Detailed 3-Day Family Road Trip Itinerary from Kottayam to Puducherry via Scenic Tamil Nadu Gems

Day 1: Kottayam to Theni via Kumily

Kottayam, Kerala to Theni, Tamil Nadu on April 15, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Anand Restaurant, Kottayam

Start your journey with a wholesome Kerala breakfast including appam, stew, and fresh filter coffee at Anand Restaurant, a popular family-friendly spot.
INR300 per person approx., 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive from Kottayam to Kumily

Head towards the scenic border town Kumily, famous as the gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, covering around 90 km with lush hill views.
Fuel cost approx INR600, 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Periyar Tiger Reserve)

Enjoy a family-friendly boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, deer, and various birds in their natural habitat. The sanctuary opens from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
INR150 per adult, INR75 per child, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Spice Garden Resort Restaurant, Kumily

Savor authentic Kerala and South Indian cuisine in a serene ambiance with views of cardamom plantations.
INR400 per person approx., 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive from Kumily to Theni via Cumbum

Travel roughly 50 km through scenic Western Ghats foothills along the Cumbum valley, home to grape farms and dams.
Fuel included in day’s budget, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Cumbum Lake and Dam

Take a relaxing stroll around one of the oldest irrigation dams in Tamil Nadu and enjoy the peaceful lakeside with your family.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:30PM

Drive to Theni town and check-in at hotel

Check into a family-friendly hotel such as The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai or local resorts reputed for comfort and hospitality.
INR3500 per family room approx., Rest and refresh

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sri Sabari, Theni

Relish traditional Tamil Nadu meals in a homely setting featuring meals like biryani, dosas, and vegetable thalis.
INR300 per person, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Theni to Puducherry via Madurai and Chidambaram

Theni to Puducherry, Tamil Nadu on April 16, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day packed with sightseeing and driving.
Included in stay, 1 hour

7:30AM

Drive to Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

Travel 75 km east to explore the architectural grandeur and spiritual vibrance of the famous Meenakshi Temple, open 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Free entry, donation optional, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai

Engage with Indian history at this museum exhibiting artifacts on Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom struggle. Open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
INR40 per person, 1 hour

11:30AM

Drive to Chidambaram

Journey approximately 200 km northeast to the temple town of Chidambaram, renowned for the Nataraja Temple, about 4-hour drive.
Fuel approx INR1000, 4 hours

3:30PM

Visit Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Explore this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, an iconic example of Dravidian architecture. Open 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:30PM

Drive to Puducherry

Complete your journey with a 45-minute drive (approx 35 km) to Puducherry and check-in at your hotel.
Fuel included in day’s budget, 45 minutes

5:30PM

Relax at hotel; rest

Freshen up and relax after your long day of travel and sightseeing.
N/A, Rest

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Dine at this heritage restaurant serving a mix of French and South Indian cuisines in a colonial ambiance favored by families and tourists.
INR1000 approx per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Puducherry to Chennai via Villupuram

Puducherry to Perumbakkam, Chennai on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe Xtasi

Enjoy fresh bakery items like pizzas, pastries, and fresh coffee in this popular Puducherry chain café loved by families.
INR400 per person approx., 1 hour

8:30AM

Explore Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Visit the peaceful and spiritual ashram dedicated to Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The ashram is open daily 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Free entry, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Botanical Gardens, Puducherry

Stroll through the well-maintained botanical gardens featuring exotic plants, fountains, and a children’s play area. Open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
INR20 per person, 1 hour

10:30AM

Drive from Puducherry to Villupuram

Head approximately 45 km north to Villupuram, a key town on the way to Chennai.
Fuel approx INR250, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum

Discover South Indian heritage through traditional houses, crafts, and exhibitions ideal for families seeking cultural immersion. Open 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, closed Wednesdays.
INR200 per person, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan, Villupuram

Enjoy flavor-packed South Indian meals with dosa, idli, vada, and thali options in a family-friendly environment.
INR300 per person approx., 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive from Villupuram to Perumbakkam, Chennai

Finish your road trip with approximately 65 km drive through Chennai outskirts to your home destination in Perumbakkam.
Fuel approx INR300, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Arrival in Perumbakkam, Chennai

Conclude your memorable 3-day family journey packed with nature, culture, history, and relaxation.
N/A, Trip end
View Hotel Availability