10-Day Scenic Road Trip from Bhubaneswar to Kodaikanal via Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry

Day 1: Explore Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, India on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day

Start your day with strong coffee and light breakfast items like sandwiches to fuel your journey.
INR150, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Lingaraj Temple

Explore this iconic 11th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
INR50, 2h00m

11:30am

Odisha State Museum

Discover Odisha's rich cultural and historical heritage through diverse displays including ancient artifacts and traditional art.
INR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dalma

Enjoy authentic Odia cuisine here, with signature dishes like Dalma and Pakhala Bhata.
INR350, 1h00m

3:00pm

Drive to Visakhapatnam

Begin your drive south towards Visakhapatnam, approximately a 6-hour journey along NH16, offering scenic views of the eastern coast.
Fuel toll approx INR1200, 6h00m

9:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach

Enjoy a relaxing dinner with a view of the beach and sample continental and Indian dishes at the in-house restaurant.
INR1500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Visakhapatnam Highlights

Visakhapatnam, India on April 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Park Visakhapatnam

Start with fresh fruit, breads, and South Indian delicacies in this well-rated hotel restaurant.
INR400, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Kailasagiri Park

A hilltop park offering panoramic views of Vizag city and the Bay of Bengal, featuring statues and a cable car ride.
INR20 entry, Cable car INR100 return, 2h00m

12:00pm

Submarine Museum and RK Beach

Explore the unique INS Kursura submarine museum and enjoy a stroll along RK Beach.
INR30, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Spicy Venue

Try Andhra-style spicy curries and biryani in a casual setting.
INR500, 1h00m

3:00pm

Drive to Vijayawada

Travel approximately 5 hours (275 km) via NH16 to Vijayawada, a cultural hub on the banks of the Krishna River.
Fuel toll approx INR900, 5h00m

8:30pm

Dinner at Mayuri Restaurant Vijayawada

Famous for authentic Andhra cuisine, particularly spicy vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis.
INR400, 1h00m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Culture in Vijayawada

Vijayawada, India on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Gateway Hotel

Enjoy a mix of continental and South Indian breakfast options in a serene hotel environment.
INR450, 0h45m

9:00am

Kanaka Durga Temple

Visit this famous hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Durga offering views overlooking the Krishna River.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Undavalli Caves

Explore ancient rock-cut caves with beautiful sculptures dating back to the 4th-5th century AD.
INR30, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at RRR Vijayawada

Sample Andhra meals including spicy chicken and traditional lentils at this popular restaurant.
INR500, 1h00m

3:00pm

Drive to Tirupati

Travel approximately 5 hours (275 km) to Tirupati to prepare for temple visits.
Fuel toll approx INR800, 5h00m

8:30pm

Dinner at Aishwarya Grand Tirupati

Enjoy a peaceful dinner with South Indian specialties close to the city center.
INR350, 1h00m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Tirupati Pilgrimage

Tirupati, India on April 22, 2025

5:00am

Visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Experience one of the most famous and richest sacred Hindu temples in the world; early morning is best to avoid crowds.
Free, 3h00m

8:30am

Breakfast at Tirupati Sri Venkateswara Military Mess

Try traditional South Indian breakfast items in an authentic and economical setting.
INR100, 0h45m

10:00am

Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple

Visit this serene temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located nearby Tirupati.
Free, 1h00m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sri Padmavathi Mess

Popular vegetarian restaurant serving wholesome Andhra-style meals.
INR250, 1h00m

2:00pm

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Long drive of around 6 hours (370 km) entering Tamil Nadu, where you will explore ancient rock-cut temples.
Fuel toll approx INR1100, 6h00m

8:30pm

Dinner at Moonrakers Mahabalipuram

Coastal seafood specialities and continental dishes in a popular seaside restaurant.
INR600, 1h00m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Mahabalipuram Exploration

Mahabalipuram, India on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Mamalla heritage

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast including idli and dosa close to the temple area.
INR300, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples famous for rock carving from the 7th century Pallava dynasty.
INR100, 3h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sukkubhai Restaurant

Try authentic Chettinad cuisine and fresh coastal seafood dishes.
INR400, 1h00m

2:00pm

Drive to Pondicherry

Short 2-hour drive (about 100 km) to Pondicherry, a charming French colonial town.
Fuel toll approx INR400, 2h00m

