South India Heritage and Coastal Journey: Chennai, Coimbatore, Tuticorin, Rameshwaram & Thanjavur - 9 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Chennai Tour

Chennai, India on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy classic South Indian dishes like idli and dosa accompanied by aromatic filter coffee at this famous Chennai eatery, open from 7am to 10:30pm.
INR300, 1h

10:00am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at this Dravidian architectural marvel and vibrant temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, open mornings and evenings (6am-12pm and 4:30pm-9pm).
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Savor authentic Chennai biryanis and other traditional dishes at this iconic restaurant, open 11am to 11pm.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Coimbatore

Begin your approximately 7-hour journey westward by train or private cab to Coimbatore, a vibrant textile and industrial hub.
INR600-1500, 7h

9:30pm

Dinner at Annapoorna Gowrishankar

Finish your day with crispy dosas and flavorful curries at this popular Coimbatore restaurant, open till late night.
INR350, 1h
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Day 2: Coimbatore Leisure and Sights

Coimbatore, India on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh South Indian breakfast at your hotel or nearby cafe.
INR250, 1h

9:00am

Marudamalai Temple Visit

Visit this scenic temple on a hill dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its peaceful setting and panoramic views, open 5am-9pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shree Anandhaas

Relish iconic dosas and traditional South Indian snacks in this well-loved Coimbatore eatery, open 8am-11pm.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

VOC Park and Zoo

Explore the lush parkland and small zoo within the city, ideal for a relaxing stroll, open 8am-7pm.
INR20, 2h

4:00pm

Brookefields Mall Shopping

Browse local textiles, handicrafts, and popular brands in this urban mall.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sree Annapoorna Sree Gowrishankar

End the day with traditional Tamil vegetarian cuisine served in a welcoming atmosphere.
INR450, 1h
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Day 3: Coimbatore to Tuticorin Travel

Coimbatore to Tuticorin, India on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Start early with breakfast before setting off for Tuticorin by train or cab, a journey of around 7-8 hours.
INR300, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Tuticorin

Enjoy the scenic drive southeastwards to the coastal port city of Tuticorin.
INR700-1600, 7-8h

4:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Relax after your journey at your hotel in Tuticorin.
Hotel dependent, 1h30m

6:00pm

Tuticorin Beach Walk

Experience the tranquil shores of Tuticorin Beach during the evening.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Beacon

Savor fresh seafood and local Tamil dishes, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h
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Day 4: Tuticorin Local Exploration

Tuticorin, India on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a filling breakfast featuring local specialties.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Our Lady of Snows Basilica

Visit this beautiful historic church, an important pilgrimage site, open 7am-7pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Tuticorin Port Area Visit

View the bustling port, one of India’s busiest maritime hubs, and learn about its pearl trading history.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Abi’s Rani Mahal

Enjoy South Indian and multi-cuisine dishes at this popular local restaurant, open 11:30am-10pm.
INR500, 1h

3:00pm

Tharuvaikulam Marine National Park

Explore coastal mangroves and observe birdlife at this wildlife sanctuary, open 8am-5pm.
INR100, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Harris Beach

Delight in freshly caught fish and prawn dishes with a beach view.
INR700, 1h
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Day 5: Travel to Rameshwaram

Tuticorin to Rameshwaram, India on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Have a light breakfast prepared for the day ahead.
INR250, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Rameshwaram

Journey east towards Rameshwaram island; the drive takes about 4-5 hours.
INR400-1000, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch locally

Try fresh coastal Tamil cuisine at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
INR450, 1h

2:30pm

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Visit the sacred temple famed for its architecture and religious significance, open 5am-12pm and 5pm-9pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dhanushkodi Beach

Visit the haunting ruins of old Dhanushkodi and enjoy the sunset on this secluded beach.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Gateway

Savor a variety of coastal and Tamil dishes for dinner in comfortable surroundings.
INR600, 1h
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Day 6: Rameshwaram Temples and Beaches

Rameshwaram, India on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin with a traditional Tamil breakfast including idli, vada, and chutney.
INR300, 1h

9:00am

Agni Theertham

Take a ritual bath at this holy beach spot, popular among pilgrims, open all day.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Kothandaramaswamy Temple

Visit this serene temple set near the coastline and linked to Ramayana stories, open 6am-8pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Sathu Residency

Relish fresh seafood and Tamil Nadu specialties in a welcoming environment.
INR550, 1h

3:00pm

Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge and Backwaters

Enjoy a peaceful walk with views over water between Rameshwaram island and the mainland.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sri Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a pure vegetarian dinner famous for its traditional Tamil flavors, open till 9:30pm.
INR350, 1h
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Day 7: Travel to Thanjavur and Temples

Rameshwaram to Thanjavur, India on May 23, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Eat a quick breakfast before an early morning departure.
INR250, 30m

7:00am

Travel to Thanjavur

Drive or train journey (approx 6-7 hours) northwest to the historic town of Thanjavur, known for its temples and art.
INR600-1500, 7h

2:00pm

Lunch in Thanjavur

Enjoy traditional Tamil cuisine at a local restaurant or your hotel.
INR450, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a masterpiece of Chola architecture built over 1000 years ago, open 6am to 9pm.
INR50, 2h

6:00pm

Explore Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery

Visit the majestic palace complex and its art collections highlighting the region’s rich history, open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dhivya’s Kitchen

Enjoy authentic Tamil vegetarian dishes famous in Thanjavur’s culinary scene.
INR400, 1h
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Day 8: Thanjavur & Departure

Thanjavur, India on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a wholesome South Indian breakfast before your final explorations or travel.
INR300, 1h

8:30am

Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Take a half-day trip (~30 minutes from Thanjavur) to this historic temple city noted for its grand temple built by the Chola dynasty, open 6am-7pm.
INR40, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch in Thanjavur

Return for lunch at a local restaurant offering traditional Tamil meals.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Relax & Shop

Spend afternoon buying Thanjavur’s famous silk sarees and handicrafts.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Departure or onward travel

Prepare for your onward journey from Thanjavur by train, bus, or cab.
Varies, Varies
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