Early car departure from Salem to maximise daylight driving and avoid city traffic; route via NH44/NH87 through Trichy and Madurai toward Rameswaram. Expect steady driving with one or two short breaks.
Comfortable sit-down breakfast stop in Trichy for idli/dosa and coffee — open from early morning and family-friendly. Good place to stretch legs and refill the car.
Visit the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple (afternoon/evening darshan typically available 3:00pm–9:30pm) to see the long corridors and sacred wells; an essential cultural stop.
Head to Dhanushkodi for a memorable sunrise and views across Adam's Bridge — the beach/ruins are best early (arrive before sunrise; Dhanushkodi is accessible until daylight and the last light).
If you didn’t complete temple time Day 1, do a short visit to Agni Theertham or Gandhamadhana Parvatham; otherwise enjoy a calm beach stroll before departure.
Scenic coastal and interior drive of approximately 4–5 hours via Ramanathapuram and Nagercoil — schedule allows arrival well before sunset for a relaxed evening.
Witness sunset at India’s southern tip — watch the dramatic sun meeting sea and enjoy the lively promenade; Vivekananda Rock boat service runs 7:00am–5:30pm so evening visits to the rock are not possible but shore viewing is superb.
Start the New Year with sunrise views from the shore — this is the best place to watch the first sunrise of the year at the southern tip of mainland India.
Boats operate roughly 7:00am–5:30pm; take the 7:00–8:30am slot to visit the Vivekananda Rock and view the Thiruvalluvar Statue up close — great cultural stop and photo opportunity.
Enjoy a hearty and authentic Madurai meal — Murugan Idli Shop is family-friendly and well-known for idli and filter coffee; typically open from early morning into the afternoon.
Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple (evening hours typically from 4:00pm). Explore the gopurams, mandapams and evening rituals; one of the most important cultural sites in South India.
Short drive to the scenic Alagar Kovil (check local opening times, typically mornings and evenings); a peaceful hill temple with beautiful surroundings and good for family photos.
Explore the museum (typically 8:30am–5:00pm) for historical context on Madurai and India’s independence movement; informative for adults and older children.