5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for South India

  • Day 1: Bangalore to Madurai
    Estimated time: 7 hours (via NH44)

    Start your trip by exploring the beautiful city of Madurai. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Take a stroll in the Gandhi Memorial Museum to understand the Indian independence movement. End the day at the Madurai Nayak Palace, a beautiful palace that showcases the ancient Dravidian architecture.

  • Day 2: Madurai to Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi
    Estimated time: 4 hours (64 miles)

    Start your day early by visiting the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India. Later, head to Dhanushkodi Beach, a beautiful beach with clear blue water and white sand. Explore the Dhanushkodi ghost town that still remains from the destructive cyclone of 1964.

  • Day 3: Dhanushkodi to Kanyakumari
    Estimated time: 7 hours (135 miles)

    Today, you the most southern point of the Indian mainland, Kanyakumari. Visit the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial located in the middle of the sea. Later, head to Thiruvalluvar Statue and witness the breathtaking sunset views from the Kanyakumari Beach.

  • Day 4: Kanyakumari to Coimbatore
    Estimated time: 10 hours (438 km)

    Start your day by taking a spiritual tour to the magnificent Adiyogi Shiva Statue in Coimbatore. Enjoy a guided meditation session and take some spiritual knowledge from the guides. Later, head to the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park to enjoy some wildlife and nature.

  • Day 5: Coimbatore to Bangalore
    Estimated time: 6-7 hours (372 km)

    End your trip by exploring the beautiful city of Bangalore. Visit the iconic Bangalore Palace, a palace with a blend of Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture. Perfect for a peaceful walk, the Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a beautiful place you don't want to miss. End your day with a shopping spree in the famous UB City .

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Meenakshi Amman Temple (1-2 hours, INR 50-100)
  • Gandhi Memorial Museum (1 hour, INR 5-10)
  • Madurai Nayak Palace (1-2 hours, INR 25-50)
  • Ramanathaswamy Temple (1-2 hours, INR 50-200)
  • Dhanushkodi Beach (2-3 hours, INR 100-200)
  • Dhanushkodi ghost town (1-2 hours, INR 50-200)
  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial (1-2 hours, INR 50-100)
  • Thiruvalluvar Statue (1-2 hours, INR 10-20)
  • Kanyakumari Beach (1-2 hours, INR 50-100)
  • Adiyogi Shiva Statue (2-3 hours, INR 200-300)
  • Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park (3-4 hours, INR 50-200)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 590-1300 per person

Transportation

For transportation, it is recommended to travel by car or bus. AC cabs and buses are available for all routes. The estimated cost of traveling by a rental car is around INR 3500-4000 per day, including fuel and driver charges. For comfortable and enjoyable rides, always ensure to book from a trusted source.

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can enjoy some more places near Coimbatore like the Athirapally Waterfalls and the Topslip Wildlife Sanctuary. If you have less time, skip either the Thiruvalluvar Statue or the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, especially during the temple visits.

Airports

The Bangalore International Airport (BLR) is the main airport in Bangalore, located around 40 kilometers north of the city center. Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is the closest airport to Coimbatore, located around 11 kilometers from the city center.

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