5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Southern India: Madurai to Kanyakumari and Trivandrum

Day 1: Explore Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Inspira Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast of Idli and Sambar at Inspira Restaurant, which is known for its local delicacies.
Located near the Meenakshi Temple, this restaurant is a perfect start to your day.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Wander through the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
The temple is a short walk from the breakfast location.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Curry Club

Enjoy a delicious meal featuring a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Thalis that showcase the local culinary prowess.
This restaurant is conveniently located close to the temple area.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Visit

Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, an architectural marvel and remnants of the Nayak dynasty, known for its impressive domes and grand courtrooms.
Take a short taxi ride, about 10 minutes from the restaurant.
INR50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Flower Market Experience

Stroll through the vibrant Madurai Flower Market, a colorful showcase of fresh flowers, where you can purchase beautiful garlands.
It's roughly a 15-minute drive from the Mahal.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about Mahatma Gandhi's influence on Indian independence and view various exhibits.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the flower market.
INR20, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Heritage

Wrap up your day with a family dinner at Hotel Heritage, offering both Indian and Continental cuisines to cater to diverse tastes.
Conveniently located in the heart of Madurai.
INR500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Travel to Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Fuel up with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its dosas and wholesome meals.
Only a 5-minute drive from your hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Rameshwaram

Embark on your drive to Rameshwaram, which is approximately a 3-hour trip by car.
Enjoy scenic views along the way.
INR2500 (taxi fare), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Naidu Hotel

Stop for lunch at Naidu Hotel, known for its delicious fish curry and fresh seafood.
Located near the town center of Rameshwaram.
INR350, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its long corridors and sacred water tanks.
It's a short distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Dhanushkodi Beach

Explore the hauntingly beautiful Dhanushkodi Beach, known for its picturesque ruins and serene atmosphere.
About a 30-minute taxi ride from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Rameshwaram Town

Head back to Rameshwaram town to freshen up after your beach outing.
Return by the same taxi.
INR500 (taxi fare), 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamilnadu

Enjoy a soothing dinner at Hotel Tamilnadu, where you can try local dishes and experience the flavors of Southern India.
Located around 10 minutes from your hotel.
INR400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Onward to Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Tamilnadu

Begin your day with breakfast at Hotel Tamilnadu, known for its sumptuous South Indian fare.
A convenient option right where you're staying.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30AM

Leave for Kanyakumari

Drive to Kanyakumari, which takes about 3 hours through beautiful landscapes.
Enjoy the coastal views along the way.
INR2500 (taxi fare), 3 hours

11:30AM

Kanyakumari Beach

Arrive and enjoy the serene Kanyakumari Beach, where you can relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
Easy access and parking available.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Seashore

Savor a delightful lunch at Hotel Seashore, famous for its fresh seafood and stunning sea views.
Located adjacent to the beach.
INR400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
The ferry terminal is a short walk from the restaurant.
INR100 (ferry fare), 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Thoothukudi Beach

Enjoy a leisurely evening at Thoothukudi Beach, a beautiful and quieter spot to relax.
A quick taxi ride from the ferry terminal.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Turtle Walk Restaurant

End your day with a delightful dinner at Turtle Walk Restaurant, offering an array of dishes from Indian to continental.
Located near your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, with options including traditional South Indian dishes.
Conveniently served at your hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Explore the Kanyakumari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Devi Kanya, known for its spiritual significance and architecture.
Just a short walk from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Sunrise at Kanyakumari View Point

Witness the breathtaking sunrise at Kanyakumari View Point, the southernmost tip of India.
A close walk from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit the Gandhi Memorial

Stop by Gandhi Memorial & Museum to learn about Mahatma Gandhi's life and the history of the area.
A short walk from the view point.
INR20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Aaryas

Enjoy lunch at Aaryas offering a wonderful buffet of Indian cuisine.
Located near the Gandhi Memorial.
INR300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Southernmost Tip of India

Visit the southernmost tip of India and explore the pristine beaches and stunning waters.
Easily accessible from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Local Markets

Enjoy browsing through local markets for souvenirs such as handicrafts, spices, and traditional clothing.
Markets are located near your hotel.
Variable, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Udupi Restaurant

End your day with a comforting meal at Udupi Restaurant, famed for its vegetarian offerings.
Just a walk from your hotel.
INR300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Trivandrum

Trivandrum, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, available with a mix of Indian staples and Western dishes.
Conveniently served at your hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30AM

Depart for Trivandrum

Take a short drive to Trivandrum, which takes about 1.5 hours through lush greenery and coastal roads.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery en route.
INR2000 (taxi fare), 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and spirituality.
Located just outside the city center.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Arul Jyoti

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Arul Jyoti famous for its South Indian meals.
Conveniently located nearby.
INR250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Napier Museum

Explore the Napier Museum showcasing a rich collection of historical artifacts and ancient sculptures.
A short drive from the restaurant.
INR20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore the Zoological Park

Spend the afternoon at the Trivandrum Zoo, one of the oldest in India, great for families with an array of animals.
Only a 10-minute taxi ride from the museum.
INR50, 2 hours

5:30PM

Stroll in the Botanical Gardens

Wander through the beautiful Botanical Gardens nearby, enjoying the lush greenery.
A pleasant walk from the zoo.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Asian Kitchen

Wrap up your journey with dinner at The Asian Kitchen, known for its variety of Asian dishes.
Located in the city center.
INR600, 1 hour
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