7-Day Family Friendly Adventure Road Trip in South India

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start the day with a hearty breakfast of idli and sambar at the gracious Ratna Cafe, a local favorite.
45 min drive from your accommodation.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Marina Beach

Head to Marina Beach for a morning stroll where the family can enjoy the sea breeze and let your dog frolic in the sand.
10 min drive from Ratna Cafe.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ponnusamy Hotel

Savor the local non-vegetarian delight of spicy biriyani and fish curry.
15 min drive from the beach.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Vandalur Zoo

Spend your afternoon at Arignar Anna Zoological Park where your kids can marvel at the animals while your dog enjoys the open space.
1-hour drive from the lunch spot.
INR 150, 3 hours

5:00PM

Explore the DakshinaChitra Museum

Discover South Indian heritage through this interactive village museum; don’t forget to take pictures!
30 min drive from the zoo.
INR 200, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Bukhara

End your day with an exquisite North Indian meal, focusing on kebabs and curries, in a vibrant setting.
30 min drive from the museum.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Woodlands

Fuel up with a south Indian breakfast of dosa and chutneys.
1.5-hour drive from Chennai.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set against the backdrop of the sea.
10 min drive from the breakfast place.
INR 40, 1 hour

11:00AM

Pancha Rathas

Explore the five chariots, intricately carved from rock which are perfect for family photographs.
5 min drive.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sea Gulls

Enjoy fresh seafood with stunning beach views.
10 min drive.
INR 1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Beach Time

Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on the beach, allowing your dog to play with the waves.
5 min walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Butter Ball

Witness the gravity-defying boulder, a great spot for a fun family photo opportunity.
10 min drive.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The New Lighthouse Restaurant

Delight in traditional Chettinad dishes while enjoying the sunset view.
15 min drive.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Culture and Relaxation in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Start your day with a French-inspired breakfast in a cozy setting.
1.5-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Auroville

Explore Auroville, an experimental township focusing on sustainability and community living.
30 min drive.
INR 170, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Pasta

Savor homemade pasta and delicious Italian desserts.
30 min drive back to Pondicherry.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Beach Promenade

Enjoy a quaint walk along the beach, engaging with local vendors and spending family time.
15 min drive from the lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the French Quarter

Explore the stunning colonial architecture and colorful streets of the French Quarter.
15 min drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel de L'Orient

Indulge in delightful French and Indian fusion cuisine.
10 min walk.
INR 1600, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Heritage in Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sridhar

Enjoy a traditional Tamil breakfast with an assortment of local dishes.
2.5-hour drive from Pondicherry.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Visit the magnificent UNESCO-recognized temple, an awe-inspiring feat of architecture.
15 min drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Thanjavur Royal Palace

Learn about the history of Tamil Nadu while exploring the Royal Palace complex.
10 min drive.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sathwelli Restaurant

Savor a variety of traditional Thanjavur dishes.
10 min drive.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit a Traditional Art Studio

Watch artisans at work creating their famous Tanjore paintings which you can even purchase.
20 min drive.
Free for viewing., 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Rajasthani Cuisines

End your Thanjavur adventure with flavorful Rajasthani dishes.
15 min drive.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Vibes in Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Arya Bhavan

Start with a delightful breakfast of filter coffee paired with crispy masala dosa.
2-hour drive from Thanjavur.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning architecture of the Meenakshi Temple, a must-see in Madurai.
10 min drive.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in the most sought-after idlis in the city.
15 min drive.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gandhi Museum

Take a walk through history at the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
10 min drive.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Visit the beautiful temple tank, great for a relaxing stroll.
15 min drive.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Parakkai Restaurant

Enjoy an authentic Madurai feast with delicious non-vegetarian options.
20 min drive.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Nature Retreat in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Haven

Fuel up with a warm hearty breakfast with local flavours before heading to the hills.
3-hour drive from Madurai.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy a family paddle boating experience in the fragrant surroundings of Kodaikanal.
10 min drive.
INR 300, 2 hours

11:30AM

Coaker’s Walk

Stroll along the scenic walkway with breathtaking views of the valleys below.
5 min drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cliff Garden

Feast on fresh garden salads and local delicacies with a view.
15 min drive.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Bryant Park

Explore the botanical garden and enjoy the colours of nature.
10 min drive.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Green Valley View

Don’t miss the panoramic views of the valley and the breathtaking hills.
20 min drive.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Cloud Street

Relish varied American and Italian dishes set in a cozy environment.
10 min drive.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Relax and Return to Coimbatore

Coimbatore, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Treetop Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast in the lush greenery of Kodaikanal.
15 min drive.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Pillar Rocks

Marvel at the three giant rocks standing shoulder to shoulder, a spectacular natural landmark.
30 min drive.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Depart for Coimbatore

Start your scenic drive back to Coimbatore, enjoying the picturesque views on the way.
3-hour drive back.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Junior Kuppanna

Enjoy delicious South Indian meals that will surely delight your taste buds.
30 min drive.
INR 900, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit VOC Park

Let the kids play and enjoy the beautiful park along with your furry friend.
15 min drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a final dinner of a traditional South Indian thali to cap off your journey.
15 min drive.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability