7-Day South India Cultural and Nature Exploration from Chennai to Madurai

Day 1: Chennai Arrival & Sightseeing

Chennai, India on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast with fresh dosa, idli, and filter coffee at one of Chennai’s iconic vegetarian restaurants open from 7 AM.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this stunning Dravidian-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, experiencing Chennai’s rich religious architecture. Open till 12 PM and reopens in the afternoon.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Marina Beach stroll

Take a walk along Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India, perfect for soaking in local life and views of the Bay of Bengal.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Marina

Dine on fresh seafood and local Tamil Nadu delicacies just steps away from Marina Beach, with lunch served daily from 12 PM.
INR600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Fort St. George Museum

Discover Chennai’s colonial past at this museum housed in the historic fort built by the British East India Company. Open till 5 PM.
INR150, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Peshawri

Experience hearty North Indian cuisine specialising in tandoori dishes, open from 7 PM but reservations recommended.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Trichy Temples & Heritage

Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), India on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Travel Chennai to Trichy

Drive or take a morning train to Trichy, approximately 5-6 hours south-west of Chennai.
INR800 (train) or INR2500 (car), 5-6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sri Krishna Vilas

Have a classic Tamil vegetarian lunch featuring thali meals, open from 12 PM.
INR400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Explore the vast temple complex at Srirangam dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its amazing architecture and vibrant festivals. Open till 7 PM.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Rockfort Temple

Climb the hilltop fortress for panoramic city views and visit the ancient temple complex. Open till 6 PM.
INR20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Chola

Enjoy a mix of South Indian and North Indian dishes in a comfortable setting, open till 10 PM.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 3: Kumily Nature & Spice Gardens

Kumily, Kerala, India on April 18, 2025

6:30AM

Travel Trichy to Kumily

Early morning drive or bus journey to Kumily near Periyar National Park, approximately 6-7 hours through scenic Western Ghats.
INR2500 (car), 6-7 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Spice Garden

Taste authentic Kerala cuisine with spiced delights, open for lunch till 3 PM.
INR500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Periyar Spice Plantations

Take a guided tour of fragrant spice gardens, learning about cardamom, pepper, and other spices. Tours run till late afternoon.
INR300, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bar-Be-Que

Enjoy a variety of grilled meats and South Indian specialities, open till 9 PM.
INR700, 1 hour
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Day 4: Vagamon Hill Station

Vagamon, Kerala, India on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Travel Kumily to Vagamon

Short scenic drive to Vagamon hill station, approximately 2 hours through beautiful mountain roads.
INR700, 2 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Summer Hill Hotel

Light breakfast with fresh local produce and tea, open from 8 AM.
INR350, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Vagamon Meadows & Pine Forests

Walk through the lush green meadows and serene pine forests for nature photography and relaxation. Open access all day.
Free, 2-3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Highrange

Enjoy Kerala-style dishes with views of the hills, open till 3 PM for lunch.
INR500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Vagamon Kurisumala Church

Visit this peaceful Christian pilgrimage site atop the hill with panoramic views, open daylight hours.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at local restaurant

Local Kerala cuisine with traditional vegetarian options, typically open till 9 PM.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 5: Madurai Temples & Culture

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Vagamon to Madurai

Drive or take a taxi from Vagamon to Madurai, approximately 5 hours through varied terrain.
INR2500, 5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy soft idlis and traditional sambar in one of Madurai’s iconic eateries, open till mid-afternoon.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the massive temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, famed for its detailed sculptures and vibrant festivals. Open till 7 PM.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Witness Evening Aarti at Meenakshi Temple

Experience the grand evening prayer ceremony with music and rituals in a historic setting.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at The Crown Hotel

Dine on South Indian specialities in a comfortable hotel restaurant setting, open till 10 PM.
INR700, 1 hour
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Day 6: Madurai Local Exploration

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Modern Restaurant

Popular spot for a hearty South Indian breakfast including dosas and vadai, open from 7 AM.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the 17th-century palace known for its grand architecture and sound/light show in the evening. Palace open 10 AM to 6 PM.
INR100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kumar Mess

Savour traditional Tamil meals served on banana leaf; a local favourite open till mid-afternoon.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping at Puthu Mandapam Market

Explore this bustling market near Meenakshi Temple for textiles, souvenirs, and local crafts, open till evening.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a variety of South Indian snacks and meals in a popular chain restaurant, open till 9 PM.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 7: Return to Chennai

Madurai to Chennai, India on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Simple and quick breakfast to prepare for travel, available from 7 AM in most hotels.
INR300, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel Madurai to Chennai

Take a morning train or flight back to Chennai for onward journey or departure. Train takes around 7-8 hours; flights are about 1 hour.
INR1200 (train) or INR3000 (flight), 1-8 hours depending on transport choice

Afternoon

Leisure time in Chennai or departure

Depending on your travel schedule, spend afternoon resting or last-minute shopping in Chennai.
Varies, Variable
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