7-Day Tamil Nadu Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with fluffy idlis and steaming sambar at this popular local chain.
Located in various parts of Chennai, pick the one nearest to your accommodation.
INR250, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historic fort that marks the establishment of Chennai as a trading post.
Drive about 15 minutes to get to Fort St. George.
INR50, 1.5 Hours

11:30AM

Stroll in Marina Beach

Enjoy a relaxing walk along Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world.
It's a 10-minute drive from the fort to Marina Beach.
Free, 1.5 Hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Vanakkam Chennai

Taste an authentic South Indian meal of rice and various curries in a traditional setting.
Drive about 20 minutes from Marina Beach.
INR500, 1 Hour

3:00PM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, adorned with colorful sculptures.
A quick drive of about 10 minutes from lunch.
Free, 1 Hour

5:00PM

Explore the National Art Gallery

Delve into beautiful collections of Indian art and paintings at this charming gallery.
Drive 15 minutes to reach the gallery.
INR20, 1.5 Hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Relish traditional Chettinad cuisine with spicy curries and biryanis.
It's a 20-minute drive from the art gallery.
INR800, 1.5 Hours
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Day 2: Historical Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Shore

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the ocean to kickstart your journey towards Mahabalipuram.
Drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, approximately 1 hour.
INR400, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Visit the Shore Temple

Admire one of the earliest examples of Dravidian architecture set right by the sea.
It's a short walk from the hotel.
INR150, 1 Hour

11:00AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Discover the world's largest bas-relief, depicting the penance of Arjuna from the Mahabharata.
5-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 Hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fisherman's Wharf

Savor Goan-inspired delicacies while enjoying the coastal charm.
10-minute drive from Arjuna's Penance.
INR700, 1 Hour

3:00PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Admire the rock-cut temples that resemble chariots, showcasing architectural brilliance.
Just a 10-minute drive from lunch.
INR100, 1.5 Hours

5:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend some leisure time unwinding by the sandy shores of Mahabalipuram Beach.
Drive back approximately 10 minutes to the beach.
Free, 1.5 Hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Mahabs

Enjoy some delicious local seafood while reflecting on a day of exploration.
A 5-minute drive from the beach.
INR600, 1.5 Hours
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Day 3: Cultural Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Indulge in wonderful pastries and French-style breakfast to begin your day.
Drive approximately 1 hour from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry.
INR350, 1 Hour

10:00AM

Explore Auroville

Discover the international community and the famous Matrimandir in the heart of Auroville.
Drive around 30 minutes to reach Auroville.
Free, 1.5 Hours

12:00PM

Return to Pondicherry for Lunch at Le Café

Delight in a scenic lunch overlooking the ocean with a selection of French dishes.
Drive back approximately 30 minutes to Pondicherry town.
INR700, 1 Hour

2:00PM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Engage in some quiet reflection at this serene ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo.
A short drive away or you can walk if you're close to the beach.
Free, 1 Hour

4:00PM

Wander through the French Quarter

Stroll through charming streets lined with colonial architecture and vibrant cafés.
Easily accessible by foot from the ashram.
Free, 1.5 Hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy an exquisite blend of Tamil and French cuisines in a beautiful ambiance.
A leisurely 10-minute walk from the French Quarter.
INR900, 1.5 Hours
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Day 4: Historical Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Anandha Bhavan

Savor delicious South Indian breakfast options to fuel your journey to Thanjavur.
Drive approximately 3.5 hours from Pondicherry to Thanjavur.
INR350, 1 Hour

12:00PM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its impressive architecture and history.
Located in the heart of Thanjavur, just a short drive away.
INR50, 1.5 Hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals served in a banana leaf, an unmissable experience.
A quick drive from the temple.
INR500, 1 Hour

4:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Discover the rich history of the Maratha dynasty at this royal residence.
Located just a short distance from the restaurant.
INR30, 1 Hour

6:00PM

Explore local art at Thanjavur Art Gallery

Don’t miss the intricate bronze sculptures and art traditional to Thanjavur.
About 10 minutes away from the palace.
INR25, 1 Hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Indulge in delicious South Indian dishes with a cozy atmosphere.
A short drive back to the main area.
INR700, 1.5 Hours
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Day 5: Cultural Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sree Sabarees

Dig into a South Indian breakfast of idlis and dosas to energize your day.
Approx. 2 hours drive from Thanjavur to Madurai.
INR300, 1 Hour

10:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the exquisite temple known for its stunning architecture and vibrant sculptures.
A short drive to the temple area.
Free, 2 Hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Azhagar Kovil Restaurant

Taste fantastic local specialties in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Drive about 10 minutes from the temple.
INR400, 1 Hour

2:30PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Wander through this majestic palace that showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Roughly a 15-minute drive from lunch.
INR50, 1 Hour

4:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life and impact of Mahatma Gandhi at this enlightening museum.
A short drive of about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 Hour

6:30PM

Dinner at the Popular Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a culinary delight of vegetarian South Indian fare in a bustling setting.
Just 10 minutes away from the museum.
INR600, 1.5 Hours
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Day 6: Scenic Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sree Abirami

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast before heading to Kanyakumari.
Drive approximately 3.5 hours from Madurai.
INR300, 1 Hour

12:00PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to the iconic rock memorial and enjoy stunning coastal views.
A drive to the ferry point takes around 30 minutes.
INR150 (ferry), 1.5 Hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Ocean Restaurant

Overlook the ocean while feasting on local seafood and traditional Kanyakumari dishes.
A short drive from the ferry point.
INR700, 1.5 Hours

4:00PM

See Kanyakumari Temple

Visit the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari, embodying divine beauty.
Just a short drive away.
Free, 1 Hour

6:00PM

Relax at Kanyakumari Beach

Sit back and admire the sunset views at this picturesque beach.
The beach is near the temple, easily walkable.
Free, 1 Hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea View

Enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the ocean after a day filled with exploration.
Drive back about 10 minutes.
INR800, 1.5 Hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Religious Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Daniya Restaurant

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast in Kanyakumari before heading to Rameswaram.
Drive approximately 3 hours from Kanyakumari.
INR300, 1 Hour

12:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this sacred temple renowned for its architecture and significance in Hindu pilgrimage.
Locate temple easily, just off the main road.
Free, 2 Hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Sri Saravana

Taste authentic vegetarian cuisine in a popular and crowded spot.
Just a short walk from the temple.
INR500, 1 Hour

4:00PM

Visit the Pamban Bridge

Take a scenic drive on the famous bridge that connects Rameswaram to the mainland.
A wonderful 30-minute drive.
Free, 1 Hour

6:00PM

Relax at Rameswaram Beach

Unwind at this serene beach and take in the beautiful coastal views.
Located within driving distance from the Pamban Bridge.
Free, 1.5 Hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ambika Restaurant

End your journey with a delightful meal at this restaurant serving local fare.
15-minute drive from the beach.
INR600, 1.5 Hours
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