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

Day 1: Arrival and Local Sightseeing

Bhubaneswar, India on April 18, 2025

7:00PM

Check into Hotel Swosti Premium

Settle into a comfortable hotel with great amenities and easy access to local attractions.
INR3500, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner at Dalma Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Odia cuisine, including dalma and other local specialties to start your journey with local flavors.
INR500, 1h

Day 2: Nature and Culture Experience

Mangalajodi (near Bhubaneswar), India on April 19, 2025

6:00AM

Mangalajodi Bird Sanctuary Visit

Explore one of Asia’s finest wetlands with guided bird watching tours. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
INR300, 4h

10:30AM

Breakfast at local eatery Mangalajodi

Try fresh local breakfast delicacies such as puri and aloo sabzi to start the day.
INR150, 1h

1:00PM

Drive to Cuttack and Lunch at Kalinga Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Oriya dishes with a coastal twist in the historic city of Cuttack.
INR400, 1h

3:00PM

Cuttack Silver Street

Explore the famous silver filigree work and shop for exquisite souvenirs in this artisanal area.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

A great spot offering diverse Indian and continental dishes before overnight rest.
INR600, 1h

Day 3: Travel and Coastal Exploration

Vishakhapatnam, India on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast at Hotel

A hearty breakfast to prepare for the travel day ahead with dishes like idli and sambar.
INR300, 45m

8:00AM

Drive to Vishakhapatnam (approx 8 hours)

Enjoy the scenic coastal route through Andhra Pradesh with stops for refreshments on the way.
Fuel INR1500, 8h

5:30PM

Check into The Park Hotel Vishakhapatnam

Relax after a long drive in this beachfront luxury hotel.
INR4500, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Dakshin Restaurant

Sample authentic South Indian coastal cuisine with excellent seafood and vegetarian options.
INR700, 1h

Day 4: Sightseeing in Vishakhapatnam

Vishakhapatnam, India on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a buffet including dosa, fresh fruits, and local coffee.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Kailasagiri Park

Take a cable car ride and enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal and the city.
INR100, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Haritha Beach Resort

Enjoy fresh local seafood with a beach view setting.
INR600, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Explore a large collection of animals and diverse flora in this popular zoo.
INR50, 2h

5:00PM

Relax at Rishikonda Beach

Spend the evening enjoying the lovely sunset and beach activities.
Free, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at The Backyard Grill

Casual dining offering grilled delicacies and a lively atmosphere.
INR700, 1h

Day 5: Drive to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India on April 22, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Fuel up early with a quick breakfast and prepare for the drive to Mahabalipuram (approx 9 hours).
INR300, 1h

7:30AM

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Travel down the East Coast Road highway, enjoying scenic views and stopping for refreshments.
Fuel INR1500, 9h

5:00PM

Check into Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay

Relax at this seaside resort known for its comfort and excellent amenities.
INR5500, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Moonrakers Restaurant

Taste fresh seafood with a great oceanfront ambiance.
INR800, 1h

Day 6: Explore Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India on April 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with both Indian and continental options.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricately carved rock-cut temples from the Pallava period. It opens by 7:00AM and closes at 6:00PM.
INR300, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at The Wharf

Relax by the beachside while enjoying South Indian and fresh seafood specialties.
INR600, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend relaxing time on the beautiful beach or take part in water activities.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Mahabalipuram Light and Sound Show

Experience the history and mythology of Mahabalipuram through an immersive light and sound show (starts at 5:30PM).
INR250, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Gopi Restaurant

Try authentic Tamil cuisine including thali and dosas in a friendly ambiance.
INR500, 1h

Day 7: Travel and Explore Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on April 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast featuring tropical fruits and south Indian specialties.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Pondicherry (approx 1.5 hours)

Short scenic drive along the coast from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry.
Fuel INR300, 1.5h

11:00AM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Explore this spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and experience its peaceful environment. Open 7:00AM to 12:00PM and 4:00PM to 7:00PM.
Free, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Enjoy French-inspired dishes in a charming setting reflective of Pondicherry’s colonial heritage.
INR700, 1h

2:00PM

Walk along Promenade Beach

Relax by the seafront and see landmarks like the War Memorial and old colonial buildings.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Explore French Quarter

Visit picturesque streets, colorful colonial villas, and boutique shops to soak in the Franco-Tamil culture.
Free, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Have a delightful dinner featuring fusion of French and South Indian flavors.
INR800, 1h

Day 8: Travel to Chittoor and Relax

Chittoor, India on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Start with an early breakfast and prepare for a long drive inland toward Chittoor, gateway to Tamil Nadu highlands.
INR400, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Chittoor (approx 6 hours)

Enjoy scenic routes through rural Andhra Pradesh before reaching Chittoor for a peaceful evening.
Fuel INR1000, 6h

2:30PM

Lunch at local restaurant Sri Venkateshwara Mess

Sample authentic Telugu cuisine with flavorful thali and vegetarian options.
INR400, 1h

4:00PM

Relax and stroll in Chittoor town

Rest after the drive and explore the local markets for handicrafts and refreshments.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Mayura

Enjoy a quiet dinner with regional dishes before traveling to Kodaikanal the next day.
INR600, 1h

Day 9: Mountain Drive to Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India on April 26, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Eat a hearty breakfast to prepare for the mountainous journey to Kodaikanal (approx 5 hours).
INR400, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Kodaikanal

Travel through beautiful Western Ghats landscapes, arriving in the tranquil hill station by early afternoon.
Fuel INR800, 5h

1:30PM

Check into Sterling Kodai Lake

Stay at a resort overlooking the serene Kodai Lake with excellent mountain views.
INR6500, 1h

2:30PM

Lunch at hotel restaurant

Enjoy fresh local ingredients prepared with a touch of south Indian style.
INR600, 1h

4:00PM

Walk around Kodai Lake

A scenic 3.5 km walk or boat ride on the lake is perfect for stretching your legs and appreciating nature.
Boat ride INR150, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Tava Vegetarian Restaurant

Finish the day with a wholesome South Indian vegetarian meal — dosas, uttapams, and fresh chutneys.
INR500, 1h

Day 10: Explore Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India on April 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a fresh mountain breakfast featuring local fruits and hot South Indian delicacies.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Coaker’s Walk

Enjoy breathtaking views of the valleys and hills from this peaceful walkway.
Free, 1.5h

11:30AM

Visit Bryant Park

Explore the beautifully maintained botanical gardens with exotic flowers and plant species.
INR30, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch at The Carlton

Savor classic and modern Indian fare in a cozy yet elegant ambiance.
INR700, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Silver Cascade Falls

A picturesque waterfall just outside town, perfect for late afternoon sightseeing.
Free, 1h

5:00PM

Relax at hotel or local cafe

Enjoy your last evening with coffee or tea while soaking in the mountain air.
INR200, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Pastry Corner

Treat yourself to delicious baked goods and light dinner options in this popular café.
INR600, 1h