Family Friendly 5-Day Train Trip from Chennai to Kodaikanal, Madurai & Tenkasi

Day 1: Chennai to Kodaikanal

Chennai, India

9:00PM

Board overnight train to Kodaikanal

Embark on a comfy overnight journey, where you can settle in with your family and enjoy the scenic route through southern India.
Board the train at Chennai Egmore Station.
INR500, 12 hours
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Day 2: Explore Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hilltop

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Hilltop, known for its delicious local dishes and stunning views.
Walk to The Hilltop from your hotel, which is often centrally located.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the serene Kodaikanal Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and misty hills.
Take a local taxi to the lake, which is nearby.
INR400, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cafe

Savour a delightful lunch at The Cafe, where you can enjoy a mix of Indian and continental cuisine.
Walk back to The Cafe, a short distance from the lake.
INR700, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Coaker's Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along Coaker's Walk with panoramic views of the valley, a perfect spot for family photos.
Head to Coaker's Walk by foot from the cafe.
INR100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Bryant Park

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful botanical gardens at Bryant Park, ideal for kids to run around.
A brief walk or taxi ride from Coaker's Walk.
INR50, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Pillar Rocks

Take a short trip to Pillar Rocks, a set of three giant rocks that create stunning views and a natural marvel.
Hire a local taxi to reach Pillar Rocks.
INR200, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Tandoor

Enjoy a delicious North Indian meal at The Tandoor, popular among families for its diverse menu.
Taxi back to the main town area for dinner.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Kodaikanal to Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start the day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Enjoy a leisurely meal onsite.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Madurai

Depart for Madurai by taxi, which will take approximately three hours providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy the countryside.
Hire a taxi from Kodaikanal to Madurai.
INR2000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Taste the famous Madurai meals served with great hospitality at Sree Sabarees.
Located conveniently not far from your hotel in Madurai.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the beautifully crafted architecture of the Meenakshi Temple, perfect for cultural immersion.
Head to the temple via local tuk-tuk or taxi.
INR50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Visit the grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and its impressive architecture, great for a family tour.
Short ride to the palace from the Meenakshi Temple.
INR100, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Heritage

Enjoy a buffet-style dinner at Hotel Heritage, offering a mix of local and international dishes.
Taxi back to the restaurant from the palace.
INR900, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sree Sabarees

Return to Sree Sabarees for a traditional South Indian breakfast to energise your day.
Convenient and familiar start to the day.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about India's history at the Gandhi Memorial Museum, a great educational visit for families.
Tuk-tuk or taxi ride to the museum.
INR50, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Flower Market

Visit the vibrant flower market, where you can find colourful garlands and floral displays.
Short drive from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Surya Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional Tamil meal at Surya restaurant, a local favourite.
Easily accessible from the flower market.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit to Alagar Kovil

Travel to Alagar Kovil, a serene temple that offers tranquillity and beautiful surroundings.
Short taxi drive from the restaurant.
INR100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Madurai City

Head back to Madurai city centre to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Taxi back to your hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Taj Restaurant

Wrap up your day with a dinner featuring delicious North Indian and local cuisine.
A short ride from your hotel to the restaurant.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Madurai to Tenkasi

Tenkasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Enjoy a relaxed morning meal onsite.
INR500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Tenkasi

Depart for Tenkasi by train, an exciting local experience that takes around 2 hours.
Board the train from Madurai to Tenkasi at the Madurai Junction.
INR300, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Aasai Hotel

Experience local cuisine with a tasty lunch at Aasai Hotel, known for its delectable meals.
A short walk from the train station in Tenkasi.
INR600, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Thenmalai Panchalankurichi

Visit the serene village of Thenmalai Panchalankurichi, where you’ll find beautiful landscapes and ideal picnic spots.
Hire a local taxi for the journey.
INR500, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tenkasi Temple

Discover the Tenkasi Temple, known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
Quick taxi ride from picnic area.
INR50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to your hotel

Return to your hotel to relax before dinner.
Taxi back to your accommodation in Tenkasi.
INR100, 30 mins

6:30PM

Dinner at Kumar's Kitchen

Savour your final dinner on this trip at Kumar's Kitchen, offering an array of delicious vegetarian dishes.
A simple taxi ride from your hotel.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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