7-Day Family Friendly Adventure Trip to Pondicherry, Thanjavur, and Madurai

Day 1: Arrival in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

10:00 AM

Check into Hotel

Arrive in Pondicherry and check into a budget family-friendly hotel like La Marine.
Short distance from the railway station.
INR 3000, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Explore Promenade Beach

Take a leisurely walk along the Promenade Beach and let the kids enjoy the sandy shores.
Short walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Baker Street

Delight in some pastries and local French cuisine at Baker Street.
5-minute walk from the beach.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Auroville

Head to Auroville, a unique township, and learn about its philosophy as the kids participate in a workshop.
30 minutes by bus from Pondicherry.
INR 500 transport + INR 150 workshop, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Punjab Grill

Enjoy a delightful North Indian meal at Punjab Grill.
Return to the city center.
INR 1200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Culture and History

Pondicherry, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Start the day with a hearty French breakfast including croissants and coffee.
Close to the hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

A visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Immerse yourself in the calm environment of the ashram and engage in meditation.
10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore the French Quarters

Wander through the charming streets of the French Quarters, taking in the architecture.
Walking tour around the area.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Savor traditional South Indian dishes with a modern twist at Villa Shanti.
Short drive from the French Quarters.
INR 900, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the Botanical Gardens

Enjoy the diverse flora and allow the kids to play in the garden.
15-minute drive from lunch.
INR 20, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Surguru

Enjoy delicious South Indian fare, perfect for the family!
Short drive from the garden.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a simple breakfast before checking out.
At the hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Thanjavur

Board a train at Pondicherry Railway Station heading to Thanjavur.
5 minutes walk to station.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Check into Hotel in Thanjavur

Arrive in Thanjavur and check into a budget hotel like Hotel Satyam.
15-minute auto from station.
INR 2000, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Thanjavur's Hotel Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy authentic South Indian thalis which are a hit with families.
Short drive from the hotel.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site where the kids will appreciate the grand architecture.
10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Thanjavur Palace

Discover the history of the Maratha rulers and see the impressive art gallery.
Walk from the temple.
INR 100, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Kumbakonam Degree Coffee

Finish the day with a strong cup of their famous coffee and light snacks.
Return near the hotel.
INR 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventures in Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel to kick start the day.
At the hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Excursion to Tanjore Maratha Palace

Explore the Tanjore Maratha Palace that offers a beautiful view of the surroundings.
10-minute drive from hotel.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Thanjavur Art Gallery

Immerse in local culture through the extensive collection of Tanjore paintings.
Short walk from the palace.
INR 20, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy traditional South Indian meals for a family-friendly experience.
10-minute taxi from the gallery.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore the Grand Anicut

Take a trip to the Kaveri River and enjoy the scenic beauty of the anicut.
30-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Anandha Bhavan

Enjoy a casual and family-friendly dining experience to end the day.
Return to Thanjavur.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Journey to Madurai

Madurai, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Simple breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
At hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Madurai

Board the train to Madurai for an insightful travel experience.
5 minutes walk to station.
INR 150, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Check into Hotel in Madurai

Check into a budget family hotel, like Hotel Heritage.
Short drive from the railway station.
INR 2500, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Famous for their idlis, the kids will love it!
5-minute drive from hotel.
INR 500, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Experience the grandeur of this iconic temple with its colorful sculptures.
Short walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the beautiful architecture and history of this palace.
10-minute auto from the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Taj Restaurant

Enjoy an array of traditional dishes that appeal to the whole family.
Return near the hotel.
INR 1000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out.
At hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life of Gandhi and Mahatma's impact on India.
15 minutes auto from the hotel.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore the local market

Take a walk in the bustling markets and pick up souvenirs.
Short auto ride from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Flavorful South Indian vegetarian meals that the family will enjoy.
Walking distance from the market.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Kottarakkara Ganapathi Temple

Explore this beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
Short drive from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at The Dhaba

Finish the day at this family-friendly spot with delicious North Indian dishes.
Return to hotel area.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Madurai before heading back.
At hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train back to Pondicherry

Take a train from Madurai to Pondicherry, reminiscing about your adventure.
5 minutes to station.
INR 150, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Arrive in Pondicherry

Check into the same hotel to freshen up.
Short drive from railway station.
INR 2000, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Café de Flore

Enjoy a pleasant lunch with a touch of French flair.
Short walk from hotel.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relax at Serenity Beach

Spend the afternoon playing and relaxing on the serene beach.
20-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at The Lighthouse

Conclude the trip with a lovely farewell dinner at The Lighthouse Restaurant.
Back to Pondicherry.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability