10-Day Budget-Friendly Adventure in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Chennai Highlights

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ananda Bhavan

Start your day with a filling breakfast of idli and dosa at Ananda Bhavan, an affordable local favorite.
Located centrally, easily reachable by local transport.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historic Fort St. George, which houses a museum showcasing Tamil Nadu's colonial history.
Take a local bus, around 20 minutes from the cafe.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll at Marina Beach

Enjoy a stroll at Marina Beach, a free activity where you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze.
A short bus ride from the fort, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Aasai Restaurant

Dine on budget-friendly South Indian thali meals at Aasai Restaurant.
Nearby the beach; a 10-minute walk.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit this beautiful temple famous for its architecture, completely free to enter.
Take a local bus or an inexpensive rickshaw, about 20 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Sri Saravana Bhavan

Conclude your day with a delicious yet inexpensive dinner at Sri Saravana Bhavan.
A short bus ride from the temple, around 15 minutes.
INR 180, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Discover Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Savor a economical breakfast of toast and eggs at Hotel Sea Breeze.
Easily accessible in Mahabalipuram.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Explore the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO site, which has a minimal entry fee.
A leisurely walk of about 15 minutes.
INR 40, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Next, marvel at the Pancha Rathas, a breathtaking example of rock-cut architecture, free to enter.
A 10-minute walk from Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ganesh Restaurant

Enjoy an affordable meal of rice and sambar at Ganesh Restaurant.
Walking distance from Pancha Rathas.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Discover Arjuna's Penance, a magnificent rock relief sculpture, entry is free.
Short walk from Ganesh Restaurant, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Theertham Restaurant

End the day with a simple and affordable dinner at Theertham Restaurant.
Walk from Arjuna's Penance, about 15 minutes.
INR 180, 1 hour
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Day 3: Charming Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with an inexpensive French croissant and coffee at Café de Flore.
Located in the French Quarter of Pondicherry.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Reflect and enjoy the serene environment at Aurobindo Ashram, free to enter.
A short walk from the cafe, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Promenade Beach

Take a leisurely stroll along Promenade Beach with no entry fee.
A 15-minute walk from Aurobindo Ashram.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Indian Kaffe Express

Enjoy an economical meal at Indian Kaffe Express, serving delicious local cuisine.
10-minute walk from the beach.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Auroville

Take a trip to Auroville, a unique township dedicated to human unity, free to enter.
A budget-friendly local bus ride, around 30 minutes.
INR 30, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at La Cafe

Wrap up your day at La Cafe with affordable yet tasty French dishes.
Return via local bus to Pondicherry.
INR 180, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Enchanting Tanjore

Tanjore, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sriram

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Hotel Sriram with local options.
Conveniently located in the heart of Tanjore.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Visit the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO site known for its grandeur, with low entry fees.
A short 10-minute walk from the hotel.
INR 50, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Next, head to the Maratha Palace nearby; it's a small fee to explore the museum.
5-minute walk from the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Biryani

Enjoy a tasty and economical biryani meal at Hotel Biryani.
Walkable distance, around 10 minutes.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Art Gallery of Tanjore

Visit the Art Gallery to discover Tamil art and heritage, entry is budget-friendly.
Short 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ananda Restaurant

Conclude your day with a budget meal at Ananda Restaurant, featuring local cuisine.
15-minute walk from the gallery.
INR 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Trichy

Trichy, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sri Ganesh Bhavan

Start your day with a classic South Indian breakfast at Sri Ganesh Bhavan.
Central location in Trichy, easy to reach.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Rock Fortress

Visit the Rock Fortress, an ancient site with stunning views, minimal entry fee.
Take a local bus for a 20-minute ride.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Head to the grand Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, free to enter.
A short bus ride from Rock Fortress, about 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Ambika

Savor local dishes at Hotel Ambika known for its affordability.
Walking distance from the temple.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Jambukeswarar Temple

Explore the unique Jambukeswarar Temple, known for its water symbolism, free entry.
Take a local bus for about 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Roshini

