5-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring Madurai, Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple, Kodaikanal, and Pondicherry

Day 1: Exploring Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Kumar Mess

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Kumar Mess, known for its delicious idlis and vadas.
Located in the heart of Madurai, it’s a great starting point.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the intricate architecture and colorful sculptures of the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a must-visit in Madurai.
It’s just a short walk from Kumar Mess.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Take a guided tour of the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal to learn about the history and architecture of this royal palace.
A 10-minute drive from the temple.
INR 50, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Sweets & Snacks

Enjoy a light lunch of local snacks and sweets at Sweets & Snacks to refuel for the rest of the day.
Located conveniently nearby your next stop.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn more about India's struggle for independence at the Gandhi Museum, housed in a beautiful palace.
A short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Shopping at Pudupet Market

Stroll through Pudupet Market for local handicrafts and souvenirs to take home.
A quick 10-minute drive from the museum.
Variable, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Aasai Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner featuring local Tamil Nadu cuisine at Aasai Restaurant.
Close to Pudupet Market, easy to find.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Relax at hotel

Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening to wrap up the day.
Depending on your hotel choice in Madurai.
Accommodated, Rest of the evening
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Day 2: Temple Visit

Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a breakfast at the hotel before heading out.
Enjoy the buffet offered at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple

Embark on your drive to Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple, known for its spiritual ambiance.
Approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
Fuel costs, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Temple Visit

Participate in the morning rituals at Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Follow the signs to the temple once you arrive.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Photography

Take family photos against the scenic backdrop of the temple and surrounding hills.
Various locations near the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Relish local vegetarian dishes at a nearby eatery.
Check local recommendations for nearby places.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Nature Walk

Enjoy a serene nature walk around the hills surrounding the temple.
Follow marked trails from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Drive to Kodaikanal

Continue your journey to Kodaikanal, known for its picturesque landscapes.
It’s about a 3-hour drive.
Fuel costs, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Kodaikanal and check in at your hotel, setting up for a restful evening.
Follow directions to your chosen hotel.
Accommodated, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Cloud Street

Savor a cozy dinner at Cloud Street with a focus on local ingredients.
Near the lake in Kodaikanal.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Kodaikanal Sightseeing

Kodaikanal, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, ensuring you are energized for the day.
Enjoy the offered breakfast spread.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy a family boat ride on the serene Kodaikanal Lake, a perfect way to experience nature.
Walk to the nearby lake.
INR 500, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Bryant Park

Visit Bryant Park, known for its beautiful gardens and variety of flowers.
Just beside Kodaikanal Lake.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Tredis

Have a delightful lunch at The Tredis, known for its continental and Indian fare.
A short drive/10-minute walk from the park.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Coaker's Walk

Stroll along Coaker's Walk, a scenic path offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Follow the signs from the restaurant.
INR 10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Pillar Rocks

Drive to Pillar Rocks and enjoy this magnificent viewpoint, perfect for family photos.
About a 30-minute drive from Coaker's Walk.
INR 30, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Hilltop

Enjoy dinner with breathtaking views at The Hilltop restaurant.
Return towards the main market in Kodaikanal.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Relax at hotel

Head back to your hotel to unwind after an eventful day.
Easy drive back to your hotel.
Accommodated, Rest of the evening
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Day 4: Kodaikanal Adventures

Kodaikanal, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with another lovely breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the day.
Buffet breakfast service each morning.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Guna Caves

Venture out to the adventurous Guna Caves, known for their picturesque views and unique rock formations.
About a 30-minute drive from Kodaikanal.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Pine Forest

Enjoy the tranquility of nature while walking through the enchanting Pine Forest.
Located nearby Guna Caves.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Royal Tibet

Dine at Royal Tibet for some Tibetan cuisine with vegetarian options.
Close to the main road.
INR 450, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Berijam Lake

Drive to Berijam Lake and spend the afternoon enjoying the scenic beauty and tranquility.
About a 30-minute drive.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Nature Photography

Capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife around Berijam Lake for lasting memories.
Various spots around the lake.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Return to Kodaikanal

Drive back to Kodaikanal and unwind a little before dinner.
About a 1-hour drive back.
Fuel costs, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Chocolate Factory

Treat your family to a delightful dinner at The Chocolate Factory, specializing in a range of chocolate delights.
Located in the main town.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Relax at hotel

Return to your hotel for an evening of leisure and relaxation.
Conveniently head back to your accommodation.
Accommodated, Rest of the evening
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Day 5: Pondicherry Exploration

Pondicherry, India

6:00 AM

Depart for Pondicherry

Early morning departure to Pondicherry, maximizing your day in the coastal city.
An early start after breakfast at the hotel.
Fuel costs, 6 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Le Cafe

Arrive in Pondicherry and have lunch at Le Cafe, dining by the beach with a lovely view.
Located on the seafront.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the tranquil Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual retreat in the middle of the city.
A short drive from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore the French Quarter

Stroll through the picturesque French Quarter, admiring the colonial architecture and unique shops.
Walk along the streets from the Ashram.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Promenade Beach

Enjoy some time at Promenade Beach, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the sunset.
Easily reachable from the French Quarter.
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at The Belgian Waffle Factory

Indulge in delicious waffles and ice cream to cap off your trip on a sweet note.
In the heart of Pondicherry.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Relax and Wrap up

Reflect on the journey and enjoy your final evening in Pondicherry before returning to your hotel.
Depending on your accommodation choice.
Accommodated, Rest of the evening
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