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5 Nights 6 Days Cultural and Scenic Journey in South India

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with authentic South Indian breakfast like idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this popular vegetarian joint open from 7am to 10pm.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this beautiful 7th-century Dravidian-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a cultural highlight in Mylapore. Open 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Stroll along Marina Beach

Relax at one of the longest urban beaches in the world, perfect for local snacks and people watching. Accessible anytime.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Raintree, Alwarpet

Enjoy flavorful South Indian and Continental dishes in a serene courtyard setting. Open 12pm to 3pm for lunch.
INR1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Fort St. George

Discover Chennai’s colonial history at this 17th-century fort which houses a museum and the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly. Museum open 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Shop at T Nagar Market

Experience vibrant shopping of textiles, jewelry, and local handicrafts, open till late evening.
Varies, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel

Dine on premium Chettinad cuisine in an elegant ambiance, open till 11pm.
INR1800, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Mahabalipuram Heritage

Mahabalipuram, India on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Chennai to Mahabalipuram

A scenic 1.5-hour drive south along the coast to the UNESCO World Heritage site known for rock-cut temples.
INR1000 (cab), 1h30m

9:15am

Breakfast at Moonrakers

Enjoy fresh seafood and continental options minutes from the beach and monuments, open from 8am.
INR800, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Marvel at these ancient monolithic rock-cut temples and sculptures dating back to 7th century. Open 6am to 6pm.
INR100, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Verandah

Relax with coastal cuisine including fresh fish curries in a garden setting, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon by the beach, enjoy local vendors and sunset views.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Chennai or stay overnight in Mahabalipuram

Depending on preference, relax with an optional overnight stay in beachside resorts.
Varies, Travel or leisure

8:00pm

Dinner at local seafood restaurant

Taste freshly prepared seafood specialties such as prawn masala or crab fry.
INR1000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Pondicherry French Quarter

Pondicherry, India on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

A 2-hour drive south entering the charming French-influenced coastal town.
INR1200 (cab), 2h0m

9:45am

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Enjoy a relaxed French-style breakfast with croissants and coffee in a quaint café in the French Quarter, open 7am to 11am.
INR600, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore French Quarter & Promenade Beach

Walk through colonial streets, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and seaside promenade. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Taste locally inspired dishes blending Tamil and French flavours in a tranquil setting, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR900, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Auroville

Drive 20 minutes to this international township promoting peace and sustainable living. Visitor center open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Pondicherry and relax

Evening at leisure exploring local shops and cafés.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Enjoy fine dining with French and Indian fusion cuisine in a heritage setting, open till 11pm.
INR1500, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 4: Thanjavur Temples

Thanjavur, India on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Pondicherry to Thanjavur

Early morning 4-hour drive inland to the heart of Tamil Nadu's temple architecture.
INR2000 (cab), 4h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Sathars

Enjoy traditional Tamil vegetarian cuisine in the town center, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR700, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO-listed massive Chola temple, famous for its architecture and sculpture. Open 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 8:30pm.
INR40, 2h0m

3:30pm

Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery

Discover the royal heritage and unique bronze sculptures of the Chola kingdom. Open 10am to 5pm.
INR20, 1h30m

5:30pm

Relax at hotel or local market

Evening leisure to explore local markets famous for Thanjavur paintings or relax at accommodation.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Sangam

Feast on authentic South Indian meals in a comfortable setting, open till 10pm.
INR800, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Thanjavur

Day 5: Madurai Heritage

Madurai, India on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Thanjavur to Madurai

3.5-hour morning drive south to the temple city of Madurai.
INR1800 (cab), 3h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy famous soft idlis and traditional South Indian filter coffee, open 6am to 11am.
INR200, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore one of the largest and most ornate temples in India dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi. Open 5am to 12am.
Free, 2h0m

1:45pm

Lunch at Kumar Mess

Savor traditional Madurai non-vegetarian meals famous for mutton and chicken, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about India’s independence movement and local history, open 9am to 5pm.
INR30, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore local bazaars

Shop for souvenirs like textiles, spices, and handicrafts in vibrant markets close to the temple.
Varies, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ethnic Restaurant

Relish traditional Tamil Nadu thali meals with a variety of tastes and flavors in a cozy environment.
INR600, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 6: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Travel Madurai to Chennai

Early morning 7-hour drive or flight back to Chennai for departure or onward travel.
INR3000 (cab) or INR3000 (flight), 7h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Chennai Airport Food Court

Convenient dining before your flight with multiple Indian and international options.
INR500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Departure from Chennai

Proceed to your onward journey with great memories of South India.
Varies, N/A
Find Hotels in Chennai
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