10-Day Road Trip Itinerary: Mumbai to Chennai & Beyond

Day 1: Mumbai Moments

Mumbai, India on November 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Madras

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli and filter coffee at the iconic Café Madras.
Located in Matunga, a short drive from anywhere in Mumbai.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Gateway of India

Experience the monumental Gateway of India, an iconic landmark of Mumbai, before you set off for Chennai.
Drive to South Mumbai, approximately 30 minutes from Café Madras.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Bademiya

Savor the famous kebabs at Bademiya, a Mumbai institution known for its delectable rolls.
Ten minutes from the Gateway of India.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Chennai

Hit the road to Chennai; enjoy the coastal views along the Mumbai-Pune expressway before continuing southeast.
Approx 12-hour drive between the cities.
Variable (Fuel costs), 12 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a hearty Southern Indian dinner of thali at Saravana Bhavan, a renowned restaurant chain.
Several locations available; choose one close to your accommodation.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Chennai

Chennai, India on November 21, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel in Chennai before exploring the city.
On-site dining.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, with its stunning architecture and historical significance.
15-minute drive from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll at Marina Beach

Take a leisurely walk along Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India, and enjoy the sea breeze.
30 minutes from the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zaitoon

Savor some delectable Middle Eastern cuisine at Zaitoon, known for its shawarma and biryani.
20-minute drive from the beach.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Fort St. George

Visit the historic Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, which now houses a museum.
15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 200, 2 hours

5:30PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Engage in some shopping in T. Nagar, known for its vibrant markets and traditional silk sarees.
20-minute drive from Fort St. George.
Variable, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, famous for its soft idlis and chutneys.
Short drive back to T. Nagar.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on November 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel in Chennai.
On-site dining.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Pondicherry

Set off for Pondicherry, a charming seaside town with French colonial heritage.
Approx 3.5-hour drive.
Variable (Fuel costs), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Café des Arts, a charming café with a vintage ambiance.
Located in the French Quarter of Pondicherry.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll along Promenade Beach

Take a refreshing walk along Promenade Beach and admire the stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
Just a short walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the serene Aurobindo Ashram, a place of meditation founded by Sri Aurobindo.
20-minute walk from Beaches.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Evening at the French Quarter

Discover the charming streets of the French Quarter lined with colorful colonial buildings.
Walking distance from the ashram.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Villa Shanti, famous for its fusion cuisine and lovely atmosphere.
A short stroll from the French Quarter.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on November 23, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at Baker Street, a popular bakery in Pondicherry.
Near the French Quarter.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Take a short drive to Auroville, an experimental township known for its unique philosophy and architecture.
Approx 30 minutes drive.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Le Pizzas

Indulge in some delicious pizzas at Restaurant Le Pizzas, popular for its wood-fired dishes.
Return to Pondicherry, approx. 30 mins drive.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Sri Manikandeeswarar Temple

Explore the beautiful Sri Manikandeeswarar Temple with its intricate carvings and vibrant atmosphere.
A short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Relax at Serenity Beach

Spend a peaceful afternoon relaxing or swimming at Serenity Beach.
Approx 15 minutes drive.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Indian Kaffe Express

Enjoy a casual dinner at the Indian Kaffe Express, known for its cozy vibe and local flavors.
Return to the city, approximately 20 minutes drive.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Adventurous Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi, India on November 24, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel in Pondicherry before heading out.
On-site dining.
INR 400, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Dhanushkodi

Begin your drive to Dhanushkodi, a ghost town known for its haunting beauty.
Approx 3-hour drive.
Variable (Fuel costs), 3 hours

11:30AM

Explore Dhanushkodi Beach

Spend time at Dhanushkodi Beach, where the land meets the sea in an unparalleled scenic view.
Directly accessible upon arrival.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Dhaba

Enjoy a simple local meal at a dhaba nearby, embracing the local flavors.
Various local options available.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Ruins of Dhanushkodi

Explore the ghost town and ruins that tell the fascinating story of Dhanushkodi.
Short drive within the area.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Your Accommodation

