6-Day South India Itinerary: Madurai to Kanyakumari and Beyond

Day 1: Explore Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with delicious steaming idlis and filter coffee at this popular local eatery.
Take an auto-rickshaw to the restaurant which is around 15 minutes from the city centre.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning architecture and the vibrant atmosphere of this historic temple, an iconic symbol of Madurai.
A short walk from the restaurant, about 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Society Restaurant

Enjoy traditional South Indian meals like biriyani or sambar rice in a family-friendly environment.
Take a taxi about 10 minutes away.
INR500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Take a guided tour of the grand palace built in the 17th century, known for its stunning pillars and courtyards.
A short taxi ride, approximately 5 minutes.
INR50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi through artifacts and photographs in this museum, housed in a beautiful mansion.
A 15-minute taxi journey from the palace.
INR20, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Tea at Amma's Mess

Relax at this local spot over a cup of tea and some snacks, mingling with the locals.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to reach in about 10 minutes.
INR100, 1 hour

6:30PM

View the Evening Ceremony at Meenakshi Temple

Experience the Aarti ceremony at the temple, an uplifting end to your day in Madurai.
Walk back to the temple, just 10 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Heritage

Indulge in a variety of North and South Indian dishes to round off an exciting day.
A quick 10-minute taxi ride from the temple.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Journey to Trichy

Trichy, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel New Tamil Nadu

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet with a variety of Indian and continental options.
Taxi to the restaurant, about 10 minutes.
INR300, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Trichy

Embark on your drive to Trichy, appreciating the scenic views along the way.
2-hour drive via NH83.
Taxi fare included in the previous day's costs., 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Rock Fort Temple

Climb to the temple atop a massive rock for panoramic views of Trichy and enjoy the intricate carvings.
5-minute drive from your drop-off point.
INR20, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Savour a range of South Indian vegetarian dishes in a vibrant setting.
15-minute taxi ride from the temple.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Explore one of the largest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Take a taxi, approximately 25 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit St. Joseph's Church

Experience the serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture of this historic church.
A short taxi ride of about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Evening Snacks at Hotel Grand Gardenia

Relax over some evening snacks and beverages before dinner.
5-minute drive from the church.
INR250, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at KFC or Raw Fish

Choose between fast food at KFC or local delicacies at Raw Fish, famous for its seafood.
5 to 10-minute drive depending on your choice.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Discover Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Iliyas

Enjoy a simple South Indian breakfast with dosa and chutney.
Taxi to the restaurant, about 10 minutes.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Head to Thanjavur, known for its rich cultural heritage and temple architecture.
About 1.5-hour drive.
Taxi fare included in previous day's costs., 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Brihadeswara Temple

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing impressive Chola architecture.
The temple is easily accessible upon arrival.
INR50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Iliyas Thanjavur

Enjoy another round of delightful South Indian specialities at this local favourite.
Short walk from the temple, around 10 minutes.
INR400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Palace and Museum

Explore the remnants of the royal palace and its fascinating museum showcasing art and history.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
INR25, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library

Check out one of Asia's oldest libraries and its extensive collection of manuscripts.
A 10-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Evening Refreshments at The Coffee Bar

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and pastries at this quaint café.
5-minute walk from the library.
INR250, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Indulge in a well-deserved meal featuring traditional Thanjavur cuisine.
A 10-minute drive from the coffee shop.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Rameswaram Adventure

Rameswaram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Gnanam

Start your day with a filling breakfast before you hit the road again.
A 10-minute taxi ride.
INR300, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Rameswaram

Drive towards Rameswaram, crossing the scenic Pamban Bridge.
About a 3-hour drive.
Taxi fare included in previous day's costs., 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this famous temple, noteworthy for its long corridors and sacred water tanks.
Directly accessible upon arrival.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Thembavani Restaurant

Taste local cuisine and seafood dishes at this well-known dining spot.
5-minute walk from the temple.
INR500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Dhanushkodi Beach

Travel to this ghost town and enjoy the beauty of the emptiness and the crashing waves.
A 30-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Snacks at a Local Beach Shak

Grab fresh coconut water and snacks available by local vendors on the beach.
Available at the beach.
INR100, 1 hour

6:30PM

Return to Rameswaram

Travel back and relax before dinner.
30 minutes back to town.
Included in previous costs., 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Ameer Restaurant

End your day with a delicious meal featuring biriyani and local favourites.
A short drive from your hotel.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Kanyakumari Excursion

Kanyakumari, India

6:30AM

Breakfast at Ameer Restaurant

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Kanyakumari.
Easily available at the restaurant.
INR300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Kanyakumari

Embark on a scenic drive to the southernmost point of mainland India.
About a 3-hour drive.
Taxi fare included in previous day's costs., 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Worship at this ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari.
Close to where you will be dropped off.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Sea View

Enjoy lunch while taking in the gorgeous views of the sea.
A 10-minute walk from the temple.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to the memorial and explore its historical significance.
A 5-minute boat ride from the pier nearby.
INR100, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

Walk to witness the impressive statue, a symbol of Tamil literature.
5-minute walk from the memorial.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Evening Tea at Corner Cafe

Relax with some tea and snacks at this popular café.
A short walk from the statue.
INR200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sangam

Enjoy a delightful farewell dinner featuring regional dishes.
A 10-minute drive from the café.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Thiruvananthapuram Exploration

Thiruvananthapuram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sangam

Savour a generous breakfast buffet to start your day in Thiruvananthapuram.
At the hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Thiruvananthapuram

Enjoy the drive towards the capital city of Kerala.
About 1.5-hour drive.
Taxi fare included in previous day's costs., 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore the famous temple showcasing Dravidian-style architecture.
Located in the city, well-signposted.
Free (but donations welcome), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Aryaas

Taste one of the best vegetarian meals in the city at this famed restaurant.
10-minute drive from the temple.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Napier Museum

Discover the unique collection of archaeological treasures and artwork housed in this historical museum.
A 5-minute taxi ride.
INR20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Kuthiramalika Palace

Explore this heritage palace which showcases traditional Kerala architecture.
Short 10-minute walk from the museum.
INR50, 1 hour

4:30PM

Evening Snacks at Chai Coffee

Unwind with a cup of tea and snacks in a laid-back atmosphere.
A quick walk from Kuthiramalika Palace.
INR150, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Malabar Junction

Savour authentic seafood and Kerala-style dishes before you head back.
A 10-minute taxi ride.
INR600, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Madurai

Drive back to Madurai, concluding your week-long adventure.
About a 4-hour drive.
Taxi fare included., 4 hours
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