10-Day South India Road Trip: Tamil Nadu & Kerala Cultural and Nature Tour

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with authentic South Indian breakfast delicacies such as idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this famous vegetarian restaurant.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this 7th-century Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva known for its stunning architecture and spiritual vibe. Open from 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 8:30pm.
INR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Fort St. George Museum

Discover Chennai’s colonial history at this fort established by the British East India Company in 1644. Museum is open from 9am to 5pm.
INR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Marina

Enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views; try the prawn curry or fish fry specialties. Located near Marina Beach.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Marina Beach

Visit India’s second longest urban beach to enjoy sunset views and local snacks like sundal and murukku.
INR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Peshawri

Savor rich North Indian kebabs and tandoori dishes in an award-winning restaurant known for a cozy ambiance.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 2: Pondicherry Culture

Pondicherry, India on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Pondicherry

Start early for the 3-hour scenic drive south from Chennai to Pondicherry, famous for its French colonial charm.
INR0, 3h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Enjoy French-inspired breakfast with croissants, omelets, and coffee in this quaint café known for its charming ambiance.
INR400, 1h0m

11:15am

Explore French Quarter

Take a walking tour of the colorful colonial buildings, quaint streets, and boutique shops in the French Quarter.
INR0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Lunch at this elegant heritage hotel serving fusion Indian and French cuisine.
INR800, 1h0m

2:45pm

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Meditate and stroll through the peaceful ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo, open till 5pm.
INR0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Promenade Beach Walk

Relax by the seaside promenade watching fishermen and street performers at sunset.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Dine on traditional Tamil and French-inspired dishes in a stylish colonial villa setting.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 3: Thanjavur Temples

Thanjavur, India on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Thanjavur

Early morning 3.5-hour drive to the historic city known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu and home to great temples.
INR0, 3h30m

10:45am

Breakfast at local eatery

Try traditional Tamil breakfast like pongal and vada at a local spot near the temple zone.
INR150, 45m

11:30am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage site, a grand 11th-century Chola dynasty temple with intricate carvings and massive gopurams. Open 6am-12pm, 4pm-8:30pm.
INR40, 2h0m

1:45pm

Lunch at Sree Ariyaas

Enjoy authentic Tamil vegetarian cuisine with a thali platter for a wholesome experience.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

Explore the palace complex housing sculptures, paintings, and relics from the Chola period (open 9am-5pm).
INR60, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening stroll at King’s Garden

Relax in gardens adjacent to the palace for a peaceful end to your day.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Sangam

Try regional specialties including sambar rice and chicken Chettinad in a welcoming environment.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 4: Madurai Temples

Madurai, India on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Madurai

Morning 3-hour drive to the temple city famous for its vibrant markets and historic temples.
INR0, 3h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Amma Mess

Relish classic South Indian breakfast like idli, sambhar, and filter coffee at this local favorite.
INR200, 1h0m

11:15am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Spend ample time touring this sprawling Dravidian temple complex known for stunning sculptures and centuries-old traditions (open 5am-12pm, 4pm-9pm).
INR50, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy soft idlis and spicy chutneys at this popular local chain.
INR250, 1h0m

3:45pm

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi and Indian independence at this well-curated museum (open 9am-5pm).
INR40, 1h30m

5:30pm

Evening walk at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Relax at this sacred temple tank with beautifully lit surroundings during sunset.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Gateway Hotel

Dine in style with traditional Tamil and continental dishes in an upscale setting.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 5: Munnar Tea Gardens

Munnar, India on April 25, 2025

6:00am

Drive to Munnar

Early start for the 6-hour scenic drive into the Western Ghats hill station, famous for tea plantations and cool climate.
INR0, 6h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy local Kerala-style meals and snacks to recharge after the drive.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Tour the Tata Tea plantation museum showcasing tea processing and history (open 9am-5pm).
INR50, 1h0m

2:45pm

Eravikulam National Park

Explore this park famous for Nilgiri Tahr and scenic hills (open 8:30am-5pm).
INR150, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Photo Point

Visit a popular viewpoint with panoramic views of tea gardens and mountains.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan Munnar

Sample delicious vegetarian South Indian thalis and dosas for dinner.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 6: Thekkady Wildlife

Thekkady, India on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Thekkady

Short 3-hour drive to Thekkady, gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations.
INR0, 3h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Athidhi

Enjoy Kerala-style breakfast dishes such as appam with stew in a cozy vegetarian restaurant.
INR300, 1h0m

11:45am

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Take a 1.5-hour boat tour on Periyar Lake to view elephants, deer, and birds in their natural habitat (open 7am-5pm).
INR250, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Elephant Court Restaurant

Dine on fresh Kerala cuisine in a comfortable hotel restaurant.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Spice Plantation Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of nearby spice gardens showcasing cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and more.
INR150, 2h0m

6:00pm

Kathakali or Kalaripayattu Show

Watch a traditional Kerala dance/drama or martial arts performance usually starting around 6:30pm.
INR250, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at FatTiger Restaurant

Casual dining with seafood and vegetarian options popular among travelers.
INR550, 1h0m
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Day 7: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Alleppey

4-hour drive to the backwater town famous for houseboat cruises and relaxing scenery.
INR0, 4h0m

11:30am

Check into Houseboat

Board your traditional Kerala houseboat for an overnight cruise through the tranquil backwaters.
INR3500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on houseboat

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine featuring rice, fish curry, and tropical fruits while cruising.
Included, 1h0m

Afternoon

Houseboat cruise

Relax as you pass lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and small villages absorbing the peaceful atmosphere.
Included, 4h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on houseboat

Freshly cooked dinner served aboard the boat with local Kerala flavors and seafood options.
Included, 1h0m
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Day 8: Explore Kochi

Kochi, India on April 28, 2025

9:00am

Disembark and drive to Kochi

Short 1.5-hour drive to Kochi, a blend of historic forts, spice markets, and art galleries.
INR0, 1h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Enjoy a trendy café atmosphere with fresh pastries and coffee in the artistic Jew Town area.
INR450, 1h0m

11:45am

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Explore the Dutch Palace and its beautiful murals, open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fort House Restaurant

Seafood specialties with harbor views, offering Kerala fish curry and prawn fry.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Jewish Synagogue and spice markets

Walk through the narrow lanes visiting the historic synagogue (open 10am-5pm) and colorful spice bazaars.
INR15, 1h30m

4:30pm

Chinese Fishing Nets

Watch the iconic fishing nets in operation and enjoy sunset views at the waterfront.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ginger House

Refined dining with traditional Kerala and global flavors in a heritage setting.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 9: Varkala Beach

Varkala, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Varkala

4-hour coastal drive from Kochi to Varkala, known for its scenic cliffs and clean beaches.
INR0, 4h0m

12:00pm

Breakfast at Café del Mar

Enjoy continental and Indian breakfast options with ocean views atop the cliffside promenade.
INR450, 1h0m

1:15pm

Relax on Varkala Beach

Swim or sunbathe at the clean beach below the cliffs known for safe swimming and beach shacks.
INR0, 3h0m

4:30pm

Visit Janardhana Swami Temple

Explore the ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu with intricate architecture (open till 7pm).
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Chocolate Room

Enjoy a cozy café ambience with a great menu of desserts, fusion dishes, and coffee.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Trivandrum, India on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Trivandrum Airport

Short 1.5-hour drive for your departure, concluding your South India road trip.
INR0, 1h30m
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