Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00 AM

Visit Marina Beach

Start the day with a stroll along Marina Beach, where the golden sands and beautiful sunrise will mesmerize the whole family.
Take a taxi from your hotel to Marina Beach.
INR0, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Break for Brunch

Enjoy delicious South Indian cuisine at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its fluffy idlis and spicy chutneys.
It’s a short taxi ride back from the beach.
INR500, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Explore Fort St. George

After brunch, delve into history at Fort St. George, where your kids can learn about Tamil Nadu's fascinating past.
Head by taxi to Fort St. George, which is around 30 minutes away.
INR100, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Marina

Savour a hearty family lunch featuring Indian and continental dishes at The Marina.
Just a short taxi ride from Fort St. George.
INR1000, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Valluvar Kottam

Take the family to Valluvar Kottam, an intricately designed monument that celebrates Tamil literature.
Travel by taxi, approximately 20 minutes away.
INR50, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Conclude your first day with a wholesome dinner at Saravana Bhavan, a famous vegetarian restaurant.
It's a quick taxi ride from Valluvar Kottam.
INR600, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Visit Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00 AM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Depart early to Mahabalipuram, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut temples.
Hire a taxi for the 1-hour drive.
INR1500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Breakfast at The Wharf

Enjoy a seaside breakfast at The Wharf overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Located near tourist spots, a short distance from your hotel.
INR800, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Shore Temple

Explore the iconic Shore Temple, where stunning coastal views and intricate sculptures await.
A short walk from The Wharf.
INR50, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Try fresh seafood and local specialties at Moonrakers, a laid-back and family-friendly restaurant.
A quick drive or 15-minute walk.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at Arjuna's Penance, a massive bas relief that narrates the epic of the Mahabharata.
A short drive or walk from the restaurant.
INR50, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend some leisure time building sandcastles and enjoying the beach atmosphere.
Head to the nearest beach from Arjuna's Penance.
INR0, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Sea View Restaurant

End the day with dinner at Sea View Restaurant, enjoying the sunset as you dine.
Just a short drive back from the beach.
INR900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Discover Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00 AM

Travel to Pondicherry

Set off to the picturesque town of Pondicherry, famous for its French influence.
A taxi ride from Mahabalipuram will take around 2 hours.
INR2500, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Café des Arts, adorned with charming French décor.
Easily accessible in the French Quarter.
INR700, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Discover spiritual tranquility at Aurobindo Ashram, a perfect place for reflection.
A short walk from the café.
INR0, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Indian Kaffe Express

Savour fusion food that caters to all ages at The Indian Kaffe Express.
A 10-minute walk from the Ashram.
INR800, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Promenade

Stroll along the Promenade beach and take in the beautiful views and local shops.
Just a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
INR0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the French Quarter

Wander through the charming streets of the French Quarter, perfect for leisurely family walks.
It's a short walk from the Promenade.
INR0, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Experience a mix of Indian and French-inspired dishes at Villa Shanti for dinner.
A lovely 15-minute walk from the French Quarter.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventure in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

7:00 AM

Travel to Kodaikanal

Set out for the scenic hill station of Kodaikanal, known for its misty mountains.
A private car ride from Pondicherry will take around 7 hours, so leave early.
INR4000, 7 hours

2:00 PM

Check-in to Hotel and Lunch

Arrive and relax at your hotel before enjoying a refreshing lunch at the hotel restaurant.
The hotel is pre-booked.
INR1500, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Kodai Lake

Enjoy boating in picturesque Kodai Lake, perfect for family bonding.
It's a short taxi ride from your hotel.
INR500, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Return to Hotel and Relax

Head back to the hotel to unwind and freshen up after the day's adventures.
Just a 10-minute taxi ride.
INR0, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Royal Hotel

Savor a delightful dinner featuring local specialities at The Royal Hotel.
Just a short walk from your hotel.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Insights in Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00 AM

Travel to Madurai

Leave Kodaikanal for Madurai, known for its grand temples and rich culture.
A private car will take about 3.5 hours to reach Madurai.
INR2000, 3.5 hours

11:30 AM

Breakfast at East West

When you arrive, enjoy a hearty breakfast at East West, with a variety of options for the family.
Close to the Meenakshi Temple.
INR700, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Explore the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, a highlight in Madurai that boasts captivating architecture.
It's just a short taxi ride from the restaurant.
INR0, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at KOTTAI VASAL Restaurant

Try authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes at the acclaimed KOTTAI VASAL Restaurant.
Nearby and can be reached by walking.
INR600, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

Discover the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, a well-preserved historic palace.
A quick taxi ride from the restaurant.
INR50, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Germanus

End your day with a relaxing family dinner at Hotel Germanus, featuring a variety of dishes to please everyone.
It's nearby and an easy taxi ride.
INR900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Heritage in Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00 AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Journey to Thanjavur, a city famed for its exquisite temples and rich arts.
A 2-hour car ride from Madurai.
INR1500, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Breakfast at Kaveri Restaurant

Enjoy traditional breakfast at Kaveri Restaurant, well-known for its delicious offerings.
Close to Brihadeeswarar Temple.
INR600, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for a family photo-op.
It's just a short walk from the restaurant.
INR50, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Banana Leaf

Savour traditional South Indian meals served on banana leaves at The Banana Leaf restaurant.
Nearby and easily reachable by walk.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Thanjavur Palace

Take a tour of Thanjavur Palace, where the kids will enjoy learning about the history and art.
A short walk from the restaurant.
INR100, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Sree Nandhini

Finish your day with a lovely dinner at Sree Nandhini, offering great food and a family-friendly atmosphere.
A quick taxi ride from the palace.
INR900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Pilgrimage to Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

7:30 AM

Travel to Rameswaram

Start your journey to Rameswaram, a significant pilgrimage site.
A 3-hour car ride from Thanjavur.
INR2000, 3 hours

10:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Royal Residency

Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast at Hotel Royal Residency before starting your sightseeing.
Located conveniently in Rameswaram.
INR600, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple, known for its intricate corridors and rich history.
Just a short walk from the hotel.
INR0, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Abirami Restaurant

Savour delicious South Indian dishes at Abirami Restaurant to energise for the afternoon.
A quick walk from the temple.
INR700, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Dhanushkodi

Head to Dhanushkodi, a ghost town known for its haunting beauty, perfect for exploration.
A taxi ride from Rameswaram, approximately 30 minutes.
INR100, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Rameswaram for Dinner

After the day's adventures, return to Rameswaram for your last dinner in Tamil Nadu.
Head back to your hotel.
INR0, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Close the trip with a lovely dinner featuring local cuisines at Hotel Tamil Nadu.
It's a short walk from your hotel.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability