5-Day Cultural and Nature Tour of Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast at this iconic restaurant famous for its dosas and idlis.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this ancient Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its vibrant architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Open from 6:00am to 12:30pm and 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Fort St. George and Museum

Tour the historic fort built by the British East India Company and visit the museum showcasing colonial history.
INR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Marina

Dine with a seaside view offering traditional Tamil Nadu seafood and vegetarian options.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Marina Beach Walk

Take a relaxing walk along the world’s second longest urban beach, enjoying local street food and cultural sights.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Explore the bustling T Nagar market area known for silk sarees, jewellery, and souvenirs.
Variable, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Savour authentic Chettinad cuisine with aromatic spices and rich flavour, a must-try in Chennai.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 2: Mahabalipuram Heritage

Mahabalipuram, India on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel In Chennai

Enjoy a quick breakfast before travelling south to Mahabalipuram.
INR300, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Drive approx. 1.5 hours to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mahabalipuram.
Transport cost, 1h30m

10:00am

Shore Temple Visit

Explore the iconic Shore Temple, showcasing 7th-century Pallava architecture by the sea. Open 9:30am to 6:00pm.
INR40, 1h

11:00am

Pancha Rathas

Discover the five monolithic rock temples carved in the shape of chariots, an exceptional example of stone craftsmanship.
INR40, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy fresh coastal seafood dishes and traditional Tamil cuisine by the beach.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Arjuna’s Penance and Cave Temples

See impressive bas-reliefs and cave temples carved into natural rock faces dating back to the 7th century.
INR20, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind on the beach or shop for local handicrafts at coastal stalls.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Chennai or Stay Overnight

Choose to head back to Chennai or stay overnight in Mahabalipuram for a relaxed evening.
Transport cost/Hotel rates, 1h30m

Day 3: Coimbatore Gateway

Coimbatore, India on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Travel to Coimbatore

Have an early breakfast and take a morning flight or train to Coimbatore, the gateway to Kerala's Western Ghats.
INR400+ transport, 3h

10:30am

Visit Marudamalai Temple

Explore this hilltop Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan offering panoramic views and peaceful surroundings.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shree Annapoorna

Enjoy traditional Tamil vegetarian meals popular with locals and visitors alike.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Gass Forest Museum

Discover fascinating exhibits on the rich forest and wildlife of the Western Ghats. Open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
INR30, 1h

3:00pm

Walk around VOC Park and Zoo

Stroll in this green space and visit the zoo with a variety of animals set in pleasant surroundings.
INR20, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Haribhavanam

Taste a mix of South Indian dishes including special dosas and thalis in a popular local restaurant.
INR500, 1h

Day 4: Munnar Hill Station

Munnar, India on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Drive to Munnar

Early breakfast in Coimbatore followed by a scenic 4-hour drive to the hill station of Munnar in Kerala.
Transport cost, 4h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch in Munnar

Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch featuring Kerala specialties like appam and stew.
INR700, 1h

1:30pm

Tea Plantation Tour

Visit a working tea estate and factory to learn about tea processing alongside scenic valley views. Open until 5:00pm.
INR100, 2h

4:00pm

Eravikulam National Park

Explore this protected area home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and beautiful flora. Park open 7:00am to 4:00pm.
INR150, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Sample authentic Kerala dishes including seafood and spicy curries in a cosy setting.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 5: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Drive to Alleppey

Early breakfast followed by a 3-hour drive from Munnar to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters.
Transport cost, 3h

10:30am

Check-in to Houseboat

Board a traditional Kerala houseboat for a relaxing cruise along the serene backwaters.
INR3000 approx, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch on Houseboat

Enjoy a freshly cooked Kerala meal while drifting through palm-lined canals and villages.
Included in houseboat cost, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Alleppey Town

Discover local markets, temples, and colonial architecture on foot as the houseboat remains docked.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Halais Restaurant

End with a delightful dinner featuring Kerala seafood and traditional dishes.
INR600, 1h30m