10-Day Tamil Nadu Heritage & Nature Tour from Cuddalore with Veg Dining and Budget Stays

Day 1: Historical Temples

Gangaikondacholapuram, Tamil Nadu on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Anantha Veg Restaurant

Start your day with authentic South Indian vegetarian breakfast including idli, dosa, and filter coffee. The restaurant opens from 7am to 11am.
INR100, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikondacholapuram

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site built in the Chola era, showcasing intricate Dravidian architecture and historic significance.
INR30, 2h0m

11:30am

Travel to Thanjavur

Embark on a 1-hour drive to Thanjavur to continue your journey through Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage.
INR200 (transport), 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy traditional Tamil vegetarian meals served in a simple, budget-friendly setting, open from 11am to 3pm.
INR150, 1h0m

2:15pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Marvel at another grand Chola temple renowned for its massive Lingam and beautiful frescoes, open until sunset.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at budget guesthouse in Thanjavur

Settle into a clean and affordable guesthouse near the town center.
INR600 per night, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Vijayalakshmi Veg Hotel

Relish vegetarian South Indian cuisine with a calm ambiance, open till 9:30pm.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 2: Chettinad Culture

Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu on August 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Aryaas, Thanjavur

Try freshly made dosas and filter coffee before departing, open 7am–10am.
INR120, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Karaikudi

Take a 2-hour drive to the heart of Chettinad to explore its unique architecture and cuisine.
INR300 (transport), 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Chettinad Mansions

Tour beautifully preserved mansions known for their intricate woodwork and heritage, open until 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Minni’s Veg Chettinad Kitchen

Taste authentic vegetarian Chettinad delicacies in a cozy, budget-friendly environment.
INR180, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit local markets

Stroll through Karaikudi's lively markets selling spices, textiles and handicrafts, great for souvenir shopping.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at budget hotel in Karaikudi

Rest at an affordable guesthouse conveniently located near the town center.
INR500 per night, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Ananda Bhavan Veg Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of vegetarian dishes including North and South Indian classics, open until 9:30pm.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 3: Religious Sites and Temples

Pillaiyarpatti and Madurai, Tamil Nadu on August 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Aryaas, Karaikudi

Fuel up with fresh idlis and coffee, open from 7am to 10am.
INR120, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Pillaiyarpatti

Drive about 40 minutes to visit the famous Ganesha temple, known for its rock-cut sculptures.
INR100 (transport), 0h45m

9:15am

Visit Pillaiyarpatti Temple

Explore the famous cave temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, a peaceful pilgrimage spot open till noon.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Travel to Madurai

Proceed with a 1.5-hour drive to Madurai, the city known for its grand Meenakshi Temple.
INR200 (transport), 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Enjoy famous soft idlis, chutneys, and sambar in this popular vegetarian eatery, open all day.
INR100, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Witness the stunning architecture and vibrant cultural atmosphere of this iconic Tamil Nadu temple, open till 7pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in budget hotel in Madurai

Rest in a budget hotel centrally located to access local sites easily.
INR600 per night, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Sree Sabarees Veg Restaurant

Savor a variety of vegetarian South Indian and North Indian dishes, open until 10pm.
INR220, 1h0m

Day 4: Temples & Waterfalls

Srivilliputhur and Thiruparappu, Tamil Nadu on August 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Madurai

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian breakfast to start early, typically available from 7am to 10am.
INR120, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Srivilliputhur

Drive approximately 1.5 hours to visit the important Andal temple and local attractions.
INR250 (transport), 1h30m

9:30am

Visit Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

Explore this historic temple dedicated to the goddess Andal, a place of great devotion and architectural beauty.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Travel to Thiruparappu

Drive about 40 minutes to reach the location famed for its waterfalls and temple.
INR150 (transport), 0h40m

12:00pm

Lunch at local vegetarian eatery near Thiruparappu

Enjoy freshly prepared South Indian vegetarian dishes at a small local eatery open till 3pm.
INR150, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Thiruparappu Waterfalls and Temple

