Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

South Tamil Nadu & Kerala Explorer – 5‑Day Road Trip

Viewed by 151 travelers

Day 1: Arasampatti → Palani (≈2 hrs)

Morning: Depart early from Arasampatti and enjoy a scenic drive to Palani Murugan Temple, the iconic hill‑top shrine. The ascent offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys.

Afternoon: Visit the bustling Palani Bazaar for local handicrafts and sweet “palkova”. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby restaurant serving South Indian thali.

Evening: Take a gentle walk around the **Palani Reservoir** and watch the sun dip behind the hills, a perfect spot for photography.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Palani → Kodaikanal (≈4 hrs)

Morning: Drive through the misty Western Ghats to arrive at Kodaikanal. Check‑in to your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Stroll around Kodaikanal Lake and rent a paddle‑boat. The lake’s calm waters reflect the surrounding pine‑clad hills, offering a serene experience.

Evening: Explore Coaker’s Walk, a paved ridge offering panoramic views of the valley. Capture the twilight hues over the hills.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Kodaikanal → Rajapalayam (≈5 hrs)

Morning: Depart for Rajapalayam and stop at the historic Ranganathan Temple for a quick blessing and photo opportunity.

Afternoon: Discover the unique wildlife at Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, a prime spot for spotting elephants, tigers and numerous bird species.

Evening: Wander through the lively Rajapalayam Market for cotton fabrics and regional snacks, soaking up local life.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Rajapalayam → Munnar (Kerala) (≈4 hrs)

Morning: Cross the state border into Kerala and arrive at Tea Plantations of Munnar. Walk among the emerald rows of tea, with a guided walk on a tea estate.

Afternoon: Visit the famous Eravikulam National Park to glimpse the endangered Nilgiri tahr and enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas.

Evening: Relax at the resort’s garden, and enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner of **appam** and **stew**.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Munnar → Bangalore (≈5‑hrs)

Morning: Early departure for Bangalore, with a quick stop at Alappuzha Backwaters for a short boat ride through the serene canals.

Afternoon: Continue the drive through scenic routes, reaching Bangalore by late afternoon.

Evening: Return to your Bangalore home or hotel, reflecting on the diverse experiences from hill temples to lush tea estates.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Palani Murugan Temple – 2 hrs – ₹200 (entry, donations)
  • Palani Bazaar – 1.5 hrs – ₹0 (shopping optional)
  • Palani Reservoir – 1 hr – ₹50 (parking)
  • Kodaikanal Lake – 2 hrs – ₹150 (boat)
  • Coaker’s Walk – 1 hr – ₹30 (entry)
  • Ranganathan Temple (Rajapalayam) – 0.5 hr – ₹20 (donation)
  • Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary – 3 hrs – ₹300 (entry & guide)
  • Rajapalayam Market – 1 hr – ₹0 (shopping optional)
  • Tea Plantations (Munnar) – 2 hrs – ₹200 (tour)
  • Eravikulam National Park – 3 hrs – ₹350 (entry & guide)
  • Alappuzha Backwaters – 2 hrs – ₹400 (boat)
  • Travel (fuel, tolls, highways) – 5 days – ₹3,500
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹5,500

Tips

If you have extra days, consider extending your stay in Kodaikanian to explore the Berijam Lake and the Sheldon’s Point sunrise. To shorten the trip, skip the Alappuzha backwaters and head directly from Munnar to Bangalore; this reduces the itinerary by one day while still covering the main highlights.

Find Hotels
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed