Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary: Exploring Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Trivandrum, and Cochin

Day 1: Arrival in Madurai

Madurai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with a delicious south Indian breakfast of soft idlis and spicy chutneys at the famous Murugan Idli Shop.
Walk or take a rickshaw to the nearby Meenakshi Temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Explore the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, a historic architectural wonder adorned with intricately carved sculptures.
Walking tour of the temple complex.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant

Relish a traditional Tamil meal with a variety of vegetarian options at Sangeetha.
A short 10-minute rickshaw ride to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Gandhi Museum

Visit the Gandhi Museum to learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and the Indian independence movement.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Theppi Market

Explore Theppi Market for authentic Madurai textiles and handicrafts.
A 10-minute drive from the museum.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Hotel and Freshen Up

Head back to your hotel to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Return by taxi or walk, depending on your hotel location.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at East Marret Street

Enjoy local Madurai cuisine, including the famous Jigarthanda dessert.
15-minute ride to East Marret Street.
INR 700, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Temple Hopping in Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before starting your day.
Onsite
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Visit the stunning Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a cultural gem of Madurai.
10-minute drive from hotel.
INR 50, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Alagar Koyil

Take a trip to the serene Alagar Koyil and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
30-minute drive from Mahal.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Banana Leaf

Savor a traditional meal served on a banana leaf for an authentic experience.
30-minute drive back to Madurai.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Madurai Kamaraj University

Wander around the beautiful campus of Madurai Kamaraj University.
20-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening at Meenakshi Temple

Return to the Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening Aarti ceremony.
10-minute drive back.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Alagar

Enjoy a satisfying dinner at the hotel restaurant after a busy day.
Onsite
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast before heading out.
Onsite
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Rameshwaram

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive to Rameshwaram, along coastal views.
By hired car.
N/A, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Rameshwaram and check in at your hotel.
10-minute drive from the sea.
INR 2000, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at the Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a fresh lunch at the hotel to regain your energy.
Onsite
INR 700, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its long corridors and spiritual atmosphere.
5-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk on Pamban Bridge

Take a leisurely stroll on the Pamban Bridge while enjoying magnificent sea views.
15-minute drive to Pamban Bridge.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Dhanushkodi Ruins

Explore the haunted remnants of Dhanushkodi, where the land meets the sea spectacularly.
1-hour drive from Pamban Bridge.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Return to Hotel and Relax

Head back to the hotel to unwind after a day of exploration.
1-hour return drive.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Dine at your hotel, savoring local seafood delicacies.
Onsite
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at the hotel before departing.
Onsite
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kanyakumari

Set out for Kanyakumari, a beautiful drive of about 3 hours through coastal roads.
By hired car.
N/A, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive and check into your chosen hotel in Kanyakumari.
10-minute drive from the beach.
INR 2000, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel View Restaurant

Indulge in lunch with scenic views of the ocean at Hotel View.
Onsite
INR 700, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a peaceful and spiritual site.
15-minute walk to ferry point.
INR 200, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Explore the Kanyakumari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kanya and known for its sacred history.
10-minute drive from ferry point.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Sunset at Kanyakumari Beach

End the day by witnessing the breathtaking sunset at Kanyakumari Beach.
5-minute walk from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Swamy Restaurant

Dine on delicious local seafood and regional dishes at Swamy Restaurant.
5-minute drive from the beach.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day in Trivandrum

Trivandrum, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast before traveling to Trivandrum.
Onsite
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Trivandrum

Drive 2 hours to Trivandrum, known for its rich history and culture.
By hired car.
N/A, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and admire its architecture.
15-minute drive from arrival.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Arya Nivas

Enjoy a healthful and delicious Thali meal at Arya Nivas.
10-minute drive from the temple.
INR 700, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Napier Museum

Appreciate the artwork and history on display at the Napier Museum.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Zoo

Visit the Trivandrum Zoo, one of the oldest in the country, featuring a variety of animals.
5-minute walk from the museum.
INR 20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel and Relax

Head back to your hotel to relax after a busy day.
By taxi.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel's restaurant.
Onsite
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cochin's Cultural Gems

Cochin, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a delicious breakfast before heading out to explore Cochin.
Onsite
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Cochin

Drive 4 hours to Cochin, known for its Colonial history and beautiful backwaters.
By hired car.
N/A, 4 hours

12:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Cochin and check in at your hotel.
10-minute drive from Fort Kochi.
INR 2000, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Fort Kochi

Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local favorite restaurant in Fort Kochi.
5-minute walk from hotel.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Chinese Fishing Nets

Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, a must-see landmark in Fort Kochi.
5-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit St. Francis Church

Explore St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.
10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Fort Kochi Market

Discover the local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs at Fort Kochi Market.
15-minute walk.
Variable, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Rice Boat

End the day with a delightful dinner at The Rice Boat, known for its rich Kerala cuisine.
15-minute drive from the market.
INR 1200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Relax and Depart from Cochin

Cochin, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kerala, filled with local flavors.
Onsite
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at Vypin Island

Spend the morning relaxing on Vypin Island, enjoying the serene beaches.
30-minute drive to the ferry terminal and then a short ferry ride.
INR 40, 2 hours

12:00PM

Return to Hotel and Check-out

Head back to the hotel, check out, and prepare for your journey back home.
Ferry + drive back.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kayani Restaurant

Enjoy a final meal in Cochin at Kayani with local specialties.
10-minute drive.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Transfer to Airport/Railway Station

Travel to the airport or railway station for your departure.
Based on travel location.
Variable, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability