7-Day Family Friendly Rail/Train Trip in South India: Kodaikanal, Madurai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari

Day 1: Arrival in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

10:00 AM

Arrive in Kodaikanal

Catch your first breath of fresh mountain air as you settle into the serene environment of Kodaikanal.
Train arrival at Kodaikanal Railway Station.
INR0, N/A

11:00 AM

Breakfast at The T redisor

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring delicious local dosa and hot filter coffee, the perfect kickstart for your trip.
Walk 5 minutes from the station.
INR300, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Boating on Kodaikanal Lake

Spend some quality family time on a pedal boat while absorbing the beauty surrounding the lake.
Take a short walk to Kodaikanal Lake.
INR600, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Carlton

Indulge in a sumptuous meal featuring seasonal, organic vegetables from the region.
15-minute walk from the lake.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Coaker's Walk

Stroll along the scenic pathway to enjoy panoramic views of the valley and its breathtaking sunsets.
10-minute auto ride from The Carlton.
INR100, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Anjappar Kodaikanal

Savor authentic South Indian cuisine with the family, focusing on biryani and spicy curries.
10-minute auto ride from Coaker's Walk.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Devi's Café

Relish pancakes and fresh fruit juices while enjoying the morning atmosphere.
5-minute walk from hotel.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Bryant Park

Explore the beautiful gardens filled with floral diversity, perfect for family pictures.
15-minute walk from café.
INR50, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Pillar Rocks Viewpoint

Marvel at the majestic pillars and views while picnicking with the family.
20-minute auto ride.
INR300, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Hotel Hilltop

Feast on a buffet spread ranging from rice dishes to fried snacks.
20-minute auto ride back.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Guna Cave

Explore the mystical cave formation that provides a thrilling experience for the kids.
30-minute drive from hotel.
INR200, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Astoria Veg Restaurant

Experience vegetarian specialties with local flair before wrapping up your day.
30 minutes back to the hotel.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Madurai

Madurai, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet to energize for the journey ahead.
In-house dining.
INR500, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Depart for Madurai by Train

Relax and enjoy the scenic views as you travel to the vibrant city of Madurai.
Kodaikanal Railway Station.
INR250, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Arrive in Madurai

Step into the ancient world with rich cultural experiences at every turn.
Madurai Railway Station.
INR0, N/A

11:30 AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the intricate architecture and vibrant colors of one of South India’s most famous temples.
Short auto ride from the station.
INR0, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Taste some of Madurai's best idlis and spicy chutneys – perfect for a family lunch.
Short auto ride from the temple.
INR600, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Wander through the grand architecture and learn about the rich history of Madurai.
15-minute auto ride.
INR100, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy an authentic South Indian dinner, especially the banana leaf meals served here.
15-minute drive from the palace.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Madurai

Madurai, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a simple breakfast spread that’s perfect for families.
In-house dining.
INR500, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about India's freedom struggle and non-violence with an insightful visit.
30-minute auto ride.
INR20, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi

Dig into exquisite vegetarian dishes, showcasing diverse Indian flavors.
20-minute auto ride.
INR900, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Madurai Flower Market

Experience the vibrant colors and beauty of cherished flowers in Madurai’s bustling market.
15-minute drive.
INR0, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral

Marvel at this remarkable church showcasing stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.
20-minute auto ride.
INR0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Heritage

Enjoy traditional and contemporary dishes while soaking in the ambiance.
10-minute drive.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a fulfilling breakfast before heading out for your journey.
In-house dining.
INR500, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Depart for Rameswaram by Train

Enjoy a scenic train ride to the sacred island of Rameswaram.
Madurai Railway Station.
INR250, 3 hours

11:30 AM

Arrive in Rameswaram

Feel the ocean breeze as you arrive at this sacred site.
Rameswaram Railway Station.
INR0, N/A

12:00 PM

Lunch at Woodlands Restaurant

Enjoy traditional South Indian meals with vegetarian specialties.
15-minute auto ride from station.
INR600, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore one of India's main Shaivite pilgrimage sites known for its architectural grandeur.
Short auto ride.
INR0, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Dhanushkodi

Marvel at the abandoned town and enjoy the tranquil beaches while connecting with nature.
30-minute drive from the temple.
INR300, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Royal Residency

Savor a variety of seafood and local dishes to end your day on a delicious note.
30-minute drive back.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a delightful breakfast featuring local flavors.
In-house dining.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Depart for Kanyakumari by Train

Take in the diverse landscapes as you travel to the southernmost tip of India.
Rameswaram Railway Station.
INR300, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Arrive in Kanyakumari

Experience the unique confluence of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal.
Kanyakumari Railway Station.
INR0, N/A

12:30 PM

Lunch at Vegetarian Cuisine

Choose from a selection of flavorful vegetarian dishes with local spices.
10-minute drive from station.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry ride to the rock memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda; a spiritual experience with breathtaking views.
Short walk to the ferry terminal.
INR250, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Worship and admire the beautiful architecture of the Devi Kanyakumari Temple.
Short ferry ride back and walk.
INR0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea View

Enjoy dining with a view of the sunset and delectable local seafood dishes.
5-minute walk from temple.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Departure from Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before closing this beautiful chapter of your travels.
In-house dining.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Cape Comorin

Visit the southernmost point of the Indian mainland and touch the waters of three oceans.
10-minute auto ride.
INR0, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Explore local shops to buy handcrafted items as a memory of your trip.
Short walk back to town center.
INR0-1000, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Ramesh

Finish your trip with a delicious meal celebrating the flavors of South India.
10-minute drive from shopping area.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Depart from Kanyakumari

Board your train or head to the airport for your onward journey.
Kanyakumari Railway Station.
INR0, N/A
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