Enjoy economical local dishes at Hotel Roshini to end your day.
A 10-minute taxi ride from Jambukeswarar Temple.
INR 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Historical Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Heritage

Start your day with a budget buffet breakfast at Hotel Heritage.
Easily accessible in Madurai.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, free to enter, known for its vibrant architecture.
Short walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Discover the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal with its magnificent halls, budget-friendly entry fees.
Take a local bus or rickshaw about 10 minutes.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Amma Unavagam

Taste authentic Madurai dishes at Amma Unavagam, known for its affordability.
A short taxi ride from the Mahal.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about India's freedom struggle at the Gandhi Museum, with a minimal entry fee.
Taxi from the restaurant about 15 minutes.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Fontana

Wrap up your day with a simple meal at The Fontana featuring budget options.
A short cab ride from the museum.
INR 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Picturesque Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Relish an affordable breakfast overlooking the sea at Hotel Tamil Nadu.
Conveniently located in Kanyakumari.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial (entry + ferry fee) for a spiritual experience.
Walk to the ferry terminal around 5 minutes.
INR 200, 2 hours

12:00PM

View the Thiruvalluvar Statue

Admire the majestic Thiruvalluvar Statue from the memorial, a cost-free experience.
You can see it from the rock, just relax here.
Free, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Enjoy lunch at Hotel Tamil Nadu, renowned for its Tamil cuisine.
A short walk from the ferry exit.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kanyakumari Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon at Kanyakumari Beach with no entry fee.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Conclude the day with simple yet tasty seafood at The Cliff House.
10-minute walk from Kanyakumari Beach.
INR 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Tranquil Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Daiwik

Enjoy breakfast at Hotel Daiwik featuring affordable local dishes.
In Rameswaram, centrally located.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore Ramanathaswamy Temple, known for its architecture and sacred waters, free entry.
About a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Agni Theertham

Experience Agni Theertham by taking a holy dip, engaging with locals, all free of charge.
A short walk from the temple, around 5 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Aaryas Rameswaram

Savor delicious vegetarian meals at Aaryas Rameswaram, a budget-friendly choice.
15 minutes taxi from Agni Theertham.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Dhanushkodi

Explore the ghost town of Dhanushkodi for a unique experience, entry is free.
30-minute shared taxi ride.
INR 30, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Wrap up your day with regional dishes at Hotel Tamil Nadu.
Return to Rameswaram for a 30-minute taxi.
INR 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Serene Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hilltop Hotel

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast overlooking the hills at Hilltop Hotel.
A scenic 2-hour drive from Rameswaram.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Visit Kodaikanal Lake, perfect for boating and relaxation; very affordable local boat hires.
Nearby hotel, easily walkable.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Coaker's Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Coaker's Walk, famous for its views, extremely low entry fee.
A 10-minute walk from the lake.
INR 10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Astoria Veg Restaurant

Feast on tasty vegetarian dishes at Astoria Veg Restaurant, a budget-oriented option.
15-minute walk from Coaker's Walk.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Bryant Park

Spend the afternoon in Bryan Park enjoying its lush gardens and beautiful flowers, free entry.
10-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Pastry Corner

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring affordable pizzas at The Pastry Corner.
10-minute taxi from the park.
INR 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Hilltop

Start your last day with breakfast at Hotel Hilltop, budget-friendly options available.
Local transportation available.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive back to Chennai

Make your way back to Chennai enjoying the beautiful landscapes, budget cars available.
2-hour journey.
INR 2000 (try to share if possible), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan, Chennai

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Namma Veedu known for its traditional Tamil dishes.
Located close to the Chennai city center.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the beautiful Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture, free entry.
A 15-minute cab ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Shop for traditional textiles and souvenirs at T. Nagar, a bustling shopping hub with free entry.
20-minute taxi from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at a local eatery

Conclude your Tamil Nadu adventure with an affordable farewell dinner at a local eatery.
Nearby T. Nagar.
INR 150, 1.5 hours
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