10-Day South India Adventure: Mumbai to Ooty, Kodaikanal, Madurai, and Rameshwaram Loop

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Mumbai to Ooty, India on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Flight from Mumbai to Coimbatore

Take an early morning flight from Mumbai to Coimbatore, the nearest airport to Ooty, for optimal travel time.
INR3500, 2h0m

10:30AM

Drive from Coimbatore Airport to Ooty

A picturesque drive takes approximately 3 hours to reach Ooty from Coimbatore Airport, passing through scenic Nilgiri hills.
INR2000 (taxi), 3h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Enjoy lunch at Earl's Secret in Ooty, known for its colonial charm and delicious continental and Indian dishes.
INR800, 1h0m

3:00PM

Check-in and relax

Check into your hotel and unwind after the journey. Freshen up before exploring the town.
Included in hotel stay, 1h30m

4:30PM

Visit Ooty Botanical Gardens

Explore the beautifully maintained Botanical Gardens, home to rare plants and a great place to enjoy Ooty's cool climate. Gardens open until 6:00PM.
INR30, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Experience authentic Chinese cuisine at the local favorite Shinkows, open until 10:00PM.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 2: Exploring Ooty

Ooty, India on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Culinarium

Savor a hearty breakfast with fresh bakery items and coffee at The Culinarium, open from 8:00AM.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30AM

Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ride

Enjoy a scenic toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor and back, a UNESCO heritage site showcasing breathtaking hill views. Book tickets in advance. First train runs from 8:00AM and last around 4:00PM.
INR1500, 4h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Nahar's Sidewalk Cafe

Relax with a casual lunch featuring sandwiches and coffee in a cozy atmosphere near Ooty market.
INR500, 1h0m

3:30PM

Visit Ooty Lake

Enjoy boating and walking around Ooty Lake, a peaceful spot with pedal and row boats available. Open until 6:00PM.
INR100, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Earl's Secret

Savor a full-course dinner with local and international dishes in a romantic garden setting, reservations recommended.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 3: Ooty Sightseeing

Ooty, India on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast to energize your day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30AM

Doddabetta Peak

Visit the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys; ideal for nature lovers. Open 8:00AM–6:00PM.
INR20, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Garden Restaurant

Enjoy South Indian vegetarian specialties at the scenic Garden Restaurant near Botanical Gardens.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30PM

Rose Garden Visit

Explore the famous Government Rose Garden with over 20,000 varieties, open till 6:00PM.
INR30, 1h0m

3:00PM

St. Stephen’s Church

Visit one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris, renowned for its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.
Free, 45m

7:00PM

Dinner at Sinclairs Restaurant

Dine in style with a mix of Indian and continental dishes in the hotel restaurant famous for ambiance and local flavors.
INR900, 1h0m

Day 4: Travel to Kodaikanal

Ooty to Kodaikanal, India on April 22, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Early hearty breakfast before departing towards Kodaikanal.
Included, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive from Ooty to Kodaikanal

A scenic drive of approximately 6 hours through Tamil Nadu hill regions. Stops for refreshments recommended.
INR2000 (private car), 6h0m

3:30PM

Check-in and relax

Settle into your hotel in Kodaikanal and rest from the journey.
Included in hotel stay, 1h30m

5:00PM

Walk around Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy a peaceful walk or pedal boat ride on the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, open till 6:00PM.
INR100, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Cloud Stairs Restaurant

Experience traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine with a modern touch, cozy ambiance, open till 10:00PM.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 5: Exploring Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pastry Corner

Start your day with freshly baked goods and coffee at Pastry Corner, open from 7:30AM.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00AM

Visit Coaker's Walk

Enjoy a beautiful walkway offering panoramic views of the valleys and plains, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

10:30AM

Bryant Park

Explore this well-maintained botanical garden with many varieties of plants, flowers, and trees, open till 6:00PM.
INR30, 1h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at The Royal Tibet

Taste authentic Tibetan food like momos and thukpa near Kodaikanal Lake, popular with tourists.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30PM

Silver Cascade Falls

Visit this stunning waterfall en route to Palani, great for photos and nature appreciation, always open.
Free, 1h0m

3:00PM

Pillar Rocks

Marvel at these three giant rock pillars rising nearly 400 feet tall, a must-see natural attraction open till sunset.
INR20, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Ten Degrees

Enjoy a mix of South Indian and international dishes in a relaxed setting with live music on select nights.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 6: Kodaikanal Leisure & Sightseeing

Kodaikanal, India on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for the day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30AM

Pine Forest Walk

Take an easy stroll through the atmospheric pine forest, ideal for nature photography.
Free, 1h0m

11:00AM

Bear Shola Falls

Visit this scenic waterfall tucked away in a forest patch, accessible by a short hike.
Free, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Muncheez

Casual dining spot offering Indian and continental fast food on the lake road.
INR450, 1h0m

2:30PM

Shopping at Kodaikanal Market

Explore the bustling market for local handicrafts, homemade chocolates, and herbal products.
Free, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Tava Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of vegetarian dishes including rich South Indian thalis in a cozy environment.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 7: Travel to Madurai

Kodaikanal to Madurai, India on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast before your travel day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive from Kodaikanal to Madurai

Approximate 3 hour drive on a good highway to Madurai, an important cultural and religious center.
INR1500 (car), 3h0m

11:00AM

Check-in and rest

Check into your hotel in Madurai and relax after the drive.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Taste authentic South Indian breakfast and lunch dishes in this well known, budget-friendly eatery.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore one of the most significant Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, marvelous for its architecture. Open till 12:30PM and reopens at 4:00PM to 10:00PM - visit timing arranged accordingly.
INR50, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Thediyur

Local favorite for traditional Tamil meals served on banana leaves, offering authentic flavors.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 8: Sightseeing in Madurai

Madurai, India on April 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast at hotel to start your tour.
Included, 1h0m

9:00AM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Visit this 17th-century palace noted for its impressive architecture and cultural shows. Open 9:00AM–6:00PM.
INR50, 1h30m

10:45AM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Explore exhibits about India's freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi’s life. Open 9:00AM–6:00PM.
INR50, 1h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a variety of South Indian dishes, famous for dosas and sweets.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00PM

Pazhamudircholai

A famous Murugan temple on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery, peaceful for a late afternoon visit. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Kumar Mess

Authentic Madurai non-vegetarian Tamil meals with a rustic ambiance.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 9: Travel to Rameshwaram

Madurai to Rameshwaram, India on April 27, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before heading to Rameshwaram.
Included, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive Madurai to Rameshwaram

Approximately 3.5 hour drive to the sacred island town of Rameshwaram.
INR1800 (car), 3h30m

12:00PM

Check-in and lunch

Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch at the hotel or nearby restaurant.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

One of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its long corridors and architecture. Open till 7:30PM.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00PM

Pamban Bridge Viewing

Watch the famous Pamban Railway Bridge and the sunset views over the sea.
Free, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea Queen

Specializes in fresh seafood dishes, a great end to your day.
INR900, 1h0m

Day 10: Return to Mumbai

Rameshwaram to Mumbai, India on April 28, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for travel back to Mumbai.
Included, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive from Rameshwaram to Madurai Airport

Return drive of approx 3.5 hours to Madurai airport for your flight to Mumbai.
INR1800 (car), 3h30m

12:00PM

Flight Madurai to Mumbai

Take an early afternoon flight back to Mumbai, concluding your South India journey.
INR4000, 2h30m

2:30PM

Arrival in Mumbai

Welcome back to Mumbai, completing your enriching 10-day South India circuit.
N/A, N/A