5-Day Exploring Tamil Nadu and Kerala: Culture, Temples & Backwaters

Day 1: Chennai Culture Tour

Chennai, Tamil Nadu on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast featuring dosas, idlis, and filter coffee at the iconic Saravana Bhavan, open from 6:00am to 11:00pm.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this beautiful 7th-century Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mylapore, renowned for its colourful gopuram and intricate carvings. Open from 6:00am to 12:30pm and 4:30pm to 9:30pm.
INR0, 1h30m

11:15am

Fort St. George Museum

Discover Chennai's colonial history at the museum housed within the fort, showcasing artefacts from the British era. Open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR50, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Marina

Enjoy freshly caught seafood and traditional Tamil meals with a sea view. Open 12:00pm to 10:00pm.
INR800, 1h

2:30pm

Marina Beach Walk

Relax with a scenic stroll along Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India.
INR0, 1h

4:00pm

Travel to Mamallapuram (approx 1.5 hours)

Drive south to the coastal town famous for its ancient rock-cut monuments.
INR1000 cab fare approx., 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Moonrakers

Dine with an Indian fusion menu near the beach. Open until 11:00pm.
INR900, 1h
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Day 2: Mamallapuram Heritage

Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple South Indian breakfast with fresh fruit and tea provided by your hotel.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Shore Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an 8th-century coastal temple complex dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, best viewed in the morning light. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR40, 1h

9:45am

Pancha Rathas

See the five rock-cut monolithic temples shaped like chariots, showcasing Pallava dynasty artistry.
INR40, 1h

11:00am

Arjuna’s Penance and Varaha Cave

Explore the giant bas-reliefs depicting mythological scenes and the Varaha Cave temple nearby.
INR40, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Bangala

Enjoy a fine dining experience with local Tamil flavours in an elegant colonial bungalow setting. Open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Travel to Madurai (approx 5.5 hours)

Long scenic drive inland to historical Madurai, prepare for an evening temple visit. Overnight stay in Madurai.
INR3000 cab fare approx., 5h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Casual dinner famous for soft idlis and chutneys, open till late.
INR250, 0h45m
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Day 3: Madurai Temples Exploration

Madurai, Tamil Nadu on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast delicacies like pongal and vadas. Open from 6:00am.
INR300, 1h

8:30am

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Spend your morning exploring this grand Dravidian temple famous for its colourful gopurams and intricate sculptures. Open 5:00am to 12:30pm and 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
INR50, 2h

11:00am

Thirumalai Nayakar Palace

Visit this 17th-century palace showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture with impressive arches and stucco work. Open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR60, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kumar Mess

Taste authentic Madurai meals featuring spicy mutton biryani, well-loved by locals. Open until 3:30pm.
INR500, 1h

3:00pm

Travel to Munnar, Kerala (approx 6 hours)

Drive through scenic Western Ghats to the hill station of Munnar in Kerala. Overnight stay in Munnar.
INR4000 cab fare approx., 6h

9:30pm

Dinner at your hotel

After a long journey, enjoy a relaxed dinner with local Kerala cuisine offerings in your hotel restaurant.
Included or INR600 approx., 1h
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Day 4: Munnar Tea Gardens

Munnar, Kerala on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rapsy Restaurant

Start early with freshly brewed local tea and a Kerala-style breakfast including appam and stew.
INR350, 1h

8:30am

Visit Tea Plantations and Tea Museum

Tour sprawling tea estates and learn about tea production at the Kerala Tea Museum. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR50, 2h

11:00am

Eravikulam National Park

Explore this beautiful park home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy panoramic mountain views. Open 7:30am to 4:30pm.
INR180, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan Munnar

Taste authentic vegetarian South Indian dishes in a clean, popular spot. Open 10:00am to 10:00pm.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point

Scenic visit to the dam and natural echo point in lush green surroundings.
INR20 entry, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel / explore local market

Leisure time to shop for local spices and handicrafts or enjoy hotel amenities.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy Kerala seafood delicacies such as fish curry and appam to end the day.
INR700, 1h
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Day 5: Kerala Backwaters

Alleppey, Kerala on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast to prepare for your journey to Alleppey.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Travel to Alleppey (approx 4 hours)

Drive south to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s backwaters and houseboat cruises.
INR2500 cab fare approx., 4h

12:00pm

Check-in on Houseboat

Board a traditional Kerala houseboat for a relaxing cruise through the tranquil backwaters.
INR4000 for half day, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch on houseboat

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine including fish curry served on board as you cruise.
Included in houseboat fare, 1h

4:00pm

Disembark and local market visit

Explore Alleppey town markets to buy spices, coir products, and souvenirs.
Free to browse, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Halais Restaurant

Savour authentic Kerala dishes with vegetarian and seafood options available. Open until 10:30pm.
INR600, 1h
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