7-Day Family Foodie Road Trip Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its dosas and idlis.
Head to the restaurant located in T. Nagar, a central area of Chennai.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Marina Beach Visit

Stroll along the iconic Marina Beach and let the kids enjoy playing in the sand and waves.
From Saravana Bhavan, it's a 20-minute drive to Marina Beach.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Savor authentic Chettinad cuisine with some flavorful chicken curry and rice.
Located near Marina Beach, about a 15-minute drive.
INR600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Spend time exploring this beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing traditional Dravidian architecture.
Just a 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:15PM

Travel to Kanchipuram

Hit the road for Kanchipuram, known for its temples and silk sarees.
Drive approximately 2 hours to Kanchipuram.
N/A, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Relax at your chosen hotel in Kanchipuram to refresh after your journey.
Various hotel options available in Kanchipuram.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan (Kanchipuram)

Enjoy a wholesome dinner at your hotel or nearby Saravana Bhavan to end the day on a delicious note.
Close to your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Temple Hopping in Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a simple yet satisfying breakfast at your hotel.
Dine at the hotel restaurant.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple

Visit the famous Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.
Short drive of about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Ekambareswarar Temple

Explore this sprawling temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its massive gopuram.
Just a 10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Mango Hill

Enjoy a delightful South Indian lunch with a view at Mango Hill where traditional flavors abound.
About 20 minutes from the temple.
INR700, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Varadaraja Perumal Temple (Lizard Temple)

Visit this important Vaishnavite temple, famous for its lizard-shaped idol and mythological significance.
A quick 10-minute ride.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham

Learn about the history and teachings of the revered sage, Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal.
Another short drive of about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:15PM

Silk Saree Shopping

Dive into the local culture by exploring the beautiful Kanchipuram silk sarees and indulging in shopping.
Various shops available within walking distance.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sri Saravana Bhavan

Replenish yourself with a hearty dinner featuring their popular south Indian thali.
Back to your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Chidambaram's Divine Treasures

Chidambaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel before hitting the road.
Hotel restaurant.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Chidambaram

Begin your journey to Chidambaram, famous for its Nataraja Temple.
Drive for approximately 2.5 hours.
N/A, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ananda Bhavan

Indulge in delicious vegetarian meals at Ananda Bhavan, well-loved by locals.
Located close to the temple.
INR600, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Nataraja Temple Visit

Marvel at the intricately carved sculptures of this famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
A short ride after lunch.
Free, 1 hour

2:45PM

Visit Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Head to Pichavaram for boating in India's second-largest mangrove forest, discovering its scenic beauty.
A 15 km ride from Chidambaram, approximately 30 minutes.
INR1500, 3 hours

6:00PM

Return to Chidambaram

Return to Chidambaram town for some evening relaxation.
Backtrack the 15 km.
N/A, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Ramasamy's Hotel

Cap off the day with a seafood dinner at Ramasamy's, featuring local delicacies.
Located in the heart of Chidambaram.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Hub of Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your accommodation prior to the trip to Madurai.
Lodge restaurant.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Madurai

Take a scenic drive to Madurai, a city steeped in history and culture.
Approximately a 2.5-hour drive.
N/A, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Aaiyaa Restaurant

Dive into local flavors with a traditional South Indian meal.
Situated close to Meenakshi Temple.
INR600, 1 hour

1:00PM

Meenakshi Temple Visit

Explore the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Temple, known for its stunning gopurams and vibrant carvings.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Gandhi Museum Visit

Learn about Indian history and Mahatma Gandhi in this fascinating museum.
15-minute drive from the temple.
INR10, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Check into your hotel and freshen up for the evening.
Various options available.
Varies, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

End your day with delicious idlis and chutneys at the popular Murugan Idli Shop.
15-minute drive from the hotel.
INR500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Spiritual Journey to Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Delight in your morning meal before hitting the road to Rameshwaram.
Hotel restaurant.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Rameshwaram

Make your way to Rameshwaram, a renowned pilgrimage site.
Around a 3-hour drive.
N/A, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Ashoka

Relish a refreshing lunch at Hotel Ashoka, serving a variety of local dishes.
Located conveniently in Rameshwaram.
INR600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ramanathaswamy Temple Visit

Explore the grand Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its long corridors and spiritual ambiance.
A short drive from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Agni Theertham Visit

Take a dip in the holy waters at Agni Theertham, a spiritually rejuvenating experience.
Walking distance from the temple.
Free, 30 minutes

5:15PM

Visit Villoondi Theertham

Discover the significance of this sacred place where water emerges from the earth.
15-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Museum

Get inspired at the memorial dedicated to former President APJ Abdul Kalam.
Close to the Villoondi Theertham.
INR10, 1 hour

7:45PM

Dinner at Seashore Restaurant

End the day with fresh seafood on Rameshwaram beach, enjoying a relaxed meal.
Short ride to the restaurant.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Peaceful Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel with breakfast at your hotel prior to your Tiruvannamalai visit.
In-house dining.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Journey to Tiruvannamalai

Head to Tiruvannamalai, home to the sacred Arunachala Hill.
Around a 2-hour drive.
N/A, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Explore one of the largest temples in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Brief drive from highway.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ramana's Kitchen

Dine on delicious vegetarian fare at Ramana's Kitchen, known for using organic ingredients.
Close by the temple.
INR500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Ramana Maharshi Ashram Visit

Visit the ashram where Ramana Maharshi taught spirituality and philosophy.
Short drive away.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Giri Pradakshina

If time permits, experience the peaceful 14 km circumambulation of Arunachala Hill.
Accessible by foot.
Free, Variable (2+ hours)

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Savor a peaceful dinner at your chosen accommodation reflecting on the day's journey.
Available at your hotel.
Varies, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Serene Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a revitalizing breakfast within your hotel before heading to Kanyakumari.
At your accommodation.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kanyakumari

Embark on the drive towards Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.
About a 3-hour journey.
N/A, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Triveni

Feast on delectable local cuisine at Triveni, which boasts views of the sea.
Near the beach area.
INR600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ammavari Temple

Explore this sacred temple located close to the sea and check for boating timings for the rock memorial.
Walking distance from the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to visit the iconic Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a peaceful site of reflection.
Boating station nearby.
INR150, 2 hours

5:30PM

Thiruvalluvar Statue

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue, an impressive 133-feet statue located on a small island.
Part of the same boat ride.
Included in boat fare, 1 hour

6:45PM

Watch Sunset at Kanyakumari Beach

Find a perfect spot to enjoy the breathtaking sunset view over the Arabian Sea.
Stroll back to the beach area.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea View

End your exciting journey with a seafood dinner at Hotel Sea View, known for its fresh catches and beachside location.
Near Kanyakumari beach.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability