Classic Southern India Cultural & Culinary Exploration Itinerary

Day 1: Chennai Discoveries

Chennai, India on May 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with an authentic South Indian breakfast featuring idlis, dosas, and filter coffee at Saravana Bhavan, a famous vegetarian chain open from 7am till 10pm.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the intricately carved Dravidian architecture and vibrant culture at Kapaleeshwarar Temple, open from 6am to 12pm and 4:30pm to 9pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Fort St. George & Museum

Discover British colonial history at Fort St. George, established in 1644, and visit the museum for artifacts and exhibits. It is open from 9am to 5pm.
INR25, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rayar's Mess

Enjoy traditional Tamil Nadu non-vegetarian and vegetarian thalis in this local favorite, open from 11am to 9pm.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Marina Beach Walk

Relax and enjoy a leisurely walk along Marina Beach, Asia's second longest urban beach, ideal during afternoon hours before sunset.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Explore the bustling T Nagar market, famous for silk sarees, jewelry, and local handicrafts, open till late evening.
Depends on purchases, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Baan Thai

Savor delicious Thai cuisine in a refined setting which opens till 11pm, perfect for ending your first day with unique flavours.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Heritage

Mahabalipuram, India on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome hotel breakfast featuring South Indian staples to energize for the day, typically available from 7am.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Shore Temple Visit

Visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Shore Temple renowned for its exquisite stone carvings, open from 6am to 6pm daily.
INR40, 1h

10:15am

Five Rathas Monuments

Marvel at the monolithic rock-cut temples representing the Pandava brothers. They are open to visitors until 6pm.
INR40, 1h

11:30am

Arjuna’s Penance

Explore the giant bas-relief depicting Indian mythology and scenes from daily life. Open alongside other monuments till 6pm.
INR40, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Relish fresh seafood and coastal Tamil cuisine at Moonrakers, open from 12pm to 3pm then evening hours.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Tiger Cave & Sculpture Museum

Visit the lesser-known rock-cut caves and the nearby sculpture museum filled with artefacts, open until 6pm.
INR30, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind at the scenic beach, enjoy the sunset, and maybe a beachside massage, with public access all day.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Surf Turf Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of seafood and Indian dishes at this beachfront restaurant, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pondicherry Charm

Pondicherry, India on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Start with a French-style breakfast of croissants and coffee at this charming café open from 7am to 10pm.
INR400, 1h

8:15am

Promenade Beach Walk

Take a peaceful stroll on the Promenade Beach to enjoy views of the Bay of Bengal and colonial architecture, open all day.
Free, 1h

9:30am

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience tranquility at this spiritual centre founded by Sri Aurobindo, open from 6am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore French Quarter

Walk through the quaint streets lined with colonial villas painted in bright colours, with local shops and galleries open from 10am.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Dine in a heritage hotel serving French and Tamil fusion cuisine, open noon to 3pm and 7pm to 10:30pm.
INR1000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Botanical Gardens Visit

Stroll through the well-maintained Botanical Gardens featuring exotic plants and deer park, open from 8am to 6pm.
INR20, 1h

3:30pm

Shopping and Café Hopping

Explore local artisan shops and quaint cafés like Kaya Kalp or Café Xtasi, open till evening for coffee and pastries.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy authentic Tamil and continental dishes in a sophisticated ambience, open till 10:30pm.
INR900, 1h30m
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