7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Temples of Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Kick off your Tamil Nadu adventure with a delightful South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its dosas and idlis.
Located conveniently in the city center.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant sculptures at Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a must-visit for its cultural significance.
Drive 15 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Government Museum

Discover rich Indian history and art, from ancient sculptures to art collections in this impressive museum.
Drive 20 minutes to the museum.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Marina

Enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch at The Marina, where delicious local delicacies await.
Drive 15 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Santhome Cathedral

Admire the beautiful architecture of Santhome Cathedral, believed to hold the remains of St. Thomas, the apostle.
Drive 20 minutes from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Marina Beach

Let the kids play and join in the fun at Marina Beach, a long sandy stretch perfect for relaxing.
Drive 15 minutes to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

End your day with an authentic Chettinad dinner at Anjappar, boasting a rich variety of spicy dishes.
Drive 20 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Kanchipuram Temples

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Poonam

Fuel up for a day of exploration with a hearty breakfast at Hotel Poonam, known for its variety.
Drive 2 hours to Kanchipuram.
INR 600, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is famous for its exquisite carvings and serene atmosphere.
Drive 10 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Ekambareswarar Temple

Marvel at the massive temple complex and the 1,000-pillar hall in one of the largest and oldest temples in Kanchipuram.
Drive 15 minutes to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at Hotel Saravana Bhavan known for its authentic South Indian cuisine.
Drive 10 minutes from the temple.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kanchi Kudil

Experience the traditional lifestyle of Kanchipuram through this living museum displaying crafts and culture.
Drive 10 minutes from lunch.
INR 100, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Silk Weaving Industry

Take the family to witness the intricate process of silk weaving, a local specialty, and enjoy shopping for souvenirs.
Drive 10 minutes to the weaving workshops.
Free to enter; costs vary for purchases., 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Visit the Devarajaswami Temple

Visit this temple known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant rituals, perfect for experiencing the local culture.
Drive 15 minutes from the weaving workshops.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Udupi Sri Krishna Restaurant

Enjoy an authentic South Indian dinner at Udupi Sri Krishna, well-known for its thali meal.
Drive 15 minutes to dinner.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Heritage of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ocean Spray

Rich in flavors, the breakfast at Ocean Spray features a mix of traditional and continental dishes.
Drive 1 hour from Kanchipuram.
INR 1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Start the day with a tour of the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the coast, bringing rich history to life.
Drive 15 minutes from the restaurant.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Walk through this grand rock relief featuring elephants and various other carvings, it's a perfect spot for family photos.
Drive 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sea View Restaurant

Enjoy delicious seafood with sea views at Sea View Restaurant, lovely for a family meal.
Drive 5 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 1300, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Mahabalipuram Sculptures

Explore the ancient stone carvings of Mahabalipuram, showcasing the region's craftsmanship.
Walk around the site.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend a peaceful afternoon on the sandy beach, perfect for the kids to play while you relax.
Walk to the adjacent beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Village

Experience a traditional Tamil meal at The Village, offering a variety of local favorites.
Drive 10 minutes from the beach.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Day in Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Gnanam

Begin the day with a sumptuous breakfast at Hotel Gnanam, where traditional Tamil dishes take center stage.
Drive 4 hours to Thanjavur from Mahabalipuram.
INR 800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Admire the grandeur of Brihadeeswarar Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of architectural brilliance.
Drive 15 minutes from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kumbakonam Degree Coffee

Relish a typical Tamil lunch with aromatic Kumbakonam coffee, a must-try in this region.
Drive 30 minutes to lunch.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Thanjavur Royal Palace

Take a leisurely tour of the Thanjavur Royal Palace, showcasing artifacts and paintings from the Maratha dynasty.
Drive 15 minutes from lunch.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library

Explore one of the oldest libraries in Asia, rich with manuscripts and knowledge of the past.
Drive 5 minutes.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sree Thyagaraja Restaurant

Enjoy an authentic meal at Sree Thyagaraja, highlighting delicious vegetarian choices.
Drive 10 minutes.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historic Sites in Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Heritage Hotel

Start your Madurai visit with a hearty breakfast serving local favorites at The Heritage Hotel.
Drive 2 hours to Madurai.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the colorful sculptures and massive gopurams (towers) of the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Drive 10 minutes from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

Discover the beautiful architecture and history of Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, a palace built in the 17th century.
Drive 15 minutes.
INR 100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Indulge in a tasty vegetarian lunch known for its authentic Tamil dishes at Sree Sabarees.
Drive 15 minutes to lunch.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi's life and contribution at this museum with its insightful exhibits.
Drive 10 minutes from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through the City Market

Take some time for shopping and enjoy the local flavors at the bustling Madurai market, perfect for souvenirs.
Drive 5 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Conclude the day with a family dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu, known for its extensive menu and vibrant ambiance.
Drive 10 minutes from the market.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Spiritual Journey to Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Savor a nutritious breakfast at the hotel before starting the drive to Rameswaram.
Drive 3 hours to Rameswaram.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Visit the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its 22 Tirthas (water bodies) and long corridors.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Dhanushkodi Beach

Take the family for a fun-filled visit to the ghost town of Dhanushkodi, where you can enjoy scenic views of both the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Drive 30 minutes to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shree Kashi Vishwanath Restaurant

Relish North Indian dishes and some local specialties at this popular family-friendly restaurant.
Drive 30 minutes back towards Rameswaram.
INR 900, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Floating Stone

Explore the intriguing Floating Stone, used in the construction of the Ram Setu, and learn its significance.
Drive 15 minutes from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Rameswaram Beach

Spend some time relaxing at the peaceful Rameswaram Beach where the kids can play while you bask in the sun.
Drive 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ameen Apartment Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner while overlooking the ocean at Ameen Apartment Restaurant.
Drive 10 minutes back to your hotel.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Destination: Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before heading towards Kanyakumari.
Drive 4 hours to Kanyakumari.
INR 600, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a serene spot for reflection and offering stunning ocean views.
Short ferry ride from the shore.
INR 300 per person, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Triveni Restaurant

Lunch at Triveni Restaurant offers a variety of Indian cuisines in a cozy setting.
Walk back to shore and drive 15 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Visit the Kanyakumari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari, for a spiritual experience.
Drive 5 minutes from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore the Cape Comorin

Witness the beautiful merging of three seas at Cape Comorin, perfect for family photo ops.
Drive 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Sunset at Kanyakumari

End your trip by enjoying the breathtaking sunset at Kanyakumari, a magical experience you will cherish.
Walk to the designated sunset viewpoint.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea View

Conclude your Tamil Nadu journey with dinner at Hotel Sea View, enjoying coastal flavors.
Drive 5 minutes from the sunset spot.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability