Explore the Rich Cultural Heritage of Tamil Nadu: 8-Day Itinerary Starting from Madurai

Day 1: Heritage and Legacy

Madurai, India on March 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Veg Restaurant

Enjoy a simple breakfast consisting of local specials like idli and vada in a comfortable setting.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Visit one of the most important temples in India, famous for its stunning architecture and colorful gopurams.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Explore this historical palace known for its unique Indo-Saracenic architecture and grand halls.
INR50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kumar Mess

Taste the famous biryani at Kumar Mess, loved by locals for its flavor and authenticity.
INR500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore local markets

Visit the bustling local markets where you can shop for authentic handicrafts and textiles.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

A fascinating museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life, showcasing artifacts and memorabilia.
INR10, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Modern Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of Indian and Chinese dishes for dinner, with local favorites and a relaxed atmosphere.
INR600, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Spiritual Journey

Rameswaram, India on March 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at TamilNadu Hotel

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast with various options.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Experience the sacredness of this temple, one of the holiest shrines in India dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Dhanushkodi

Explore the hauntingly beautiful remains of Dhanushkodi, a ghost town with stunning coastal views.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sea View Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties with views of the ocean at this restaurant.
INR600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Agniteertham Beach

Relax at this holy beach regarded as sacred for a spiritual cleanse as part of the pilgrimage.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return journey to Madurai

Travel back to Madurai, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Varies, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Modern Restaurant

Dine here for a comforting meal after a long day of exploration, with familiar favorites.
INR600, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Temple Tour

Thanjavur, India on March 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sangam

Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at Hotel Sangam, offering various South Indian specialties.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Admire the grandeur of this UNESCO-listed temple, an architectural marvel and cultural landmark of Tamil Nadu.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Thanjavur Palace

Explore the historical Thanjavur Palace that houses artifacts reflecting the region's royal history.
INR50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy a typical South Indian thali at this well-recommended restaurant known for its authenticity.
INR500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Tamil University

Explore the university dedicated to the Tamil language and cultural studies, providing insights into Tamil literature.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Craft Village Visit

Discover local artisans at a nearby craft village, showcasing traditional arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu.
INR200, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Sree Ariya Bhavan

End your day with a hearty dinner featuring authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine in a casual setting.
INR500, 1.5 hours

Day 4: French Influence

Puducherry, India on March 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Savor a European-style breakfast at this charming café known for its artistic ambiance and delicious pastries.
INR350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Discover Auroville, an experimental township dedicated to human unity and learning, offering unique architectural views.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Experience the serene environment of this famous ashram, a great place for meditation and reflection.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Indian Kaffe Express

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with a mix of Indian and Continental dishes at this cozy restaurant.
INR450, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll the Promenade

Walk along the Promenade, relishing coastal views, quaint shops, and the vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the French Quarter

Discover the unique architecture and aesthetic charm of the French Quarter, characterized by colorful colonial buildings.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Villa

Dine at La Villa, where you can enjoy fusion dishes crafted with local produce and French cuisine elements.
INR800, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Temple Town

Kanchipuram, India on March 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at A2B (Adyar Ananda Bhavan)

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast featuring fresh idlis, dosais, and chutneys.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Admire the grandeur of this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated for its massive Gopuram and ancient architecture.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple

Explore this sacred temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakshi, featuring intricate sculptures and vibrant rituals.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Relish a delightful lunch with traditional vegetarian dishes and local flavors at one of the best chain restaurants.
INR400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kanchi Kudil

Experience traditional Tamilian culture through this interactive museum featuring art, crafts, and history.
INR50, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Local Market

Wander through the vibrant local market, famous for silk sarees and handcrafted jewelry.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Gopalakrishna

Enjoy an authentic South Indian feast in this well-known eatery recommended for its thali meal.
INR500, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Coastal Adventure

Mahabalipuram, India on March 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Beach Resort

Savor a beachside breakfast with options including fresh fruit, local dishes, and Indian sweets.
INR350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to ancient architecture.
INR40, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Explore the unique rock-cut temples resembling chariots, each showcasing intricate carvings and sculptures.
INR25, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria

Enjoy an Italian lunch at Trattoria, known for its pasta and seafood with a coastal view.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Witness this grand bas-relief sculpture, one of the largest in the world depicting various animals and divine figures.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Beach Relaxation

Spend some leisure time at the beach, soaking in the sun and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Moonrakers

Delight in flavorful seafood at Moonrakers, a renowned spot for its fresh catch and local recipes.
INR700, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Cultural Exploration

Chennai, India on March 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious vegetarian South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its fantastic dosa and filter coffee.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this stunning ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which showcases Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Mylapore

Stroll around the Mylapore neighborhood, famous for its historic sites, cultural activities, and vibrant markets.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a traditional Tamil meal featuring rice and a variety of curries and side dishes.
INR400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Government Museum

Home to a rich collection of archaeological artifacts, this museum provides insight into Tamil Nadu's history and culture.
INR15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Marina Beach

Relax and unwind on one of the longest beaches in the world, perfect for a scenic evening stroll.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Marina

Enjoy delicious seafood with a seaside view at this popular restaurant located along the shore.
INR800, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Return Journey

Chennai, India on March 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Modern

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a variety of choices before heading back to Chennai.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Chennai

Prepare for your return to Chennai, enjoying views of Tamil Nadu along the drive.
Varies, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Savor traditional South Indian meals at this iconic restaurant in Chennai upon arrival.
INR500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historic Fort St. George, an important site in Indian history and the oldest British fort.
INR100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Last minute shopping at T. Nagar

Shop for souvenirs and local artisans' crafts in the bustling T. Nagar market.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Wave

Farewell dinner at The Wave, featuring both local and international dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
INR800, 2 hours