8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Chennai to Hyderabad via Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Tanjore, and Coimbatore

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Café

Start your day with delicious South Indian breakfast at the iconic Ratna Café, famous for its idlis and dosas.
Located in Mylapore, around 30 minutes from most central hotels in Chennai.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marina Beach

Take a family stroll along Marina Beach and enjoy the sunrise with fun activities like kite flying.
Marina Beach is just a 15-minute drive from Ratna Café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Government Museum

Discover fascinating artifacts and exhibits at the Government Museum, perfect for curious minds.
A 20-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a family-friendly meal at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic South Indian thali.
Located within 10 minutes of the Government Museum.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at the stunning architecture and vibrant culture of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore.
Only 10 minutes from Saravana Bhavan.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Visit T Nagar for a fun family shopping experience and pick up souvenirs, textiles, and more.
A 30-minute drive from the temple.
Varies, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Flying Elephant

Dine at The Flying Elephant, which offers a great family-friendly ambiance and multi-cuisine options.
A 30-minute drive from T Nagar.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

After a day full of exploration, return back to your hotel for a good night's sleep.
20-minute return to the hotel.
N/A, 1 hour
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Day 2: Pondicherry Vibes

Pondicherry, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at Baker Street, a local favorite for breakfast.
Take an early drive from Chennai to Pondicherry, about 3 hours.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Promenade Beach Visit

Stroll along Promenade Beach and let the kids enjoy the golden sands.
Just steps away from Baker Street.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Auroville Visit

Explore the experimental township of Auroville and its stunning Matrimandir.
20-minute drive from Promenade Beach.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Savor delightful French cuisine at Villa Shanti, designed with children in mind.
A short ride back towards the beach area.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore French Quarter

Discover the unique charm of the French Quarter with its colorful buildings and quaint cafés.
A walking tour, as it's nearby.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Pondicherry Museum

Learn about the interesting history of Pondicherry at the local museum.
10-minute walk from French Quarter.
INR 30, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at La Pasta

Enjoy family-friendly Italian cuisine at La Pasta, a favorite for children.
Located close to the beach.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel/Beach

End your day with a relaxing evening at the beach or your hotel.
Short drive or walk, depending on hotel location.
N/A, 1 hour
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Day 3: Pondicherry Adventures

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Relish an artsy breakfast at Café des Arts with a bohemian vibe.
Café des Arts is centrally located in Pondicherry.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Find tranquility at Aurobindo Ashram, offering serenity for the family.
Just a short drive from the café.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Parade Ground Exploration

Visit the historic Parade Ground, where families can enjoy open space and local culture.
Short drive from the Ashram.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Seaside Promenade

Grab a light lunch from street vendors or cafés along the seaside promenade.
Walking distance from Parade Ground.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Botanical Garden

Wander through the beautiful Botanical Garden and enjoy the lush greenery.
10-minute drive from the promenade.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Cycling Around the Town

Rent bicycles and explore the charming streets of Pondicherry for family fun.
Bike rentals nearby the Botanical Garden.
INR 200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Café Italia

Dine on delicious pizzas at Café Italia, a family favorite for its casual atmosphere.
Located near the beach.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Wrap up the family day with some quality time at your hotel.
Drive back or walk based on the location.
N/A, 1 hour
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Day 4: Chidambaram Insights

Chidambaram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at the hotel before heading to Chidambaram.
Driving from Pondicherry to Chidambaram will take about 2 hours.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Explore the famous Nataraja Temple and enjoy its intricate architecture.
Located in the heart of Chidambaram.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Sarangapani Temple

Discover the serene atmosphere of Sarangapani Temple, alongside the family.
A short drive away from Nataraja Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Sri Saravana Bhavan

Savor a traditional South Indian meal with your family.
Close to the temples.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Explore the beautiful mangrove forests on a boat ride.
20 minutes from the restaurant.
INR 800, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Chidambaram Beach

Unwind at Chidambaram Beach and enjoy the sunset views with your family.
Only a 10-minute drive to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Silver Palace

