7-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary: Madurai, Rameswaram & Kanniyakumari

Day 1: Exploring Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with delicious soft idlis and sambar at this popular local eatery.
Located in the city center, easy to find.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant sculptures of the Meenakshi Temple, a must-see in Madurai.
Short drive from breakfast location, around 10 min.
Free - Donations Welcome, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali lunch that the whole family will relish.
A quick 15-minute walk from Meenakshi Temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and the freedom struggle at this inspiring museum.
15 minutes drive from lunch, easily accessible.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Explore this ancient palace known for its grandeur and beautiful architecture.
About 10 minutes from the museum.
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Snacks at Punarjani

Indulge in tasty local snacks before heading back to rest.
Nearby, a quick drive or a 10-minute stroll.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at the Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels

End your day with a sumptuous family dinner at this upscale hotel.
Located about 15 minutes drive from the last stop.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Insights

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Arya Bhavan

Delight in a hearty South Indian breakfast with crispy dosas and chutneys.
A brief drive from your stay, roughly 10 minutes.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Eco Park

A great spot for the family to enjoy nature walks amidst green landscapes.
15 minutes from breakfast spot.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Alagarkoil Temple

Discover the serenity of this stunning hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Muruga.
Around 40-minute drive from Eco Park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sri Kumaran Restaurant

Savor a delectable meal with an extensive menu catering to family tastes.
35-minute drive back to Madurai.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Puthu Mandapam

Explore the local market for handicrafts and souvenirs to remember your trip.
10-minute drive from lunch.
Free entry, shopping costs vary., 2 hours

5:00PM

Tea at Taika Cafe

Relax with a cup of traditional tea and some snacks at this charming cafe.
5 minutes drive or can walk.
INR 250, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Northgate

Enjoy a family meal at this well-rated North Indian restaurant.
10 minutes drive from the cafe.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Surya

Fuel up with an excellent buffet breakfast before hitting the road to Rameswaram.
Near your accommodation; a quick ten-minute drive.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Rameswaram

Set out on a scenic 3-hour drive to Rameswaram, enjoying the coastal views.
Head south on NH87.
N/A, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Jaqs Restaurant

Grab a delicious meal featuring local seafood specialties once you arrive.
Located centrally in Rameswaram.
INR 700, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this iconic temple known for its beautiful corridors and sacred water tanks.
5-minute drive from lunch.
Free - Donations Welcome, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Dhanushkodi

Discover the haunting beauty of the ghost town at Dhanushkodi and enjoy the beach.
30-minute drive from the temple via a well-maintained road.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Snack at the Beach

Pack some snacks for a delightful time at the beach with your family.
Stay at Dhanushkodi beach.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Siva Prakash

End your day with yummy local dishes in a friendly family environment.
Back to Rameswaram, about 30 minutes drive.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Dhanushkodi

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring a mix of South Indian dishes.
Located near the beach; 10 minutes drive.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Agni Teertham

Take a holy dip in the ocean at this sacred spot, believed to wash away sins.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the local markets

Shop for souvenirs and artifacts unique to Rameswaram culture.
Back to town, around 10 minutes.
Shopping costs vary., 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sea View Restaurant

Savor a meal with an ocean view, enjoying fresh fish and chips.
Located on the main street.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial

Learn about the life of the great scientist who hailed from this region.
15 minutes from lunch.
INR 100, 1 hour

4:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Unwind and let the kids play at the beach for the rest of the afternoon.
Head to the nearest beach, a 10-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Prakash

Wrap up your day with flavorful North Indian cuisine in a cozy spot.
Close to your accommodation, about 10 minutes.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Journey to Kanniyakumari

Kanniyakumari, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Dhanushkodi

Enjoy a fresh breakfast featuring local delights.
Venue still active, 10-minute drive.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Kanniyakumari

Set off on a picturesque 3-hour drive to Kanniyakumari, the southern tip of India.
Take NH87, simple directions available.
N/A, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Hotel Sea View

Indulge in a delightful lunch with an incredible sea view.
Located near the sea face.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a boat ride to this iconic memorial and soak in the views.
Boating point nearby, accessible via a 5-minute walk.
INR 300 (boat ticket), 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

Marvel at the towering statue located close to the memorial.
Short boat ride back, 10 minutes back on foot.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend time enjoying the beach and sunset with family.
Walk back to the beach area.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at the 3-Star Hotel

Enjoy a variety of dishes overlooking the ocean.
Located about a 10-minute drive.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: More of Kanniyakumari

Kanniyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sangam

Start with a lavish breakfast buffet featuring local and continental options.
This hotel offers great views and is nearby.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Experience the spiritual atmosphere at this famous temple dedicated to the goddess.
Short walk from the hotel.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Thanumalayan Temple

Explore this ancient temple with impressive architecture and carvings.
Approximately a 10-minute drive away.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Sea View

Enjoy fresh seafood with a wonderful ocean backdrop.
Return to the seafront, a quick trip back.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Gandhi Mandapam

Pay your respects at the memorial devoted to Mahatma Gandhi.
Only a few minutes away by car.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Shopping at Local Bazaar

Explore unique handicrafts, jewelry, and spices at local markets.
Close to Gandhi Mandapam.
Free entry, vary by purchase., 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Hotel Sangam

Wrap up with a delicious dinner at your hotel or venture local.
Located where you are staying.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return Journey

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sangam

Enjoy one last breakfast before starting your journey home.
Same hotel for breakfast, easy!
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive Back to Madurai

Begin the 4-hour drive back to Madurai, reflecting on wonderful memories made.
Take NH44 then NH38.
N/A, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Savor traditional cuisine, enjoying a taste of Madurai once more.
Located conveniently in the city.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple

A famous temple that offers great views and peaceful surroundings.
A 15-minute drive from lunch.
Free - Donations Welcome, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Tea and Snacks at Taika Cafe

Relax with a warm cup of tea before concluding your trip.
From the temple, it's about 15 minutes drive.
INR 300, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Northgate Hotel

Have a final family dinner, indulging in delicious local food.
About 10 minutes from the cafe.
INR 900, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

End the magnificent road trip with a smile full of memories.
Back to your accommodation.
N/A, N/A
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