5-Day Scenic Road Trip from Thiruvananthapuram through South Tamil Nadu

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Day 1: Exploring Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on August 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast with filter coffee and idli or dosa at the iconic Indian Coffee House, open from 7:30am.
INR100, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore this magnificent Dravidian-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a must-see for its stunning architecture and spiritual ambiance. Open from 5am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Napier Museum and Zoo

Visit the historic Napier Museum showcasing archaeological and artistic exhibits, followed by the adjacent Zoo, open from 10am to 4:30pm.
INR20, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sree Krishna Cafe

Taste authentic Kerala meals and seafood specialties at this popular local restaurant, open until 3pm.
INR250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Kovalam Beach

Relax and unwind at Kovalam’s crescent-shaped beaches, enjoying sunbathing and beach walks.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Tides

Dine on fresh seafood with a view of the Arabian Sea at this premium beachfront restaurant open until 10pm.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 2: Kanyakumari and Surroundings

Nagercoil and Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu on August 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Sangam

Enjoy a South Indian breakfast with fresh coconut chutney and dosas before setting out. Open from 7am.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Kanyakumari

Travel east from Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari to explore the southernmost tip of India.
Fuel cost approx INR500, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry (operates 8am-5pm) to this iconic memorial located on a rock island, dedicated to Swami Vivekananda.
INR150 for ferry, 2h0m

12:30pm

Explore Kanyakumari Beach and Gandhi Memorial

Walk along the scenic beaches and visit the Gandhi Memorial to understand India’s independence history.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Savor pure vegetarian South Indian dishes at this well-known chain. Open till 3pm.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Rameswaram

Head northeast to the temple town of Rameswaram, considered a sacred pilgrimage site.
Fuel cost approx INR700, 3h0m

6:15pm

Check-in & Dinner at Hotel Gateway

Enjoy a restful dinner at this comfortable hotel with multiple Indian cuisine options.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 3: Rameswaram Temple Day

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu on August 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Visit the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple known for its long ornate corridors and spiritual significance. Open 5am-9pm.
Free, 2h0m

10:30am

Agni Theertham Beach

Take a spiritual dip at this sacred beach located near the temple.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Sri Ram Ramesh

Enjoy local Tamil Nadu meals with fresh ingredients, open till 2pm.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Dhanushkodi Beach

Drive to the scenic and serene Dhanushkodi Beach for sightseeing and photography.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Rameswaram town

Drive back and relax before dinner.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Royal Residency

Enjoy a final meal in Rameswaram with a variety of Indian dishes.
INR400, 1h30m

Day 4: Madurai Culture & History

Madurai, Tamil Nadu on August 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on the road

Grab an early breakfast or packed snacks for the 3-hour drive to Madurai.
INR150, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Madurai

Travel northwest to the historic city of Madurai, known as the Temple City.
Fuel cost approx INR800, 3h0m

11:00am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the legendary Meenakshi Temple with its ornate gopurams and vibrant temple life. Open from 6am to 12:30pm and 4pm to 9:30pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy famous idlis and South Indian snacks at this renowned eatery.
INR200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Discover India's struggle for independence through exhibits displayed in this important museum open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore local markets

Stroll through Madurai’s vibrant bazaars for handicrafts and textiles.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kumar Mess

Sample authentic Tamil Nadu non-vegetarian dishes in this popular local restaurant until 9:30pm.
INR400, 1h30m

Day 5: Return to Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on August 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive back to Thiruvananthapuram

Enjoy the scenic 4-hour drive from Madurai back to Thiruvananthapuram.
Fuel cost approx INR900, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Villa Maya Restaurant

Experience Kerala’s traditional meals and colonial-style ambiance. Open until 3pm.
INR600, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Shanghumukham Beach

Spend your last afternoon enjoying the sunset and local vibe of this popular city beach.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bungalow Restaurant

Finish your trip with a delicious mix of Kerala and international dishes in this well-rated eatery.
INR700, 1h30m
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