Family-Friendly Adventure: 7-Day Rail Trip from Kerala to Pondicherry, Thanjavur & Madurai

Day 1: Travel to Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Depart from Kerala

Start your adventure by boarding a morning train from Kerala to Pondicherry, soaking in the scenic views along the way.
Train travel, approximately 5-6 hours.
INR600 per person, 6 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Pondicherry and check into a budget-friendly hotel such as Hotel Le Royal or Villa Shanti.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to your hotel.
INR1500 per night, 1 hour

5:30PM

Promenade Beach Visit

Spend your evening relaxing at Promenade Beach, enjoying the sunset and local street food.
Walk 10 minutes from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Surguru

Savor authentic South Indian cuisine at Surguru, known for its dosas and thalis.
Short walk from the beach.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of crepes and coffee at Cafe des Arts.
5-minute walk from the hotel.
INR600 for family, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Explore the unique township of Auroville and its famous Matrimandir, learning about sustainable living.
30-minute taxi ride from Pondicherry.
INR300 taxi fare, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy a delicious pizza at Tanto Pizzeria, a family favorite in Pondicherry.
Return taxi ride from Auroville.
INR1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the French Quarter

Stroll through the charming streets of the French Quarter, admiring the colorful colonial architecture.
Walk from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Pondicherry Museum Visit

Learn about the rich history of Pondicherry in this well-curated museum.
15-minute walk.
INR170 per adult, children free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Indian Kaffe Express

Enjoy delightful Indian dishes in a warm ambiance at The Indian Kaffe Express.
Nearby from the museum.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a complimentary breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Depart for Thanjavur

Catch a morning train from Pondicherry to Thanjavur.
Take a local rickshaw to the station.
INR300, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Thanjavur and check into a budget hotel like Sangam Hotel.
Short rickshaw ride.
INR1500 per night, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel

Enjoy a filling lunch at the hotel restaurant for local flavors.
N/A
INR600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Brihadeeswara Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning architecture.
5-minute rickshaw ride.
INR50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Discover the history of the Maratha dynasty in the impressive palace complex.
10-minute walk.
INR150, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Feast on delicious South Indian dishes at Hotel Gnanam's restaurant.
Rickshaw back to hotel.
INR900, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel your day.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Thanjavur Art Gallery

Admire the collection of rare artifacts and bronze sculptures.
15-minute walk.
INR100, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Schwartz Church

Explore this 18th-century church, rich in history and beautiful architecture.
20-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Shri Muhoorthi Tiffin Centre

Try local tiffins at this renowned eatery well-loved by locals.
5-minute rickshaw ride.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Big Temple Fort

Discover the fort's history and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
10-minute walk.
INR100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Thanjavur Gardens

Unwind in the lush gardens; a perfect way to enjoy the evening.
15-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ananda Bhavan

Relish classic South Indian meals at Ananda Bhavan, perfect for families.
5-minute rickshaw ride.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your journey starts.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Depart for Madurai

Take a train to Madurai, famous for its rich heritage.
Rickshaw to the station.
INR300, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Madurai and check-in at a budget-friendly hotel such as Hotel Nambi.
10-minute auto ride.
INR1500 per night, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Kumar Mess

Treat your family to a hearty meal at Kumar Mess, known for authentic flavors.
15-minute walk.
INR600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning architecture and intricate sculptures of this iconic temple.
5-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Wander through this magnificent palace known for its grand architecture and beautiful gardens.
10-minute auto ride.
INR100, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

Indulge in a variety of South Indian dishes in a family-friendly environment.
Auto ride back.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a delicious breakfast at your hotel to kickstart your explorations.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about Gandhi's legacy in this culturally rich museum.
10-minute auto ride.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit local markets

Experience the vibrant local marketplace and pick up souvenirs.
5-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Chef

Enjoy a variety of dishes at The Chef, known for its configuration and flavors.
15-minute walk.
INR700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Thiruparankundram Temple

Visit this temple built into a hill and enjoy the breathtaking view.
30-minute auto ride.
INR50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Alagar Kovil

Discover the serene surroundings and stunning architecture of this temple.
30-minute auto ride.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Relish soft idlis and variety of chutneys at this popular eatery.
Auto ride back to hotel.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 7: Return to Kerala

Kerala, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Madurai before the journey back home.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Check-out and depart for station

Check-out from the hotel and take a taxi to Madurai Railway Station.
Auto ride to station.
INR300, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Catch Train to Kerala

Board your train back to Kerala, reflecting on the memorable trip.
Train travel, approximately 6 hours.
INR600 per person, 6 hours

4:00PM

Arrive in Kerala

Complete your journey as you arrive back in Kerala filled with wonderful memories.
N/A
Free, N/A
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