8-Day South India Religious Itinerary - December 2024

Day 1: Arrive in Madurai

Madurai, India

7:00AM

Flight from New Delhi to Madurai

Travel from New Delhi to Madurai and enjoy the scenic views from the flight.
Approximately INR 5000, 2.5 Hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional South Indian vegetarian breakfast at your hotel.
Free, 1 Hour

11:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Explore the majestic Meenakshi Temple, a sacred site known for its stunning architecture.
Free, 2.5 Hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Indulge in authentic South Indian meals including idli, vada, and sambar.
INR 500, 1 Hour

3:30PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the architectural brilliance of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, steeped in history.
INR 50, 1.5 Hours

5:00PM

Explore Gandhi Museum

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi's life and legacy at the Gandhi Museum.
Free, 1 Hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Heritage

Enjoy a vegetarian dinner with traditional dishes like vegetable biryani.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours

Day 2: Visit Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Rameswaram.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Rameswaram

Travel by private car to Rameswaram, a pilgrimage city.
INR 2000 (for vehicle hire), 3 Hours

12:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Visit the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, known for its 22 wells with holy water.
Free, 2 Hours

2:30PM

Lunch at A.C. Restaurant

Enjoy a South Indian vegetarian lunch with options like sambar rice.
INR 600, 1 Hour

4:00PM

Explore Dhanushkodi

Visit the abandoned town of Dhanushkodi, noted for its haunting beauty and significance.
Free, 2 Hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Daiwik

Savor a delightful vegetarian dinner featuring local specialties.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours

Day 3: Dhanushkodi Day Trip

Dhanushkodi, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to Dhanushkodi.
Free, 1 Hour

8:30AM

Travel to Dhanushkodi

Drive to Dhanushkodi to explore its beaches and ruins.
INR 1000 (for vehicle hire), 1 Hour

9:30AM

Explore Dhanushkodi Beach

Spend the morning relaxing on the serene beaches of Dhanushkodi.
Free, 3 Hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy a local vegetarian meal at a nearby dhaba.
INR 500, 1 Hour

2:00PM

Visit the Ruins of the Church and Railway Station

Explore the historical ruins left standing from the 1964 cyclone.
Free, 1.5 Hours

4:00PM

Return to Rameswaram

Drive back to Rameswaram from Dhanushkodi.
Included in vehicle hire., 1 Hour

5:00PM

Visit Kalam National Memorial

Explore the memorial dedicated to the former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
INR 20, 1 Hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Grand Sea

Conclude your day with dinner featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours

Day 4: Kanyakumari Excursion

Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at hotel before heading to Kanyakumari.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kanyakumari

Drive to Kanyakumari, known for its picturesque sea views.
INR 1500 (for vehicle hire), 2 Hours

11:30AM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Explore the Kanyakumari Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari.
Free, 1 Hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Sea View

Have a delicious vegetarian lunch with scenic views of the ocean.
INR 700, 1.5 Hours

2:00PM

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

Visit the iconic Thiruvalluvar statue located on an island.
INR 40, 1.5 Hours

4:00PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Explore the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and learn about its significance.
INR 20, 1 Hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Ocean Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring local vegetarian dishes as you watch the sun set into the ocean.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours

Day 5: Kovalam Beach and Relaxation

Kovalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a relaxing breakfast at your hotel.
Free, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kovalam

Drive to Kovalam, famous for its beautiful beaches.
INR 1500 (for vehicle hire), 1.5 Hours

11:00AM

Relax on Kovalam Beach

Enjoy some leisure time on the pristine beaches of Kovalam.
Free, 3 Hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Leela Kovalam

Savor a delicious vegetarian lunch with spectacular beach views.
INR 1200, 1.5 Hours

3:30PM

Water Activities

Engage in water activities or pamper yourself with a spa treatment at the resort.
Variable, 2 Hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Fisherman’s Cafe

Wrap up your day with a delicious vegetarian meal overlooking the ocean.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours

Day 6: Explore Trivandrum

Trivandrum, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Kovalam hotel.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Trivandrum

Drive to the capital city of Kerala for exploration.
INR 600 (for vehicle hire), 30 Minutes

9:30AM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Marvel at the exquisite architecture of the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Free, 1.5 Hours

11:00AM

Kanakakkunnu Palace

Explore the serene Kanakakkunnu Palace and its surrounding gardens.
INR 30, 1.5 Hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Spice Route

Enjoy a delectable vegetarian lunch inspired by the spice trade at this renowned restaurant.
INR 900, 1.5 Hours

2:30PM

Visit Sree Chitra Art Gallery

Explore a wonderful collection of traditional and modern art.
INR 30, 1 Hour

3:30PM

Shopping for local handicrafts

Spend time exploring local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Variable, 1.5 Hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Aryas Restaurant

Enjoy a wonderful vegetarian dinner about Kerala's culinary delights.
INR 700, 1.5 Hours

Day 7: Visit Guruvayur

Guruvayur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before the journey to Guruvayur.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Guruvayur

Drive to Guruvayur, a major pilgrimage site known for the Guruvayur Temple.
INR 2000 (for vehicle hire), 3 Hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Savor local vegetarian cuisine at a new restaurant in Guruvayur.
INR 600, 1 Hour

2:00PM

Visit Guruvayur Temple

Explore the renowned Guruvayur Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Free, 1.5 Hours

3:30PM

Visit Punnathur Kotta

Visit the Elephants Care Center where many temple elephants are trained.
INR 20, 1.5 Hours

5:00PM

Return to Trivandrum

Drive back to Trivandrum for the night.
Included in vehicle hire., 3 Hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Aryas Restaurant

Conclude your day with dinner at another local favorite, focusing on vegetarian specialties.
INR 700, 1.5 Hours

Day 8: Departure from Kochi

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in South India before heading to the airport.
Free, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kochi

Drive to Kochi for your flight back home.
INR 1500 (for vehicle hire), 1.5 Hours

10:30AM

Explore Kochi

If time permits, stroll through the historic Fort Kochi area and visit local markets.
Free, 1.5 Hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery, trying out the last flavors of South India.
INR 800, 1.5 Hours

2:00PM

Travel to Kochi Airport

Depart for Kochi Airport for your return flight.
INR 500 (for vehicle hire), 30 Minutes

4:30PM

Flight from Kochi to New Delhi

Fly back to New Delhi, ending your spiritual journey through South India.
Approximately INR 5000 (one-way flight), 1.5 Hours

6:00PM

Arrive in New Delhi

Arrive back in New Delhi, concluding your journey.
Free, N/A