Family Friendly 7-Day Tamil Nadu Itinerary with Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kumbakonam and Mahabalipuram

Day 1: Tiruvannamalai Highlights

Tiruvannamalai, India

8:00AM

Visit Arunachaleshwar Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the historic Arunachaleshwar Temple, one of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Aakash Inn

Enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine with a family-friendly thali meal at Aakash Inn.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sathanur Dam

Relax at Sathanur Dam, ideal for a family stroll and to enjoy nature's calm.
£5, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Manalur Restaurant

Dine together with traditional Chettinad dishes at Manalur Restaurant, perfect for all tastes.
£15, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Tiruchirappalli Day Trip

Tiruchirappalli, India

9:00AM

Visit Rockfort Temple

Explore the historic Rockfort Temple with panoramic city views and fascinating rock-cut architecture.
£2, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sangeetha Restaurant

Taste a variety of delicious South Indian dishes suited for the whole family at Sangeetha Restaurant.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tour Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple

Visit the famous Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, a massive and spiritually rich temple complex for an insightful family experience.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Vasanta Bhavan

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian dinner at Vasanta Bhavan, ideal for family dining with a variety of choices.
£18, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Madurai & Rameshwaram

Madurai & Rameshwaram, India

7:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Start early at the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, acclaimed for its elaborate architecture and spiritual significance.
£3, 2 hours

10:00AM

Travel to Rameshwaram

Drive approximately 3.5 hours to Rameshwaram for an afternoon of spiritual heritage and sightseeing.
Transport £20, 3.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Chola Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian South Indian specialities at Chola Restaurant.
£15, 1 hour

3:30PM

Ramanathaswamy Temple Visit

Explore the splendid Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its long corridors and sacred atmosphere.
£2, 2 hours

6:00PM

Pamban Bridge Walk

Enjoy an early evening walk on the iconic Pamban Bridge to capture sea views and fresh air with your family.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Temple View Restaurant

Dine with a peaceful view of the illuminated temple at Temple View Restaurant, offering a variety of dishes.
£25, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Kumbakonam & Chidambaram

Kumbakonam & Chidambaram, India

8:00AM

Visit Sri Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Start your day at the historic Kumbakonam temple known for its intricate carvings and spiritual significance.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Travel to Chidambaram

Drive about 1.5 hours to Chidambaram, home to the famous Nataraja Temple.
Transport £10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy traditional South Indian vegetarian meals at this popular family-friendly eatery.
£12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Explore the Shiva temple renowned for its art and dance motifs, a fascinating site for all ages.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Kumbakonam and Dinner at Sangeetha Restaurant

Head back to Kumbakonam and enjoy an evening meal with a family-friendly menu at Sangeetha Restaurant.
£18, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Mahabalipuram Exploration

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Visit Shore Temple

Begin your day at the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
£5, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Discover the five monolithic Rathas carved from rock, showcasing ancient Dravidian art and architecture.
£5, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy fresh seafood and family-friendly options at the seaside Moonrakers restaurant.
£20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

See the magnificent rock relief depicting the story of Arjuna’s penance, fascinating to children and adults alike.
£3, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Wharf

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at The Wharf, featuring coastal cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
£25, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Tanjavur Heritage Day

Tanjavur, India

9:00AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple Visit

Explore the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its Dravidian architecture.
£5, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Raya's Grand

Dine at Raya's Grand which offers a diverse menu suited to family tastes and a comfortable ambiance.
£30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Thanjavur Royal Palace

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace to enjoy its historical collections and beautiful architecture with the family.
£4, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Sathars

End your day with a delicious meal at Sathars, featuring traditional Chettinad dishes and international options.
£25, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Relax and Departure

Tanjavur, India

9:00AM

Leisurely Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed family breakfast at your hotel as you prepare for departure or continue exploring nearby sights.
Included, 1 hour

11:00AM

Local Market Visit

Spend the late morning exploring local markets for souvenirs and treats to remember your Tamil Nadu trip.
Varies, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Have a casual lunch sampling any missed local delicacies before your onward journey.
£15, 1 hour