Spend relaxing time at the scenic waterfalls and explore the ancient Shiva temple nearby.
Free, 1h30m

2:30pm

Travel to Kanyakumari

Embark on a longer 3-hour drive to the southern tip of India.
INR400 (transport), 3h0m

6:00pm

Check-in budget hotel in Kanyakumari

Unwind in a budget-friendly guesthouse near the beach.
INR700 per night, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Annpurna Veg Restaurant

Dine on a variety of vegetarian dishes popular at Kanyakumari, open until 9:30pm.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 5: Coastal Sites & History

Kanyakumari and Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu on August 19, 2025

6:00am

Sunrise visit at Kanyakumari Beach

Witness the spectacular sunrise where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet.
Free, 1h0m

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan Kanyakumari

Start the day with classic South Indian vegetarian fare, open 7am–11am.
INR150, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Tiruchendur

Take a 2-hour drive along the coast to reach the famous temple town.
INR300 (transport), 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

Explore the historic temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located by the sea, open till 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sri Krishna Veg Restaurant

Enjoy a range of vegetarian Tamil and South Indian dishes in a casual setting.
INR180, 1h0m

1:15pm

Travel to Rameswaram

Proceed on a 2.5-hour drive to an island city known for its temples and religious importance.
INR400 (transport), 2h30m

4:00pm

Check-in budget accommodation in Rameswaram

Stay comfortably in an affordable hotel close to temple precincts.
INR600 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Sri Murugan

Taste tasty vegetarian South Indian meals in a well-rated budget eatery open until 9pm.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 6: Pilgrimage & Island Tour

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu on August 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Rameswaram

Enjoy fresh South Indian vegetarian breakfast, open from 7am to 10am.
INR120, 0h45m

8:00am

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Tour one of the most famous Shiva temples in India, noted for its lengthy corridors and sacred significance, open all day.
Free, 2h30m

10:30am

Visit Dhanushkodi Beach

Take a short drive to this scenic beach and ruins of the 1964 cyclone-affected town.
INR100 (local transport), 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Moonlight Vegetarian Hotel

Savor home-style vegetarian dishes in this popular budget restaurant.
INR150, 1h0m

1:15pm

Local sightseeing and shopping

Explore local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs before afternoon travel.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Travel to Karaikal

Embark on a 3-hour journey to Karaikal in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
INR500 (transport), 3h0m

6:00pm

Check-in budget hotel in Karaikal

Settle into a budget-friendly hotel close to the town center.
INR550 per night, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Raj Veg

Enjoy affordable vegetarian Tamil and Indian dishes in a casual environment, open till 9pm.
INR180, 1h0m

Day 7: Chill by the Mangroves

Pichavaram and Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu on August 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Karaikal

Start with a filling vegetarian breakfast to energize your day, open 7am to 10am.
INR120, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Drive 1.5 hours to one of the largest mangrove forests in India, famous for boat tours.
INR250 (transport), 1h30m

9:30am

Boat Tour of Pichavaram Mangroves

Experience a serene 1-hour boat ride through the lush mangrove ecosystem, tours operate from 9am to 5pm.
INR250, 1h0m

11:00am

Nature walk in Pichavaram

Explore walking trails nearby to observe local flora and fauna, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at local vegetarian dhaba

Enjoy simple and fresh vegetarian meals served in a local eatery near the forest.
INR150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Cuddalore

Return 1-hour drive to your starting point, Cuddalore.
INR150 (transport), 1h0m

2:30pm

Check-in budget guesthouse in Cuddalore

Rest comfortably at an affordable accommodation near the town center.
INR500 per night, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Sri Krishna Veg Restaurant, Cuddalore

Cap off your trip with traditional vegetarian dishes in a well-reviewed budget restaurant, open till 9:30pm.
INR180, 1h0m