-inspired ambience.
Located in the White Town area of Pondicherry.
INR 700, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Take a serene walk through the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual haven perfect for relaxation.
Short walk from Villa Shanti.
Free, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at Cafe des Arts

Experience a delightful lunch at Cafe des Arts, known for its French pastries and local food.
5-minute walk from Aurobindo Ashram.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Promenade Beach

Spend your afternoon at Promenade Beach, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and family bonding.
15-minute walk from Cafe des Arts.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Snaks at Baker Street

Grab some evening snacks and baked goodies at Baker Street, a local favorite.
15-minute drive from Promenade Beach.
INR 500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Club

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at Le Club, known for its stunning ambiance and mix of Indian and French cuisine.
15-minute drive from Baker Street.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Visit Chidambaram

Chidambaram, India

8:00AM

Travel to Chidambaram

Depart for Chidambaram, arrived at your destination, which is well known for its ancient temples.
Drive from Pondicherry to Chidambaram, approximately 2 hours.
INR 1200 (transport), 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Explore the sacred Nataraja Temple, renowned for its captivating architecture and spiritual significance.
Located in the main town of Chidambaram.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravanabhavan

Satisfy your hunger with traditional South Indian meals at Hotel Saravanabhavan.
10-minute drive from Nataraja Temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Thillai Kali Amman Temple

Visit the captivating Thillai Kali Amman Temple, which adds to the cultural richness of Chidambaram.
10-minute drive from Hotel Saravanabhavan.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Take a scenic boat ride in the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in the world.
30-minute drive from Thillai Kali Amman Temple.
INR 1500 (boat rental), 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Snacks at Azhagan's

Have evening snacks at Azhagan's, famous for its crispy bondas and refreshing drinks.
20-minute drive from Pichavaram.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Vasantha Bhavan

Enjoy a family dinner at Hotel Vasantha Bhavan, relishing popular local dishes.
10-minute drive from Azhagan's.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historic Tanjore

Tanjore, India

8:00AM

Travel to Tanjore

Head to Tanjore, renowned for its temples and rich history.
Drive from Chidambaram to Tanjore, approximately 2 hours.
INR 1200 (transport), 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the architectural grandeur of Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located in Tanjore city.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Taste traditional Chettinad cuisine at Hotel Gnanam, known for its flavorful dishes.
15-minute drive from Brihadeeswarar Temple.
INR 700, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Tanjore Palace

Walk through the majestic Tanjore Palace, known for its museum and historical artifacts.
10-minute drive from Hotel Gnanam.
INR 100, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Art Gallery

Explore the Tanjore Art Gallery, which showcases exquisite Tanjore paintings and sculptures.
Located in the palace complex.
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Snacks at Ananda Bhavan

Grab some tasty evening snacks at Ananda Bhavan, famous for its sweets and savory items.
5-minute drive from Art Gallery.
INR 300, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at K aspirants

Savor a cozy dinner at K aspirants, with a variety of North and South Indian dishes.
15-minute drive from Ananda Bhavan.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Coimbatore

Coimbatore, India

8:00AM

Travel to Coimbatore

Set off for Coimbatore, known for its textile industry and beautiful weather.
Drive from Tanjore to Coimbatore, approximately 4 hours.
INR 2000 (transport), 4 hours

12:00PM

Check-in and Lunch at Sree Annapoorna

Check in to your hotel in Coimbatore and enjoy a traditional South Indian buffet lunch at Sree Annapoorna.
Located in the city center.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Nayakar Palace

Explore the historical Nayakar Palace, an architectural marvel with rich history.
20-minute drive from Sree Annapoorna.
INR 50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore VOC Park

Take your kids to VOC Park, a fun space with a zoo, playground, and lush greenery.
15-minute drive from Nayakar Palace.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Snacks at Arya Bhavan

Stop by Arya Bhavan for some evening snacks and delightful sweets.
15-minute drive from VOC Park.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Shree Anandhaas

End your day with a hearty dinner at Shree Anandhaas, known for its vegetarian North and South Indian dishes.
20-minute drive from Arya Bhavan.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Leisure in Coimbatore

Coimbatore, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at RHR

Start your day with a heavy breakfast of parathas and dosa at the popular RHR.
Located nearby.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit perur Patteeswarar Temple

Visit Patteeswarar Temple, famous for its interesting architecture and history.
15-minute drive from RHR.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Codissia Trade Fair Complex

Enjoy a family day out at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex, synthesizing trade, exhibitions, and cultural experiences.
20-minute drive from Perur Patteeswarar Temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Junior Kuppanna

Dine at Junior Kuppanna for a delightful South Indian lunch with an array of dishes.
15-minute drive from Codissia.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Black Thunder Water Park

Have a splashing time at Black Thunder, one of the largest water parks in India.
1-hour drive from Junior Kuppanna.
INR 1000, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Azhagi Restaurant

Cap off your day with dinner at Azhagi Restaurant, enjoying variety vegetarian cuisine.
1-hour drive from water park.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel, gearing up for the journey back.
In Coimbatore.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to Chennai

Drive back to Chennai, cherishing the memories made on this family trip.
Drive from Coimbatore to Chennai, approximately 7 hours.
INR 3000 (transport), 7 hours
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