Cultural and Spiritual Journey from Bangalore to Rameswaram via Madurai and Dhanushkodi

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Bangalore to Madurai, India on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Start from Whitefield, Bangalore

Begin your journey early morning from Whitefield in Bangalore to avoid city traffic and make the most of your travel day.
INR0, 0h30m

7:30am

Breakfast at Sree Krishna Bhavan, Whitefield

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast including idli, dosa, and filter coffee, to energise for the long road ahead. They open from 6:30am.
INR150, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Madurai

Embark on the 7-8 hour drive covering approximately 435 km via NH44, passing through Krishnagiri and Salem. Stops recommended for refreshments.
INR0, 7h0m

3:00pm

Lunch stop at Hotel A2B, Salem

Take a break for lunch at this popular vegetarian chain serving South Indian classics, open till 9pm.
INR300, 0h45m

6:00pm

Arrival at Madurai

Check into your hotel and rest after the long journey. Recommended hotels include The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai or Fortune Pandiyan Hotel for comfort and location.
INR0, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Famous for its fresh idlis and variety of chutneys, the shop remains open till 10pm and is a great place for a casual dinner.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 2: Madurai Temples

Madurai, India on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Ashok Hotel

Enjoy a diverse buffet breakfast with local and international cuisine, open from 6:30am to 10:30am.
INR400, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this stunning 7th-century historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi. The temple opens from 5:00am to 12:30pm and 4:00pm to 10:00pm.
INR50, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the 17th-century palace renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, open from 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR50, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Konar Mess

Savour authentic Tamil Nadu meals served on banana leaves, specialising in Chettinad cuisine, open from 11:30am to 3:30pm.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi's life and legacy, open 9:30am to 5:30pm.
INR20, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Enjoy the serene pond and scenic walking paths near the temple, ideal in late afternoon.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sri Sabarees

Try traditional thalis and South Indian delicacies at this popular vegetarian restaurant, open until 10:30pm.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 3: Rameswaram Excursion

Madurai to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi, India on July 7, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the day’s trip to Rameswaram, typically available from 6:30am.
INR300, 0h30m

6:30am

Drive Madurai to Rameswaram

Start the approximately 3.5-hour drive (170 km) to Rameswaram via NH87, enjoying beautiful rural landscapes along the way.
INR0, 3h30m

10:00am

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its long corridors and sacred water tanks. Open 5:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
INR50, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Dhanushkodi

Drive 20 km to the ghost town of Dhanushkodi, known for its stunning beach, ruined buildings and historical significance. Drive back by 3pm to return safely.
INR0, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Hotel in Rameswaram

Enjoy seafood and local Tamil cuisine at a hotel restaurant such as Hotel Sri Murugan, open from 12pm to 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Pamban Bridge

See the iconic cantilever railway bridge linking Rameswaram to mainland India, ideal for photos and watching the sea.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rameswaram Restaurant

Delight in authentic Tamil Nadu dishes and fresh seafood for dinner, open until 10pm.
INR350, 1h0m