7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for South India

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with some delicious soft idlis and tasty sambar at this local favourite.
Located centrally, it’s easy to get to from your accommodation.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit DakshinaChitra

Explore this cultural heritage museum that showcases the art and culture of South India, perfect for children’s learning.
A 30-minute drive from breakfast location.
INR1000 for family, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a vegetarian meal with a variety of South Indian dishes that will satisfy everyone's taste buds.
On the way back from DakshinaChitra.
INR800, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Marina Beach

Spend the afternoon enjoying the sands and surf, perfect for building sandcastles with the kids.
30-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Fort St. George

Discover the rich history of Chennai, with interesting exhibits that intrigue both young and old.
Close to the beach, just a 15-minute drive.
INR500 for family, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Savour some hearty local non-vegetarian cuisine for an authentic dining experience.
20-minute drive from Fort St. George.
INR1200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Historical Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast overlooking the sea.
A short walk from your stay.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about its intriguing architecture.
Just 10 minutes from breakfast.
INR800 for family, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Arjuna’s Penance

View the colossal rock-carved relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata.
5-minute drive from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Zodiac Restaurant

Feast on delectable seafood sourced from the local catch.
5-minute drive from Arjuna’s Penance.
INR1000, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Krishna’s Butterball

A giant boulder balanced on a slope, it's a great spot for fun family photos.
Just a 10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 30 minutes

3:00 PM

Beach Time at Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax and let the kids play in the waves while you unwind on the beach.
Only a 5-minute drive away.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at The Bamboo Bar

Enjoy a mix of continental and Indian cuisine in a charming ambience.
10-minute drive from the beach.
INR1200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Charming Puducherry

Puducherry, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Start your day at this quaint café with delightful French-themed breakfast items.
30-minute drive from Mahabalipuram.
INR700, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Auroville

Explore the international township known for its unique architecture and values of sustainability.
20 minutes from Café des Arts.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at La Maison Pressée

Enjoy a delightful meal at this popular eatery offering simple yet delicious food.
10-minutes’ drive from Auroville.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Promenade Beach

Stroll along the beachfront and let the kids enjoy the local ice cream shops.
15-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Puducherry Museum

Delve into the local history and culture which is very educational for the family.
5-minute drive from the beach.
INR600 for family, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Cafe XL

Finish your day with delightful pizzas and sandwiches in a trendy atmosphere.
10-minute drive from the museum.
INR1000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Sree Kumaran Hotel

Delight in South Indian breakfast options such as dosas and pongal.
2-hour drive from Puducherry.
INR700, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Discover the majestic temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about its significance.
5 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Thanjavur Palace

Visit the palace that once governed the region, with beautiful architecture and fascinating artifacts.
10-minute walk from Brihadeeswarar Temple.
INR400 for family, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Indulge in a flavourful South Indian thali that's sure to please the whole family.
10-minute drive from the palace.
INR900, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Maratha Palace

Experience another interesting historical site that presents a glimpse into the Maratha dynasty.
15-minute drive from lunch.
INR300 for family, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Bharatanatyam Dance Show

Enjoy a captivating traditional dance performance unique to South India.
Nearby the palace, just a 10-minute drive.
INR1200 for family, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Annamalai Dining

Savour authentic Tamil cuisine while relaxing in a family-friendly restaurant.
5 minutes from the dance show location.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Heritage Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Amma Mess

Relish local dishes in a traditional setting that families love.
2-hour drive from Thanjavur.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the iconic temple renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history.
15-minute drive from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Visit this history-rich palace with beautiful gardens, perfect for kids to roam around.
10-minute drive from the temple.
INR400 for family, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Sri Saroja

Enjoy a wholesome meal with vegetarian options for everyone.
15-minute drive from the palace.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30 PM

See the Gandhi Museum

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi and his influence through personal artifacts and exhibitions.
20-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Flower Market

Experience the vibrant local culture and let kids enjoy the bright blooms.
10-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Aasai Restaurant

Wind down with some traditional Tamil meals in a family-friendly environment.
Nearby, just 5 minutes drive.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Scenic Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Seashore

Enjoy breakfast by the beach with lovely views and great food.
3-hour drive from Madurai.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to explore this stunning memorial set on a rock, rich with history.
15-minute drive to the ferry terminal.
INR200 for family, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Triveni Restaurant

Relish fresh seafood and local delicacies with a panoramic sea view.
5-minute drive from ferry terminal.
INR900, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Kanyakumari Beach

Spend time on the beach and allow the kids to enjoy some fun activities.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Watch the Sunset at Cape Comorin

Witness a breathtaking sunset view where three seas meet - the perfect family photo spot.
15-minute drive from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Ocean Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with great views and diverse menu options to satisfy everyone's craving.
20-minute drive from sunset spot.
INR1200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Cochin

Cochin, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Dosa Plaza

Get your fill of delicious dosas and chutneys to fuel your final day.
4-hour drive from Kanyakumari.
INR700, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Fort Kochi

Wander through the charming streets enriched with colonial architecture and vibrant art.
A short drive from breakfast, around 20 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets

Observe the unique fishing techniques and enjoy the bustling atmosphere around the nets.
5-minute drive from Fort Kochi.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Rice Boat

Experience Kerala’s finest seafood dishes in a beautiful setting by the waterfront.
15-minute drive from Chinese Fishing Nets.
INR1200, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Explore the Dutch Palace with beautiful murals and a fascinating history.
15-minute drive from lunch.
INR500 for family, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Kochi Marine Drive

Enjoy a relaxing evening walk along this scenic promenade with various shops for family souvenirs.
25-minute drive from the palace.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Seagull

Wrap up your journey with a relaxing dinner featuring local and international cuisine.
15-minute drive from Marine Drive.
INR1100, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability