7-Day Road Trip through Southern India's Natural Wonders

Day 1: Exploring Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India on December 22, 2024

9:00AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple Visit

Start your adventure with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brihadeeswarar Temple, a magnificent example of Chola architecture.
Drive to the temple, which is centrally located in Thanjavur.
INR 50, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Thanjavur Palace

Discover the stunning Thanjavur Royal Palace, home to historical artifacts and beautiful architecture.
Drive to the palace, a short 10-minute drive from the temple.
INR 30, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy an authentic South Indian meal featuring delicious vegetarian thali to energize for the afternoon.
Located close to the palace, just a 5-minute drive.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Tanjore paintings

Visit local artisans to witness the creation of Tanjore paintings, a legacy of Thanjavur.
Drive 20 minutes to the artisan village.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Evening at Thanjavur Big Temple

Return to Brihadeeswarar Temple to witness the evening pooja, soaking in the spiritual ambiance.
Drive back to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Satyam

Savor a hearty dinner of biryani and other local dishes in this well-known restaurant.
A short drive from the temple.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 2: Madurai Awaits

Madurai, India on December 23, 2024

8:00AM

Drive to Madurai

Start with an early drive to Madurai, known for its rich heritage and temples.
A scenic 2-hour drive of 130 km.
Cost of fuel depends on vehicle., 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the stunning architecture and vibrant sculptures of the legendary Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Drive to the temple directly.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Feast on soft idlis with sambar and chutney, a favorite among locals.
Short drive from the temple.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the historical Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace, showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Drive to the palace, 15 minutes from lunch.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Gandhi Museum visit

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi's life through various exhibits in this museum housed in a beautiful palace.
Drive 20 minutes from the palace.
INR 20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Dum Biryani

Satisfy your hunger with delicious dum biryani, a specialty of the region.
A 10-minute drive from the museum.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 3: Thiruchendur Beckons

Thiruchendur, India on December 24, 2024

8:00AM

Drive to Thiruchendur

Head to Thiruchendur, known for its famous temple by the sea.
Take the NH-44 for a 2-hour drive covering 100 km.
Cost of fuel depends on vehicle., 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Thiruchendur Murugan Temple

Admire the stunning architecture of the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple which is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
The temple is located at the coastline, easy to find.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Relax at Thiruchendur Beach

Take a leisurely stroll at Thiruchendur Beach, soaking in the sea breeze.
Just a short walk from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Seashore Restaurant

Enjoy delicious seafood dishes or South Indian vegetarian meals with a view of the sea.
This restaurant is next to the beach.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the coast

Take a drive along the coast, enjoying the scenic views and visiting nearby temples.
Follow the coastal road southward.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Head to Kanyakumari

Leave for Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, known for its breathtaking views.
A scenic drive of about 1.5 hours covering 70 km.
Cost of fuel depends on vehicle., 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea View

Enjoy your evening meal while watching the horizon at this beachfront restaurant.
Located on the beachfront.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 4: Kanyakumari Exploration

Kanyakumari, India on December 25, 2024

6:00AM

Sunrise at Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Start your day early to witness the stunning sunrise at Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Take a ferry to the memorial from the mainland.
INR 50, 2 hours including ferry

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea View

Savor a traditional South Indian breakfast with dosas and chutneys.
Back at the restaurant after visiting the memorial.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Explore the Kanyakumari Temple along the coastline, dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari.
Easy walk from the breakfast venue.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Thiruvalluvar Statue

Admire the massive statue of the poet Thiruvalluvar standing tall off the coast.
Visible from the temple and accessible via a ferry.
INR 40, 2 hours including ferry

1:00PM

Lunch at Ananda Bhavan

Indulge in delicious vegetarian south Indian cuisine, perfect for a midday refuel.
A short walk from the statue ferry area.
INR 350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore local markets

Wander through local markets and pick up handmade souvenirs and handicrafts.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free unless buying items., 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Enjoy a delightful dinner while reflecting on Kanyakumari's beauty.
A few minutes' drive from the market.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 5: Thiruvananthapuram Adventures

Thiruvananthapuram, India on December 26, 2024

8:00AM

Drive to Thiruvananthapuram

Head northwest to Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala.
A 2-hour drive of 90 km along the coast.
Cost of fuel depends on vehicle., 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple known for its intricate architecture and amazing golden idol.
Drive to the temple upon arrival.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Napier Museum

Discover artifacts and memorabilia about Kerala's cultural history at the Napier Museum.
Short drive from Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
INR 20, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Villa Maria Restaurant

Relish a buffet featuring a mix of North and South Indian dishes.
Very near to Napier Museum.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Punnalur

Travel to Punnalur, a quaint hillside town surrounded by tea and spice plantations.
Approximately a 1-hour drive of 40 km.
Cost of fuel depends on vehicle., 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Spice Plantations

Take a guided tour of local spice plantations, learning about cardamom, pepper, and other spices.
Arranged locally with various options.
INR 500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit local artisan shops

Learn about and shop for handmade crafts and local produce in Punnalur.
Easily accessible within the town.
Free unless buying items., 1-2 hours depending on interest.

6:30PM

Dinner at Hilltop Restaurant

Enjoy local cuisine featuring spices sourced from the area and stunning mountain views.
Located within Punnalur.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 6: Guruvayur Temple Visit

Guruvayur, India on December 27, 2024

8:00AM

Drive to Guruvayur

Travel to Guruvayur, a highly revered pilgrimage site known for the Guruvayur Temple.
A drive of around 90 km taking approximately 2 hours.
Cost of fuel depends on vehicle., 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Guruvayur Temple

Engage in spiritual prayers and rituals at the revered Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple.
Drive directly to the temple parking area.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ganesh Bhavan

Savor tasty vegetarian meals at a local favorite restaurant.
Walking distance from the temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the elephant sanctuary

Visit the nearby Punnathur Kotta, an elephant sanctuary where you can observe and learn about these gentle giants.
Drive 10 minutes from lunch.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Evening Shopping

Spend some time shopping for souvenirs and traditional items in Guruvayur.
Shopping areas are nearby the temple.
Free unless buying items., 1-2 hours depending on interest.

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Devaragam

Finish your trip with a lovely dinner featuring local Kerala cuisine.
Close to the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 7: Return to Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India on December 28, 2024

8:00AM

Start your journey back to Bengaluru

Begin your drive back to Bengaluru, reflecting on the beautiful road trip.
A long drive of approximately 325 km, taking about 7 hours.
Cost of fuel depends on vehicle., 7 hours
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