5-Day South Tamil Nadu Cultural and Historical Tour from Chennai

Day 1: Chennai to Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe, Chennai

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast such as idli and filter coffee at the iconic Ratna Cafe, open from 7am.
INR200, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Thanjavur

Begin your road or train journey from Chennai to Thanjavur, approximately a 5-6 hour trip covering around 340 km.
INR500 - 1000 (approx), 6h0m

3:00pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, an architectural marvel of the Chola dynasty dating back to the 11th century. Open until 6pm.
INR40, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Savour authentic Tamil vegetarian cuisine at this well-loved restaurant near the temple, open until 10pm.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Thanjavur to Madurai

Madurai, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Gnanam

Start the day with a south Indian breakfast like dosa or pongal at this popular local spot, opens from 7am.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Madurai

Drive or take the train 195 km south to Madurai, around 3.5-4 hours journey.
INR400 - 800, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy fluffy idlis, vadas and chutneys at this iconic Madurai eatery, open until 8pm.
INR200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Spend the afternoon admiring the intricate Dravidian architecture of the famous Meenakshi temple, open from 6am to 12:30pm and 4pm to 9pm.
No entry fee, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Amma Mess

Sample traditional Chettinad South Indian dishes at this family-favourite eatery open until 10pm.
INR350, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Madurai to Tiruchendur

Tiruchendur, India on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Supreme, Madurai

Delight in a hearty south Indian breakfast before setting off, opening at 6:30am.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Tiruchendur

Travel southeast 90 km along coastal route to Tiruchendur in about 2 hours.
INR350 - 600, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

Explore this revered temple on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, open 5am to 1pm and 4pm to 8:30pm.
No fee, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Sri Mithran Hotel

Try fresh seafood and local Tamil dishes at this well-rated restaurant near the temple, open until 3pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Tiruchendur Beach

Spend an afternoon relaxing on the golden sands and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Chinthamani

Enjoy authentic Tamil vegetarian cuisine at this local favourite, open until 9pm.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Tiruchendur to Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Breakfast near the coast with fresh juices and south Indian snacks, opens from 7am.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Thanjavur

Journey back northwest to Thanjavur covering 320 km in about 6 hours.
INR600 - 1000, 6h0m

3:00pm

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace

Explore the palace complex including the art gallery and palace museum, open 9am to 5pm.
INR30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sangeetha Restaurant

Sample diverse south Indian dishes in a casual environment, open until 10pm.
INR350, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Thanjavur to Chennai Return

Chennai, India on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Panchavati

Enjoy a filling breakfast with traditional and continental options before departure, opens from 7am.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Chennai

Embark on the return journey to Chennai, covering approximately 340 km, around 5 to 6 hours by car or train.
INR500 - 1000, 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Enjoy a well-known chain famous for its South Indian vegetarian cuisine, open until 10pm.
INR300, 1h0m

4:00pm

Optional visit to Marina Beach

Relax or stroll along the iconic longest urban beach in India, open all day.
Free, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability