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9-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Tamil Nadu

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Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its crispy dosas and idlis.
Located conveniently in the city, you can easily get there by local transport or a private vehicle.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Marina Beach

Enjoy the morning sun and take a relaxing stroll at the iconic Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in India.
Drive from breakfast location takes about 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Marina

Relish some local coastal cuisine for lunch at The Marina restaurant, known for fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
Walk to the restaurant post your beach visit (5 mins).
INR 1200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Government Museum

Explore the unique artifacts and exhibits, making it a fun education experience for the family.
30-minute drive from lunch spot.
INR 400, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Dakshinachitra

A cultural village showcasing South Indian traditions, arts, and crafts, great for kids to learn through play.
30-minute drive from museum.
INR 500, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Copper Chimney

Savor delicious North Indian cuisine for dinner, with something for everyone in the family.
15-minute drive from Dakshinachitra.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Kanchipuram Temples

Kanchipuram, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to Kanchipuram, where you can indulge in fluffy idlis and sambhar.
50-minute drive from Chennai.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Discover the ancient architectural beauty of one of Kanchipuram's oldest temples, a great enriching experience.
Just 10 minutes from breakfast spot.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Ekambareswarar Temple

Marvel at the grand architecture and serene atmosphere at this prominent Hindu temple.
5-minute drive from Kailasanathar Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Anandha Bhavan

Enjoy South Indian thali with lots of options that cater to the whole family in a comfortable setting.
10-minute drive from Ekambareswarar Temple.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Kanchipuram Weaving House

Learn about the art of silk weaving, and perhaps pick up some souvenirs wrapping the day with beautiful silk sarees.
15-minute drive from lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple

A major Vaishnavite temple known for its gigantic monument and historical significance.
10-minute drive from weaving house.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Head towards Mahabalipuram, stopping on the way briefly for refreshments.
1-hour drive from Kanchipuram.
INR 500 (refreshments), 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

End your day with a beachside dinner offering fresh seafood and a relaxed family vibe.
15-minute drive from hotel check-in.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kanchipuram

Day 3: Heritage Day in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a day of exploration.
On-site at the hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Shore Temple

Begin your day at the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site remarkable for its architectural grandeur.
10-minute drive from hotel.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Witness the impressive rock carvings depicting the Mahabharata, a fascinating cultural treat.
5 minutes from Shore Temple.
INR 100, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Le Yogi

Taste some delicious south Indian food in a relaxed ambiance with great views.
5-minute drive from Arjuna's Penance.
INR 1000, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Explore these intricately carved monolithic temples that will amuse both kids and adults alike.
10-minute drive from lunch spot.
INR 200, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend the afternoon enjoying the beach, where kids can play in the sand while adults relax.
15-minute drive from Pancha Rathas.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Paradise Lounge

Conclude the day with a relaxed dinner at the lounge overlooking the beach.
15-minute walk from the beach.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 4: Puducherry Delight

Puducherry, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin the day with a nice breakfast at your hotel before heading to Puducherry.
On-site at hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Puducherry

Make your way to Puducherry, a dreamy coastal town known for its French colonial charm.
1.5-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Auroville

Explore this progressive township famous for its unique lifestyle and community spirit.
20-minute drive from Puducherry.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy a wood-fired pizza or other Italian dishes for a family-friendly lunch.
20-minute drive back to Puducherry.
INR 1000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Puducherry Beaches

Relax and play at the serene beaches perfect for kids to splash around.
30-minute drive from restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Puducherry Museum

Discover history and culture, it's a small yet engaging museum suitable for the whole family.
15-minute drive from beach.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

French Quarter Walk

Stroll through the charming streets of the French Quarter, experiencing the unique architecture.
Walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at New Hotel Aristo

End your day with an offering of North Indian delicacies, great for family dining.
10-minute drive from the quarter.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Puducherry

Day 5: Cultural Exploration in Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out on your cultural journey.
On-site at hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Thanjavur

Travel to Thanjavur, known for its rich heritage and temples.
2-hour drive from Puducherry.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a great place to learn about Dravidian architecture.
Just 10-minute drive from entry point.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Palki Restaurant

