3-Day Cultural and Nature Exploration in Tamil Nadu within ₹25,000 Budget

Day 1: Heritage & Shore Temples

Chennai and Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this iconic vegetarian restaurant, open from 7:00am to 10:30pm.
INR150, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the Dravidian architecture and vibrant atmosphere of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Mylapore, Chennai.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Travel south-east for about 1.5 hours to reach the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram.
INR300 (bus fare approx.), 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonrakers, Mahabalipuram

Savor fresh seafood and South Indian cuisine with a view of the Bay of Bengal. Open from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Visit the iconic Shore Temple and the five Rathas, remarkable examples of Pallava architecture dating back to the 7th century.
INR200, 2h

3:30pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Enjoy the scenic coastal views and relax on the sandy beach just steps away from the temples.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Chennai

Head back to Chennai by bus or taxi, approximately 1.5-hour journey.
INR300, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Restaurant, Chennai

Indulge in authentic Chettinad cuisine with spiced flavors; the restaurant is open until 11:00pm.
INR400, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: French Heritage & Beaches

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café des Arts, Pondicherry

Enjoy French-inspired pastries and strong coffee in this charming cafe open from 7:00am to 9:30pm.
INR200, 45m

8:30am

Visit Promenade Beach and French Quarter

Stroll along the scenic coastline and explore the colonial architecture of the French Quarter, a key cultural highlight.
Free, 2h

10:30am

Explore Auroville

Travel 20 minutes to this unique universal township focused on sustainable living and spirituality. Visit the Matrimandir viewing area.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Surguru Spot, Pondicherry

Taste authentic South Indian vegetarian meals served in banana leaf style, open till 3:00pm.
INR250, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Botanical Garden

Enjoy a peaceful walk among exotic plants in the well-maintained botanical garden, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
INR20, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Serenity Beach

Spend late afternoon soaking up sun and sea breeze at Serenity Beach, a quieter beach option.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Chennai

Drive or bus back to Chennai, approximately 3 hours.
INR300, 3h

9:00pm

Dinner at Buhari Hotel, Chennai

End the day with Mughlai and Indian specialties at this long-standing restaurant, open till 11:00pm.
INR400, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Temples & Silk

Kanchipuram and Chennai, Tamil Nadu on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel, Chennai

Fuel up with a simple South Indian breakfast before heading out.
INR100, 30m

7:30am

Drive to Kanchipuram

Journey about 2 hours west to Kanchipuram, famous for its temples and silk sarees.
INR300, 2h

9:30am

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Explore this stunning 7th-century sandstone temple known for its intricate carvings.
INR25, 1h

10:45am

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

One of the largest temples in Kanchipuram, famed for its gigantic gopuram and historic significance.
INR25, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sri Venkateshwara Mess, Kanchipuram

Enjoy traditional vegetarian meals featuring fresh local ingredients, open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
INR200, 1h

1:00pm

Shopping for Silk Sarees

Browse local shops for famous Kanchipuram silk sarees known worldwide for quality and craftsmanship.
Varies; window shopping free, 1h30m

2:30pm

Return to Chennai

Travel back to Chennai for evening activities or departure.
INR300, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Stroll at Marina Beach, Chennai

Relax with a walk along Asia’s longest urban beach to soak in the sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Marina, Chennai

Conclude your trip with classic Tamil seafood dishes in a relaxed beachside setting, open until 10:30pm.
INR450, 1h
View Hotel Availability