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7-Day Relaxation and Exploration Trip to South India

Viewed by 97 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, where you can enjoy their famous dosas.
Head to the restaurant nearby via taxi.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Marina Beach

After breakfast, take a stroll along the iconic Marina Beach, soaking in the soothing sea breeze and vibrant beach culture.
Drive to Marina Beach, about 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture, where you can also appreciate the local culture.
15-minute ride from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Anjappar

Dig into a hearty meal at Hotel Anjappar, renowned for its Chettinad cuisine.
Five-minute taxi ride from the temple.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Make your way to Mahabalipuram in preparation for the next day's adventures.
Taxi to Mahabalipuram, approximately 1.5 hours drive.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Check into Hotel

Settle into your beach resort for a restful evening.
Directly at the hotel.
INR3500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

End your day with a fresh seafood dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf, where you can dine with a beautiful view of the sea.
Five minutes walk from hotel.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Heritage Exploration

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your resort, perhaps with stunning views of the beach.
At the hotel restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Start your day by visiting the Shore Temple, an exquisite 7th-century stone temple standing against the waves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10-minute walk from hotel.
INR150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Next, head to the Pancha Rathas, a group of temples carved out of rock symbolizing different forms.
15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi.
INR150, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Blue Elephant

Savor a meal at The Blue Elephant, located on the beachfront, offering wonderful local dishes.
5-minute taxi ride.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Unwind and soak up the sun at the beautiful beaches of Mahabalipuram.
Directly at the beach.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Continue your exploration by visiting Arjuna's Penance, a massive rock relief that showcases intricate carvings.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR100, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel for a brief rest before dinner.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR150, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at The Wharf

Choose The Wharf for your evening meal, trying their signature dishes while listening to the waves.
Walk from the hotel.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: City & French Influence

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

On your way to Pondicherry, stop by Baker Street for fresh pastries and coffee, a local favorite.
10-minute walk from hotel.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Pondicherry

Travel to Pondicherry and enjoy views of the coastal landscape along the way.
Take a taxi, about 2 hours.
INR1500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Visit the well-known Aurobindo Ashram for a serene experience in the peaceful surroundings.
Take a taxi from the bus station, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Savor a delightful meal at Café des Arts for a taste of French-inspired cuisine.
15-minute walk from the ashram.
INR700, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore French Quarter

Stroll through the charming streets of the French Quarter, taking in the vibrant colors and architecture.
30-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Promenade Beach

Relax at Promenade Beach, perhaps enjoying a refreshing coconut drink as you take in the seaside ambiance.
15-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Check into Hotel

Check into your boutique hotel for a comfortable stay in Pondicherry.
Directly at the hotel.
INR3000, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at La Maison Rose

Enjoy dinner at La Maison Rose, a charming eatery known for its exquisite Indian and French fusion dishes.
Short taxi ride from the hotel.
INR1200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin the day with a lovely breakfast at your hotel, preparing for an adventure in Thanjavur.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Rail journey to Thanjavur

Take a scenic train ride to Thanjavur, where you will explore historic treasures.
Train station, about 10 minutes away.
INR300, 3 hours

12:00PM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Start with a visit to the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, known for its impressive architecture and history.
Take a taxi from the train station, about 15 minutes.
INR100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Delicious Thanjavur

Enjoy a local Thanjavur meal, featuring the delicious and famous Thanjavur style biryani.
15-minute walk from the temple.
INR600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Thanjavur Palace

Visit the Thanjavur Palace, which boasts beautiful architecture and captivating museums.
10-minute walk from the restaurant.
INR200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check into Hotel

Settle into your hotel for the evening after a day of exploration.
Directly at the hotel.
INR3000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sree Satyapramodaswamy

Dine at Sree Satyapramodaswamy, known for its traditional temple offerings and a delicious buffet.
15-minute taxi from hotel.
INR800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thanjavur

Day 5: Heritage & Spirituality

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a delicious traditional breakfast at your hotel.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Madurai

Travel to Madurai via train, absorbing the beautiful landscapes along the way.
N/A
INR300, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive in Madurai and check into your hotel for a comfortable stay.
Directly at the hotel.
INR3000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Aasaiyil Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Madurai dishes, especially the famous parotta and spicy kurma at Aasaiyil Restaurant.
15-minute walk from hotel.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Explore the iconic Meenakshi Temple, known for its exquisite carvings and intricate sculptures.
15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a great example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
15-minute taxi.
INR100, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening Prayer at Meenakshi Temple

Return to Meenakshi Temple to witness the mesmerizing evening prayer ceremony.
15-minute walk from the Mahal.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at The Taiyab

Conclude your day with a fulfilling meal at The Taiyab, famous for its kebabs and biryanis.
15-minute walk.
INR800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 6: Nature Escape

Kodaikanal, India

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel before heading into nature’s embrace at Kodaikanal.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Journey to Kodaikanal

Travel by taxi to Kodaikanal, relishing the scenic hills and landscapes along the way.
Direct taxi to Kodaikanal, approx 3.5 hours.
INR2000, 3.5 hours

11:30AM

Check into Hotel

Check into a serene hotel in Kodaikanal surrounded by nature.
Directly at the hotel.
INR3500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hilltop Restaurant

Enjoy lunch with an incredible view at the Hilltop Restaurant, offering local delicacies.
Five-minute walk from hotel.
INR600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Spend the afternoon on Kodaikanal Lake, where you can indulge in boating and relax by the serene waters.
10-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
INR300 for boating, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Coaker’s Walk

Take a peaceful walk along Coaker’s Walk, an easy path with breathtaking views of the valleys.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR100, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cloud Street

Savor a cozy dinner at Cloud Street known for its contibuting flavors.
15-minute taxi ride back to town.
INR800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kodaikanal

Day 7: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel in Kodaikanal before ending your adventure.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel Back to Chennai

Make your way back to Chennai, reflecting on the beautiful experiences you had in South India.
Taxi, approximately 7 hours.
INR2500, 7 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Chennai

Arrive in Chennai and take some time to relax at your hotel or a nearby café.
At the hotel or local café.
INR500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Kudla

Enjoy your farewell dinner at Kudla, an eatery known for authentic coastal flavors.
15-minute cab ride from hotel.
INR1000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai
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