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8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in South India

Viewed by 136 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Sangeetha

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast of dosas and idlis at Sangeetha, a local favourite.
Located a short drive from most hotels in the city centre.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the beautiful Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture.
A short 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Marina Beach

Relax and let the kids play on the sandy shores of Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India.
15-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Benjarong

Enjoy a traditional multi-course South Indian meal at Benjarong, known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
Approximately 30 minutes from Marina Beach.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Fort St. George

Delve into history at Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, now housing a museum.
20-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Shopping at Pondy Bazaar

Stroll through Pondy Bazaar for some shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
15-minute drive from Fort St. George.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

Finish the day with a delicious seafood dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf, known for its seaside ambiance.
A 30-minute drive from Pondy Bazaar.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Mahabalipuram.
Conveniently located in your hotel.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Embark on a scenic drive to Mahabalipuram, famous for its rock-cut temples.
A 1-hour drive.
Included in transport cost, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at the historic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers stunning ocean views.
Short drive upon arrival.
INR 500, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Explore the Pancha Rathas

Discover the intricate architecture of the Pancha Rathas, a collection of monolithic rock-cut temples.
A 10-minute drive from Shore Temple.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Bungalow

Enjoy a lovely lunch at The Bungalow, which boasts an impressive garden setting.
A short 5-minute drive.
INR 1200, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Admire Arjuna's Penance, the largest rock relief in the world, depicting mythological scenes.
5-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 200, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend some time relaxing on the beach before heading back to Chennai, allowing the kids to enjoy the sandy shores.
6-minute drive from Arjuna's Penance.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Chennai

Head back to Chennai for your evening activities.
1-hour drive.
Included in transport, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at Southern Spice

Savour a delicious dinner at Southern Spice, renowned for its authentic South Indian fare.
Located in the city centre.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Villa Shanti

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Villa Shanti, where you can enjoy a lovely view while dining.
Located near the beach.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Auroville

Explore Auroville, a unique township aimed at human unity where the children will enjoy learning about its philosophy.
30-minute drive.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Explore Pondicherry Beach

Let the family have fun at the scenic Pondicherry Beach and enjoy water activities.
20-minute drive back.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Savour a delightful mix of Indian and French cuisine at Café des Arts, with a charming courtyard.
5-minute drive from the beach.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Visit the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram for some peaceful moments and meditation.
10-minute drive from lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Shopping at Mission Street

Wander along Mission Street for unique boutiques and shops for local handicrafts.
15-minute walk.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Promenade

Wrap up the day with a beachfront dinner at The Promenade, enjoying delightful views and local seafood.
5-minute drive.
INR 1500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 4: Heritage in Tanjore

Tanjore, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before departing for Tanjore.
In-house dining.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Tanjore

Set off for Tanjore, known for its rich cultural heritage.
A 3-hour drive.
Included in transport, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can marvel at its stunning architecture.
Short drive upon arrival.
INR 500, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Muthupandi

Enjoy a hearty South Indian meal at Hotel Muthupandi, famous for its thali.
5-minute drive from the temple.
INR 900, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace

Explore the Thanjavur Royal Palace, where you can learn about the local history and see beautiful murals.
10-minute drive from lunch.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Craft Shop Visit

Discover a local crafts shop that sells Tanjore paintings and other local handicrafts.
Short drive from the palace.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Theanu Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional dinner at Theanu, known for its authentic local cuisine.
15-minute drive from the craft shop.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tanjore

Day 5: Cultural Madurai

Madurai, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab breakfast at your hotel before setting out to Madurai.
In-house dining.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Madurai

Journey to Madurai, famous for its temples and rich history.
A 2.5-hour drive.
Included in transport, 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple and witness its stunning gopurams (towers).
Short drive upon arrival.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Surya Veg Restaurant

Relish an authentic meal at Surya Veg Restaurant, which is popular for its thalis.
5-minute drive from the temple.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Explore the stunning architecture of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, an important landmark in Madurai.
5-minute drive.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Shopping at Madurai Market

Stroll through Madurai's vibrant local market for some exciting shopping opportunities.
10-minute walk.
Variable, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at the Madurai Heritage Restaurant

End the day with an authentic dinner at the Madurai Heritage Restaurant, known for its local delicacies.
5-minute drive.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 6: Nature Retreat in Thekkady

Thekkady, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and prepare for a journey to Thekkady.
In-house dining.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Thekkady

Drive to Thekkady, a beautiful hill station known for its wildlife sanctuary.
A 4-hour drive.
Included in transport, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Ambadi

Savour a traditional Kerala meal at Hotel Ambadi, renowned for its cuisine and hospitality.
Short drive upon arrival.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy a guided tour of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, observing diverse flora and fauna.
10-minute drive.
INR 1000, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Boating on Periyar Lake

Take a relaxing boat ride on Periyar Lake and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
5-minute walk from the sanctuary.
INR 700, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Visit Spice Plantation

Explore a nearby spice plantation and learn about various spices grown in Kerala.
Short drive.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Thekkady Spice Village

Enjoy dinner at Thekkady Spice Village, where the menu features local and organic cuisine.
5-minute drive.
INR 1300, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 7: Scenic Munnar

Munnar, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before heading to Munnar.
In-house dining.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Munnar

Set off for Munnar, famous for its tea plantations and breathtaking views.
A 3-hour drive.
Included in transport, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Visit Tea Museum

Discover the history of tea and its processing at the Tea Museum, which will intrigue your children.
Short drive upon arrival.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Savour delicious vegetarian dishes at the renowned Saravana Bhavan, a great family dining option.
5-minute drive.
INR 900, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Mattupetty Dam

Enjoy scenic views and various activities at Mattupetty Dam, perfect for family bonding.
30-minute drive.
INR 200, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Visit Echo Point

Take a short stop at Echo Point, where the entire family can enjoy the natural beauty and stunning views.
15-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Spice Tree

Enjoy a family meal at The Spice Tree, a charming restaurant with an excellent choice of local dishes.
5-minute drive.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 8: Cultural Kochi

Kochi, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Feast on breakfast at your hotel before making your way to Kochi.
In-house dining.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kochi

Journey to Kochi, a vibrant city known for its history and culture.
A 4-hour drive.
Included in transport, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fort Kochi

Try seafood at a local restaurant in Fort Kochi with stunning views of the backwaters.
A short drive or a walk in Fort Kochi.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Fort Kochi

Wander around Fort Kochi's heritage areas, including the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets.
Easy walking distance from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Explore the historical Mattancherry Palace and its captivating murals.
15-minute drive.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Shopping at Kochi Markets

Stroll through the local markets to shop for tea, spices, and souvenirs.
10-minute drive.
Variable, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Farewell Dinner at Kashi Art Café

End your trip with a delightful farewell dinner at Kashi Art Café, known for its delicious food and artistic vibe.
Short drive from the market.
INR 1500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kochi
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