Scenic South India Journey: Ooty, Madurai & Rameshwaram via Bangalore

Day 1: Bangalore to Ooty

Bangalore to Ooty, India on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at MTR, Bangalore

Enjoy a classic South Indian breakfast of dosas and filter coffee at MTR, a historic and beloved eatery known for authentic flavours.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Bangalore to Ooty

Embark on an approximately 6-hour scenic drive (270 km) through vibrant countryside and the Nilgiri hills, reaching Ooty by mid-afternoon.
INR2000 (taxi fare), 6h

3:30pm

Check in and rest at your Ooty hotel

Settle in at your hotel, ideally located near Ooty Lake or in the town centre to facilitate sightseeing.
Varies, 1h

5:00pm

Ooty Lake Visit

Explore the serene Ooty Lake, enjoy boat rides and stroll through the surrounding gardens; the park closes around 7:00pm.
INR50, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Earl’s Secret

Dine at Earl’s Secret for a charming colonial-era ambiance featuring continental and Indian dishes.
INR1000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Explore Ooty Highlights

Ooty, India on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start the day at Indian Coffee House with strong South Indian coffee and simple breakfast options in a retro setting.
INR150, 45m

9:00am

Botanical Gardens

Visit Ooty’s Botanical Gardens, open from 8:30am to 6:00pm, to see rare plants, colourful flowerbeds and towering trees.
INR30, 1.5h

11:00am

Doddabetta Peak

Drive to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, for panoramic views of the hills and tea estates.
INR20, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in Ooty at Shinkows, famed for spicy Manchurian and noodle dishes.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Rose Garden

Visit the Government Rose Garden, Asia’s largest, boasting thousands of rose varieties; open till 6pm.
INR30, 1h

4:00pm

Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ride

Take a short toy train ride on the scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway (check schedule for timings) for a unique experience.
INR100, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sidewalk Café

Relax with fresh pizzas and continental cuisine at the Sidewalk Café, known for its cosy atmosphere and live music nights.
INR900, 1.5h
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Day 3: Ooty to Madurai

Ooty to Madurai, India on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your Ooty hotel before the drive to Madurai.
Included in stay, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Madurai

Depart Ooty for Madurai via road, a roughly 5.5 to 6-hour journey (158 km), passing through picturesque landscapes.
INR1500 (taxi fare), 6h

3:00pm

Check in and relax

Arrive in Madurai and check into your hotel to freshen up before evening activities.
Varies, 1h

4:00pm

Meenakshi Amman Temple Visit

Visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, open until 12am; marvel at Dravidian architecture, intricate sculptures and vibrant temple streets.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Savour authentic South Indian dishes like idli, dosa and vadai at this popular and budget-friendly spot in Madurai.
INR250, 1h
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Day 4: Exploring Madurai

Madurai, India on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kumar Mess

Try traditional South Indian breakfast items like pongal and filter coffee at this local favourite.
INR150, 45m

9:00am

Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Tour the majestic 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace, known for its architecture and daytime light shows; open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR100, 2h

11:30am

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit this museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, showcasing historical artefacts and exhibits; closes by 5:00pm.
INR40, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Konar Mess

Enjoy authentic Chettinad cuisine featuring spicy curries and biryanis at this renowned local eatery.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Pazhamudhir Solai Murugan Temple

Explore this hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, peaceful and less crowded, perfect for afternoon tranquility.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

Dine on a variety of South Indian and North Indian vegetarian dishes at this popular establishment.
INR350, 1h
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Day 5: Madurai to Rameshwaram

Madurai to Rameshwaram, India on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for your journey to Rameshwaram.
Included, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Rameshwaram

Travel approximately 3.5 hours (170 km) to Rameshwaram, the sacred island town famous for its temples and beaches.
INR1200 (taxi fare), 3.5h

12:00pm

Check in and lunch

Check into your Rameshwaram hotel and enjoy lunch with traditional Tamil coastal cuisine.
Varies INR400-600, 1h

1:30pm

Ramanathaswamy Temple Visit

Visit the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple known for its massive corridors and sacred significance; open till evening.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Dhanushkodi Beach Excursion

Take a trip to the nearby Dhanushkodi Beach, known for ruins and beautiful views where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean.
Transport INR500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Sea Princess Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Tamil Nadu specialities with ocean views at this well-rated hotel restaurant.
INR800, 1.5h
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