5-Day Southern India Adventure: Chennai to Kanchi

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
View Hotel Availability

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
View Hotel Availability

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
View Hotel Availability

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
View Hotel Availability

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
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