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This itinerary covers 3 days in tamilnadu, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

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Plan your perfect 3 days trip to tamilnadu. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

3-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of Tamil Nadu

Viewed by 197 travelers

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with an authentic South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its dosas and filter coffee, open from 7:00am to 11:00pm.

INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this ancient Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, noted for its stunning architecture and vibrant religious ceremonies. Open from 6:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 8:30pm.

INR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll along Marina Beach

Relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere at one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Great for people-watching and enjoying local street food.

INR0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Raintree, Anna Salai

Dine on traditional Tamil and Indian cuisine in a beautiful heritage setting. The Raintree offers a calm respite with delicious local flavours. Open 12:00pm to 3:30pm for lunch.

INR800, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Fort St. George

Discover the historical significance of this first English fortress in India, now housing a museum showcasing colonial history. Open from 9:00am to 5:30pm.

INR40, 1h

5:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar Market

Experience the bustling local market famous for silk sarees and handicrafts, perfect for souvenir shopping.

Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Enjoy traditional Tamil non-vegetarian dishes in this beloved local eatery. Open until 11:00pm.

INR600, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Mahabalipuram Heritage

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Chennai to Mahabalipuram

A scenic 1.5-hour drive south along the East Coast Road takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram.

INR1500 (taxi), 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seaside breakfast with light continental and Indian options at this relaxed café, open from 7:30am.

INR400, 45m

10:00am

Explore Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Visit the iconic 7th-century Shore Temple and the monolithic Pancha Rathas, showcasing Pallava dynasty rock-cut architecture. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.

INR250, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Wharf Restaurant

Dining with views of the Bay of Bengal, enjoy fresh seafood and South Indian specialties. Open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax at the beach or shop for local stone carvings and handicrafts. The beach is accessible any time.

INR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit the Mahabalipuram Sculpture Museum

Explore a fine collection of sculptures from the Pallava era giving deep insight into the region's rich artistic heritage. Open 9:30am to 5:30pm.

INR100, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Chennai

Relax on the drive back to Chennai preparing for the next day’s journey.

Included in taxi fare, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel

Relish upscale Tamilian cuisine in an elegant setting with an extensive menu and excellent service. Open until 11:30pm.

INR1200, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Pondicherry Culture

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Chennai to Pondicherry

Begin an early morning 3-hour drive southeast to the French colonial town of Pondicherry.

INR2000 (taxi), 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy freshly baked French-style pastries and strong coffee at this popular bakery open from 7:30am.

INR400, 45m

11:30am

Explore French Quarter

Wander the charming colonial streets with bright buildings, quaint cafes, and boutique shops showcasing Pondicherry’s unique heritage.

INR0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Savor a mix of traditional Tamil and French-inspired dishes in a beautiful villa setting. Open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

INR900, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Auroville

Drive 12 km to visit the international township dedicated to peace and sustainable living, centered around the Matrimandir, open 9:00am to 5:30pm.

Free entry (Matimandir requires prior booking), 2h

6:30pm

Evening walk and shopping on Promenade Beach

Enjoy the sunset walk along Promenade Beach with an array of shops and local eateries, perfect for leisure and souvenir shopping.

INR0, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Dine in a heritage building offering a fusion of French and Indian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere. Open till 11:00pm.

INR1000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Pondicherry

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Itinerary created by Plantrip Team May 19, 2025 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

3-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Explore Chennai

8:00am

9:30am

11:30am

1:00pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Mahabalipuram Heritage

7:00am

9:00am

10:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

6:00pm

8:00pm

Day 3: Pondicherry Culture

7:00am

10:30am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

8:00pm

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