Epic South India Adventure: A 6-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip

Day 1: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Kickstart your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast featuring dosas and idlis at the iconic Saravana Bhavan.
Head to Saravana Bhavan, located centrally in Chennai.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Government Museum

Immerse yourself in Tamil Nadu's culture and history at the Government Museum, renowned for its impressive bronze and stone sculptures.
A 20-minute ride from breakfast.
INR 150, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Marina

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at The Marina, located on the beachfront, with stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
A 25-minute ride to the coast.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at the stunning architecture and vibrant sculptures of the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore.
A 10-minute ride from lunch.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Marina Beach

Unwind on the sands of Marina Beach, watching the sunset while enjoying local snacks from street vendors.
A 15-minute ride to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ponnusamy

Savour authentic Chettinad cuisine at Ponnusamy, famous for its spicy chicken curry.
A 20-minute ride from the beach.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 2: Beach and Heritage

Mahabalipuram, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Enjoy a picturesque breakfast overlooking the sea at Hotel Sea Breeze, with fresh fruits and traditional South Indian fare.
Drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram takes about 1 hour.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Shore Temple

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Shore Temple, with its remarkable carvings and coastal views.
A short 10-minute ride from breakfast.
INR 250, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the intricate rock carvings at Arjuna's Penance, one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world.
A 5-minute ride from the Shore Temple.
INR 100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Mamalla Bhavan

Relish traditional South Indian thali at Mamalla Bhavan, offering a truly authentic experience.
A 10-minute ride away.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Beach Activities

Spend your afternoon engaging in fun beach activities like parasailing and jet skiing at Mahabalipuram beach.
A short stroll from lunch.
INR 1000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Village

Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at The Village, offering a unique dining experience in a traditional setting.
A 10-minute ride from the beach.
INR 900, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Le Cafe

Start early with a delightful breakfast at Le Cafe, known for its excellent coffee and pastries on the promenade.
Drive from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry takes about 2 hours.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Auroville

Experience the spiritual community of Auroville and explore the Matrimandir meditation centre.
A 30-minute drive from breakfast.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Appachi Chettinad

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Appachi Chettinad, featuring a variety of Chettinad dishes.
Head back 30 minutes to Pondicherry.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the French Quarter

Stroll through the charming streets of the French Quarter, admiring the colonial architecture and boutiques.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Chunnambar Boat Ride

Enjoy a serene boat ride through the backwaters at Chunnambar, offering glimpses of lush landscapes.
A 15-minute drive from the French Quarter.
INR 500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Disheesh

Dine at Disheesh, famous for its fantastic views over the ocean and delicious cuisine.
A 20-minute ride from the boat dock.
INR 900, 1 hour
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Day 4: Heritage Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at the hotel before heading to Thanjavur.
Travel from Pondicherry to Thanjavur by train, which takes about 2.5 hours.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Admire the towering architecture of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A short 15-minute ride from the train station.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thanjavur Royal Palace

Discover the rich history of the Maratha kings at the Thanjavur Royal Palace, filled with art and unique artifacts.
Just a 10-minute walk from the temple.
INR 250, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kalyan Restaurant

Savour local Thanjavur cuisine at Kalyan Restaurant, known for its friendly service and delicious biryanis.
A 5-minute ride away.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tanjore Maratha Palace and Art Gallery

Explore the art gallery showcasing paintings and sculptures that reflect Thanjavur's artistic heritage.
A 15-minute walk from lunch.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sangam

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner featuring both local and multi-cuisine options at Hotel Sangam.
A 10-minute ride from the gallery.
INR 800, 1 hour
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Day 5: Madurai Marvels

Madurai, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast at the hotel before your journey to Madurai.
Travel by train from Thanjavur to Madurai, approximately 2 hours.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant sculptures of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a global pilgrimage site.
A short 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the station.
INR 250, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Home Mess

Delight in authentic homemade-style meals at Home Mess, a local favourite renowned for its warm atmosphere.
A 10-minute walk from the temple.
INR 500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Visit the historic Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture and grand courtyards.
A 15-minute ride from lunch.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi and his influence on India's history at the Gandhi Museum.
A 10-minute ride from the palace.
INR 100, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Bengali Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful Bengali dinner at The Bengali Restaurant, famous for its fish curry.
A 20-minute ride from the museum.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 6: Final Destination Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Madurai before heading to Kanyakumari.
Drive from Madurai to Kanyakumari, approximately 3 hours.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial, set on a small island off Kanyakumari, for breathtaking views of the ocean.
Ferry ride from the beach.
INR 200, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Triveni Restaurant

Savour a delightful lunch at Triveni Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
Return ferry ride to the mainland.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Kanyakumari Beach

Spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful Kanyakumari Beach, famous for its three seas meeting.
A short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

Conclude your trip with a visit to the monumental Thiruvalluvar Statue, a testament to Tamil literature.
A 15-minute walk from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The New Anandha Restaurant

End your adventure with a delightful dinner at The New Ananda Restaurant, famous for its local cuisine and warm ambience.
A 10-minute ride from the statue.
INR 800, 1 hour
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