7-Day Family Friendly Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Mylapore

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at the iconic Mylapore's Saravana Bhavan, famous for its crispy dosas and filter coffee.
Take a taxi to Saravana Bhavan, a short distance from the city center.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the beautiful Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an exquisite example of Dravidian architecture.
Walk from Saravana Bhavan to Kapaleeshwarar Temple (1 km, approximately 15 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad

Savor a traditional Chettinad meal at Anjappar, known for spicy dishes and unique flavors.
Take a taxi from the temple to Anjappar (5 km, approximately 15 minutes).
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Fort St. George

Immerse yourself in history at Fort St. George, the first fortress built by the British in India.
Take a taxi from Anjappar to Fort St. George (7 km, approximately 20 minutes).
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Stroll Marina Beach

End your day with a relaxing stroll along Marina Beach, enjoying the beautiful sunset and local snacks.
Drive from Fort St. George to Marina Beach (2 km, approximately 10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Mamas Dhaba

Delight in hearty North Indian cuisine at Mamas Dhaba to end your first day.
Take an auto-rickshaw from Marina Beach to the restaurant (3 km, approximately 10 minutes).
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Discovery in Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to Kanchipuram.
N/A (breakfast at hotel)
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Kanchipuram

Set out for a scenic drive to Kanchipuram, known for its temples and silk sarees.
Approx 70 km drive from Chennai, takes about 1.5 hours.
N/A, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Discover the grandeur of Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram.
Local taxis are available for transportation from the parking area.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Azhagar Selva Restaurant

Taste local cuisine with a buffet spread at Azhagar Selva Restaurant.
Take a taxi to Azhagar Selva (3 km, about 10 minutes).
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple

Explore the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
Taxi to Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple (5 km, about 15 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Shopping for Silk Sarees

Visit local marketplaces to shop for exquisite Kanchipuram silk sarees - a perfect souvenir.
Walk to local saree shops from the temple (1 km).
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Heritage Restaurant

End your day with a delightful dinner at Heritage Restaurant featuring various Tamil dishes.
Taxi to Heritage Restaurant (3 km, about 10 minutes).
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Magical Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for a day of exploration.
N/A (breakfast at hotel)
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Depart for Mahabalipuram, known for its rock-cut temples.
Drive from Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram (around 70 km, approximately 1.5 hours).
N/A, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Shore Temple

Explore the magnificent Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located by the sea.
Taxi to the Shore Temple (2 km from parking).
INR 50, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Wharf Restaurant

Savour fresh seafood at The Wharf Restaurant, offering a great view of the ocean.
Taxi to The Wharf (1 km, about 5 minutes).
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the intricate bas-reliefs at Arjuna's Penance, showcasing dramatic scenes from mythology.
Walk to Arjuna's Penance (2 km).
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Visit Pancha Rathas, a set of five monolithic rock-cut temples in the shape of chariots.
Taxi to Pancha Rathas (5 km, about 15 minutes).
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend the evening at the beach enjoying the sun and the waves.
Return to the beach area near the Shore Temple (2 km walk).
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Moonrakers Restaurant

Indulge in a variety of cuisines at popular Moonrakers Restaurant.
Walk from the beach to the restaurant (1 km).
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast at your hotel before heading to Pondicherry.
N/A (breakfast at hotel)
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Pondicherry

Head towards Pondicherry, famous for its French colonial architecture.
Drive from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (around 100 km, approximately 2 hours).
N/A, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the serene Aurobindo Ashram, a place for peaceful contemplation.
Taxi from parking to the Ashram (1 km).
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at La Café

Dine at La Café offering a fantastic view of the beach and great food.
Taxi to La Café (1 km).
INR 700, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore French Quarter

Stroll through the vibrant streets of French Quarter, admiring the colorful buildings and French cafes.
Walk around the French Quarter (1 km).
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at Promenade Beach

Unwind at Promenade Beach, taking in the sunset and cool breezes.
Taxi to Promenade Beach (2 km).
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Café des Arts

Enjoy a delightful meal at Café des Arts, a charming place with a bohemian vibe.
Walk from the beach to the café (1 km).
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historical Tanjore

Tanjore, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before departing for Tanjore.
N/A (breakfast at hotel)
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Tanjore

Depart for Tanjore, known for its rich cultural heritage.
Drive from Pondicherry to Tanjore (around 170 km, approximately 3.5 hours).
N/A, 3.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Kaveri Restaurant

Relish traditional South Indian meals at Kaveri Restaurant in Tanjore.
Taxi from parking to the restaurant (2 km).
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the architectural marvel of Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taxi to Brihadeeswarar Temple (1 km, about 5 minutes).
INR 50, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Tanjore Palace

Discover the historical Tanjore Palace with its stunning murals and fascinating history.
Walk to Tanjore Palace (1 km).
INR 100, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy authentic Tamil cuisine at Hotel Gnanam for dinner.
Walk back to the hotel restaurant (1 km).
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Enchanting Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Madurai.
N/A (breakfast at hotel)
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Madurai

Depart for Madurai, known for its ancient temples and rich culture.
Drive from Tanjore to Madurai (approximately 130 km, about 3 hours).
N/A, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Sree Raghavendra Restaurant

Enjoy a simple, yet fulfilling meal at Sree Raghavendra Restaurant.
Taxi from the parking area (2 km).
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its intricate sculptures and architecture.
Local taxis available to the temple (1 km).
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the magnificent Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Taxi to the palace (2 km).
INR 100, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Taste of India

Feast on a variety of South Indian dishes at The Taste of India.
Taxi back to the hotel (3 km).
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Spiritual Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Rameswaram.
N/A (breakfast at hotel)
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Rameswaram

Travel to Rameswaram, a major pilgrimage site located on Pamban Island.
Drive from Madurai to Rameswaram (approximately 170 km, about 4 hours).
N/A, 4 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Hotel Ameen

Savor simple yet delicious meals at Hotel Ameen, a popular dining spot.
Taxi from parking to Hotel Ameen (2 km).
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, renowned for its architecture and significance.
Taxi from the restaurant to the temple (1 km).
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Dhanushkodi Beach

Unwind at Dhanushkodi Beach, a hauntingly beautiful abandoned town with striking ocean views.
Drive to Dhanushkodi (15 km, about 30 minutes from Rameswaram).
N/A, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Aasai Restaurant

Vanquish your hunger with local flavors and delicious seafood at Aasai Restaurant.
Drive back to Rameswaram town (15 km back).
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability