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

Day 1: Chennai Heritage Tour

Chennai, India on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a traditional South Indian vegetarian breakfast featuring dosas and filter coffee at the renowned Saravana Bhavan, open from 6:30am to 10:30pm.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this 7th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures. It opens from 6:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 8:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Fort St. George

Tour the historic Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, now housing a museum featuring artifacts from colonial India. The museum hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR15, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Enjoy the iconic Chennai speciality, Chicken 65, and other Indian favourites at Buhari Hotel, operating from 11:30am to 3:30pm.
INR500, 1h

2:00pm

Marina Beach Walk

Relax with a leisurely stroll along Marina Beach, Asia’s longest urban beach, perfect for sunset views. Accessible all day, free entrance.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Flying Elephant

Dine at The Flying Elephant, a rooftop multi-cuisine restaurant in Park Hyatt, offering sumptuous local and international dishes from 7:00pm to 11:30pm.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Temples

Mahabalipuram, India on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Moonrakers

Enjoy a Western and Indian breakfast at Moonrakers Café, open from 7:00am, known for fresh ingredients and charming seaside location.
INR400, 1h

8:30am

Shore Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Shore Temple, dating back to the 7th century, offering stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR40, 1h

9:45am

Five Rathas

Explore the monolithic rock-cut Five Rathas, each uniquely carved and named after the Pandava brothers.
INR40, 45m

10:45am

Arjuna’s Penance

View this impressive bas-relief, one of the largest in the world, depicting narratives from Indian mythology.
Included in ticket, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Wharf

Savour fresh seafood in an open-air setting next to the beach at The Wharf, open noon to 4:00pm.
INR800, 1h

2:00pm

Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax or take a swim at the quieter Mahabalipuram Beach, ideal to unwind in the afternoon sun.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Pondicherry

Travel from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry, about a 1.5-hour drive, to continue your exploration.
INR1500 by taxi, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy French and Tamil fusion cuisine in a charming heritage villa, open 7:30pm to 11:00pm.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pondicherry Culture

Pondicherry, India on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Start with a French-style breakfast including croissants and café au lait at this popular café, open 8:00am to 11:00am.
INR350, 1h

9:15am

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience the serene spiritual atmosphere at Aurobindo Ashram, open 6:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h15m

10:45am

Explore French Quarter

Walk through the historic French Quarter, admiring colonial architecture, colourful houses, and quaint cafes.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Dine on a fusion menu blending French and Indian flavours in an elegant colonial setting, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR1000, 1h

2:00pm

Promenade Beach

Relax by the sea on Promenade Beach and watch the bustling local life along the beachfront road.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Auroville

Take a 30-minute drive to Auroville to explore this unique spiritual township dedicated to peace and sustainable living, open until sunset.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Coromandel Café

Enjoy an evening meal featuring local Tamil specialties and continental dishes in a casual atmosphere, open till 10:00pm.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 4: Thanjavur Temples

Thanjavur, India on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast at your hotel before departing for Thanjavur, as dining options are limited early morning.
Included in hotel stay, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Thanjavur

Depart early for Thanjavur by car or train; travel time is approximately 4 hours from Pondicherry.
INR1000 (car), 4h

12:00pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent 11th-century Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Chola architecture. Open from 6:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 8:30pm.
INR40, 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals including thali and dosa at this popular local restaurant, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

Visit the Royal Palace complex and art gallery housing rare collections of Chola bronzes, paintings and artefacts. It is open from 10:00am to 5:30pm.
INR30, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening Leisure

Relax at the hotel or take a stroll through local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a quiet dinner at your hotel restaurant offering regional cuisine to end your Tamil Nadu journey on a delicious note.
INR700, 1h30m
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