5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast featuring idli, sambar, and filter coffee at the renowned Ratna Cafe.
Located in the heart of Chennai, you can easily reach it from your hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marina Beach

Enjoy the morning sun as you stroll along Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India, where kids can build sandcastles.
A short drive from the cafe; it's about a 15-minute journey.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at New Woodlands Hotel

Relish a hearty meal at this family-friendly restaurant famous for its thali options.
A 20-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Fort St. George

Dive into Chennai's history with a visit to Fort St. George, which houses a fascinating museum.
A quick 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:30PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Indulge in shopping for traditional silk sarees and handicrafts at the bustling T. Nagar market.
A 15-minute drive from Fort St. George.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

End your day with a vegetarian dinner at Saravana Bhavan, renowned for its authentic South Indian cuisine.
Easily accessible via a 10-minute drive from T. Nagar.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Heritage of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at this family-friendly hotel, overlooking the sea.
A short walk from most hotels in Mahabalipuram.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Witness the ancient architectural marvels of the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A quick 5-minute drive from the hotel.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Discover the fascinating rock-cut temples known as Pancha Rathas, which are perfect for family photos.
Just a 10-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
INR 50, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Waters Edge

Savor some local seafood and vegetarian dishes with a view of the Bay of Bengal.
A convenient 15-minute drive from Pancha Rathas.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Take the afternoon to unwind at the beach, letting kids play in the shallow waters.
Access to the beach is right in front of the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Explore this stunning bas-relief sculpture depicting a scene from the Mahabharata.
A 10-minute drive back towards the town center.
INR 50, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Malhar

Enjoy a family-friendly buffet dinner featuring a variety of cuisines.
Located about a 10-minute drive from Arjuna's Penance.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Indulge in a delightful breakfast of French pastries and an array of local delicacies.
Travel about 1.5 hours from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Auroville

Visit the global community of Auroville and marvel at the Matrimandir.
A short 30-minute drive from Pondicherry.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Auroville Bakery

Enjoy fresh baked goods and healthy, organic lunch options in a serene environment.
Conveniently located inside Auroville.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Pondicherry Museum

Explore the rich history and culture of Pondicherry through its collection of artifacts.
Return to the city center, about a 30-minute drive.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll along Promenade Beach

Take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant shores of Promenade Beach, perfect for children to roam.
Only a 10-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Ice Cream at Baker Street

Treat your family to some of the best ice cream in town from this iconic spot.
A quick drive back towards the city center.
INR 400, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at La Villa

End the day with gourmet cuisine at La Villa, where Indian and French flavors merge delightfully.
Located just a short distance from Baker Street.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Hilltop

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Hotel Hilltop, which offers stunning views of the hills.
Travel 6-7 hours from Pondicherry to Kodaikanal, stopping for breakfast en route if necessary.
INR 700, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Upon arrival, rent a pedal boat and enjoy cruising on the serene Kodaikanal Lake.
Head directly towards the lake from your hotel.
INR 150, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Bryant Park

Take a stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens of Bryant Park, where kids can enjoy the playground.
A short walk from Kodaikanal Lake.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Astoria Vegetarian Restaurant

Opt for a relaxing vegetarian dinner with local specialties in Kodaikanal.
A 5-minute drive from Bryant Park.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Treasures of Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Heritage

Fuel up for your day with a filling breakfast at Hotel Heritage, well-known for its southern delicacies.
Travel 3 hours from Kodaikanal to Madurai.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, an iconic site in Madurai.
A quick 10-minute drive from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabareesh Restaurant

Experience authentic South Indian cuisine at this family-friendly restaurant in Madurai.
A 10-minute drive from the temple.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

Visit the grand Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal and learn about its historical significance.
Just a 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Puthu Mandapam

Shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs at the famous Puthu Mandapam.
A short 5-minute drive from the Mahal.
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sri Muthuramalinga Alangar Restaurant

End your Tamil Nadu family adventure with a scrumptious meal featuring local treats.
Only 5 minutes from your shopping trip.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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