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Scenic 5-Day Madurai and Kodaikanal Road Trip from Bangalore with Overnight Train Journeys

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Day 1: Train Travel

Bangalore to Madurai, India on August 6, 2025

9:15PM

Board Train 16236 from Bangalore to Madurai

Depart Bangalore City Railway Station by train 16236 for an overnight journey to Madurai. Enjoy comfortable sleeper arrangements and prepare for an early arrival.
INR600, 8h0m
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Day 2: Travel Kodaikanal

Madurai to Kodaikanal, India on August 7, 2025

6:00AM

Arrive at Madurai Junction

Reach Madurai early morning and pick up your self-drive rental car from a nearby agency offering clean and well-maintained vehicles.
INR2000 (rental per day approx.), 1h0m

7:00AM

Breakfast stop at Moonlight Restaurant, Usilampatti

Enjoy a wholesome South Indian vegetarian breakfast such as idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this popular clean eatery en route to Kodaikanal.
INR150, 45m

8:00AM

Start drive towards Kodaikanal

Begin a scenic 4.5-hour drive through lush green Tamil Nadu countryside and winding hill roads. Make photo stops for river views and local village glimpses.
Fuel approx. INR1000, 4h30m

12:45PM

Check-in at The Carlton Hotel, Kodaikanal

Settle in this comfortable, well-reviewed hotel known for its beautiful gardens and vegetarian dining options, located near Kodai Lake.
INR4000 per night, 1h30m

2:00PM

Lunch at Curry On – Kodai

Relish authentic vegetarian Tamil Nadu meals with fresh local vegetables and sambar, perfect for re-energizing after your drive.
INR300, 1h

3:30PM

Relaxing walk at Kodai Lake

Enjoy a gentle stroll or paddle boat ride around this scenic man-made lake ideal for light exercise and fresh air after your journey.
INR150 for boat, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Hilltop Inn

Dine on simple, clean vegetarian South Indian dishes in a cozy setting with views of hill ranges from the terrace.
INR350, 1h
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Day 3: Explore Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India on August 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with the hotel’s nutritious vegetarian breakfast spread including local fruits and hot masala chai.
Included in stay, 30m

8:30AM

Visit Coaker’s Walk

Take an easy 1 km trail along a narrow path with panoramic views of valleys and hills. Perfect for morning serenity.
Free, 1h

10:00AM

Explore Bryant Park

Wander through this beautifully maintained botanical park showcasing vibrant flowers and rare plant species.
INR20 entry, 1h

11:15AM

Pillar Rocks and Guna Caves

Drive or take a short taxi ride to see the impressive vertical rock formations and mysterious Guna Caves nearby. Enjoy light trekking paths around the area.
INR50 parking, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Tava Vegetarian Restaurant

Savor North and South Indian vegetarian cuisine in a hygienic setting with quick service and tasty thalis.
INR250, 1h

2:30PM

Pine Forest visit

Walk through the tranquil pine forest known for its high trees and soft ground cover; great for photography and birdwatching.
Free, 1h

4:00PM

Dolphin’s Nose trek

Embark on a moderate 2-3 km trek to a cliff offering dramatic views of the plains below, perfect for light trekking enthusiasts.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Cloud Street

Enjoy delicious vegetarian fusion dishes and fresh bakery items at this cozy cafe with excellent ambiance in the town centre.
INR400, 1h
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Day 4: Kodaikanal to Madurai

Kodaikanal to Madurai, India on August 9, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a quick, wholesome vegetarian breakfast before your morning activity.
Included, 30m

7:00AM

Light trekking or visit to Pine Forest

Choose a short early morning trek like the scenic walk to Green Valley View or a calming visit to the Pine Forest for nature immersion.
Free, 2h

9:30AM

Check-out and start drive to Madurai

Begin your return journey to Madurai by car, taking periodic stops for refreshments and scenic views along the way.
Fuel approx. INR1000, 4h30m

2:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Relish famous soft idlis, appams and chutneys at this iconic vegetarian eatery on arrival in Madurai.
INR150, 1h

3:30PM

Check-in at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai

Relax in this well-appointed hotel featuring comfortable rooms and quiet surroundings, located a few kilometers from city center.
INR3500 per night, 1h

5:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Explore this historic Hindu temple complex renowned for its ornate architecture and vibrant evening rituals; open till 9 PM.
Free, 2h

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel restaurant or nearby vegetarian eatery

Enjoy traditional Tamil vegetarian meals including dosas, sambar, and vegetable curries either at the hotel or at a popular local restaurant like The Veg Kitchen.
INR300, 1h
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Day 5: Travel Back

Madurai to Bangalore, India on August 10, 2025

4:30AM

Check-out and head to Madurai Railway Station

Depart early from hotel to reach Madurai station well before your early morning train departure.
Taxi approx. INR350, 30m

5:50AM

Board Vande Bharat Train 20671 to Bangalore

Enjoy a fast and comfortable morning journey on the modern Vande Bharat train, arriving into Bangalore by late morning.
INR700, 6h30m
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