Unforgettable Southern India: Chennai to Mahabalipuram and Kanchi Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India on March 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Ratna Cafe, famous for its filter coffee and crispy dosas.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marina Beach

Stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and enjoy the early morning sea breeze.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Fort St. George

Learn about the colonial history of Chennai at Fort St. George, which houses a museum showcasing artifacts from the British era.
INR100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Savour a delicious thali at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic vegetarian South Indian meals.
INR500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at the Dravidian architecture of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated in Mylapore.
FREE, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Experience the vibrant local shopping scene in T Nagar, where you can buy traditional silk sarees and jewelry.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Comorin

Enjoy dinner at Comorin, where you can try South Indian fusion dishes crafted with fresh local ingredients.
INR700, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Discover Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on March 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Indulge in a French breakfast at Café des Arts, known for its pastries and charming ambiance.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Explore Auroville, an experimental township dedicated to human unity and sustainable living.
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Enjoy a mix of Indian and French cuisine at Villa Shanti, in a relaxed and beautifully decorated setting.
INR600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the French Quarter

Wander through the charming streets of the French Quarter, lined with colonial buildings and delightful boutiques.
FREE, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Promenade Beach

Relax at Promenade Beach, the perfect spot to unwind and watch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal.
FREE, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Vespa

Savour authentic Italian fare at La Vespa, where handmade pastas and fresh ingredients take centre stage.
INR800, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Cultural Immersion in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on March 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bread & Chocolate

Delight in artisanal breads and rich chocolates at Bread & Chocolate, a perfect start to your day.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience peace and spirituality at Aurobindo Ashram, founded by the philosopher and yogi Sri Aurobindo.
FREE, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Botanical Garden

Take a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Garden, home to varied flora and a serene environment.
INR20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Olive & Co.

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with a twist at Café Olive & Co., known for its outdoor seating and laid-back vibe.
INR700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Admire the intricate architecture of Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
FREE, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening at Chunnambar Boat House

Engage in activities like boating or head to the backwaters of Chunnambar for an evening retreat.
INR300, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Indian Kaffe Express

End your day at The Indian Kaffe Express, where you can relish Indian dishes with a contemporary twist.
INR500, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Spiritual Journey to Arunachalam

Arunachalam, India on March 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ishta Cafe

Fuel your day with a healthy breakfast at Ishta Cafe, known for its wholesome and organic dishes.
INR350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Arunachala Temple

Embark on a spiritual journey to Arunachala Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering an enchanting experience.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ramana's Dining

Experience a meal at Ramana's Dining, specializing in pure vegetarian and wholesome meals.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Giripradhkshayaka

Trek to Giripradhkshayaka, a scenic place to enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain and tranquility.
FREE, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Arunachalam

Head back to the temple for evening prayers and ceremonies, experiencing local devotion.
FREE, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at LGB (Sri Ramana Ashram)

Satiate your hunger with simple yet delightful meals at LGB, run by the Sri Ramana Ashram.
INR300, 1 hour

Day 5: Heritage Tour in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India on March 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Mamalla Heritage

Kick off your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Hotel Mamalla Heritage, offering a variety of options.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Shore Temple

Visit the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture by the sea.
INR200, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Admire the intricately carved monolithic temples at Pancha Rathas that depict various forms of art.
INR150, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Bay View

Relish fresh seafood and South Indian specialties while overlooking the sea at The Bay View.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the largest bas-relief in the world, Arjuna's Penance, depicting scenes from the Mahabharata.
FREE, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend your evening unwinding at Mahabalipuram Beach, ideal for sunset views and relaxation.
FREE, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tasty at Hotel Mamalla

Conclude your culinary journey with a delightful dinner at Tasty, offering a mix of local and continental dishes.
INR600, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Visit Kanchi Temples

Kanchipuram, India on March 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sri Kanchi

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Hotel Sri Kanchi, which offers a variety of South Indian delights.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kanchipuram Temples

Explore the ancient temples of Kanchipuram, including the iconic Ekambareswarar and Kamakshi Amman Temples, known for their stunning architecture.
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan (Kanchi)

Savor traditional Kanchipuram specialties at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its delectable vegetarian fare.
INR500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Weaving Industry

Visit local weaving units to witness the intricate process of Kanchipuram silk weaving, and consider buying a beautiful silk saree.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Admire the exquisite carvings and historical significance of Kailasanathar Temple, one of Kanchi's oldest temples.
FREE, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Chennai

Travel back to Chennai after a fulfilling day steeped in history and culture.
Variable, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Spice Route

End your trip with dinner at The Spice Route in Chennai, known for its exquisite Pan-Asian cuisine.
INR1,200, 1.5 hours