Family-Friendly 3-Day Tamil Nadu Road Trip: Temples, Nature & Culture

Day 1: Heritage and Seaside

Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant, Chennai

Start the day with a hearty South Indian breakfast of idli, dosa and filter coffee, popular among families for its authentic taste and child-friendly meals.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Enjoy a relaxing 1.5 hour scenic drive along the East Coast Road to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram.
Car fuel cost approx. INR1000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Shore Temple and Five Rathas

Visit the 7th-century rock-cut temples and sculptures by the sea; perfect for a family photo and cultural insight, open from 6am to 6pm.
INR150 per adult, children under 15 free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Moonrakers, Mahabalipuram

Enjoy fresh seafood and Indian cuisine with sea views, ideal for family dining.
INR1000, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Pondicherry

A 1.5 hour drive to the French colonial town of Pondicherry, known for its charming streets and beaches.
Car fuel approx. INR600, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Promenade Beach and French Quarter

Walk through the picturesque French Quarter and relax at the beach promenade, open all day, perfect for a family stroll.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Café, Pondicherry

Enjoy casual dining at this iconic café right on the beach, serving sandwiches, continental and local dishes, open until late.
INR1200, 1h
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Day 2: Spiritual and Cultural

Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Baker Street, Pondicherry

Start with fresh bakery items, hot coffee and healthy options that the whole family will love, opens from 7am.
INR400, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Chidambaram

A 2 hour drive inland to visit the magnificent Nataraja Temple, a spiritual experience and architectural gem.
Fuel approx. INR800, 2h

10:30am

Visit Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Explore this famous Shaivite temple with intricate sculptures, open from 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 8pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Anandha Inn, Chidambaram

Enjoy traditional Tamil cuisine in a family-friendly environment serving vegetarian meals, open until 3pm.
INR700, 1h

1:00pm

Drive to Thanjavur

Drive 2.5 hours southwest to the historic city of Thanjavur, known for its grand Brihadeeswara Temple.
Fuel approx. INR1000, 2h30m

3:30pm

Visit Brihadeeswara Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, an architectural marvel built by the Chola dynasty, open till 6pm.
INR100 per adult, free for children, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sree Ariya Bhojanam, Thanjavur

Traditional Tamil vegetarian thali served in a peaceful restaurant loved by families, closes at 9pm.
INR600, 1h
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Day 3: Temples and Return

Thanjavur, Madurai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Thanjavur

Enjoy a simple South Indian breakfast to fuel the day before travel, with options for kids and adults.
Included in hotel or approx. INR300 outside, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Madurai

Travel 3 hours south to Madurai, famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple and vibrant culture.
Fuel approx. INR1200, 3h

11:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the majestic temple complex with colorful gopurams and rich religious significance, open 5am to 12:30pm and 4pm to 9pm.
Free entry, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Popular for soft idlis and traditional South Indian vegetarian dishes, perfect for families, open till 3pm.
INR500, 1h

2:30pm

Drive back to Chennai

A longer 6-hour drive returning to Chennai, with options to stop for refreshments en route.
Fuel approx. INR1700, 6h

8:30pm

Dinner at home or local restaurant in Chennai

After a long day, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant for a final taste of Tamil cuisine or at home if preferred.
Varies, 1h
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