8-Day Tamil Nadu Adventure: From Chennai to Coimbatore Exploring Historic Towns and Natural Reserves

Day 1: Historic Coastal Town

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu on May 19, 2025

9:30AM

Travel from Chennai Airport to Mahabalipuram

Start your journey with a 1.5-hour drive south from Chennai Airport to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures.
INR1500, 1.5h

11:00AM

Visit Shore Temple

Explore the iconic Shore Temple built in the 8th century, famous for its stunning coastal views and intricate Dravidian architecture.
INR40, 1h

12:15PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy fresh seafood and local South Indian dishes at Moonrakers, a popular restaurant overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
INR600, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance and Pancha Rathas

Discover the massive open-air bas-relief of Arjuna's Penance and the five monolithic Rathas representing chariots, stunning examples of Pallava art.
INR130, 1.5h

3:30PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend the late afternoon unwinding on Mahabalipuram Beach, enjoying views of the sea and local fishermen at work.
Free, 1h

5:00PM

Dinner at The Wharf

Dine at The Wharf, offering coastal cuisine and a great ambiance right next to the beach.
INR700, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Mangrove Forest Exploration

Pichavaram, Tamil Nadu on May 20, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel in Mahabalipuram

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast featuring idli, dosa, and filter coffee to start your day.
INR300, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Pichavaram Forest

Travel approximately 3.5 hours southwest to Pichavaram, one of the largest mangrove forests in India.
INR2000, 3.5h

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant near Pichavaram

Savor local Tamil cuisine with seafood specialties at a restaurant near the forest entry point.
INR450, 1h

1:30PM

Boat Tour of Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Take a 1.5-hour guided boat tour through the dense mangroves, spotting birds and unique flora in the serene environment. Tours generally operate 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR400, 1.5h

3:30PM

Visit Pichavaram Sandbar and Lagoon

Enjoy walking or relaxing along the pristine sandbars and lagoons, ideal for photography and nature appreciation.
Free, 1h

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with coastal and continental dishes available at your accommodation near Pichavaram.
INR600, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Heritage

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu on May 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast featuring local delicacies and fresh fruits.
INR300, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Thanjavur

Embark on a 3-hour journey to Thanjavur, a city famed for its classical Tamil culture and temples.
INR1800, 3h

11:00AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Examine the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site built during the Chola dynasty, known for its towering vimana and detailed sculptures.
INR50, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy traditional South Indian vegetarian meals served on banana leaves at this renowned Thanjavur eatery.
INR350, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace

Explore the palace complex and its art galleries showcasing rare bronze sculptures and traditional paintings.
INR30, 1.5h

4:30PM

Stroll Local Markets

Shop for Thanjavur paintings, silk sarees, and handicrafts in nearby markets.
Variable, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Relax with a South Indian dinner featuring dosas, vadas, and freshly made chutneys.
INR500, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: More Thanjavur

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu on May 22, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Traditional breakfast with filter coffee and steamed rice dishes to energize your day.
INR300, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library

Discover ancient manuscripts and rare books at this historic library within the palace complex, open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR20, 1h

10:30AM

Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Take a short 30-minute drive to Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, an impressive Chola dynasty temple with architectural brilliance.
INR30, 1.5h

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing meal sampling local Tamil specialties and refreshing beverages.
INR450, 1h

2:00PM

Rest or Optional Cultural Program

Use the afternoon to relax at the hotel or attend a traditional Bharatanatyam dance performance if available. Confirm availability locally.
INR300, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Sra Bagh

Savor authentic Tamil cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
INR600, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Wildlife Adventure

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu on May 23, 2025

6:00AM

Early Breakfast and Depart to Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Have an early breakfast and drive approximately 4.5 hours to Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, located in the Nilgiri Hills.
INR2000, 4.5h

11:00AM

Check-in and Lunch at Your Resort

Settle into your resort and enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local and Indian cuisines.
INR800, 1.5h

1:00PM

Relax or Nature Walk

Take a gentle nature walk inside the reserve with your guide to spot birds and small wildlife; best during daylight before the heat increases.
INR500, 2h

4:00PM

Evening Safari

Embark on a jeep safari to potentially spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. Safari timings generally from 4 PM to 6 PM; confirm on arrival.
INR1500, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Resort

Enjoy a peaceful dinner within the resort featuring local Nilgiri flavors and specialties.
INR700, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Hill Station Charm

Ooty, Tamil Nadu on May 24, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Resort

Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast of fresh fruits, pastries, and hot beverages.
INR350, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Ooty

Take a scenic 2-hour drive to Ooty, famous for its cool climate, tea gardens, and botanical gardens.
INR1000, 2h

10:30AM

Visit Botanical Gardens

Wander through the verdant Ooty Botanical Gardens featuring rare flowers and trees; open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
INR30, 1.5h

12:30PM

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Eat at the charming Earl's Secret, serving continental and Indian dishes in a colonial ambiance.
INR700, 1h

2:00PM

Ride Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Experience the UNESCO heritage toy train journey from Ooty Station through beautiful landscapes; advance tickets recommended. Operating 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
INR200, 1.5h

4:00PM

Explore Ooty Lake

Enjoy boating or relaxing by the lake surrounded by Eucalyptus trees.
INR150, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Shinkows

Savor Chinese and Tibetan influenced cuisine at this well-known Ooty restaurant.
INR600, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Coimbatore City Tour

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on May 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Ooty Hotel

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast with fresh tea and South Indian delicacies.
INR300, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Coimbatore

Drive for approximately 3 hours down the Nilgiri foothills to Coimbatore, an industrial and cultural hub.
INR1200, 3h

11:30AM

Visit Marudamalai Temple

Explore the beautiful hilltop Marudamalai Murugan Temple known for panoramic views and serene atmosphere.
Free, 1h

12:45PM

Lunch at Sree Annapoorna

Taste traditional vegetarian Tamil meals at this popular restaurant chain in Coimbatore.
INR400, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Gass Forest Museum

Tour this natural history museum displaying diverse flora and fauna of the Western Ghats; open 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
INR30, 1h

3:30PM

Explore Brookefields Mall

Shop or relax at Brookefields, a major mall in Coimbatore with dining and entertainment options.
Variable, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Hari Bhavanam

Enjoy vegetarian South Indian thali dishes known for their flavors and hospitality.
INR500, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on May 26, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast before preparing to head to the airport.
INR250, 0.5h

8:00AM

Transfer to Coimbatore Airport

Arrive at Coimbatore Airport for your onward journey or flight departure.
INR500, 30m
View Hotel Availability