4-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Tamil Nadu, India

Day 1: Chennai and Mahabalipuram

Chennai, India on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli and dosa at Saravana Bhavan, a well-known vegetarian restaurant in Chennai, open from 7:00am to 10:30pm.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Marina Beach

Enjoy a morning stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, where locals gather for morning walks and tea. It is open all day.
FREE, 1h30m

11:30am

Travel to Mahabalipuram

Drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, a scenic 1.5-hour journey south along the coast.
INR800 by taxi, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Whale Restaurant

Try coastal Tamil cuisine with fresh seafood specialties at The Whale, located near the shore and open for lunch from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Shore Temple and the Pancha Rathas, ancient rock-cut monuments dating back to the 7th century, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR40, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax by Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoy the sunset after a culturally rich afternoon.
FREE, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Moonrakers

Dine on continental and Indian dishes at Moonrakers, Mahabalipuram's popular restaurant open until 11:00pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light traditional Tamil breakfast at your hotel before departing.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Pondicherry

Travel from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry, a 2-hour drive along the scenic East Coast Road.
INR1000 by taxi, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Auroville

Explore the spiritual township of Auroville, famous for the Matrimandir and its philosophy of human unity. Visitor center open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
FREE, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Surguru Famous Tiffin Centre

Savor authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes like sambar and dosa at this well-known Pondicherry eatery open until 3:00pm.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk around French Quarter

Explore the charming colonial architecture, quaint cafes, and vibrant street art in Pondicherry's French Quarter, open throughout the day.
FREE, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Promenade Beach

Enjoy the ocean breeze and watch the sunset at Promenade Beach, a popular and safe waterfront promenade.
FREE, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Relish a blend of Tamil and French cuisine at Villa Shanti, located in a beautiful heritage building, open till 10:30pm.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pondicherry to Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Start with a French-style bakery breakfast, including croissants and coffee, at Baker Street open from 7:00am.
INR350, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Thanjavur

A roughly 3-hour drive heading southwest into the heart of Tamil Nadu to Thanjavur, home to majestic temples.
INR1500 by taxi, 3h0m

12:00pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a stunning example of Chola architecture from the 11th century, open 6:00am to 12:30pm and 4:00pm to 8:30pm.
INR50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals served on banana leaves at this vegetarian-friendly restaurant, open till 3:30pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

See beautiful murals, sculptures, and artifacts at the historic palace complex showcasing Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage, open till 5:30pm.
INR60, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening stroll in local market

Experience the local culture with shopping for handicrafts such as Thanjavur paintings and silk sarees.
FREE, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel restaurant

Dine on a mix of South Indian and North Indian dishes in your comfortable hotel restaurant.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 4: Thanjavur to Madurai

Madurai, India on June 7, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light early breakfast to start your day before travel.
Included, 0h30m

7:00am

Travel to Madurai

Drive approximately 3.5 hours south to Madurai, famous for its grand Meenakshi Amman Temple.
INR1600 by taxi, 3h30m

11:00am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore one of the most significant Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, known for its towering gopurams and intricate carvings, open from 5:00am to 12:30pm and 4:00pm to 10:00pm.
FREE, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Taste the famous fluffy idlis and South Indian snacks at this iconic local eatery, open till 3:00pm.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about India’s independence movement at this well-curated museum open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR30, 1h30m

4:30pm

Evening Worship at Meenakshi Temple

Return to Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening rituals and ceremonies for a special spiritual experience.
FREE, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Enjoy a leisurely dinner with South Indian and continental options in a luxury setting open until 10:30pm.
INR1000, 1h30m
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