7-Day Cultural and Nature Exploration in Tamil Nadu, India

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with an authentic South Indian breakfast of idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this famous Chennai eatery known for its traditional flavors.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Marina Beach

Enjoy a morning walk along the scenic Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world, and watch local life unfold by the sea.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Fort St. George

Visit the historical Fort St. George museum to learn about the British colonial era and Chennai’s rich history.
INR15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Relish flavorful Chettinad cuisine, a spicy and aromatic specialty of Tamil Nadu with dishes like chicken pepper fry and biryani.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this iconic Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, notable for its colorful gopuram and vibrant local culture.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Experience bustling street shopping at T Nagar, famous for silk sarees, jewelry, and traditional handicrafts.
Variable, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Marina

Dine by the beach with seafood specialties, including fresh fish and prawn dishes in a relaxing ambiance.
INR800, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Mahabalipuram Heritage

Mahabalipuram, India on October 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Ideal Roof

Enjoy a simple South Indian breakfast like pongal and vada to fuel up before sightseeing.
INR250, 45m

9:00am

Visit Shore Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Shore Temple, famous for its stunning architecture and ocean views. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR40, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Pancha Rathas

Discover the fascinating monolithic rock-cut temples shaped like chariots, a testament to Pallava craftsmanship.
INR40, 1h0m

12:00pm

Visit Arjuna’s Penance

Admire the largest open-air rock relief in India depicting the story of Arjuna’s meditation and penance.
INR40, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Savor fresh seafood and continental dishes with a sea view at this popular seaside restaurant.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind at the sandy beach, enjoy local snacks and watch the sunset.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Drive to Pondicherry

Travel approximately 1h30m to Pondicherry, check into hotel and relax for the evening.
Transport cost variable, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Enjoy French-Indian fusion cuisine in a charming colonial setting.
INR900, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Pondicherry Charm

Pondicherry, India on October 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Start your day with French-style croissants and strong coffee in a quaint café.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore French Quarter

Take a walking tour of the colorful, colonial-era French Quarter with its unique architecture and boutiques.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience tranquility at this spiritual retreat dedicated to Sri Aurobindo and his teachings.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Dine on South Indian and continental dishes served in a stylish colonial villa.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Promenade Beach

Enjoy the sea breeze along the scenic promenade lined with statues and quaint cafés.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Paradise Beach

Take a boat ride to Paradise Beach, known for clear water and golden sands, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Boat fare INR150, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at The Indian Kaffe Express

Enjoy traditional Indian dishes and laid-back ambiance.
INR600, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Thanjavur Temples

Thanjavur, India on October 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light South Indian breakfast before your journey to Thanjavur.
INR300, 45m

8:00am

Travel to Thanjavur

Drive approximately 4 hours from Pondicherry to Thanjavur, known for its rich cultural heritage.
Transport variable, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Taste authentic Tamil meals served on banana leaves in a traditional setting.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the ‘Big Temple’, a magnificent example of Chola architecture open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR40, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Thanjavur Palace Museum

Discover royal artifacts, sculptures, and paintings that depict the region’s history.
INR20, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Mayura

Enjoy classic Tamil Nadu cuisine in a relaxed hotel setting.
INR600, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Madurai Wonders

Madurai, India on October 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty traditional breakfast to prepare for the day of temple exploration.
INR300, 45m

8:00am

Travel to Madurai

Take a 3-hour drive from Thanjavur to Madurai, a city famous for its ancient temples and cultural significance.
Transport cost variable, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore one of the grandest temples in India, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, featuring stunning gopurams covered with colorful sculptures. Open 6:00am to 12:30pm, 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy soft idlis and traditional South Indian fare at this beloved local eatery.
INR200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and India’s freedom struggle through well-curated exhibits. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore local markets

Shop for traditional textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts in vibrant Madurai bazaars.
Variable, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Madurai Project

Relish modern Tamil fusion dishes in a trendy café atmosphere.
INR700, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Rameswaram Pilgrimage

Rameswaram, India on October 6, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for your drive to the sacred town of Rameswaram.
INR300, 30m

7:00am

Drive to Rameswaram

Travel approximately 3.5 hours from Madurai to Rameswaram, a place of religious significance.
Transport cost variable, 3h30m

11:00am

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Visit the famous pilgrimage temple known for its magnificent corridors and water tanks, open 6:00am to 12:00pm and 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Sakthi

Taste local seafood and vegetarian dishes in a simple, welcoming environment.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Dhanushkodi

Explore the ruins of the old town and enjoy pristine beaches at the tip of Rameswaram Island.
Vehicle rental approximately INR800, 3h0m

6:00pm

Return to Rameswaram

Rest and relax in your hotel or explore local markets.
Variable, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Woodlands

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals with a variety of vegetarian options.
INR600, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Kanyakumari Finale

Kanyakumari, India on October 7, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before starting the journey.
INR300, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Kanyakumari

Travel approximately 4 hours from Rameswaram to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.
Transport cost variable, 4h0m

10:30am

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to this iconic rock memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, offering panoramic ocean views. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Ferry fare INR100, 1h30m

12:30pm

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

View the majestic statue of Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, located on a nearby island.
Included with ferry, 30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Seaview

Enjoy fresh coastal cuisine with views of the ocean.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Kanyakumari Temple and Market

Explore the local temples and shops for souvenirs like seashell crafts and spices.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Witness Sunset at Kanyakumari Beach

Experience the breathtaking sunset where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Sangamam

Conclude your trip with a delicious meal featuring south Indian coastal flavors.
INR800, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability