From Madurai to Kedarnath: 7-Day Itinerary for November 2023

1. Day 1: Madurai
   Madurai International Airport to Meenakshi Amman Temple (15 minutes, 5 miles)

   In the morning, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most prominent landmarks in Madurai. In the afternoon, explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century palace with impressive architecture. Finish the day with a stroll through the bustling streets of the local market.

2. Day 2: Thekkady
   Madurai to Thekkady (3 hours, 84 miles)

   Take a scenic drive to Thekkady, a natural paradise with lush greenery and diverse wildlife. In the morning, enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake and spot wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and deer. In the afternoon, visit the spice plantations and learn about the cultivation of cloves, pepper, and cardamom. In the evening, watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

3. Day 3: Munnar
   Thekkady to Munnar (3 hours, 88 miles)

   Travel to the scenic hill station of Munnar, famous for its tea plantations and cool climate. In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park and see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the afternoon, take a tour of a tea plantation and learn about the tea-making process. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the lush green tea gardens.

4. Day 4: Thekkady
   Munnar to Thekkady (3 hours, 87 miles)

   Return to Thekkady and spend the day exploring the cultural and natural attractions. In the morning, visit the Mangla Devi Temple, a 2000-year-old temple dedicated to the goddess of the same name. In the afternoon, hike to the Periyar National Park and explore the dense forests. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Periyar riverside.

5. Day 5: Rishikesh
   Thekkady to Rishikesh (12 hours, 355 miles)

   Travel to the spiritual town of Rishikesh, situated along the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the morning, visit the Triveni Ghat for a dip in the river and to witness the morning aarti ceremony. In the afternoon, visit the Beatles Ashram, a graffiti-filled abandoned ashram where the Beatles once stayed. In the evening, enjoy a yoga and meditation session by the river.

6. Day 6: Kedarnath
   Rishikesh to Kedarnath (9 hours, 123 miles)

   Take a scenic drive to Kedarnath, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism. In the afternoon, trek to the Vasuki Tal Lake for stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, attend the evening aarti ceremony at the temple.

7. Day 7: Badrinath
   Kedarnath to Badrinath (8 hours, 124 miles)

   Travel to Badrinath, a holy town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. In the morning, visit the Badrinath Temple, a popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the afternoon, explore the Mana village, the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-China border. In the evening, enjoy a hot water bath in the natural hot springs of Tapt Kund.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to Auli, a popular skiing destination, from Badrinath. You can also enjoy a scenic cable car ride in Rishikesh or go river rafting in the Ganges. To maximize your fun, try local delicacies such as filter coffee, idli, and dosa.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Meenakshi Amman Temple (2 hours, INR 50)
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace (1 hour, INR 50)
• Periyar Lake Boat Ride (2 hours, INR 400)
• Spice Plantation Tour (2 hours, INR 100)
• Kathakali Dance Performance (1.5 hours, INR 300)
• Eravikulam National Park (2 hours, INR 120)
• Tea Plantation Tour (1.5 hours, INR 200)
• Mangla Devi Temple (1 hour, free entry)
• Periyar National Park Hike (3 hours, INR 50)
• Triveni Ghat (1 hour, free entry)
• Beatles Ashram (2 hours, INR 150)
• Vasuki Tal Trek (5 hours, INR 500)
• Badrinath Temple (1 hour, free entry)
• Mana Village (2 hours, free entry)
• Tapt Kund Hot Springs (1 hour, free entry)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,120

For hotel and flight bookings, check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.