Budget Family Adventure Itinerary: Pondicherry, Thanjavur & Madurai

Day 1: Arrival in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

10:00 AM

Check-in to Budget Hotel

Arrive and settle into a family-friendly budget hotel like Hotel Ocean Heritage.
Walking from the bus station, it's a short 10-minute stroll.
1200, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Auroville

Explore the unique township of Auroville and check out the Matrimandir.
Take a bus from Pondicherry to Auroville (20 minutes).
0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Auroville Cafe

Enjoy a healthy and affordable meal at the visitor’s center café.
Lunch is within walking distance inside Auroville.
500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Beach Time at Auroville Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores of Auroville Beach.
Head over to the beach by local auto-rickshaw.
100, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Pondicherry

Travel back to Pondicherry for evening activities.
Take an auto-rickshaw back (20 minutes).
100, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Explore Promenade Beach

Stroll along the vibrant Promenade Beach and enjoy the sunset.
Walk from the hotel to the beach (10 minutes).
0, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel De L'Orient

Relish a delightful dinner featuring local cuisine.
Walk back to the hotel for a delicious meal.
700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy freshly baked bread and pastries for breakfast.
Walking distance from the hotel (5 minutes).
400, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Aurobindo Ashram

Learn about the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and enjoy some tranquility.
Take a short walk to the ashram (10 minutes).
0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore French Quarter

Wander through the charming streets filled with colonial architecture.
Walking tour through the French Quarter (30 minutes).
0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Maison Perumal

Savors South Indian cuisine at this traditional hotel.
Easily walkable from the French Quarter (10 minutes).
600, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Pondicherry Museum

Explore local history and culture through artifacts at the museum.
A short walk from the restaurant (15 minutes).
50, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Rudra Bar

Relax at Rudra Bar for a quick beverage stop.
Walk back towards the Promenade Beach (15 minutes).
200, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Sunset at Paradise Beach

Catch a breathtaking sunset at the beautiful Paradise Beach.
Take a ferry from Chunnambar Boat House (30 minutes).
400, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at the Beach

Have a casual seafood dinner at a local shanty on the beach.
Ferry back to Chunnambar Boat House (30 minutes).
600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast in your hotel before check-out.
Walk down to the dining area.
300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Check-out and board a local bus to Thanjavur.
Bus stand is a short walk from the hotel (10 minutes).
200, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Thanjavur, check-in at a budget hotel like Hotel Tamil Nadu.
Hotel is a short auto-rickshaw ride from the bus station.
1200, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the massive architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
A short distance walking to the temple (15 minutes).
50, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Tiffin Center

Enjoy delicious South Indian meals at a nearby tiffin center.
Nearby, just a 5-minute walk.
300, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Explore the palace and its museum, filled with artifacts.
Walking distance from the lunch spot (15 minutes).
100, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Local Markets

Wander through Thanjavur’s bustling markets, known for Tanjore paintings.
Easily accessible by walking (15 minutes).
0, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Ananda Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali for dinner.
A short auto-rickshaw ride (10 minutes).
500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel.
Dining area is on-site.
300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Schwartz Church

Visit this historic church known for its architectural beauty.
A short auto-rickshaw ride from the hotel (15 minutes).
0, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace

Explore the intricacies of the former royal residence.
Walking distance from Schwartz Church (10 minutes).
50, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Visit Sangeetha Mahal

Check out the ancient auditorium known for music performances.
Again, a short walk (10 minutes).
0, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy a delightful meal at this local restaurant.
A short auto-rickshaw ride (10 minutes).
400, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Relax at Vellai Kanni Amman Temple

Visit this peaceful temple for some downtime.
Walking distance from the lunch spot (15 minutes).
0, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Coconut Grove Relaxation

Spend time relaxing under coconut palms; great for kids.
Nearby, just a 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride.
0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to the hotel for some rest.
Auto-rickshaw back (10 minutes).
100, 30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner by the Temple

Dine at a small eatery nearby serving local delights.
A short walk from the hotel (5 minutes).
400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Madurai

Madurai, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Sip on a warm cup of tea along with a delicious breakfast.
Dining area is on-site.
300, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Madurai

Check-out and take a local bus to Madurai.
Bus stand is a short auto ride (10 minutes).
200, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Madurai and check-in to a budget hotel like Hotel Supreme.
Walking distance from the bus station (10 minutes).
1200, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the intricate sculptures of the famous temple.
Just a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
0, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at a Nearby Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional South Indian thali lunch.
Walking distance from the temple (10 minutes).
600, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

A magnificent palace built in the 17th century.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride (15 minutes).
50, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Explore Local Markets

Visit bustling markets near the temple, perfect for souvenir shopping.
A walk back towards the hotel (15 minutes).
0, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Evening Gopuram Ceremony

Witness the evening rituals and ceremony at the temple.
Short walk from the hotel (15 minutes).
0, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Sri Vidyalaya Restaurant

Relish a scrumptious dinner in a family-friendly setting.
Walking distance from the temple (10 minutes).
600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore Madurai

Madurai, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
On-site dining area.
300, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi through various exhibits.
A short auto-rickshaw ride (15 minutes).
0, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Travel to Alagar Kovil

Visit this famous hill temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Auto-rickshaw ride takes about 30 minutes.
200, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Picnic Lunch at Alagar Kovil

Prepare a simple picnic lunch amidst the scenic surroundings.
Enjoy the natural beauty around the temple.
300, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Return to Madurai

Head back to Madurai to enjoy the rest of the day.
The auto-ride back will take about 30 minutes.
200, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Free Time in Madurai

Explore the city at your own pace or visit local shops.
Walking around the vicinity (flexible).
0, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Koodal Alagar Temple

Admire the architecture and peaceful ambiance of this temple.
A short walk or Auto ride (15 minutes).
0, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Evening snacks at a Local Stall

Experiment with local street food for a flavorful experience.
Nearby, just a 10-minute walk.
200, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Diner

Savor a family dinner at a local diner offering vegetarian fare.
Walk back to the hotel (10 minutes).
400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Departure

Madurai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out.
On-site dining area for breakfast.
300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Local Market

Last-minute shopping for souvenirs and snacks.
Walking distance to nearby markets (15 minutes).
0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Check-out and Travel to Departure Point

Check out of the hotel and head to your departure point.
Auto-rickshaw or local bus (30 minutes).
200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability