Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary for Chidambaram, India

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Chidambaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, a favourite among locals and visitors alike, boasting delicious dosas and idlis.
Located in the town centre, it's easily accessible by car.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Explore the magnificent Nataraja Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about its rich history and stunning architecture.
It's a short 5-minute drive from the restaurant to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Anbanathar Hotel

Dig into a delightful thali at Anbanathar Hotel, where you can experience authentic Tamil cuisine.
Just a 10-minute drive from the temple.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Chidambaram Palace

Take a leisurely stroll around Chidambaram Palace and its gardens, appreciating the imperial architecture and scenic landscapes.
It's a quick 5-minute drive from Anbanathar Hotel.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Vedhanta Desikar Shrine

Next, visit the Vedhanta Desikar Shrine to discover the religious significance and participate in local rituals.
A 10-minute drive back towards the temple area.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening at Jalakandeswarar Temple

Conclude the day with a visit to Jalakandeswarar Temple, known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
A brief 5-minute drive from the shrine.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Kannan's Mess

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at Kannan's Mess, famous for its seafood and vegetarian dishes, perfect for winding down after a busy day.
Located 10 minutes away from Jalakandeswarar Temple.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature Adventure

Chidambaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bamboo Hut

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at The Bamboo Hut, offering a variety of pancakes and smoothies that are sure to please the kids.
A short 15-minute drive from your accommodation.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Trip to Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Set out for a thrilling boat ride through the stunning Pichavaram Mangrove Forest and enjoy the beauty of nature.
It's about a 30-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 1500 (boat ride), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch Picnic in the Mangroves

Have a packed picnic lunch amidst the lush greenery of the mangroves, soaking in the serene environment.
n/a (bring along packed lunch from The Bamboo Hut).
INR 400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Nature Walk in the Forest

After lunch, take a relaxing nature walk through the forest trails to admire local flora and fauna.
Continue in the same area; no additional drive required.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Thillai Kali Amman Temple

Head back to Chidambaram and visit the Thillai Kali Amman Temple, which is steeped in spirituality and history.
A 30-minute drive back to the city.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Local Market Exploration

Stroll through the local markets in Chidambaram, where you can shop for handicrafts and local snacks.
A brief 15-minute drive or 10 minutes walk from the temple.
Free to browse, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel ACM

Wrap up your road trip with a delightful dinner at Hotel ACM, known for its hearty meals and family-friendly atmosphere.
A quick 10-minute drive from the market.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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