Family-Friendly 8-Day Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with delicious, fluffy idlis and crispy dosas at this famous eating joint in Chennai.
Head to the iconic restaurant located in various parts of the city.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Marina Beach

Enjoy a stroll along one of the longest beaches in the world and let your kids play in the sand.
Take a short cab ride to Marina Beach.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dindigul Thalappakatti

Savor the famous biryani, a must-try when in Tamil Nadu.
Easily reachable by taxi from Marina Beach.
INR 1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Government Museum

Discover fascinating artifacts and art collections that appeal to the entire family.
Located just a 20-minute cab ride from Dindigul.
INR 150, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through the Semmozhi Poonga

Enjoy the lush greenery and beautiful gardens for some relaxation.
A short ride from the Government Museum.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Trinity Arts & Kitchen

Finish your day with a mix of South Indian and fusion recipes in a kid-friendly atmosphere.
A 15-minute cab ride from the park.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Beach and History

Mahabalipuram, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Feast on a hearty breakfast before a day of exploration.
Travel early to Mahabalipuram, a 1.5-hour journey from Chennai.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Shore Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases ancient Dravidian architecture.
It's a short walk from the hotel.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Pancha Rathas Exploration

Witness the stunning rock carvings representing chariots and enjoy family photos.
A 10-minute cab ride from the Shore Temple.
INR 150, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Water’s Edge

Indulge in delicious seafood with a view of the ocean.
Just a 5-minute drive away.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Beach Time at Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax on the sandy shores and let your kids enjoy the waves.
Easy access from the restaurant.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Chennai

Drive back to Chennai to rest and prepare for dinner ahead.
About a 1.5-hour journey back.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Chettinad cuisine, perfect for the family.
Located conveniently in Chennai.
INR 1600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Culture and Charm

Puducherry, India

8:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Start your day with a delightful French breakfast in a vibrant setting.
Travel from Chennai to Puducherry (approx. 3 hours by car).
INR 700, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Auroville

Explore this unique township and visit the Matrimandir, a place of meditation.
A quick drive from the cafe, around 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Return to Puducherry and Beach Visit

Enjoy some beach time at Promenade Beach, letting the kids play around.
Head back to Puducherry, about a 30-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Indian Kaffe Express

A cozy place that offers a variety of Indian and International dishes.
Short walk from the beach.
INR 900, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Puducherry Museum

Discover interesting exhibits depicting the region's history.
A short cab ride from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore French Quarters

Stroll through charming streets with vibrant colonial architecture and relax at a local bakery.
Easily reachable on foot from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy a wonderful dining experience with a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Just a few minutes walk from the French Quarters.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Heritage Exploration

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Gnanam

Start your day with tasty South Indian breakfast items.
Travel from Puducherry to Thanjavur (approximately 5 hours by car).
INR 750, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an architectural masterpiece.
Located nearby the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Discover the historical architecture and museums showcasing the royal legacy.
A short cab ride from the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Tamilnadu

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals in a family-friendly environment.
Located not far from the palace.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library

Explore rare manuscripts and books in this ancient library.
Close to the lunch location.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Planetarium

Enjoy a fun and informative session that engages kids with astronomy.
Easily reachable by cab.
INR 200, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Savor delicious meals in a warm ambiance.
20 minutes drive from the planetarium.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Temple Town

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Heritage

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast.
Travel from Thanjavur to Madurai (approximately 2.5 hours by car).
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Experience the beauty and grandeur of this iconic temple.
Near the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the mix of Islamic and Indian architecture.
A quick cab ride from the temple.
INR 100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Azhagar Kovil Restaurant

Sample local dishes in a family-friendly setting.
Around a 20-minute drive from the palace.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Koodal Azhagar Temple

A lesser-known temple where you can enjoy some peace and quiet.
Another short cab ride.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kumar Mess

Enjoy delicious South Indian meals with your family.
Located within the city.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature Retreat

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Kodai International

Enjoy a cozy breakfast while planning your day.
Travel from Madurai to Kodaikanal (approximately 3 hours by car).
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy boating in the serene lake surrounded by nature.
Short cab ride to the lake from your hotel.
INR 400, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Coaker's Walk

Pack a picnic and soak in stunning views.
Walk to Coaker's Walk from the lake.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Bryant Park

Explore beautiful gardens and flowers that will fascinate the kids.
Short walk from Coaker's Walk.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Pillar Rocks

Experience breathtaking views of the rock formations.
Taxi ride to Pillar Rocks from the park.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Astoria Veg Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful vegetarian meal with a cool mountain vibe.
Easily accessible via cab.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Hub

Coimbatore, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sree Murugan

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast featuring traditional dishes.
Travel from Kodaikanal to Coimbatore (approximately 4 hours by car).
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marudamalai Temple

Explore the famous hill temple wrapped in scenic beauty.
About 30 minutes from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Voc Park

Enjoy the park's attractions, especially the small zoo, which kids will love.
A short drive from the temple.
INR 150, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Banana Leaf

Relish the authentic South Indian thali experience.
Located close to the park.
INR 900, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Siruvani Waterfalls

Enjoy the picturesque landscape and refreshing atmosphere.
Head to the waterfalls via cab.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Coimbatore and relax

Back to city to unwind after a full day.
Return to city (around 1 hour).
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad

End the day with another round of delicious regional specialties.
Located conveniently in Coimbatore.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a classic South Indian breakfast before heading back.
Travel back to Chennai (around 6 hours).
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Chennai

Set off back to Chennai, cherishing your memories.
Make the trip back to the capital city.
Free, 6 hours

3:30PM

Lunch stop en route at A2B Restaurant

Enjoy a quick meal at one of the popular chain restaurants along the highway.
Located conveniently on the route.
INR 800, 1 hour

4:30PM

Final Arrangements in Chennai

Arrive in Chennai for last-minute shopping or to relax before departure.
End your trip at the starting point.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Olive Bar & Kitchen

Celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner.
Located conveniently in Chennai.
INR 1500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability