Discovering Arunachalam: A Spiritual Journey in Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Arrival in Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ramana's Kitchen

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast, enjoying fresh idlis and filter coffee at Ramana's Kitchen, known for its serene ambiance and healthy vegetarian meal options.
Walk 10 minutes to the Arunachala Hill.
INR300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Arunachala Hill Trek

Embark on a scenic trek around Arunachala Hill, as you absorb the natural beauty and spiritual aura of this sacred mountain.
Continue trekking around the hill.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Aakash

Enjoy a hearty traditional Tamil meal featuring sambar and rice, perfect for refuelling after the trek.
A short 5-minute drive back to the town.
INR500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Sri Ramanasramam

Explore the peaceful Sri Ramanasramam, where spiritual seekers come to meditate and reflect, created by the revered sage Ramana Maharshi.
5 minutes drive or 20 minutes walk.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening Aarti at Arunachaleswarar Temple

Participate in the enchanting evening aarti at the ancient Arunachaleswarar Temple, a must-see experience infused with spiritual significance.
Short walk from Ramanasramam.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Bhuvaneshwari Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious thali dinner featuring an array of local flavours, a perfect end to your first day.
Walk back to the restaurant which is nearby.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 2: Exploration of Spiritual Sites

Tiruvannamalai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Aum Cafe

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Aum Cafe, known for its healthy, organic offerings and soothing views.
Walk 10 minutes to the cafe.
INR350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Virupaksha Cave

Visit the famous Virupaksha Cave, where Ramana Maharshi meditated, located a short trek away on Arunachala Hill.
30-minute hike from Aum Cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chola Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Tamil lunch set in a simple and cozy atmosphere, perfect after your hike.
Return 30 minutes back to town.
INR450, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Annamalaiyar Temple

Explore the majestic Annamalaiyar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture and spirituality, taking your time to appreciate the intricate carvings.
10 minutes walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Karthikeyan Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around Karthikeyan Lake, a serene spot perfect for relaxation and quiet reflection.
15 minutes drive to the lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Guruvayurappan Restaurant

Cap off your day with a delightful dinner featuring an array of vegetarian dishes in a casual setting.
Drive back to town (15 minutes).
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 3: From Tiruvannamalai to Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

7:00AM

Breakfast on the go

Grab a quick breakfast of vada and sambhar from a local stall before heading out.
Catch a taxi to Kanyakumari (3 hours).
INR1500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Arrive in Kanyakumari

Check into your hotel and freshen up before heading to the sights.
Hotel nearby.
INR2000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, an iconic site dedicated to the great thinker and activist, offering beautiful sea views.
Ferry ride from Kanyakumari coast.
INR300, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Seashore Restaurant

Delight in a seafood lunch overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea, an ideal way to feast after your morning explorations.
Return via ferry and walk to restaurant.
INR700, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Kanyakumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple

Marvel at the beautiful Kanyakumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari, iconic for its artistic architecture.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Watch Sunset at Kanyakumari Beach

Cap off your day by watching a spectacular sunset at Kanyakumari Beach, where the sun meets the sea in a magical display of colours.
Just a short walk from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sangam

Enjoy a delightful traditional meal at Hotel Sangam, known for its local specialties.
15 minutes walk.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 4: Exploring Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before starting another day of exploration.
On-site breakfast.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

Visit the majestic Thiruvalluvar Statue, a monumental tribute to the famous poet and philosopher, providing insights into Tamil culture.
Short ferry ride to the statue.
INR100, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Gandhi Memorial

Visit the Gandhi Memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, capturing the essence of his principles of peace and non-violence.
Walk back from the statue.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Rays Restaurant

Dine at The Rays Restaurant with seaside views and excellent multi-cuisine offerings.
A brief 10-minute walk.
INR650, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Suchindram Temple

Explore the vibrant Suchindram Temple, known for its beautiful hundred-pillared hall and fascinating sculptures.
30-minute taxi ride.
INR300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Creekside Walk

Take a relaxing walk along the creek, absorbing nature’s tranquil beauty at dusk.
Return taxi to Kanyakumari beach area.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Arya Bhavan

Savour a vegetarian dinner at Arya Bhavan that serves delectable South Indian dishes in a vibrant environment.
Back to town.
INR500, 1 hour
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Day 5: Journey to Madurai

Madurai, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Kanyakumari at the hotel before setting off.
At the hotel.
INR400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Madurai

Take a taxi to Madurai while enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
Travel duration: 3 hours.
INR1200, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check into your Madurai Hotel

Settle into your hotel and freshen up after your journey.
Hotel nearby.
INR2000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Shri Kanya Restaurant

Try the renowned Madurai Jigarthanda, a local delicacy, along with a sumptuous South Indian lunch.
15 minutes walk.
INR500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Meenakshi Amman Temple

Discover the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its intricate architecture and vibrant sculptures, a highlight of Madurai.
20 minutes by auto-rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Modern Hotel

End your day with dining at The Modern Hotel, popular for its variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Return auto-rickshaw.
INR600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Exploring Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day ahead.
At the hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, known for its captivating blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
15-minute rickshaw ride.
INR100, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Shop at Madurai Handicrafts

Spend some time shopping for exquisite local handicrafts that Madurai is famous for, from textiles to stone carvings.
10-minute walk back to town.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Kumar Mess

Savour traditional meals and local flavours served on banana leaves at this well-known eatery.
15 minutes from the market.
INR400, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Take a visit to the Gandhi Memorial Museum, exploring the life and values of Mahatma Gandhi through various exhibits.
20-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nagaram

End the day with dinner at Nagaram, a beloved local restaurant offering an array of vegetarian delights.
15 minutes auto-rickshaw ride.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 7: Return to Chennai

Chennai, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, soaking in the last moments in Madurai.
At the hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Chennai

Depart for Chennai via taxi while reminiscing about the marvellous experiences throughout your journey.
3-hour ride.
INR1500, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Savour a delicious vegetarian lunch at the popular Saravana Bhavan, celebrated for its authentic South Indian cuisine.
At the restaurant.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Marina Beach

Spend the afternoon on Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world, enjoying the soothing waves and vibrant local atmosphere.
Short taxi ride to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Fort St. George

Discover the historical significance of Fort St. George, the first British fort in India, showcasing fascinating colonial architecture.
Taxi to the fort.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Fare

End your journey with dinner overlooking the bay, enjoying seafood dishes that epitomize Chennai’s culinary delights.
Taxi back to the restaurant.
INR800, 1 hour
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