7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Rameshwaram, Kodikanal, and Nearby Places in July 2023

1. Day 1: Ramanathaswamy Temple
   10 minutes (2.1 km) from Rameshwaram Bus Stand

   Start your day with a visit to Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites. Spend the afternoon exploring the Pamban Bridge and watching the sunset from Dhanushkodi Beach. End your day with a stroll through the local market and trying some local street food.

2. Day 2: Kodaikanal Lake
   4 hours (180 km) from Rameshwaram

   Drive to the scenic hill station of Kodaikanal and spend your day boating on Kodaikanal Lake. Take a walk through the surrounding Bryant Park and Coaker's Walk. End your day with a visit to the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory for stargazing.

3. Day 3: Berijam Lake
   1 hour 30 minutes (21 km) from Kodaikanal Lake

   Embark on a nature walk around Berijam Lake, a hidden gem located within a reserved forest area. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake and spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding forest. End your day with a visit to the Pillar Rocks viewpoint for a beautiful sunset.

4. Day 4: Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre
   4 hours 30 minutes (240 km) from Berijam Lake

   Spend your morning at the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre, a hands-on science museum perfect for families. Have lunch at the nearby Anna Nagar Tower Park and spend the afternoon exploring Fort St. George. End your day with a visit to the historic Kapaleeswarar Temple.

5. Day 5: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour (57 km) from Chennai

   Drive to Mahabalipuram and spend your morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas. Have lunch at the nearby Moonrakers Restaurant and spend the afternoon at the Mahabalipuram Beach. End your day with a visit to the Arjuna's Penance, a famous rock carving.

6. Day 6: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
   1 hour 30 minutes (84 km) from Mahabalipuram

   Embark on a morning birdwatching tour at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, home to over 40,000 migratory birds. Have lunch at the nearby Sangeetha Restaurant and spend the afternoon at the Kanchipuram Temples. End your day with a visit to the famous 7th-century Kailasanatha Temple.

7. Day 7: Vellore Fort
   1 hour 30 minutes (85 km) from Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

   End your trip with a visit to the historic Vellore Fort, a 16th-century fortress built by the Vijayanagara Empire. Explore the nearby Vellore Museum and have lunch at the nearby Sree Saravana Bhavan. Spend your afternoon at the Jalakandeswarar Temple and end your day with a visit to the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Madurai Meenakshi Temple or the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur. Alternatively, take a day trip to Yercaud or Ooty for some scenic hill station views. To maximize your fun, try local delicacies like idlis, dosas, and filter coffee.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ramanathaswamy Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Pamban Bridge (1 hour, Free)
• Dhanushkodi Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Boating at Kodaikanal Lake (2 hours, INR 150 per person)
• Bryant Park (1 hour, INR 30 per person)
• Coaker's Walk (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
• Berijam Lake (4 hours, INR 500 per vehicle)
• Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre (4 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Fort St. George (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas (2 hours, INR 40 per person)
• Mahabalipuram Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Arjuna's Penance (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
• Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 25 per person)
• Kanchipuram Temples (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Kailasanatha Temple (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
• Vellore Fort (2 hours, INR 15 per person)
• Vellore Museum (1 hour, INR 30 per person)
• Jalakandeswarar Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 885 per person