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

Day 1: Chennai City Tour

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy authentic South Indian breakfast dishes like idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this famous Chennai vegetarian restaurant open from 7:00am to 11:00pm.
INR200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this 7th-century Dravidian style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, notable for its vibrant gopuram and intricate carvings.
INR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk along Marina Beach

Take a stroll on the longest urban beach in India and enjoy street food stalls and local life. Open all day, best in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
INR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Taste Chennai's famous non-vegetarian dishes, especially the Chicken 65, in this iconic eatery open from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Fort St. George Museum

Discover the British colonial history of Chennai at the museum within the Fort, which features artifacts from the 17th century. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Browse through a bustling shopping district known for silk sarees, jewelry, and traditional Tamil Nadu handicrafts.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Relish authentic Chettinad cuisine with aromatic spices in a comfortable setting, open till 11:00pm.
INR600, 1h
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Heritage

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Cafe

Start the day with South Indian staples like vada and filter coffee, ensuring you are fueled for the day.
INR150, 1h

9:00am

Visit Shore Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 8th century, famous for its seaside location and intricate rock-cut architecture. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR50, 1h

10:30am

Explore Pancha Rathas

Visit the five monolithic stone chariots carved from granite symbolizing the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.
INR50, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Dine on fresh seafood and coastal Tamil dishes with sea views. Open 12:00pm to 10:30pm.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Arjuna’s Penance

Admire the largest open-air bas relief carved on a massive boulder, depicting mythological scenes. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
INR50, 45m

3:00pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Enjoy the calm seaside for a couple of hours before departure.
INR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Wharf Restaurant

Try local delicacies and seafood in an atmospheric beachfront location. Open till 10:30pm.
INR600, 1h
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Day 3: Pondicherry French Quarters

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy freshly baked French pastries and excellent coffee in the heart of the French Quarter. Open 7:30am to 9:00pm.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Experience spiritual calm at this famous ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa. Open 6:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 8:00pm.
INR0, 1h

10:45am

Explore French Colonial Architecture

Stroll through the French quarters admiring colorful colonial villas, boutiques, and quaint cafes.
INR0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Taste authentic French cuisine blended with Indian flavors in a beautifully restored colonial house. Open 12:30pm to 3:00pm, 7:30pm to 10:30pm.
INR800, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Promenade Beach

Relax by the seaside promenade lined with statues and cafes, perfect for an afternoon walk. Open all day.
INR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Try local street snacks at Goubert Market

Enjoy freshly made local snacks and fruits in the lively market atmosphere.
INR100, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy traditional Tamil and continental dishes in a charming, heritage villa setting, open till 10:30pm.
INR700, 1h
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Day 4: Thanjavur Temples

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Saratha

Enjoy a classic South Indian breakfast served with chutneys and sambar. Open daily from 7:00am.
INR150, 1h

9:00am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the largest temples in India, known for magnificent architecture and grand scale. Open 6:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 8:30pm.
INR40, 2h

11:30am

Explore Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery

View beautiful Chola art, bronze statues, and historic artifacts inside this royal complex. Open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR50, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Taste local vegetarian cuisine including thali meals in a simple but authentic setting.
INR300, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Schwartz Church

Check out the centuries-old church known for its colonial architecture and stained glass windows. Open until 6:00pm.
INR0, 45m

3:30pm

Visit local markets

Shop for handicrafts and Tanjore paintings, famous for their vivid colors and gold leaf.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy a mix of South Indian and North Indian dishes in a popular local restaurant.
INR350, 1h
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Day 5: Madurai Temple Visit

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in soft idlis with chutneys and hot filter coffee in a famous local eatery, open from 6:00am.
INR100, 1h

8:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the iconic and elaborate Hindu temple known for its towering gopurams and cultural significance. Open 5:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 10:00pm.
INR50, 2h

11:00am

Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Tour this 17th-century palace showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture and royal grandeur. Open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR50, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Konar Mess

Savor traditional Tamil Brahmin-style vegetarian meals in a no-frills setting, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
INR250, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and India’s freedom struggle through exhibits and archives. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
INR20, 1h

4:00pm

Evening walk around Blossoms Park

Relax in this well-maintained park known for its serene environment and fountains.
INR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop (Night)

Finish your journey with a light dinner of South Indian snacks and coffee in the same iconic spot.
INR150, 1h
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