Scenic South India Road Trip: Chennai to Kanyakumari via Thanjavur, Chidambaram, and Madurai

Day 1: Chennai to Thanjavur

Chennai to Thanjavur, India on April 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious traditional South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its crispy dosas and filter coffee. It opens early and is perfect before you hit the road.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Thanjavur

Embark on a roughly 6-hour scenic drive from Chennai to Thanjavur, enjoying rural landscapes and small towns along the way.
Fuel Costs Approx. INR1500, 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy authentic Tamil cuisine with dishes like sambar, rasam, and freshly prepared idlis in the heart of Thanjavur.
INR350, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, an architectural marvel dating back to the Chola dynasty, famous for its massive dome and intricate carvings. Open till 7pm.
INR20, 2h0m

5:30pm

Explore Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery

Visit the nearby Royal Palace and its art gallery showcasing rare Tanjore paintings and artifacts.
INR40, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Sree Sabarees

Dine on traditional South Indian meals served on banana leaves, perfect for authentic tastes and comfort food.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 2: Thanjavur to Chidambaram

Thanjavur to Chidambaram, India on April 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Sangam

Enjoy a traditional dosa and filter coffee to start your day in Thanjavur before departure.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Chidambaram

Travel east for about 3.5 hours to reach Chidambaram, passing through beautiful Tamil Nadu countryside.
Fuel Costs Approx. INR700, 3h30m

12:00pm

Visit Nataraja Temple

Explore the iconic Chidambaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, famous for its impressive architecture and religious significance. It closes by 1pm then reopens at 4pm.
Free Entry, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhojanam

Savour a variety of vegetarian meals and thalis with local flavours in a comfortable setting.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Rest or local sightseeing

Take a rest or explore the local market and surrounding temples nearby until the main temple reopens.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Nataraja Temple for evening rituals

Experience the vibrant evening aarti and religious ceremonies inside the temple for a deep cultural touch.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Drive to Madurai

Start the approximately 3.5-hour journey south to Madurai for your overnight stay.
Fuel Costs Approx. INR700, 3h30m

9:00pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Finish your day with famous Madurai-style idlis and chutneys at this popular local eatery, open till late.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 3: Exploring Madurai

Madurai, India on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Amma Mess

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast with vadas, pongal and filter coffee at this authentic local spot.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Spend the morning exploring one of South India’s grandest temples, famed for its stunning architecture, colourful gopurams and rich cultural history. Open from 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm.
Free Entry, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about India’s freedom struggle with a focused exhibit on Gandhi’s life. The museum is open till 6pm.
INR30, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Theesaimani Restaurant

Try traditional Tamil and Tamil Muslim cuisine, including biryanis and spicy curries.
INR400, 1h0m

1:00pm

Relax or shop in local bazaars

Explore the lively bazaars surrounding the temple, perfect for local handicrafts and textiles.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Tour this magnificent 17th-century palace known for its blend of Dravidian and Rajput architecture. Open till 6pm.
INR50, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Modern Restaurant

Relish a variety of Chettinad and Tamil dishes in one of Madurai’s iconic eateries, perfect for dinner with diverse options.
INR450, 1h0m
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Day 4: Madurai to Kanyakumari

Madurai to Kanyakumari, India on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Sri Sabarees Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast of idli and pongal to fuel up for the road trip south to Kanyakumari.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Kanyakumari

Set off on a scenic 4-hour drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Fuel Costs Approx. INR850, 4h0m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Hotel Sea View

Relax and enjoy fresh local seafood and Tamil cuisine with a beautiful ocean view.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue

Take a ferry to the rock memorial and iconic statue, appreciating the sea views and spiritual ambience. Ferry operates 8am to 5pm.
INR100 (ferry), 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Kanyakumari Beach and Sunset Point

Spend the evening at the beach and witness the famous ocean sunset where three seas meet.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan, Kanyakumari

End your day with authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes at this popular chain, open till late.
INR350, 1h0m
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