10-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Tamil Nadu in September

Day 1: Arrival and Sightseeing

Chennai, India on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast including dosas and filter coffee at this iconic Chennai eatery open from 7am to 10pm.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this ancient Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its stunning gopuram and lively spiritual atmosphere. Open 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll at Marina Beach

Experience the vast expanse of Marina Beach, a popular urban shoreline ideal for a relaxed walk and local snacks.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ratna Cafe

Taste classic Tamil Nadu vegetarian dishes and fresh seafood at this renowned restaurant open from 11am to 10pm.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Fort St. George

Tour the historic British-era fort housing a museum with artifacts of colonial Chennai, open from 9am to 5:30pm.
INR25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Marina

Dine on fresh seafood and south Indian delicacies with a view of the sea; open from 7pm to 11pm.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural and Museum Tour

Chennai, India on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a hearty buffet breakfast featuring local and international cuisine.
Included in stay, 1h

9:30am

Visit Government Museum

Discover archaeological and art collections including ancient bronzes and Tamil artifacts. Open 9am to 5pm.
INR15, 2h

12:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Explore bustling streets filled with silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts to experience local trade.
Variable, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Enjoy authentic South Indian thali meals popular among locals. Open 11am to 10pm.
INR350, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Admire this Gothic-style church built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, open till 6pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bay View, The Park Hotel

Sample fusion cuisine with ocean views open 7pm to 11pm.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 3: Mahabalipuram Visit

Mahabalipuram, India on September 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Mahabalipuram

A short 1.5 hour drive south of Chennai to this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for rock-cut temples.
INR1500 by taxi, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Moonrakers

Enjoy breakfast in a cozy café serving continental and Indian dishes, open from 8am.
INR400, 1h

10:00am

Explore Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Visit ancient Pallava rock-cut temples and monolithic structures by the sea, open from 6am to 6pm.
INR40, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Wharf Restaurant

Seafood specialties accompanied by sea views, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Mahabalipuram Sculpture Museum

Examine exquisite stone sculptures and learn about Pallava art, open till 5pm.
INR20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Mammalla

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals and seafood in a pleasant setting, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 4: Pondicherry Arrival

Pondicherry, India on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Pondicherry

Scenic 2 hour drive south along the coast from Mahabalipuram to the French colonial town.
INR1800 by taxi, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Baker Street

French-style bakery offering croissants, quiches and café au lait, open from 7:30am.
INR350, 1h

11:30am

Walk around French Quarter

Admire colonial architecture, quaint streets and vibrant murals. Ideal for photography and cultural immersion.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Enjoy fusion Tamil and French cuisine in a historic villa, open from 12pm to 3pm.
INR700, 1h30m

3:30pm

Promenade Beach

Relax by the shore and visit the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The beach is open all day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Savour delicate Tamil and French fare in a cozy villa, open till 10pm.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 5: Auroville and Relaxation

Pondicherry, India on September 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Xtasi

Start with delicious wood-fired pizzas or continental breakfast, open from 7am.
INR400, 1h

9:00am

Visit Auroville

Tour the international township dedicated to peace and sustainable living, including Matrimandir viewing (book in advance). Open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Auroville Visitors Centre Cafe

Enjoy fresh organic vegetarian food with a global influence.
INR500, 1h

3:00pm

Back to Pondicherry and leisure time

Relax at the hotel or visit local markets for souvenirs.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Surguru

Sample excellent vegetarian South Indian cuisine, open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h30m
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Day 6: Journey to Madurai

Madurai, India on September 6, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Madurai

Early morning 5.5 hour drive or train ride to the celebrated temple city of Madurai.
INR2500 by taxi or INR600 by train, 5h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Taste authentic idlis and dosas in this famous chain, open 7am to 10pm.
INR300, 1h

1:30pm

Check-in and rest

Settle into accommodation and freshen up before sightseeing.
2h

4:00pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore one of India’s most spectacular temple complexes with colorful gopurams and stunning architecture. Open 5am to 12pm and 4pm to 10pm.
Free, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at The Madurai Mess

Experience traditional Tamil meals in a classic setting, open till 10pm.
INR500, 1h
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Day 7: Madurai Cultural Day

Madurai, India on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Amma Mess

Enjoy simple, hearty South Indian breakfast including pongal and chutneys, open 6am to 11am.
INR150, 1h

9:30am

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit this renowned museum showcasing freedom struggle exhibits open 10am to 5pm.
INR30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Konar Mess

Sample authentic non-vegetarian Tamil dishes including mutton curry, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR450, 1h

2:00pm

Thirumalai Nayakar Palace

Tour this 17th-century palace known for its architecture and sound and light show (offers evening timings), palace open 9am to 5pm.
INR30, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a casual dinner with a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, open till 10pm.
INR350, 1h
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Day 8: Back to Chennai

Chennai, India on September 8, 2025

7:00am

Travel back to Chennai

Morning flight or early taxi drive of about 1 hour from Madurai to Chennai, preferred for comfort and time-saving.
INR3500 flight or INR4000 taxi, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Chennai

Relax with hotel breakfast before continuing the day’s activities.
Included in stay, 1h

10:30am

Visit DakshinaChitra Cultural Museum

Explore this heritage museum focused on the arts and architecture of South India, open 10am to 6pm.
INR120, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Taste spicy Chettinad cuisine distinctive to Tamil Nadu, open 11am to 10pm.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping at Express Avenue Mall

Explore this modern shopping complex for souvenirs and local brands.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Try the famous Chennai mutton biryani and other South Indian delicacies, open till 11pm.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day Trip to Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, India on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Kanchipuram

Short 2-hour drive north of Chennai to the temple city famous for silk sarees and religious heritage.
INR1500 by taxi, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at local eatery

Enjoy a simple South Indian breakfast with idli and vada, commonly served at local stalls.
INR150, 1h

10:30am

Visit Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple

Explore these ancient temples showcasing exquisite Dravidian architecture, open 6am to 7pm.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Sri Gokul Veg Restaurant

Taste vegetarian Tamil cuisine in a friendly atmosphere, open 11am to 9pm.
INR400, 1h30m

3:00pm

Kanchipuram Market

Browse vibrant markets specializing in handwoven silk sarees and souvenirs.
Variable, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Chennai

Drive back to Chennai in the early evening.
Included in taxi fare, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel

Enjoy an upscale dining experience highlighting traditional Tamil flavors, open till 11pm.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Chennai, India on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxing breakfast before checkout.
Included in stay, 1h

10:00am

Relax and light local sightseeing

Visit the Elliot’s Beach area or shop in local markets if time permits before departure.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Raintree

Enjoy a final meal of South Indian and international cuisine in a comfortable setting, open till 3pm.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Head to Chennai International Airport

Departure preparations and transfer to airport for onward journey.
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