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5-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Chennai and Surroundings

Viewed by 82 travelers

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with authentic South Indian vegetarian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its delicious dosas and filter coffee. It is open from 7:00am to 11:00pm.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this stunning Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a landmark cultural site with vibrant architecture. It opens at 6:00am and closes by 11:30am, reopens in the evening.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Fort St. George

Visit the historic Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, which houses the museum displaying colonial artifacts. Open from 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR40, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Peshawri

Enjoy North-West Frontier cuisine at Peshawri, famed for its tandoori dishes and rustic ambience. It operates from 12:00pm to 3:30pm for lunch.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Marina Beach Walk

Take a leisurely walk along Marina Beach to soak in the local atmosphere and enjoy the seaside vibe. Open all day, but afternoons can be hot so carry water.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Government Museum

Explore the Government Museum displaying archeological artifacts, paintings, and sculptures. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, so a quick visit is ideal before closing.
INR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Southern Spice

Relish upscale South Indian delicacies at Southern Spice, offering an aromatic and refined dining experience. Open until 11:00pm.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Heritage

Mahabalipuram, India on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day trip to Mahabalipuram, known for its exquisite rock-cut temples.
INR300, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Drive south from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, taking around 1.5 hours via ECR road for a scenic coastal journey.
INR1500 (Taxi), 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Shore Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Shore Temple, a stunning 8th-century monument overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR40, 1h0m

11:30am

Pancha Rathas

Visit the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic rock-cut temples each uniquely carved and an architectural marvel.
INR40, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy seafood and continental dishes with a beachfront view at Moonrakers, open from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
INR1000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Arjuna's Penance & Krishna's Butterball

See the giant rock reliefs and a famous balancing rock that are unique to Mahabalipuram's heritage.
INR40, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Mahabalipuram Beach, great for an evening walk or photography.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Chennai

Drive back to Chennai to rest and prepare for next day's travel.
INR1500 (Taxi), 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Marina

Savor fresh coastal cuisine at The Marina, known for its lively ambiance and diverse menu. Open until 10:30pm.
INR1200, 1h0m
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Day 3: Pondicherry Culture

Pondicherry, India on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before an early drive to Pondicherry, blending French colonial charm with Tamil traditions.
INR300, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Pondicherry

Drive 3 hours south from Chennai to Pondicherry on ECR highway, enjoying coastal views en route.
INR2000 (Taxi), 3h0m

11:00am

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Explore this serene spiritual community and museum dedicated to Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Open from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Relish French and South Indian fusion cuisine at this historic boutique hotel restaurant. Open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR900, 1h0m

2:00pm

Promenade Beach Walk

Walk the scenic promenade by the sea, lined with colonial buildings and statues. Ideal for a leisurely afternoon.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore French Quarter

Wander through quaint streets with mustard-yellow colonial villas, vibrant cafes, and boutique shops.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Visit Pondicherry Museum

Discover the region’s history with exhibits of sculpture, archeology, and colonial artifacts. Open until 6:00pm.
INR30, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café des Arts

Dine in a chic French-style cafe serving continental dishes, perfect to end your cultural day. Open until 10:30pm.
INR800, 1h15m
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Day 4: Pondicherry Leisure

Pondicherry, India on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Xtasi

Enjoy some of the best pizzas bakeries in Pondicherry, along with coffee in a cozy setting. Opens at 8:00am.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Auroville Visit

Drive 30 minutes to Auroville, an experimental township focused on human unity. Visit the Matrimandir viewing point. Open from 8:30am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:30pm.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Solar Kitchen, Auroville

Enjoy wholesome organic food at the Solar Kitchen, known for its community ethos and fresh ingredients.
INR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Pondicherry

Head back to Pondicherry to relax before an evening activity.
Free, 0h30m

3:00pm

Botanical Garden

Walk the well-maintained Botanical Garden featuring exotic plants and a musical fountain. Open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
INR30, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Serenity Beach

Spend a relaxing evening at Serenity Beach, less crowded and great for sunset views.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy innovative Indian and continental dishes in a rustic yet elegant setting. Open until 11:00pm.
INR1000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a laid-back breakfast before your journey back to Chennai.
INR300, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Chennai

Travel back to Chennai by road, approximately 3-hour drive via ECR highway.
INR2000 (Taxi), 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rayar's Mess

Savor traditional Tamil vegetarian meals served buffet style at Rayar's Mess, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Spend your afternoon shopping for silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts in Chennai's vibrant T Nagar market.
Varies, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit San Thome Basilica

Explore the Gothic-style San Thome Basilica built over the tomb of Saint Thomas. Open 7:00am to 7:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dakshin

Conclude your trip with a sumptuous Southern Indian meal at Dakshin, known for authentic regional dishes. Open until 10:30pm.
INR1200, 1h30m
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