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7-Day Family Friendly Road Trip in South India - Relaxation and Cultural Immersion

Viewed by 122 travelers

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start your day with crispy dosas and sambhar at this popular local eatery, perfect for families.
Drive to Marina Beach after breakfast.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Marina Beach

Spend your morning enjoying the sun and sand at one of the longest beaches in the world, where kids can play and families can relax.
Walk along the beach, ending at the Chennai Lighthouse.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bay View Cafe

Enjoy a lavish buffet lunch with stunning views of the Bay of Bengal, offering various cuisines ideal for families.
Drive to the Government Museum next.
INR 2,500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Government Museum

Explore one of the oldest museums in India, showcasing a wide array of artifacts, handicrafts, and cultural exhibits.
Return to your hotel or explore the surrounding area for leisure time.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Evening Stroll at Semmozhi Poonga

Unwind amidst beautiful landscapes in this urban park, ideal for family bonding and relaxation.
Drive to hotel for check-in and freshening up before dinner.
INR 50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Vasantha Bhavan

Savor authentic South Indian cuisine, including a delightful thali that caters well to families.
Return to your hotel to rest.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Cultural Wonders of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore.
Drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the 8th century, right on the coast.
Walk towards Pancha Rathas from the Shore Temple.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Pancha Rathas

Explore these monumental rock-cut temples, shaped like chariots, perfect for family photos.
Drive towards the beach for lunch.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Theevu Plage

Enjoy a beachfront lunch with seafood specialties and Indian vegetarian options.
Head towards Arjuna's Penance.
INR 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Arjuna's Penance

Discover the largest rock relief in the world depicting the story of Arjuna, fascinating for both kids and adults.
Take a leisurely walk along the beach for some relaxation.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Beach Time at Mahabalipuram

Enjoy the soft sands and gentle waves, a perfect afternoon for families to play and relax.
Return to hotel for evening preparation.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ocean Grill

Indulge in a delightful family dinner with options for everyone while enjoying views of the ocean.
Head back to the hotel.
INR 2,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Pondicherry Bliss

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel.
Drive from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Auroville

Visit the spiritual community of Auroville and see the Matrimandir, a major attraction for families.
Drive from Auroville to Pondicherry town.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe des Arts

Relish French-inspired cuisine in a charming setting, perfect for an island vibe.
Head to the Promenade to enjoy the beach.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Leisure at The Promenade Beach

Relax at this picturesque beach, where the kids can build sandcastles and play in the surf.
Walk to Pondicherry's Botanical Gardens.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Pondicherry Botanical Gardens

Stroll through the main gardens and explore the plant collections while letting the kids roam and learn.
Relax back at the hotel for a bit before dinner.
INR 30, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relaxation at the Hotel

Unwind and prepare for the evening while enjoying family time.
Get ready for dinner.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy an exquisite dinner featuring Indian and French cuisine that both adults and children will love.
Return to your hotel for rest.
INR 2,500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 4: Cultural Heart of Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a traditional South Indian breakfast to start the day before departing.
Drive from Pondicherry to Thanjavur.
Free, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its grand architecture and fascinating history.
Walk around the temple grounds.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Thanjavur Royal Palace

Delve into the history of Thanjavur at the former royal palace, filled with artifacts and exhibits.
Drive to a local restaurant for lunch.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Tamilnadu

Experience authentic Tamil meals with different rice varieties and curries, catering to various tastes.
Explore the local markets or temples.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping at Local Markets

Engage in a cultural experience by browsing local crafts, handloom products, and art.
Return to the hotel for leisure time.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at the Hotel

Unwind before heading out for the evening, giving kids time to play.
Prepare for dinner.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Relish delicious vegetarian dishes, perfect for families looking for light and nutritious meals.
Return to the hotel after dinner.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thanjavur

Day 5: Historical Splendor in Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before embarking on the journey to Madurai.
Drive from Thanjavur to Madurai.
Free, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Witness the awe-inspiring architecture and vibrant sculptures of this famous temple that is a must-see in Madurai.
Walk around the temple and experience the local culture.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Relish delicious soft idlis and chutneys in this popular local spot, great for families.
After lunch, head to the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Discover the grandeur of this historical palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Relax at a local park nearby.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at the Local Park

Let the kids play freely while you enjoy the park's green surroundings.
Get ready for some evening exploration.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Evening Stroll Around City

Explore the vibrant streets of Madurai, tasting local snacks and shopping for souvenirs.
Prepare for dinner.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Dum Biryani

End the day with delicious briyanis and other North Indian specialties, perfect for the whole family.
Return to the hotel to rest.
INR 1,500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 6: Tranquility in Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before leaving for Kanyakumari.
Drive from Madurai to Kanyakumari.
Free, 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to the rock memorial and enjoy stunning sea views, a great educational experience for families.
Return to Kanyakumari after visiting the memorial.
INR 300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Triveni View

Dine on seafood and traditional South Indian meals at this restaurant with beautiful views of the sea.
Visit the Kanyakumari Temple after lunch.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Kanyakumari Temple

Seek blessings at this ancient temple, rich in history and culture, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Visit the sunset point for the evening.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Sunset Point

Gather with your family to witness the spectacular sunset over the ocean, a breathtaking experience.
Head back to the hotel to rest.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Seaview

Savor delicious local and seafood dishes while enjoying the beautiful view.
Return to the hotel for relaxation.
INR 1,500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kanyakumari

Day 7: Relax In Trivandrum

Trivandrum, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before exploring Trivandrum.
Drive from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum.
Free, 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Visit this iconic temple known for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Walk around the temple area to enjoy the shops.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Napier Museum

Explore the rich history and art at this museum, which can be both enlightening and fun for the family.
Drive to a restaurant for lunch.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sarovar Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal featuring both Indian and international cuisines.
Relax at the hotel post lunch.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Hotel

Unwind and let the kids play at your hotel, the perfect way to recharge.
Get ready for an evening outing.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Kovalam Beach

Spend the evening at this spectacular beach, where families can enjoy swimming and beach activities.
Head to a local restaurant for dinner.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Leela

Indulge in fine dining with a mix of local and international flavors, ensuring a delightful end to your trip.
Return to your hotel or head to the airport if departing.
INR 3,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Trivandrum
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