Ultimate Family-Friendly 4-Day Road Trip Itinerary in Chennai

Day 1: Explore Historic Chennai

Chennai, India

8:30AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with delicious South Indian breakfast staples like idli and dosa at this iconic local eatery.
Head northwest towards Mylapore.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at the vibrant architecture and intricate sculptures of this ancient temple, a true representation of Dravidian architecture.
A short 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Marina Beach

Relax and enjoy the sun on one of the world's longest urban beaches while the kids play in the sand.
Drive 15 minutes east to reach the beach.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ocean Grill

Savour a delicious seafood lunch with a stunning view of the ocean, perfect for the entire family.
Walk or drive a few minutes to the restaurant.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Fort St. George

Discover Chennai's colonial past at this historic fort and museum, where kids can learn through exhibits.
Drive 15 minutes towards the fort.
INR500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Chennai's Government Museum

Explore fascinating art, archaeology, and natural history galleries, ideal for curious minds.
A 10-minute drive from Fort St. George.
INR250, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Evening Stroll at Semmozhi Poonga

End your day with a peaceful walk in this urban park that features beautiful gardens and playgrounds for children.
A short 15-minute drive will take you here.
INR25, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Indulge in delicious Chettinad cuisine that will surely satisfy even the most discerning palate.
A quick 10-minute drive to the restaurant.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Beach Day and Dravidian Marvels

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Drive-in Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to Mahabalipuram with plenty of options from South Indian to continental dishes.
Starting your drive at 8:00 AM.
INR600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Take a scenic coastal drive along the Bay of Bengal to Mahabalipuram.
1-hour drive south via ECR.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Shore Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean from the temple.
A short drive from the town centre.
INR150, 1 hour

11:00AM

Panch Rathas

Marvel at the monolithic rock-cut temples that are a testament to the architectural genius of ancient India.
Just a 10-minute drive from Shore Temple.
INR100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Fisherman's Wharf

Savour delicious seafood dishes and local specialities amidst a comforting coastal ambiance.
A 15-minute drive from Panch Rathas.
INR1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Beach Time at Mahabalipuram

Let the kids build sandcastles while you enjoy the sun and surf at this family-friendly beach.
Right outside the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Discover the largest bas-relief in the world that depicts scenes from the Mahabharata epic.
A quick 5-minute drive from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Relax at The Leela Beach Resort

Enjoy a tea-time break with a great view of the sun setting over the Bay of Bengal.
Drive a few minutes to the resort.
INR400 for tea, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Shanti Restaurant

Family-friendly restaurant serving local cuisine that stands out for its hygienic kitchen and pleasant service.
Just 10 minutes from the resort.
INR900, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Temple Town Adventure

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Dine at this wonderful vegetarian restaurant known for its buffet-style breakfast and south Indian delicacies.
Leaving Mahabalipuram at 8:00AM.
INR500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Kanchipuram

Enjoy the scenic drive to Kanchipuram, the temple city renowned for its stunning architecture.
1-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Explore one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram known for its towering gopuram and sacred mango tree.
Drive 15 minutes from the town centre.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Kamakshi Amman Temple

Visit this stunning temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi and enjoy its serene environment.
A quick 10-minute drive away.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Satisfy your hunger with more delicious vegetarian South Indian cuisine at this well-loved chain.
A short drive back to the town.
INR600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Kanchipuram Silk Weaving Factory

Explore the famous silk weaving industry of Kanchipuram and see how the exquisite saris are made.
Drive 10 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Discover this ancient temple famous for its architecture and religious significance.
Another 10-minute drive takes you here.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Drive back to Chennai

Return to Chennai after a fulfilling day exploring Kanchipuram.
1-hour drive back to Chennai.
N/A, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Spice Route

Conclude the day at this exquisite restaurant, enjoying a variety of South Asian dishes in an elegant setting.
Located in Chennai, a short drive from your accommodation.
INR2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Chennai and Shopping

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at this beloved venue with a wide selection of dishes.
A short drive from your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kalakshetra Foundation

Witness the grace and beauty of Bharatanatyam dance forms, along with a guided tour of the cultural institution.
Drive 20 minutes to the foundation.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Valluvar Kottam

Admire this monumental memorial dedicated to the revered Tamil poet, Tiruvalluvar.
A quick 10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Sathyam Cinemas Café

Combine food and entertainment at this café inside a popular cinema while snacking on a variety of cuisines.
A short drive will take you here.
INR800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Spend the afternoon shopping in Chennai's bustling shopping district, renowned for cottons and silks.
Drive for about 15 minutes.
N/A, 3 hours

5:30PM

Sip Coffee at Amethyst Café

Winding down the day with some refreshing coffee and light snacks in a serene setting.
Just 10 minutes away from T. Nagar.
INR400, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Marina

Wrap up your family-friendly road trip with dinner at this top restaurant featuring a mix of South Indian and international choices.
A 15-minute drive away.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
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