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7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

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Day 1: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Kickstart your trip with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic dosa and filter coffee.
Take a local taxi to reach the restaurant.
INR 500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A short taxi ride from the breakfast location.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a tasty lunch featuring fluffy idlis and spicy chutneys at this popular local eatery.
Take a taxi from the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Government Museum

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu at the Government Museum, showcasing art, archaeology, and more.
20-minute taxi ride.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll at Marina Beach

Spend the late afternoon enjoying the serene views at Marina Beach while the kids can play in the sand.
A quick taxi ride from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

Savour a delightful dinner featuring seafood in a family-friendly coastal themed ambience.
Taxi back to the restaurant.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your accommodation to relax after an exciting first day.
Taxi ride to the hotel.
INR 200, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Beach and Heritage

Mahabalipuram, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Mahabalipuram.
Self-drive or hire a taxi for the trip.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Shore Temple

Appreciate the magnificent Shore Temple, which overlooks the Bay of Bengal, and learn about its history.
10-minute walk from the hotel.
INR 40, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the intricate rock carvings at Arjuna's Penance, one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world.
5-minute taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Sea Breeze

Indulge in fresh seafood and local dishes with a view of the beach at Sea Breeze.
Short taxi ride.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Let the kids enjoy the sandy beach while you unwind under the sun.
Easy walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Pancha Rathas

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 30, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Namaste Madras

Enjoy a delicious blend of North and South Indian cuisine for dinner at this family-friendly restaurant.
15-minute taxi ride from the rathas.
INR 1,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel to rest for the night.
Taxi ride.
INR 250, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Pondicherry Delight

Pondicherry, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at La Riziere

Start your day with a lovely breakfast at this delightful café known for its pastries and French toast.
Taxi from your hotel in Mahabalipuram.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Auroville

Spend the morning at Auroville, an experimental township dedicated to human unity and cultural exchange, where the family can engage in fun workshops.
20-minute taxi ride.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Matrimandir

Explore the golden globe of Matrimandir at the heart of Auroville for some reflective family time.
Short walk from Auroville.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Enjoy a relaxed lunch in a charming setting with a variety of French and Indian dishes.
Taxi ride back to the café.
INR 900, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Promenade Beach

After lunch, stroll along Promenade Beach, perfect for a leisurely afternoon by the seaside.
Short walk from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore French Quarter

Discover the charming streets of the French Quarter, lined with colourful colonial-style houses and quaint shops.
Taxi ride from Promenade Beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Finish the day with a delightful dinner at Le Dupleix, known for its fusion dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
Walk back to the restaurant from the quarter.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel for a restful night's sleep after an eventful day.
Taxi to your accommodation.
INR 300, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 4: Cultural Deep Dive

Tanjore, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional breakfast at your hotel before departing for Tanjore.
Taxi ride from Pondicherry to Tanjore.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Start your day at the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning architecture.
Short walk from the hotel.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Tanjore Palace

Visit Tanjore Palace and explore its art gallery and beautiful compound.
5-minute walk from the temple.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Savour a delicious South Indian meal at this well-known hotel restaurant.
Taxi ride from the palace.
INR 900, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Explore the beautiful gardens and historic structures of Thanjavur Maratha Palace.
Taxi from the hotel.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Handicrafts Shopping

Spend some time shopping for traditional Tanjore paintings and handicrafts as souvenirs.
Taxi to local handicraft shops.
Variable, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Sangeetha Veg

End your day with a hearty vegetarian meal at Sangeetha Veg.
Walk from the shops.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Hotel

Retreat to your hotel and relax after a culturally enriching day.
Taxi back to your accommodation.
INR 200, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Tanjore

Day 5: Heritage and Devotion

Madurai, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Tanjore before heading to Madurai.
Drive to Madurai.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Explore the spectacular Meenakshi Temple, famous for its intricate carvings and towering gopurams.
Taxi ride to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace to admire its stunning architecture and learn about historical stories.
10-minute taxi ride.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Azhagar Thevan

Enjoy a traditional Tamil meal at this local favourite serving authentic flavours.
Taxi from the palace.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Witness the impactful history of Mahatma Gandhi at this informative museum in Madurai.
Taxi to the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping at Puthu Mandapam

Explore the local market for unique handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Short taxi ride.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Aasaiya Restaurant

Finish the day with a sumptuous dinner featuring regional specialities at Aasaiya.
Taxi to the restaurant.
INR 1,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel, where a restful night awaits.
Taxi ride.
INR 200, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 6: Hill Station Retreat

Kodaikanal, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a drive to Kodaikanal.
Drive to Kodaikanal.
Included with stay, 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Rent a pedal boat and enjoy the serene beauty of Kodaikanal Lake with the family.
Short walk from your hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Coaker's Walk

Stroll along the scenic Coaker's Walk, with breathtaking views of the mountains and valley.
5-minute taxi ride.
INR 30, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Royal Hotel

Savour delectable Indian and continental cuisine at The Royal Hotel.
Taxi ride from Coaker's Walk.
INR 900, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Bryant Park

Enjoy some family time surrounded by beautiful flowers at Bryant Park.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Pillar Rocks

Take in stunning views at Pillar Rocks, perfect for family photos.
Taxi from Bryant Park.
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Club Mahindra

Enjoy a lovely dinner at Club Mahindra with a variety of cuisines to choose from.
Taxi from Pillar Rocks.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to the hotel to reflect on the day's adventures.
Taxi ride.
INR 200, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Kodaikanal

Day 7: Nature's End

Ooty, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Kodaikanal before heading to Ooty.
Drive to Ooty.
Included with stay, 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Botanical Gardens

Visit the famous Botanical Gardens in Ooty for a morning of relaxation amidst lush greenery.
Taxi ride from the hotel.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Ride on Ooty Toy Train

Experience a scenic ride on the UNESCO-listed Ooty Toy Train, offering breathtaking views.
Taxi back to the town for the station.
INR 200, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Place to Bee

Enjoy a comfortable lunch in a delightful restaurant with delicious food options for all ages.
Walk from the train station.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Doddabetta Peak

Head to Doddabetta Peak for panoramic views and a wonderful family photo opportunity.
Taxi from the restaurant.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Ooty Lake

Spend the late afternoon at Ooty Lake, where you can enjoy boating and other fun activities.
Taxi from the peak.
INR 200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cliff-top International Restaurant

End the trip with a fantastic dinner at The Cliff-top, offering stunning views and excellent cuisine.
Taxi from Ooty Lake.
INR 1,500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Return to your accommodation, bringing your memorable family trip to a close.
Taxi ride back to your hotel.
INR 300, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Ooty
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