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5-Day Southern India Adventure: Chennai to Kanchi

Viewed by 81 travelers

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your culinary journey with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its delicious dosas and filter coffee.
Located near T Nagar, easily reached by car.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Immerse yourself in spirituality as you explore the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a classic example of Dravidian architecture.
A short 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll Marina Beach

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the famous Marina Beach, soaking in the sun and vibrant local life.
A 20-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Fisherman's Wharf

Relish coastal delicacies at The Fisherman's Wharf with fresh seafood and traditional Indian curries.
25-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Fort St. George

Delve into history at Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India with its fascinating museum.
20-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Government Museum

Uncover Tamil Nadu’s rich history with artifacts and ancient relics at the Government Museum.
Just a short 10-minute drive.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Evening Coffee at Café Coffee Day

Sipping coffee at this popular chain provides a relaxing end to your exploring, right in the heart of Chennai.
10-minute drive from the museum.
INR 150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Conclude your day with a fragrant biryani and mouthwatering local dishes at Ponnusamy Hotel.
15-minute drive from the café.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel to rest and prepare for an exciting day ahead.
15-minute drive from the dinner location.
Cost of transport included, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Beach and Temples

Mahabalipuram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a buffet-style breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a day of adventure.
Starting point of today’s journey.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Enjoy the scenic coastal drive to Mahabalipuram, known for its UNESCO world heritage sites.
Drive straight for about 1 hour.
Cost of transport included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Shore Temple

Marvel at the majestic Shore Temple, an architectural wonder overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
5-minute drive from the parking lot.
INR 50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Take a short drive to see the Pancha Rathas, monolithic temples carved from rock that showcase exquisite artistry.
15-minute drive from Shore Temple.
INR 50, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonraker Restaurant

Indulge in some authentic seafood at Moonraker, enjoying views of the beach.
5-minute drive away.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind on the sandy stretches of Mahabalipuram Beach, perfect for a siesta or a swim.
10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Arjuna’s Penance

Discover the grand relief sculpture of Arjuna’s Penance, depicting stories from the Mahabharata.
15-minute drive from the beach.
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Drive to Chidambaram

Head towards Chidambaram, taking in beautiful landscapes on your way to the temple town.
2-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
Cost of transport included, 2 hours

7:00PM

Check-in and Dinner at Hotel

Check into your hotel in Chidambaram and relish local cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant.
Near the temple complex.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Temple Hopping

Chidambaram & Thanjavur, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a flavorsome breakfast at your hotel before heading to the temples.
A convenient start.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Experience the enchanting Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its stunning architecture.
5 minutes drive from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Drive to Thanjavur

Travel to Thanjavur, famous for its grand temples and the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
1.5-hour drive from Chidambaram.
Cost of transport included, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting magnificent architecture and history.
Directly within Thanjavur.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Feast on delicious South Indian meals at Hotel Gnanam, especially their thali.
A short drive away.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Explore the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, with stunning architecture and a fascinating museum.
5-minute drive from the lunch spot.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Rameshwaram

Set off on a scenic drive towards Rameshwaram, a pivotal pilgrimage spot.
2-hour drive from Thanjavur.
Cost of transport included, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Hotel and Freshen Up

Arrive at Rameshwaram, check in, and relax before dinner.
Your hotel awaits.
Cost of accommodation included, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Savor the regional cuisine for dinner at one of Rameshwaram’s well-known eateries.
Close to the sea.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chidambaram & Thanjavur

Day 4: Sacred Temples

Rameshwaram & Madurai, India

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day early with a quick breakfast at the hotel, preparing for a day filled with spiritual stops.
In-house dining.
INR 500, 1 hour

7:00AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Experience the serene beauty of Ramanathaswamy Temple, famed for its 22 holy wells.
Short drive from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:30AM

Visit Adam’s Bridge

Head to Adam’s Bridge for breathtaking views of the sea and its historical significance.
30-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Madurai

Make your way to Madurai, known for its cultural heritage and a major temple town.
2.5-hour drive from Rameshwaram.
Cost of transport included, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Taste different variations of idli and sambar at this beloved local chain in Madurai.
Near the Meenakshi Temple.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple, an epitome of Dravidian architecture and a spiritual haven.
Just a short walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Admire the intricate architecture of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a regal palace steeped in history.
10-minute drive away.
INR 100, 1 hour

5:00PM

Drive to Srirangam

Travel to Srirangam, well known for its grand temple complex.
30-minute drive from Madurai.
Cost of transport included, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Visit Ranganathaswamy Temple

Delve into this expansive and sacred temple complex, rich in cultural heritage and spiritual significance.
Within Srirangam.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Check-in to Hotel and Dinner

Settle in your hotel and enjoy dinner featuring local fare.
Near the temple.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rameshwaram & Madurai

Day 5: Final Adventures

Tiruvannamalai & Kanchi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a day filled with exploration.
Start your day right.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Tiruvannamalai

Set off for Tiruvannamalai, home to one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
2-hour drive from Srirangam.
Cost of transport included, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Arunachaleshwarar Temple

Explore the prominent Arunachaleshwarar Temple, which is known for its grand architecture and spiritual ambience.
Located in Tiruvannamalai.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Climb Arunachala Hill

For a memorable experience, take a hike up Arunachala Hill, offering panoramic views and a sense of peace.
A walking distance from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ayyar's Restaurant

Recharge with a delicious meal at Ayyar's, famous for its vegetarian Tamil dishes.
Near the base of the hill.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Kanchi

Travel to Kanchi, revered for its temples and heritage.
1.5-hour drive from Tiruvannamalai.
Cost of transport included, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple

Marvel at the ancient Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, known for its stunning architecture.
Located in the heart of Kanchi.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Explore Ekambareswarar Temple

Discover the historical and spiritual significance of Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
A short walk from the Kailasanathar Temple.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Sarvana Bhavan

Conclude your journey with a delightful dinner at Sarvana Bhavan, relishing the flavors of South Indian cuisine.
Back to the starting point.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Chennai

Travel back to Chennai filled with memories from an incredible journey through Tamil Nadu.
2-hour drive back.
Cost of transport included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tiruvannamalai & Kanchi
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