Have a relaxing lunch offering a mix of South Indian specialities.
5-minute drive from the temple.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Thanjavur Palace

Explore the historic palace and its museum where you can learn about local history.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Art Gallery

Admire local art and bronzes, allowing your family to appreciate local craftsmanship.
5-minute walk from the palace.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Drive to Madurai

Head to Madurai, a city known for its temples and rich cultural heritage.
2-hour drive from Thanjavur.
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

End the day with a traditional South Indian meal where everyone can find something delightful.
5-minute drive from your hotel check-in.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thanjavur

Day 6: Discover Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before exploring more of South India.
On-site at hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Experience the grandeur of this temple famous for its stunning sculptures and rich history.
20-minute drive from hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Discover this magnificent palace that showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture.
15-minute drive from the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Taste of Madurai

Savor authentic Madurai dishes for lunch at this popular local eatery.
10-minute drive from Mahal.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi and the historical significance of this museum.
15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Shopping in Madurai

Explore the vibrant local markets where you can buy traditional Madurai cotton sarees and souvenirs.
20-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Anna Nagar Restaurant

Top off the day with a delightful dinner featuring a wide range of regional dishes.
5-minute drive from the shopping area.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 7: Journey to Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with breakfast before making your way to the sacred town of Rameswaram.
On-site at hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Rameswaram

Take a scenic 3-hour drive to Rameswaram, a spiritual hub.
3-hour drive from Madurai.
Free, 3 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this famous temple known for its 22 wells and wonderful architecture.
Drive from entry area in town.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a wholesome vegetarian meal at this local favorite.
5-minute drive from the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Agni Theertham Beach

Relax at the beach where you can take a dip in the sacred water.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Dhanushkodi Ruins

Discover the haunting yet beautiful ruins of Dhanushkodi, a once-thriving town.
30-minute drive from Agni Theertham.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Roof Top Restaurant

Enjoy a lovely dinner overlooking the sea, perfect for families to unwind.
Drive back to Rameswaram town (30 mins).
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rameswaram

Day 8: Visit Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

6:30 AM

Early Breakfast

Have an early breakfast at the hotel as you prepare for a day trip to Kanyakumari.
On-site at hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

7:30 AM

Drive to Kanyakumari

Embark on a scenic drive of about 3 hours to reach the southernmost point of India.
3-hour drive from Rameswaram.
Free, 3 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

A must-see site offering stunning views of the sea and a peek into India's rich history.
Take a ferry from Kanyakumari Beach.
INR 200 (ferry), 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Ocean Side Restaurant

Indulge in some local seafood dishes, with a view of the sea at this family-friendly spot.
20-minute walk from ferry landing.
INR 1200, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

Marvel at the gigantic statue dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher overlooking the sea.
15-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Kanyakumari Beach

Take some time to enjoy the beach, a perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.
5-minute walk from the statue.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Drive back to Madurai

Head back to Madurai, reflecting on the beautiful sights of the day.
3-hour drive back.
Free, 3 hours

8:30 PM

Dinner at Sri Baghya Restaurant

Complete your day with a delightful meal, perfect ending to a delightful trip.
5-minute drive from hotel.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kanyakumari

Day 9: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a fulfilling breakfast before starting your journey back to Chennai.
On-site at hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive back to Chennai

Begin your return journey to Chennai with cherished memories of Tamil Nadu.
3-hour drive from Madurai.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Anjappar

After check-in, enjoy delectable Chettinad cuisine at one of the local favorites.
20-minute drive from hotel.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore this historical fortress, which reflects colonial architecture and history in Chennai.
20-minute drive from lunch.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Spend some time shopping for souvenirs and traditional items perfect for returning home.
15-minute drive from Fort St. George.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Visit Chennai Marina

Take a relaxing stroll at Marina Beach for one last sunset with the family.
15-minute drive from T. Nagar.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at BBQ Nation

Enjoy a fun family dinner with interactive dining experience at this popular spot.
15-minute drive from Café.
INR 2000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai
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