5-Day South India Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, renowned for its dosa and idli.
Located in T. Nagar, easily accessible by car.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture.
Drive for 15 minutes from breakfast spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:15AM

St. Thomas Mount

Take in the panoramic views of Chennai from St. Thomas Mount, an important pilgrimage site.
A short 20-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Marina Beach

Enjoy a light meal at one of the beachside stalls at Marina Beach, famous for its fresh seafood.
Drive 30 minutes to Marina Beach.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Fort St. George

Visit the historical Fort St. George and learn about Chennai's colonial past.
A 15-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Enjoy some shopping at T. Nagar, known for its vibrant markets and silk sarees.
A quick 20-minute drive from the Fort.
Variable, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Crown Restaurant

Relax and indulge in a sumptuous dinner with a variety of South Indian delicacies.
Drive 30 minutes from T. Nagar.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Visit Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze, just a short distance from the beach.
Drive 1 hour to Mahabalipuram.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Shore Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shore Temple, and admire its stunning architecture.
Located just 10 minutes from the hotel.
INR 250, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Pancha Rathas

Discover the rock-cut architecture at the Pancha Rathas, a marvel of ancient engineering.
A short 15-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
INR 250, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Dreaming Tree

Savour lunch at The Dreaming Tree, known for its delicious Indian and Continental dishes.
Drive 20 minutes from Pancha Rathas.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the intricately carved bas-relief of Arjuna's Penance, a must-see in Mahabalipuram.
A short 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend some leisure time at Mahabalipuram Beach, enjoying the sun and sea.
5-minute drive from Arjuna's Penance.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

Dine at Moonrakers, famous for its seafood and ambience by the ocean.
5-minute drive from the beach.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Start your day at Baker Street with fresh pastries and coffee, renowned in Pondicherry.
Drive 2 hours from Mahabalipuram.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the serene surroundings of the Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful retreat for meditation.
A 10-minute drive from Baker Street.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll through the French Quarter

Wander through the beautiful streets of the French Quarter, marveling at the colonial architecture.
A 5-minute walk from the Ashram.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Café des Arts with a French touch.
A 10-minute walk from the French Quarter.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Pondicherry Museum

Learn about the rich history of the region at the Pondicherry Museum.
A 5-minute drive from Café des Arts.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Beach Time at Promenade Beach

Relax at Promenade Beach, soaking in the vistas of the bay.
Just a 5-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Savour a mix of Indian and French cuisines at the charming Villa Shanti.
A short 10-minute drive from Promenade Beach.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Svatma

Enjoy a delectable South Indian breakfast at Hotel Svatma, known for its traditional cuisine.
Drive 4 hours from Pondicherry.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning architecture.
A short 10-minute drive from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Learn about local history at the Thanjavur Maratha Palace and enjoy its artistic designs.
Just 5 minutes away from the temple.
INR 150, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Coffee Shop

Simplicity at its best with a satisfying lunch at The Coffee Shop, serving local cuisine.
A 10-minute drive from the palace.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library

Explore the unique manuscripts at the Saraswathi Mahal Library, a remarkable collection.
A short 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Thanjavur

Take some time to relax in the charming local surroundings or visit art shops.
Variable walking distance.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shree Arihant

End your day with a delightful dinner at Shree Arihant, known for its vegetarian options.
A 10-minute drive from your relaxation spot.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historic Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sri Venkateshwara Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional breakfast at Sri Venkateshwara Restaurant, famous for its pongal and filtered coffee.
Drive 3 hours from Thanjavur.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the intricate carvings of the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a cultural landmark.
Located just a 10-minute drive away.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Visit the historical Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, known for its grand architecture.
A quick 5-minute drive from the temple.
INR 100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Chandran Restaurant

Savour delicious South Indian fare at Chandran Restaurant, celebrated for its thali.
A 15-minute drive from the palace.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn more about the life of Mahatma Gandhi at the informative Gandhi Museum.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax and Shop in Madurai

Spend your last afternoon shopping in Madurai's vibrant markets or relax at any café.
Variable walking distance.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Heritage Restaurant

Conclude your trip with a delightful dinner at Heritage Restaurant, known for its local specialities.
A 10-minute drive from the shopping area.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability