5-Day Cultural Odyssey Through Tamil Nadu: Madurai to Arunachalam

Day 1: Explore Madurai

Madurai, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with some delicious soft Idlis and piping hot Sambar in this famous local eatery.
From your accommodation, head to the Murugan Idli Shop, which is centrally located.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visiting Meenakshi Amman Temple

Discover the architectural grandeur and intricate sculptures of the iconic Meenakshi Temple, a must-visit in Madurai.
It’s a short walk (15 minutes) or a quick auto-rickshaw ride from your breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Aasai Daa

Enjoy a delightful thali meal featuring various local dishes including rice, sambar, and curry.
Head back to a nearby junction for a 10-minute taxi ride to Aasai Daa.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Visit this historical palace representing the Indo-Saracenic architecture that once housed the Nayak rulers.
Just a short 5-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Gandhi Museum

Explore the life of Mahatma Gandhi through his memorabilia in this tranquil museum set in a beautiful mansion.
A 15-minute taxi ride from Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal.
INR 20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Heritage

Savour an exquisite South Indian buffet dinner offering a variety of vegetarian options.
After your museum visit, it’s a 20-minute ride back to the hotel.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Journey to Trichy

Trichy, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Udhayam Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of Dosa and Chutney before heading off to Trichy.
Travel 10 minutes by taxi from your hotel to Udhayam Restaurant.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Trichy

Leave Madurai and head towards Trichy, enjoying the scenic landscapes of Tamil Nadu.
Hire a taxi for the 1.5-hour drive.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Rockfort Temple

Climb the 437 steps to the temple atop the Rockfort, providing splendid views of the city.
A short taxi ride from your drop-off point.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Banana Leaf

Indulge in a traditional banana leaf meal, a cultural experience in Trichy.
A quick 10-minute taxi ride from the temple.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Jambukeswarar Temple

Marvel at the divine architecture of this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, set in a serene locality.
A 20-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Anbu

Enjoy a mix of North and South Indian dishes at this renowned restaurant.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the temple.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Discover Tanjur

Tanjur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sree Sukhmanhi

Start your day with delicious Pongal and filter coffee in this popular local café.
Walk to the nearby Sree Sukhmanhi, approximately 10 minutes from the hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Tanjur

Head to Tanjur, known for its rich heritage and culture.
Hire a taxi for the 1-hour ride.
INR 800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stunning architectural masterpiece dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Easy to reach by taxi after arrival.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Residency

Savour an appetising buffet with local and international options to refuel for your cultural exploration.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Thanjavur Palace

Wander through the historic Thanjavur Palace, exploring its grand architecture and museum.
Just a 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a vibrant meal of dosa, idli, and a variety of chutneys in this iconic chain.
Only a 15-minute walk from the palace.
INR 450, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Kumbakonam Delights

Kumbakonam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vasantha Bhavan

Sample their famous Kumbakonam Degree Coffee along with a traditional South Indian breakfast.
Travel 15 minutes by taxi to reach the restaurant.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kumbakonam

Move on to Kumbakonam, celebrated for its temples and rich heritage.
Drive for about 30 minutes to get to Kumbakonam.
INR 600, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Experience the spiritual aura of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Just a quick ride to the temple, a small distance from the main town.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a comforting meal of rice, rasam, and vegetable curry in this well-reputed restaurant.
Easily accessible by taxi from the temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Mahamaham Tank

Stop by this sacred water tank, known for its religious significance, especially during the Mahamaham festival.
A 15-minute drive from the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Aayiram Thalaiyil Muttai

Delight in their renowned special egg curry and other regional dishes.
Travel back to town, about a 10-minute drive.
INR 450, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Spiritual Journey to Arunachalam

Arunachalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kumbakonam Co-Operative Bank

Enjoy a simple breakfast of idli and chutney.
It's a short stroll from your lodging.
INR 120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Arunachalam

Depart for Arunachalam, a revered spiritual destination.
A taxi ride will take approximately 1 hour.
INR 800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Arunachala Temple

Explore the intricate architectures of this sacred temple focused on Lord Shiva.
Easily accessible by taxi upon arrival.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ramana Ashram

Relish a simple vegetarian meal at this famous ashram, known for its calm and serene environment.
A short walk from Arunachala Temple.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Sacred Mountain

Take a meditative walk around the sacred Arunachala hill, considered very auspicious.
Begin your walk directly from the ashram, as it trails near the vicinity.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Arunachalam

Complete your journey with a wholesome meal featuring local South Indian specialities.
A 10-minute taxi ride back to town.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability