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5-Day Luxe Eco-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Chennai, India

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Day 1: City Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start your day with their renowned south Indian tiffin that includes idli and crispy dosas.
Head towards the cafe located in Mylapore, easily accessible from central Chennai.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this stunning 7th-century temple known for its Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures.
Located within walking distance from Ratna Cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Fort St. George

Discover Chennai’s colonial history at this historic fort that now houses a museum.
Take a 15-minute drive or use an app-based ride service.
INR 200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Indulge in authentic Chettinad cuisine featuring spicy curries and flavorful biryanis.
A short drive from Fort St. George in the city center.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Marina Beach

Unwind with a stroll or a restful afternoon as you bask in the coastal beauty of one of the world's longest beaches.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Shopping at Pondy Bazaar

Immerse yourself in local culture while exploring vibrant markets filled with textiles and handicrafts.
15 minutes away by car.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a luxurious dining experience with seafood delicacies and a beautiful ambiance.
Located near the city center, a short drive away.
INR 1200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Coastal Heritage

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bay View

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a sea view before departing to Mahabalipuram.
Drive for approximately 1.5 hours.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its exquisite rock-cut architecture.
5-minute drive from The Bay View.
INR 500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Witness this gigantic bas-relief that captures the mythology of the region in stunning detail.
A 5-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
INR 200, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Mamalla Restaurant

Savor traditional South Indian meals with fresh local ingredients at this charming restaurant.
Just a short drive away.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Five Rathas

Discover the architectural brilliance of this group of monolithic rock-cut temples.
Easily reachable by car from the restaurant, 10 minutes away.
INR 200, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Take a calming beach break and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
A few minutes drive from the Five Rathas.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Escape

Indulge in contemporary international recipes blended with local flavors at this upscale restaurant.
Drive to the restaurant in town.
INR 1500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Spiritual & Cultural Hub

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast right in Kanchipuram.
Drive for 1 hour from Mahabalipuram.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Explore the ancient charm of Kanchipuram’s oldest temple, known for its grand architecture.
A short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Gain insights into Tamil culture while visiting this incredibly sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Just 10 minutes away by car.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Relish delicious vegetarian options at this iconic Indian restaurant chain.
Located near the temples.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kanchipuram Handloom Weavers

Experience the art of weaving silk saris as you engage with local artisans.
Easily reachable by a short drive or walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee Break at Azzuri Bay

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee amidst a tranquil ambience.
Short drive from the weavers.
INR 300, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Finish your day with a local specialty meal in an upscale setting.
Head back to Hotel Tamil Nadu.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kanchipuram

Day 4: French Connection

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Villa Shanti

Relish a delightful breakfast with a French twist at this picturesque restaurant.
Drive to Pondicherry, which takes about 2 hours.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Aurobindo Ashram

Delve into peace and silence at this spiritual community dedicated to Sri Aurobindo.
Just a 10-minute drive from Villa Shanti.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the French Quarter

Wander through charming streets lined with colonial-style houses and colorful bougainvillea.
Easily walkable from the ashram.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Indulge in authentic French cuisine with local influences in a cozy café setting.
A short walk from the French Quarter.
INR 900, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Promenade Beach

Unwind as you soak in the atmosphere of this serene beach stretching along the bay.
A 5-minute walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Lighthouse

Enjoy exquisite seafood with stunning views of the ocean as the sun sets.
Short drive from the beach.
INR 1400, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 5: Return & Leisure

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast at your accommodation before hitting the road back to Chennai.
Drive back will take around 2 hours.
INR 500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Valluvar Kottam

Dive into history with this cultural monument dedicated to the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.
Once in Chennai, it’s a short drive from the city center.
INR 100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore the Government Museum

Visit one of the best art galleries in South India showcasing a captivating collection.
Easily reachable from Valluvar Kottam.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Spice Route

Experience a lavish dining ambiance along with a twist on traditional Indian dishes.
Close to the Government Museum.
INR 1800, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax at the hotel spa

Pamper yourself with a luxurious treatment to wrap up your journey.
Back to your hotel to enjoy a spa day.
INR 3000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hype

Conclude your road trip with a lavish meal featuring Indian and fusion cuisine in a high-energy atmosphere.
Located near your hotel.
INR 2000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai
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