4 Nights 5 Days South India Cultural and Nature Exploration for Four

Day 1: Chennai Arrival & Sightseeing

Chennai, India on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start the day with authentic South Indian breakfast including soft idlis, crispy dosas, and flavorful chutneys at this popular local eatery open from 6:30am to 10:30pm.

INR500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this beautiful Dravidian architecture Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a vibrant spiritual experience and an iconic cultural landmark open from 6:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 8:30pm.

INR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Tour Fort St. George

Discover the British colonial history of Chennai through exhibits in this 17th-century fort and museum that opens at 9:00am and closes at 5:00pm.

INR40, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Marina Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood and South Indian meal right on the beach, savoring fresh fish curry and prawn biryani, open 12:00pm to 10:00pm.

INR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Marina Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon walking or relaxing at one of the longest urban beaches in the world, accessible all day with no cost.

INR0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Peshawri

Relish authentic North-West Frontier cuisine including kebabs and dal Bukhara in this acclaimed restaurant, open from 7:30pm to 10:45pm.

INR1500, 1h30m

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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Temples & Shoreline

Mahabalipuram, India on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

A scenic 1.5-hour drive south from Chennai to this heritage coastal town known for ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures.

INR2500 (cab hire), 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Moonrakers Cafe

Enjoy freshly baked croissants and South Indian coffee in a cozy beachfront spot, open from 7:00am to 4:00pm.

INR800, 1h

9:30am

Explore Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites featuring intricately carved 7th-century temples and monolithic structures on the coast, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.

INR300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fisherman’s Cove

Dine on fresh seafood with ocean views at this upscale resort restaurant, open daily from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

INR1500, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend the afternoon absorbing the coastal vibe, exploring beach markets, or simply relaxing by the shore.

INR0, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Arjuna's Penance Sculpture

Admire one of the largest open-air bas-reliefs depicting a legendary episode from the Mahabharata epic, accessible until sunset.

INR300, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gopinath Sea Food Restaurant

Savor traditional Tamil Nadu coastal dishes with fresh seafood in a family-friendly setting, open until 10:00pm.

INR1200, 1h

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Day 3: Pondicherry Colonial Charm

Pondicherry, India on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Pondicherry

A one-hour scenic drive south along the coast to the French colonial town known for its heritage and beach promenade.

INR2200 (cab hire), 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Enjoy French-inspired breakfast including croissants, crepes, and good coffee in a charming garden café, open 8:00am to 11:30am.

INR700, 1h

9:30am

Explore French Quarter and Promenade Beach

Walk through colonial streets with colorful villas, quaint shops, and then stroll along Promenade Beach enjoying sea views.

INR0, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Spend time in this spiritual center founded by Sri Aurobindo, offering meditation and peaceful surroundings, open 7:00am to 12:00pm and 3:00pm to 6:30pm.

INR0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Have a contemporary South Indian and French fusion lunch in a stylish heritage bungalow restaurant open from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

INR1300, 1h

3:00pm

Relax or Rent Bikes

Rent bikes to explore nearby boutiques, beaches, or simply relax at the Cafe along the beach promenade.

INR300 (bike rental), 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Enjoy refined French cuisine in beautifully lit heritage surroundings, open from 7:00pm to 10:30pm.

INR2000, 1h30m

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Day 4: Thanjavur Culture & Temples

Thanjavur, India on June 12, 2025

6:00am

Drive to Thanjavur

An early 3.5-hour drive west to this historic city famed for its large Brihadeeswarar Temple and rich cultural heritage.

INR4500 (cab hire), 3h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy hearty South Indian breakfast dishes in this local favorite diner, open from early morning.

INR600, 1h

11:00am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site, a massive and ornate architectural marvel built in the 11th century, open 6:00am to 12:30pm and 4:30pm to 9:00pm.

INR50, 2h