Enhanced 3-Day Family Road Trip Itinerary from Kottayam to Puducherry with Extended Sightseeing

Day 1: Kottayam to Theni via Kumily

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

7:00AM

Breakfast at Anand Restaurant, Kottayam

Begin with a hearty Kerala breakfast at Anand Restaurant offering appam, stew, and filter coffee to fuel the day.
INR300 per person approx., 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Kumily

Travel through scenic roads en route to Kumily, gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, covering about 90 km.
Fuel cost approx INR600, 3 hours

11:00AM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat ride

Enjoy a guided boat safari on Periyar Lake to encounter wildlife like elephants and deer in their habitat (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
INR150 per adult, INR75 per child, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Spice Garden Resort, Kumily

Relish Kerala and South Indian cuisine with views of spice plantations in a family-friendly setting.
INR400 per person approx., 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Theni via Cumbum valley

Traverse 50 km through scenic Western Ghats foothills with stops for photos and exploring Cumbum Lake.
Included in daily fuel budget, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Cumbum Lake and Dam

Relax around the serene lake and dam, a perfect spot for a family outing with natural beauty.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:30PM

Check-in at family hotel in Theni

Settle at hotel, freshen up and rest before dinner.
INR3500 approx. for family room, Rest

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sri Sabari, Theni

Enjoy authentic Tamil Nadu meals in a comfortable, family-friendly ambience.
INR300 per person approx., 1 hour
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Day 2: Theni to Puducherry via Madurai and Chidambaram

Theni to Puducherry, Tamil Nadu on April 16, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a nourishing breakfast to start your packed day.
Included in stay, 1 hour

7:30AM

Drive to Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Reach the historic temple complex, an iconic symbol of Dravidian architecture (open 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM).
Free entry, donations optional, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai

Explore India’s freedom struggle through well-curated exhibits (open 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
INR40 per person, 1 hour

11:30AM

Drive to Chidambaram

Travel approximately 200 km northeast towards the temple town known for the famous Nataraja Temple.
Fuel approx INR1000, 4 hours

3:30PM

Visit Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Admire the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance (open 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM).
Free entry, 1 hour

4:30PM

Drive to Puducherry

Final leg of the drive is about 35 km; check into your hotel and relax.
Fuel included, 45 minutes

5:30PM

Evening walk in Puducherry Promenade

Stroll along the scenic beachfront promenade featuring statues, cafes, and views of the Bay of Bengal.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Dine at a heritage restaurant with a French colonial setting serving fusion cuisine tailored for families.
INR1000 per person approx., 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Full day Puducherry sightseeing then return

Puducherry to Perumbakkam, Chennai on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe Xtasi

Enjoy fresh bakery delights including pastries, pizzas, and Italian coffees in a family-friendly venue.
INR400 per person, 1 hour

8:30AM

Sri Aurobindo Ashram visit

Spend a peaceful hour exploring the spiritual complex and gardens (open 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM).
Free entry, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Puducherry Museum

Discover the colonial and cultural history of Puducherry through artefacts and sculptures in a well-maintained museum (open 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM).
INR20 per person, 1 hour

10:30AM

Botanical Gardens

Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens featuring rare plants and fountains ideal for children and family (open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
INR20 per person, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Explore this vibrant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, renowned for its colorful architecture and elephant blessings.
Free entry, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Dine in a charming Indo-French villa offering authentic regional cuisines with family-friendly service.
INR800 per person approx., 1 hour

1:00PM

Auroville visit

Drive 10 km to Auroville, an international township known for the Matrimandir and sustainable living; visit the visitor’s centre and explore the peaceful surroundings.
Free entry (Matrimandir viewing requires prior booking), 2 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Villupuram

Travel approximately 45 km towards Villupuram on the way to Chennai.
Fuel approx INR250, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum

Immerse in South Indian cultural heritage through interactive exhibits and traditional crafts. The museum is open until 5:30 PM, closed Wednesdays.
INR200 per person, 1 hour

5:30PM

Drive to Perumbakkam, Chennai

Complete your trip with roughly a 65 km drive back home with memories of a varied and rich journey.
Fuel approx INR300, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Arrival in Perumbakkam

End of the family road trip filled with nature, culture, history, and leisure.
N/A, Trip end
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