Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary: Temples of Tamil Nadu, December 2024

Day 1: Temple Tour Begins

Palani, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sri Valli

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast, featuring idli and dosa, to fuel your temple visits.
Located near the city center in Palani, easily reachable by car.
INR 600, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Palani Murugan Temple

Explore this revered temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its scenic hilltop views and rich cultural significance, with a vibrant atmosphere on the festival days.
A short drive from the restaurant, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Drive to Madurai

Travel to Madurai, a city famous for its temples and ancient architecture.
Approximately 2 hours drive, 100 km south.
Fuel charges INR 400, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Aasai Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Tamil Nadu meal with biryani and kootu, perfect for the entire family.
Located within Madurai city, a convenient stop after your drive.
INR 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Meenakshi Amman Temple

A stunning example of Dravidian architecture, this temple houses the divine pair of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar and is a must-visit.
The temple is a 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Thiruparankundram Temple

Explore this unique hill temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its rock-cut architecture.
Just a 15-minute drive from Meenakshi Temple.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Drive to Pazhamudircholai Temple

Visit the famous temple surrounded by lush greenery, known for its tranquil ambiance.
A short 30-minute drive of 20 km north.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Round off your day with savory idlis and their famous chutneys, perfect for a wholesome family meal.
10-minute drive from Pazhamudircholai.
INR 900, 1 hour

7:00PM

Overnight at a Hotel in Madurai

Check-in and relax after your first day of temple visits.
Book a family-friendly hotel in Madurai for a comfortable stay.
INR 3500, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Coastal Temple Adventures

Tiruchendur, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, refueling for another exciting day.
N/A
INR 600, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Tiruchendur

Head towards the coastal town of Tiruchendur, known for its spectacular temple by the sea.
Approximately 1.5 hours drive, about 65 km.
Fuel charges INR 300, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

Witness the beauty of this temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, located right on the coastline.
The temple is located in Tiruchendur and can be walked to from your parking area.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Drive to Rameshwaram

Continue to Rameshwaram, famed for its rich spiritual significance.
A drive of around 2.5 hours, about 125 km.
Fuel charges INR 500, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at C. Kumar Hotel

Relish a lovely meal featuring local seafood and vegetarian options.
A well-known restaurant in Rameshwaram, easy to find.
INR 1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Ramanathaswamy Temple

Visit this vital pilgrimage site known for its grand architecture and sacred water bodies.
A short 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Danushkodi

Explore the mysterious abandoned town of Danushkodi, once a thriving seaport and now a ghost town.
Travel approximately 30 minutes, finishing at the beach.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Explore Danushkodi Beach

Walk along the beach and witness the confluence of seas while soaking in the picturesque landscapes.
Accessible from the parking area.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Drive back to Rameshwaram

Return to Rameshwaram and relax for the evening.
30-minute drive back.
N/A, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Star Palace

Enjoy a family-friendly meal at this popular restaurant serving local and North Indian cuisine.
A short drive from your hotel.
INR 1200, 1 hour

8:00PM

Overnight at a Hotel in Rameshwaram

Check-in and unwind after a full day of exploration.
Choose a hotel that is family-friendly and comfortable.
INR 3000, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural and Religious Sites

Tanjavur, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast to prepare for the journey ahead.
N/A
INR 600, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Srirangam

Travel towards Srirangam, a world-famous temple town known for its magnificent Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.
An approximate drive of 2.5 hours, about 140 km.
Fuel charges INR 600, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Discover the grandeur of one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Entry is from the main gate; ample parking available nearby.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Aasai Unavagam

Sandwich the delicious experience of classic South Indian meals into your temple visit with this local eatery.
Located near the temple, easily walkable.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Drive to Thanjavur

Proceed towards Thanjavur, a city known for its rich legacy of music and dance.
A quick drive of about 30 to 40 minutes.
Fuel charges INR 200, 30 minutes

2:30PM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, an architectural wonder famous for its grandeur and historical significance.
The temple is easily accessible with parking facilities.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Swami Malai Temple

Stop by this renowned temple known for its spiritual ambiance and connection with the arts.
About 30 minutes drive from Brihadeeswarar Temple.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Drive Back to Madurai

Head back to Madurai for your final evening.
Take the route to Madurai, approximately 1.5 hours, about 90 km.
Fuel charges INR 400, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sasi A/C Restaurant

Cap off your journey with a satisfying dinner featuring local Tamil Nadu cuisine.
Famous restaurant in Madurai, highly recommended for families.
INR 1000, 1 hour

8:00PM

Overnight in Madurai

Return to your hotel in Madurai and unwind after three days filled with exploration.
Book a family-friendly hotel in Madurai.
INR 3500, N/A
View Hotel Availability