4:30pm

Check in and relax at hotel in Pondicherry

Freshen up before exploring the town in the evening.
Varies, 1h00m

6:00pm

Evening walk along Promenade Beach

Enjoy the sunset by the sea and view colonial buildings lit at night.
Free, 1h00m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café des Arts

Dine at a quaint café offering French and continental cuisines in a cozy setting.
INR700, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Pondicherry Heritage

Pondicherry, India on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy freshly baked French pastries and strong coffee to start your day.
INR350, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the peaceful spiritual center and learn about Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore French Quarter

Stroll through leafy streets lined with colonial villas and colorful buildings.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Savor modern Indian and French fusion dishes in a classical ambiance.
INR600, 1h00m

3:00pm

Visit Botanical Garden

Walk through lush gardens showcasing tropical and exotic plants; open till 6 PM.
INR20, 1h00m

4:30pm

Relax at Serenity Beach

Unwind by the water on a quieter beach spot outside main town.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Taste a blend of French and Indian dishes in an elegant colonial mansion setting.
INR750, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Chidambaram Visit

Chidambaram, India on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Quick continental breakfast to start the day early for travel.
INR300, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Chidambaram

Approximately 1.5-hour drive (70 km) to visit the famous Nataraja Temple.
Fuel toll approx INR150, 1h30m

9:00am

Nataraja Temple Visit

Explore this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, renowned for its impressive architecture.
Free, 2h00m

11:30am

Drive to Thanjavur

Travel approximately 2 hours (90 km) to historic Thanjavur.
Fuel toll approx INR200, 2h00m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy authentic Tamil vegetarian cuisine including Thali meals.
INR400, 1h00m

3:00pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stunning example of Chola architecture and one of the largest South Indian temples.
INR40, 2h00m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sathars

Taste a mix of Indian and continental dishes in a comfortable restaurant.
INR600, 1h00m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Thanjavur to Madurai

Thanjavur - Madurai, India on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple South Indian fare to energize for the journey.
INR300, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Madurai

Approximately 3.5 hours drive (190 km) to the historic temple city of Madurai.
Fuel toll approx INR500, 3h30m

11:00am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore one of the grandest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.
INR50, 2h00m

1:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Famous for soft idlis and traditional Tamil dishes, a must-try in Madurai.
INR200, 1h00m

3:00pm

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about Gandhi’s life and India’s freedom struggle; museum closes at 5PM.
INR30, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening stroll at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Relax by the large temple tank known for the float festival.
Free, 1h00m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Mango Tree

Enjoy a mix of Indian and international dishes in a cozy setting.
INR700, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Madurai to Kodaikanal

Madurai - Kodaikanal, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast offering South Indian specialties.
INR300, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Kodaikanal

Approximately 3.5 hours drive (120 km) uphill to the tranquil hill station of Kodaikanal.
Fuel toll approx INR400, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at The Carlton

Enjoy a refreshed meal with beautiful views and a mix of Indian and continental cuisines.
INR800, 1h00m

2:00pm

Visit Coaker’s Walk

Leisurely stroll on this paved pedestrian path overlooking valleys and hills; open all day.
Free, 1h00m

3:30pm

Boat ride on Kodaikanal Lake

Rent a pedal or row boat and enjoy the serene lake surrounded by lush greenery; lake is open until sunset.
INR150, 1h00m

5:00pm

Shopping at Kodaikanal Market

Browse local handmade chocolates, crafts, and souvenirs.
Variable, 1h00m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tava Vegetarian Restaurant

Tasty vegetarian food in a relaxed atmosphere for a comfortable close to your travel day.
INR400, 1h00m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Kodaikanal Nature

Kodaikanal, India on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Treebo Trend Ferns Hideaway

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with options for both continental and Indian tastes.
INR400, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Bryant Park

Explore colorful gardens with various flora indigenous to this hill area; park opens at 9 AM.
INR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Pillar Rocks Viewpoint

One of the most famous natural attractions with giant rock formations surrounded by mist and greenery.
INR20, 1h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cloud Street

Enjoy homemade bread, sandwiches and soups in an artsy café with great views.
INR600, 1h00m

2:00pm

Visit Guna Cave

Check out this mysterious cave also known as Devil’s Kitchen; walk carefully through rugged terrain.
INR50, 1h00m

4:00pm

Relax and pack up

Enjoy some downtime after your explorations, preparing for onward travel or departure.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tiffin Bites

End your trip with classic Indian comfort foods and snacks in a casual venue.
INR400, 1h00m
View Hotel Availability