Delight in a cozy dinner at Hotel Silver Palace, which is known for its multi-cuisine.
15-minute drive from the beach.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Hotel

End your day by heading back to your accommodation for rest.
10 minutes to the hotel.
N/A, 30 minutes
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Day 5: Tanjore Culture

Tanjore, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before leaving for Tanjore.
Drive from Chidambaram to Tanjore, approximately 2.5 hours.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located in the center of Tanjore.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Art Gallery

Admire intricate artifacts and paintings at Tanjore Art Gallery.
Just 5 minutes from the temple.
INR 100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Indulge in traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine with family at Hotel Gnanam.
Close to the art gallery.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tanjore Palace

Discover the grandeur of Tanjore Palace and its beautiful gardens.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Coastal Drive

Enjoy a scenic drive towards the coast to admire the surroundings.
A leisurely drive post-visit through the countryside.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at BBQ Nation

Relish a delightful dinner with a grill experience at BBQ Nation.
Return back to Tanjore for dinner.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Hotel

Relax after a fulfilling day and return to your hotel.
Short drive back to the hotel.
N/A, 30 minutes
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Day 6: Coimbatore Escape

Coimbatore, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for Coimbatore.
Drive from Tanjore to Coimbatore which takes roughly 5 hours.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Savor traditional Chettinad cuisine with the family for lunch.
Close to the main attractions in Coimbatore.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit VOC Park

Take the kids to VOC Park, featuring a mini-zoo and lush spaces for play.
A short distance from the restaurant.
INR 20 per person, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Gass Forest Museum

Learn about the diverse flora and fauna at the Gass Forest Museum.
About 20 minutes drive from VOC Park.
INR 30, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sree Annapoorna

Enjoy a traditional South Indian dinner at Sree Annapoorna, family-friendly and delicious!
Easily accessible from the museum.
INR 900, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Wind down for the day and return to your hotel.
A quick 15-minute drive.
N/A, 30 minutes
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Day 7: Coimbatore Adventures

Coimbatore, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before the day's adventures.
Stay at a centrally located hotel to streamline your travel.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Perur Pateeswarar Temple

An optional visit to the beautiful Perur Pateeswarar Temple — a holy site.
10 km from the city center, about a 30-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Brookefields Mall

Visit Brookefields Mall for shopping, games, and coffee breaks with the family.
20-minute drive from temple.
Varies, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Residency

Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Residency’s restaurant.
Near the mall.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Tidel Park

Spend some family time at Tidel Park, which features lovely open spaces and play areas.
Close to the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi

Savor a healthy vegetarian dinner at Annalakshmi, a place that supports underprivileged children.
Nearby Tidel Park.
INR 900, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

End the wonderful day and return to your hotel.
Short drive, about 15 minutes.
N/A, 30 minutes
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Day 8: Goodbye Hyderabad

Hyderabad, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

After packing up, enjoy breakfast at the hotel for the final time in Coimbatore.
Easy to manage before departure.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Airport/Station

Head towards Coimbatore International Airport or the train station for your journey to Hyderabad.
Ensure timely departure to avoid last-minute rush.
N/A, 1 hour

11:00AM

Arrive in Hyderabad

Check in to your hotel in Hyderabad and settle in.
Duration depends on mode of transport.
N/A, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel

Enjoy a welcoming lunch at your hotel in Hyderabad.
At the hotel - no travel required.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Hussain Sagar Lake

Take a boat ride on Hussain Sagar Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Nearby the city center.
INR 500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Banjara Hills

Spend time shopping and browsing in popular Banjara Hills for local handicrafts.
Close to Hussain Sagar Lake.
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Paradise Restaurant

Complete your journey with a famous Hyderabadi Biryani dinner at Paradise, a must-visit.
Located near Banjara Hills.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

End of Itinerary

Reflect on the amazing family trip as your journey comes to a wonderful close.
Head back to your hotel for final rest or onward travel.
N/A, N/A
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