Budget Road and Rail Trip to Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Travel to Thiruvannamalai

Thiruvannamalai, India

8:00AM

Depart from Dharwad

Start your journey early by boarding a train from Dharwad to Thiruvannamalai, which will allow you to enjoy the scenic views of the Western Ghats.
Direct train available, approximately 9 hours
INR700, 9 hours

5:30PM

Check-in to hotel

Upon arrival, check into a budget hotel like Hotel Arunachala.
Hotel located 2 km from the railway station.
INR1,200/night, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a delicious local South Indian thali dinner to recharge from the day's travel.
Located near the hotel.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 2: Explore Thiruvannamalai

Thiruvannamalai, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Arunachala

Start with a typical South Indian breakfast featuring idli and sambar.
INR100, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Arunachala Temple

Explore the famous Arunachala Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and enjoy its architectural grandeur.
1 km from the hotel, walk or take a local auto.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ramana's Kitchen

Savor organic meals made with locally sourced ingredients offered by this popular eatery.
Located 1 km from the temple.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Virupaksha Cave

Hike to Virupaksha Cave, where the great sage Ramana Maharshi meditated, set amidst natural beauty.
Approx. 3 km trek.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Aarti at Arunachala Temple

Attend the evening prayer at the temple, an experience filled with devotion and spirituality.
Return to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ayyappan's Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty North Indian meal, perfect for ending the day.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Puducherry

Puducherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Arunachala

Indulge in another fantastic breakfast before departing.
INR100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel from Thiruvannamalai to Puducherry

Take a local bus to Puducherry, enjoying the coastal scenery.
Direct buses available at the local bus stand.
INR150, 3 hours

1:00PM

Check-in to hotel

Check into a budget-friendly hotel in Puducherry like Hotel Le Dupleix.
Located in the heart of the city.
INR1,500/night, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Enjoy a taste of French-influenced Indian cuisine at this charming restaurant.
Nearby the hotel.
INR400, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Auroville

Visit the unique township of Auroville, famous for its peace and unity, making it a must-see.
Take an auto-rickshaw from Puducherry (10 km).
Free, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Surguru

End your day with a traditional South Indian dinner featuring dosa and chutneys.
Back in Puducherry.
INR200, 1 hour
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Day 4: Travel to Chidambaram

Chidambaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Le Dupleix

Fuel up with a delightful breakfast before the day's adventures.
INR100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Chidambaram

Catch a train from Puducherry to Chidambaram, renowned for its cultural significance.
Trains operate regularly from Puducherry station.
INR120, 1 hour

10:30AM

Check into budget hotel

Check into a budget hotel like Hotel Saradha.
Located close to the temple.
INR900/night, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Kanappa Hotel

Savor the famous Chettinadu meal with a spice mix that tantalizes your taste buds.
Walking distance from the hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Explore the ancient Nataraja Temple, a masterpiece of architecture and divine history.
Nearby the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Chidambaram Lake

Unwind by the picturesque lake and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Local transport available.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kumar's Kitchen

Finish the day with a comforting meal at this local eatery.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 5: Thanjavur and Srirangam

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Saradha

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel.
INR100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Head to Thanjavur by local bus, which is rich in culture and history.
Regular local buses are available.
INR100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Admire the UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its grand architecture and rich history.
Located 2 km from the bus stop.
INR50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanjore Villa

Enjoy a delightful lunch with traditional dishes in a serene environment.
Near the temple.
INR400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Travel to Srirangam

After lunch, take a bus to Srirangam, famous for its Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Regular transport available.
INR50, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Visit Ranganathaswamy Temple

Explore one of the largest temples in India known for its stunning architecture and vibrant festivals.
Within Srirangam.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Travel back to Thanjavur

Return to Thanjavur for the night.
Use local buses.
INR30, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Kaveri Mess

Enjoy local Tamil Nadu cuisine that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
INR200, 1 hour
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Day 6: Travel to Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tanjore Villa

Savor a delicious breakfast before traveling to Rameswaram.
INR100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Rameswaram

Board a train from Thanjavur to Rameswaram, a town famous for its pilgrimage sites.
Trains available every few hours.
INR150, 4 hours

1:30PM

Check-in to hotel

Arrive and settle into a budget hotel, like Hotel Vinayaga.
Located close to the temple.
INR1,200/night, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Shivaji Restaurant

Enjoy local seafood delicacies seasoned to perfection.
Walkable distance from the hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, known for its long corridors and spiritual significance.
Short auto ride from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Evening by the beach

Relax and unwind at the lovely beach near Rameswaram before dinner.
Located nearby the temple.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Theertham Restaurant

Top off your day with a satisfying meal featuring local and traditional dishes.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 7: Madurai and Kanyakumari

Madurai, Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Vinayaga

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Madurai.
INR100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Madurai

Travel by train to Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu.
Trains depart frequently.
INR150, 3 hours

12:30PM

Check-in to hotel

Check into a budget hotel like Hotel Heritage.
Located near Meenakshi Temple.
INR1,000/night, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Kumar Mess

Savor a delicious south Indian meal in the city's heart.
Near the hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Marvel at the stunning architecture and vibrant colors of the temple complex, one of the most iconic in India.
Nearby the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Travel to Kanyakumari

Head to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, famous for its captivating sunset.
Local bus or taxi from Madurai.
INR150, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Seashore Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner with stunning views of the sea.
Located in Kanyakumari.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 8: Journey Back to Dharwad

Dharwad, India

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Heritage

Enjoy a final pleasant breakfast before the journey back.
INR100, 1 hour

7:30AM

Travel to Coimbatore

Head to Coimbatore by local bus.
Regular services available.
INR150, 2 hours

9:30AM

Board train to Dharwad

Catch a train from Coimbatore to Dharwad for the return journey.
Trains depart several times a day.
INR800, 12 hours

10:00PM

Arrive at Dharwad

Conclude a memorable and budget-friendly trip to Tamil Nadu.
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