Take time to relax and rejuvenate at your hotel after an adventurous day.
Retrace route back.
Variable, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Veg Junction

Savor some traditional South Indian dishes at The Veg Junction for dinner.
Nearby your accommodation.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Majestic Madurai

Madurai, India on November 25, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Madurai, fueled for the day ahead.
On-site dining.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Madurai

Travel to Madurai, known for its rich cultural heritage.
Approx 4-hour drive.
Variable (Fuel costs), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Azhagar Kadai

Dine at Azhagar Kadai, known for its incredible biryani and local flavors.
Located in Madurai.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Visit the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural marvel.
Just a short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a symbol of Madurai's historical significance.
15-minute drive from the temple.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kumar Mess

Savor traditional South Indian fare at Kumar Mess, loved for its homely feel and authentic dishes.
A short drive from the palace.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Discovering Madurai

Madurai, India on November 26, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a full day of exploration.
On-site dining.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Explore the Gandhi Museum to learn about the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi.
A short drive from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Walk around the Local Market

Immerse yourself in local culture by wandering through the vibrant street markets of Madurai.
15-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a traditional lunch at Sree Sabarees, a popular spot for its vegetarian meals.
Close to the market.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Alagar Kovil

Take a drive to Alagar Kovil, a serene temple located in a picturesque setting.
Approx 30 minutes drive.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Madurai for Shopping

Enjoy some local shopping, picking up traditional textiles and handicrafts.
Drive back to Madurai, approx. 30 minutes.
Variable, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Amaravati Restaurant

Indulge in a fulfilling dinner at Amaravati Restaurant, offering both local and North Indian dishes.
Not too far from your hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Kanyakumari Bound

Kanyakumari, India on November 27, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Madurai to start the journey.
On-site dining.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Kanyakumari

Head to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of India, for stunning views.
Approx 4-hour drive.
Variable (Fuel costs), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Sea View Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a beautiful view at Sea View Restaurant, famous for its seafood.
Located close to the beach.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a boat ride to Vivekananda Rock Memorial for breathtaking views and spiritual significance.
A short boat journey away.
INR 100 (boat fare), 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

Admire the impressive Thiruvalluvar Statue, a monument dedicated to the poet and philosopher.
Accessible from the rock memorial.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Sunset at Kanyakumari Beach

End the day with a mesmerizing sunset at Kanyakumari Beach.
A short walk from the statue.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Ananda Bhavan

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Ananda Bhavan, known for its South Indian specialties.
Short drive from the beach.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Relaxing in Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India on November 28, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Kanyakumari.
On-site dining.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Padmanabhapuram Palace

Take a trip to nearby Padmanabhapuram Palace, showcasing exquisite architecture.
Approx 30-minute drive.
INR 100, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Curry and Spice

Enjoy lunch at Curry and Spice, known for its array of local dishes.
Drive back to Kanyakumari, approx. 30 minutes.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at Kanyakumari Beach

Spend your afternoon relaxing on Kanyakumari Beach.
Nearby the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Gandhi Memorial

Pay homage at the Gandhi Memorial, which offers panoramic views of the ocean.
A short walk from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening Shopping

Explore local shops for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Nearby the memorial.
Variable, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy dinner at your hotel, reliving the day's adventures.
On-site dining.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return to Mumbai

Mumbai, India on November 29, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before you make your way back to Mumbai.
On-site dining.
INR 400, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Thiruvananthapuram

Begin your journey back by driving to Thiruvananthapuram, your last leg of the trip.
Approx 2.5-hour drive.
Variable (Fuel costs), 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at The Spice Route

Savor some exquisite dishes at The Spice Route, known for its ambiance and flavors.
Located in Thiruvananthapuram.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Visit the sacred Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its architectural splendor.
Approx 15-minute drive from restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Mumbai

Start your long drive back to Mumbai, capturing the memories of your trip.
Approx 24-hour drive.
Variable (Fuel costs), 24 hours
View Hotel Availability