7-Day Family-Friendly Adventure Rail Trip in South India

Day 1: Cultural City Exploration

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your journey with a hearty South Indian breakfast featuring idli, dosa, and filter coffee.
Located in T. Nagar, accessible by local transport.
INR 400, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the first bastion of the British Empire in India, which offers a glimpse into Chennai's colonial past.
Fort St. George is easily reachable by auto-rickshaw.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a variety of delicious idlis and chutneys perfect for the whole family.
Located nearby Fort St. George.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at this beautiful temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring stunning Dravidian architecture.
A short auto-rickshaw ride from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Explore the bustling bazaars bursting with local fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Accessible by local transport.
Varies, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Marina

Savor a seaside dinner featuring fresh seafood and a variety of local dishes.
Head towards the Marina Beach area.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Temple Town Adventure

Kanchipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in more South Indian delicacies before leaving for Kanchipuram.
Same as Day 1.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Kanchipuram

Board a train from Chennai to Kanchipuram, a historical city with sacred temples.
Train station is nearby Chennai.
INR 50, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple

Explore one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Short walk from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at A2B

Try a South Indian thali for a wholesome family meal.
A well-known chain located near the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Kanchi Kudil

Discover traditional Tamil homes and arts at this cultural center.
Short local transport ride from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping for Silk Sarees

Kanchipuram is famous for its silk, pick up beautiful sarees for home.
Explore the local silk shops.
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kanchipuram Kottu Restaurant

Savor some Kottu Parotta, a local specialty.
Local travel will take you there easily.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Beachside Heritage

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at your stay in Kanchipuram.
At the hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Take a train or taxi to Mahabalipuram, known for its rock-cut monuments.
Easily reachable via local transport.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Shore Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture by the sea.
Short walk from where you can stop.
INR 300, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy seafood and other dishes with a nice beach view.
Close to the Shore Temple.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

An impressive bas-relief depicting various scenes of Indian mythology.
Nearby the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Witness this intricately carved group of monolithic temples.
A short ride from Arjuna's Penance.
INR 150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Take time to unwind at the beautiful beach, perfect for families.
Close to the Pancha Rathas.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at A2B

Finish your day with some delicious South Indian food.
Back to the heart of Mahabalipuram.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 4: Charming French Influence

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, savoring delicious French pastries.
At your Mahabalipuram stay.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Pondicherry

Take a taxi or local bus to reach the charming coastal town.
A scenic ride from Mahabalipuram.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Auroville

Explore this unique township dedicated to human unity and sustainable living.
20-minute taxi from the town center.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Relish some tasty crepes and salad in a quaint French setting.
Back to Pondicherry town center.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll Promenade Beach

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade, soaking in the sea breeze.
A few minutes' walk from the cafe.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore French Quarter

Wander through charming streets lined with colonial buildings and boutiques.
Adjacent to the promenade.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Asian House

Cap off the day with delicious Asian dishes suited for the whole family.
Located in the heart of Pondicherry.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historical Significance

Tiruchirappalli, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Indulge in breakfast at your Pondicherry hotel, featuring local and continental options.
At the hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Tiruchirappalli

Board an early train for a scenic journey to Tiruchirappalli, known for its temples.
Train station in Pondicherry.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Rockfort Temple

Explore this iconic landmark and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
A short taxi ride from the station.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kumar Mess

Sample Chettinad cuisine with sumptuous non-vegetarian dishes.
Close to the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Marvel at the grand architecture of one of the largest temples in India.
Travel here via local transport.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore the local market

Browse through vibrant bazaars filled with traditional crafts and textiles.
Local transport to the market.
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Konar Mess

Try various local dishes in a vibrant and family-friendly setting.
Just a short walk from the market.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Delights

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your Tiruchirappalli hotel.
At the hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Madurai

Take a train to Madurai, known for its rich cultural heritage.
Board at the nearest station.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore one of the most famous temples in India, renowned for its stunning sculptures.
Local transport can take you there easily.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Relish their amazing vegetarian meals perfect for families.
Nearby the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Admire the magnificent palace that boasts Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Local travel from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore the local markets

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and shop for local specialties.
Head towards the nearby markets.
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Taj Restaurant

Finish your day with a delightful meal featuring North Indian and South Indian dishes.
Easy local access from the markets.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Nature and Wildlife

Coimbatore, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Dive into breakfast featuring local options at your Madurai hotel.
At the hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Coimbatore

Take a train or taxi to Coimbatore, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.
Board at the nearest station.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit VOC Park

Enjoy a fun morning at this green space with a children's park and a small zoo.
Short taxi ride from the train station.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hari's Biriyani

Enjoy a delicious local biryani perfect for family sharing.
Nearby the park.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Codissia Trade Fair Complex

Check out exhibitions and activities that are often family-friendly.
Local transport accessible.
Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Brookefields Mall

Indulge in some shopping and family time at this popular mall.
A short ride from the trade fair complex.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Wrap up your trip with an amazing dinner serving traditional Indian cuisine.
Just a short journey from the mall.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability