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10-Day Tamil Nadu Hill Stations and Heritage Tour Including Kodaikanal

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Day 1: Mahabalipuram Temples

Mahabalipuram, India on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Moonrakers Cafe

Start your journey with a fresh breakfast by the beach at this cafe, open from 7:30am to 11:00am for a relaxed start.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Explore Shore Temple

Visit this iconic 7th-century UNESCO site with beautiful seaside views, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR50, 1h

10:45am

Visit Pancha Rathas

Discover the five monolithic rock-cut temples shaped as chariots, representing early Dravidian architecture, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR50, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Wharf Restaurant

Enjoy coastal Tamil Nadu seafood in serene lagoon-side setting, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Beach stroll and market shopping

Relax on the beach and browse local handicrafts and stone sculpture shops nearby.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram

Check into a comfortable hotel and rest after exploring.
Varies, N/A
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Day 2: Pondicherry French Charm

Pondicherry, India on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Pondicherry

Drive approx 100 km south, about 2.5 hours via ECR road.
INR1500, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Relish French-style breakfast in charming colonial surroundings, open 8:30am-11:30am.
INR400, 1h

11:30am

Walk in French Quarter

Explore colorful colonial streets dotted with boutiques and cafes.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Taste a fusion of French and Tamil cuisine in a heritage mansion, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
INR800, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Experience tranquil ashram atmosphere established in 1926, open 8:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Promenade Beach

Enjoy scenic sunset by the sea.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Dine on traditional and fusion Tamil dishes at this elegant villa, open 7:00pm-11:00pm.
INR700, 1h
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Day 3: Thanjavur Temples

Thanjavur, India on June 3, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Thanjavur

Early morning drive approx 175 km from Pondicherry, about 4.5 hours.
INR2500, 4h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Sarayu

Sample traditional South Indian breakfast with fresh filter coffee, open 7:00am-11:00am.
INR350, 1h

11:30am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at this 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage temple, with grand architecture. Open 6:00am-12:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm.
INR40, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Taste authentic Tamil vegetarian specialties, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery

Explore impressive royal collections and bronze works, open 10:00am-5:00pm.
INR30, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening market walk

Browse local craft shops and pick up souvenirs.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy classic Tamil Nadu dishes in a relaxed setting, open 7:00pm-10:30pm.
INR450, 1h
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Day 4: Trichy Heritage

Tiruchirappalli, India on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Trichy

Short 55 km drive from Thanjavur, approx 1.5 hours.
INR800, 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Mini Comforts

Traditional South Indian breakfast in a local hotspot, open 7:00am-11:00am.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

Walk through one of the largest temple complexes globally, rich in Dravidian architecture. Open 7:30am-12:30pm and 4:00pm-8:30pm.
Free, 2h

11:45am

Climb Rockfort Temple

Climb 437 steps to hilltop temple offering panoramic views of the city, open 6:00am-8:00pm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sizzling Jalpaan

Enjoy Indian and Chinese dishes in a comfortable ambience, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Visit St. Lourdes Church

Admire Gothic architecture in the city center, a serene stop.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Relax at Teppakulam Tank

Evening stroll around large temple tank and gardens.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Banana Leaf Restaurant

Relish traditional Tamil meals served on banana leaves, open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
INR500, 1h
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Day 5: Madurai Temples

Madurai, India on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Madurai

Drive ~135 km from Trichy, approx 3 hours by road.
INR2000, 3h

10:00am

Breakfast at Amma Mess

Famous local spot for Madurai-style breakfast including idiyappam and kari dosai, open 7:00am-11:30am.
INR200, 1h

11:00am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this spectacular temple famous for intricate carvings with vibrant spiritual life, open 5:00am-10:00pm.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy soft idlis and flavorful chutneys in a popular local chain, open 8:00am-3:00pm.
INR150, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Engaging museum on India's freedom struggle with Gandhi memorabilia, open 9:00am-6:00pm.
INR20, 1h30m

4:15pm

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Peaceful stroll by this enormous temple tank with breathtaking views at sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chettinad Mess

Indulge in spicy, aromatic Chettinad cuisine in traditional setting, open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
INR400, 1h
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Day 6: Kodaikanal Hill Station

Kodaikanal, India on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kodaikanal

Scenic 120 km drive approx 3.5 hours from Madurai, passing hills and forested roads.
INR2200, 3h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at pastrys & coffee shops

Stop at a local cafe for fresh coffee and baked goods, open from 8:00am.
INR300, 1h

11:30am

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy boating or cycling around the scenic man-made lake, open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Boat ride INR150, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cloud Street Cafe

Sample fresh, organic meals and delicious desserts in cozy ambience, open 11:00am-6:00pm.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Coaker's Walk

Take a pleasant stroll along this cliff-side path with spectacular valley views, open 7:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 1h

4:15pm

Visit Bryant Park

Relax in beautifully maintained gardens with seasonal flowers and fountains, open 9:00am-6:00pm.
INR20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Royal Tibet

Try Tibetan and local hill station cuisine in warm cozy setting, open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
INR700, 1h
Find Hotels in Kodaikanal

Day 7: Munnar Tea Gardens

Munnar, Kerala, India on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Munnar

Drive approx 90 km from Kodaikanal to Munnar via forest roads crossing Kerala border, approximately 4 hours.
INR3500, 4h

11:00am

Breakfast at Munnar Coffee Shops

Enjoy fresh local coffee with light breakfast, open 8:00am-11:00am.
INR400, 1h

12:00pm

Tea Museum visit

Discover history and processing of tea at the Tea Museum, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
INR50, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Relish Kerala style seafood and vegetarian dishes, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Eravikulam National Park

Explore park known for Nilgiri Tahr and breathtaking landscapes, open 8:00am-5:00pm (closed Mondays).
INR120, 2h

6:00pm

Evening relaxation

Return to hotel, enjoy cool mountain air and rest.
Free, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan Munnar

Enjoy South Indian vegetarian favorites, open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
INR400, 1h
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Day 8: Ooty Hill Station

Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ooty

Drive approx 110 km from Munnar, about 4 hours. Alternatively, take scenic toy train from Mettupalayam if time permits.
INR3500, 4h

11:00am

Breakfast at Earl’s Secret

Upscale breakfast in heritage ambiance, open 8:00am-11:00am.
INR600, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Botanical Gardens

Explore exotic plants, flowers and trees in these well-maintained gardens, open 9:00am-6:00pm.
INR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Shinkows

Enjoy Chinese and Tibetan cuisine popular in Ooty, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
INR700, 1h

3:30pm

Ooty Lake and Boating

Relax by this picturesque lake with boating facilities, open 9:00am-5:30pm.
Boat ride INR100, 1h30m

6:00pm

Ride toy train (optional)

Take a short scenic ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
INR150 (approx.), 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at King’s Cliff Hotel

Experience fine dining with hill station views, open 7:00pm-10:30pm.
INR800, 1h
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Day 9: Coonoor Day Trip

Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, India on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Coonoor

Short 20 km drive or toy train ride from Ooty, approx 1 hour.
INR500, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Adrina Residency

Local favorite for tasty breakfast and snacks, open 7:30am-11:00am.
INR350, 1h

10:00am

Visit Sim's Park

Stroll through a vast botanical garden with exotic species, open 8:30am-6:00pm.
INR30, 1h30m

12:00pm

Explore Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint

Visit famous viewpoint with spectacular valley views about 8 km from town.
INR50 (transport), 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Culinarium

Indulge in continental and Indian cuisine in a cozy cafe setting, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Tea Factories

Tour local tea factories to learn about tea production and sample fresh teas.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Ooty

Drive or take train back to Ooty, rest and prepare for next day.
INR500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Earl’s Secret

Enjoy another delicious meal to round off your hill station experience, open 7:00pm-10:30pm.
INR700, 1h
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Day 10: Departure from Coimbatore

Coimbatore, India on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Coimbatore Airport

Drive approx 85 km from Ooty to Coimbatore for onward flights, about 3 hours.
INR2500, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast en route

Stop for a light local breakfast or pack takeaway before travel.
INR250, 30m

2:00pm

Airport arrival and check-in

Complete departure formalities and relax before flight.
Varies, Flexible
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