10-Day South Indian Adventure: Madurai to Chennai

Day 1: Arrive in Madurai

Madurai, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sri Ponnusamy Hotel

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast of idli and sambar at this beloved local eatery.
INR150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant sculptures of one of India's most famous temples.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Dig into some fluffy idlis and a variety of chutneys at this well-known spot.
INR300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Discover the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi through photographs and artifacts.
INR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Walk through the historical ruins and beautiful gardens of this 17th-century palace.
INR50, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

Savour a traditional South Indian thali, balancing taste and nutrition.
INR400, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Madurai Exploration

Madurai, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at The French Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked croissants and coffee at this charming French-style bakery.
INR250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Alagar Koyil

Take a trip to this historic temple surrounded by lush hills, offering a peaceful retreat.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Anandhaas

Relish a delectable lunch of vegetarian dishes at this popular haunt.
INR350, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple

Marvel at this ancient rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Puthu Mandapam

Browse through a variety of local handcrafts and textiles in this lively market.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Vilakuthalaivari

Indulge in some authentic Chettinad cuisine to conclude your day.
INR500, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Drive to Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sukhman

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before embarking on your drive to Pondicherry.
INR250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pondicherry

Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 6 hours along the coastal route.
N/A, 6 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Cafe des Arts

Relax at this chic café, enjoying French pastries and sandwiches.
INR400, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Promenade Beach

Stroll along the tranquil beach and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Bay of Bengal.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Sailor

Savour an assortment of continental dishes at this beachfront restaurant.
INR600, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Pondicherry Delights

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Indulge in fresh pastries and rich coffee at this famous French bakery.
INR350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Auroville

Visit the international township and learn about its unique concept of unity and sustainability.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Mango Hill

Dine on fresh and delightful seafood overlooking the tranquil surroundings.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

Admire the beautiful architecture and intricate stained glass of this famous church.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Paradise Beach

Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun and enjoying water sports at this pristine beach.
INR150 for entry, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Experience fine dining featuring local and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
INR800, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Tirupati Temples

Tirupati, India

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Abhiruchi

Start your early day with a scrumptious breakfast featuring traditional South Indian fare.
INR200, 1 hour

7:00AM

Travel to Tirupati

Set off for a 2.5-hour drive to Tirupati, famous for its temples and spiritual significance.
N/A, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Tirumala Temple

Experience the divine blessings at one of the largest temples in the world.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Tirumala

Enjoy traditional prasadam and local dishes prepared at this restaurant near the temple.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Chandragiri Fort

Discover the history of the Vijayanagara Empire by exploring this ancient fort.
INR50, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Tirupati's local markets

Engage with locals and shop for religious souvenirs and handicrafts.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Minerva Grand

Soothe your hunger with delicious North Indian delights in a relaxing ambiance.
INR550, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Explore Tirupati

Tirupati, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at A2B

Enjoy a fulfilling South Indian breakfast at this popular chain restaurant.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Akasaganga Teertham

Witness the serene waterfalls, a perfect spiritual experience amidst nature.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tirupati's Hotel Balaji

Savour a variety of vegetarian options amidst a bustling venue.
INR350, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple

Explore this prominent temple housing another incarnation of Lord Venkateswara.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at the Local Gardens

Spend some quiet time in the peaceful surroundings of the gardens.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Temple View Restaurant

Enjoy authentic South Indian meals in a comfortable setting.
INR450, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Journey to Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Ram International

Start with a typical South Indian breakfast at this well-rated hotel.
INR250, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Rameshwaram

Embark on an approximate 5-hour drive to Rameshwaram.
N/A, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Aryas

Dine on delicious seafood at this popular local restaurant.
INR500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this sacred temple known for its grand architecture and spiritual importance.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Dhanushkodi Beach

Unwind by the beach, famous for its serene ambiance and scenic coastline.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Ghar Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of dishes including North and South Indian cuisine.
INR600, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Exploring Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Royal Residency

Start your day with a scrumptious South Indian breakfast in this cozy hotel.
INR250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Agni Teertham

Take a holy dip in the ocean at this sacred bathing spot before visiting the temple.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Five-faced Hanuman Temple

A unique temple showcasing a five-faced idol of Hanuman, rich in local mythology.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Brindan

Enjoy practical and flavoursome meals at this well-frequented eatery.
INR350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Kothandaramar Temple

Visit this beautiful temple known for its striking architecture and serene atmosphere.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening at Rameshwaram Beach

Enjoy a stunning sunset view while taking in the gentle waves.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Dinesh Hotel

Savour local seafood and traditional dishes at this popular dining spot.
INR500, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Head to Chennai

Chennai, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Rameswaram

Savour a mixed breakfast at this convenient hotel before heading to Chennai.
INR250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Chennai

Drive towards Chennai, enjoying the scenic coastal highways, approximately a 7-hour journey.
N/A, 7 hours

4:00PM

Lunch at Marina Beach

Grab a quick bite at one of the local eateries around Marina Beach, tucked into the shoreline.
INR350, 1 hour

5:30PM

Stroll along Marina Beach

Enjoy the lively atmosphere as the sun sets, witnessing the vibrant local culture.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Relish authentic Chettinad chicken curry in a bustling eatery known for its local flavours.
INR600, 1.5 hours

Day 10: Chennai City Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at T. Nagar Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a traditional South Indian breakfast at this iconic chain.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Chennai's Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the vibrant and intricate architecture of this ancient temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi

Savour authentic Indian dishes in a restaurant dedicated to promoting cultural harmony.
INR500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Government Museum

Discover a rich collection of art, archaeology, and natural history.
INR100, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Besant Nagar Beach

Unwind at this peaceful beach, soaking in the sunset views.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Marina

End your adventure with a delightful dinner featuring a blend of global and Indian cuisine.
INR750, 2 hours