7-Day South India Temple Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic idlis and dosas.
Bring a local map or use GPS to navigate to Saravana Bhavan in the city center.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the stunning Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a splendid example of Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures.
From Saravana Bhavan, take a short drive (15 minutes) to Mylapore.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Mylapore Bazaar

Wander through the bustling Mylapore Bazaar, where you can shop for traditional goods and local snacks.
Walk back from the temple (about 5 minutes).
INR 200, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Buhari

Savor a flavorful biryani or south Indian thali at Hotel Buhari, famous for its biryani.
Drive 10 minutes from Mylapore Bazaar.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore Fort St. George, the first fort built by the British in India, which houses the St. Mary’s Church and the Museum.
Drive 30 minutes from the restaurant.
INR 150, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Marina Beach

Unwind at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in India, ideal for a scenic stroll.
Drive 15 minutes from Fort St. George.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sea View Cafe

Enjoy a quaint dinner overlooking the Bay of Bengal and relish fresh seafood dishes.
Walk to the cafe located near Marina Beach.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Temple Town Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start with a buffet breakfast at your hotel in Chennai before heading to Kanchipuram.
Enjoy the hotel convenience.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kanchipuram

Drive to Kanchipuram, also known as the City of Thousand Temples.
The drive will take about 2 hours (70 km).
Gas cost approximately INR 300, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Marvel at the majestic Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the largest in Kanchipuram, famous for its towering entry gate.
Directly drive from the main entrance.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a traditional Tamil lunch at Saravana Bhavan, known for its vegetarian specialties.
Drive for 10 minutes to reach the restaurant.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Explore the ancient Kailasanathar Temple, noted for its intricate carvings and unique architecture.
A short drive of 10 minutes from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple, which offers a significant spiritual experience and stunning architecture.
Just 15 minutes drive from Kailasanathar.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamilnadu

Enjoy dinner at Hotel Tamilnadu, where you can find local delicacies and comfortable dining.
Drive 10 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Coastal Marvel Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at your hotel in Kanchipuram before departing for Mahabalipuram.
Have a relaxing breakfast at your hotel.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Drive along the scenic route to Mahabalipuram, famous for its rock-cut temples.
The journey lasts about 1 hour (60 km).
Gas cost approximately INR 250, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Discover the Shore Temple, an iconic structure overlooking the sea, known for its stunning architecture.
Drive directly to the temple.
INR 40, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Witness Arjuna's Penance, a magnificent rock carving that narrates scenes from the Mahabharata.
A quick drive of 5 minutes from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Dream Cafe

Enjoy a laid-back lunch with delicious continental and Indian options at The Dream Cafe.
A 10-minute drive from Arjuna's Penance.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Explore the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples that impress with their unique designs.
Just 5 minutes drive from The Dream Cafe.
INR 40, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoy the soothing waves.
Head back to the beach area, about 10 minutes drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

End your day with a seafood dinner at Moonrakers, renowned for its fresh catch and coastal ambiance.
Drive 10 minutes from the beach.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Heart Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Savor a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Mahabalipuram before hitting the road to Thanjavur.
Take your time and enjoy the meal.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Drive to the historical city of Thanjavur, famed for its temples and rich culture.
Expect a drive of about 2 hours (140 km).
Gas cost approximately INR 300, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Visit the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning architecture.
Follow signs to the temple from the city center.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Black Pearl

Enjoy lunch at The Black Pearl, offering both local and international cuisine.
Drive 10 minutes from the temple.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Explore Thanjavur Maratha Palace, showcasing art and artifacts from the Maratha Empire.
Just a quick drive of 5 minutes from the restaurant.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library

Discover ancient manuscripts and rare texts at the Saraswathi Mahal Library.
Only 5 minutes from the palace.
INR 100, 1 hour

5:15PM

Relax and Tea at a Local Cafe

Enjoy a quiet moment with tea at a local café to soak in the atmosphere.
Find a nearby café, about 5 minutes drive.
INR 200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Vasantha Bhavan

End the day with a delightful meal at Vasantha Bhavan, known for its vegetarian delicacies and hospitality.
Drive to the restaurant in Thanjavur, approximately 10 minutes.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Heritage of Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Thanjavur, preparing for the journey to Madurai.
Relax and fuel up for the day.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Madurai

Drive to Madurai, known as the City of Temples.
Expect a 3-hour drive to cover approximately 140 km.
Gas cost approximately INR 300, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Relish a delightful lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, famous for its fluffy idlis and chutney.
Drive about 15 minutes from the highway entrance.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, revered for its exquisite carvings and spiritual significance.
The temple is just 10 minutes away by car.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Stroll the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace to admire its Indo-Saracenic architecture and lush gardens.
A short drive of 10 minutes from the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at a Local Cafe

Enjoy the local vibe at a cafe before dinner.
Find a nearby café; about 5 minutes away.
INR 200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Varsity

End your day at The Varsity, which boasts a diverse menu with local and international dishes.
Drive 15 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Divine Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Madurai, relishing local flavors.
Allow time for a fulfilling meal.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Rameswaram

Drive towards Rameswaram, an important pilgrimage site known for its temples and beautiful beaches.
Expect a 3-hour drive (170 km).
Gas cost approximately INR 350, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Sea View Restaurant

Dine at The Sea View Restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood with magnificent views of the ocean.
Drive about 15 minutes from the main entrance.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its long corridors and exquisite architecture.
The temple is just 10 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:15PM

Relax at Dhanushkodi Beach

Take a serene break at Dhanushkodi Beach, a beautiful yet eerie place known for its stunning views.
A scenic drive of 30 minutes to reach the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:45PM

Return to the Town

Head back towards Rameswaram town.
Drive back 30 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Vegetarian Restaurant

End your day with a comforting meal at a local vegetarian restaurant, experiencing regional flavors.
Choose one near the temple; about 10 minutes from Dhanushkodi.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Sunny Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy your final South Indian breakfast at your hotel in Rameswaram.
Take your time to savor the meal.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kanyakumari

Drive to Kanyakumari, known for its stunning confluence of oceans.
The journey takes about 3 hours (190 km).
Gas cost approximately INR 400, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Triveni Restaurant

Relish lunch at Triveni Restaurant, offering exquisite local dishes with a view of the sea.
Drive approximately 15 minutes from the main square.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Explore the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a symbol of peace and spirituality, accessible by ferry.
Ferry service is just a short walk from the restaurant.
INR 150, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Visit Kanyakumari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari, where you can attend the evening aarti.
Walk to the temple from the ferry terminal (about 15 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Relax at Kanyakumari Beach

Unwind at Kanyakumari Beach and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunset over the ocean.
A brief walk from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea View

Conclude your beautiful journey with dinner at Hotel Sea View, where you can enjoy scrumptious seafood and a lovely view.
Drive 10 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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