Scenic 7-Day Road Trip from Thondi to Goa Exploring India's Coastal Charm

Day 1: Thondi to Rameswaram

Thondi, India to Rameswaram, India on April 21, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at local eatery in Thondi

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli and dosa at a popular local restaurant, fueling up for the day's travel.
INR100, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive to Madurai

Embark on a scenic 1h30m drive to Madurai, a city famous for its historic Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Fuel cost approx INR400, 1h30m

10:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore one of Tamil Nadu’s most stunning temples renowned for its towering gopurams and intricate sculptures. Open 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Free entry, 1h30m

11:30AM

Drive Madurai to Rameswaram

Continue your journey with a 3-hour drive to the sacred island town of Rameswaram.
Fuel cost approx INR600, 3h0m

2:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Royal Park, Rameswaram

Enjoy fresh coastal cuisine including succulent seafood dishes at this popular hotel restaurant, open 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
INR700, 1h0m

3:30PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Visit this iconic temple known for its longest corridor among Hindu temples, a must-see for cultural and spiritual insight. Open 5:45 AM - 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Free entry, 1h30m

5:00PM

Evening walk on Rameswaram Beach

Relax with a peaceful stroll along the beautiful Rameswaram beach at sunset, ideal for photography and relaxation.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Pearl Residency

Dine on authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine in a comfortable setting before resting for the night.
INR600, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Rameswaram to Kanyakumari

Rameswaram, India to Kanyakumari, India on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast featuring South Indian staples to prepare for the long day ahead.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive Rameswaram to Tuticorin

Begin your 3.5-hour journey driving north to Tuticorin, a coastal city known for its port.
Fuel cost approx INR700, 3h30m

11:30AM

Stop for lunch at Sri Balaji Restaurant, Tuticorin

Savor delicious coastal Tamil cuisine with fresh seafood specials, open 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
INR600, 1h0m

12:30PM

Drive Tuticorin to Kanyakumari

Continue your drive west for approximately 3 hours to Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India.
Fuel cost approx INR600, 3h0m

3:30PM

Visit Kanyakumari Beach and Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Explore the unique confluence of three seas and take a ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial for panoramic views. Ferry runs until 5:00 PM.
Ferry approx INR100, 2h0m

5:30PM

Sunset at the Gandhi Memorial

Watch the spectacular sunset at this serene spot dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sangam

Relish traditional Kerala and Tamil Nadu dishes in a comfortable riverside setting.
INR700, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Kanyakumari to Trivandrum

Kanyakumari, India to Thiruvananthapuram, India on April 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with tropical fruits and Kerala-style dishes.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive to Thiruvananthapuram

Travel along the scenic 1.5-hour coastal route to Kerala's capital city, Trivandrum.
Fuel cost approx INR400, 1h30m

10:00AM

Visit Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore this architecturally stunning temple famous for its intricate carvings. Open 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Free entry (Modest dress required), 1h0m

11:00AM

Napier Museum and Zoo

Visit the unique museum and nearby zoological garden to enjoy Kerala’s art, culture, and biodiversity.
INR40, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Villa Maya

Dine in a heritage mansion offering a fusion of Kerala and international cuisine, open 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM.
INR1200, 1h0m

2:30PM

Relax at Shanghumukham Beach

Unwind on this tranquil beach known for its beautiful sunsets and the giant statue of a reclining bull.
Free, 2h0m

5:00PM

Explore Chalai Market

Stroll through the bustling market for spices, souvenirs, and local snacks.
Free to browse, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Zest Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with a variety of Indian and continental dishes.
INR800, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Trivandrum to Alleppey

Thiruvananthapuram, India to Alleppey, India on April 24, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with fresh tropical fruit, dosa, and chai.
INR250, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive to Alleppey

Embark on a 3-hour drive north to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters and houseboats.
Fuel cost approx INR700, 3h0m

11:00AM

Check-in and relax at backwater houseboat

Enjoy a serene cruise through Kerala’s iconic backwaters on a houseboat, taking in lush landscapes and traditional village life.
INR3500, 3h0m

2:00PM

Lunch onboard houseboat

Feast on freshly prepared Kerala-style cuisine while drifting through the backwaters.
Included in houseboat cost, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit Alleppey Beach

Relax at the sandy shores of Alleppey Beach and visit the nearby lighthouse.
INR20, 1h0m

5:00PM

Explore local markets

Browse local crafts, coir products, and spices at the town's vibrant markets.
Free to browse, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Thaff Restaurant

Savor authentic Kerala seafood dishes like prawn curry and fish fry.
INR600, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Alleppey to Cochin

Alleppey, India to Kochi, India on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel/houseboat

Enjoy a Kerala breakfast with appam and vegetable stew.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive to Kochi

Take a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Kochi, a bustling port city with colonial heritage.
Fuel approx INR400, 1h30m

9:30AM

Visit Fort Kochi

Explore the historical area with Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and Chinese fishing nets. Most sites open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Entry fees INR20-50, 3h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy light contemporary dishes and excellent coffee in an artsy cafe popular with locals and tourists.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30PM

Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue

Visit the historic Jewish area with vibrant spice markets and the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays.
INR75, 1h30m

3:00PM

Relax at Marine Drive

Stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy views of the harbor and sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Malabar Junction

Taste authentic Kerala cuisine with a modern twist in this elegant restaurant.
INR900, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cochin to Mangalore

Kochi, India to Mangalore, India on April 26, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have an energizing breakfast with South Indian filter coffee and uttapam.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive to Mangalore

Embark on a long 6-hour drive north into Karnataka’s coastal city, Mangalore.
Fuel approx INR1200, 6h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Giri Manjas

Enjoy Mangalorean seafood specialties and traditional dishes in this well-regarded restaurant.
INR700, 1h0m

3:30PM

Visit Kadri Manjunath Temple

Explore this beautiful 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, surrounded by lush greenery.
Free, 1h0m

5:00PM

Relax at Panambur Beach

Unwind at one of Mangalore’s most popular beaches known for its clean sands and facilities.
Free, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Machali

Treat yourself to authentic Mangalorean fish dishes and coastal flavors.
INR800, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Mangalore to Goa

Mangalore, India to Goa, India on April 27, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast with local delicacies and fresh juice.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive Mangalore to Goa

Conclude your road trip with a 5-hour journey north along the coast to the vibrant state of Goa.
Fuel approx INR1000, 5h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Vinayak Family Restaurant, Calangute

Relish Goan cuisine with traditional fish curry and rice in this popular local spot.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Calangute Beach

Enjoy the lively atmosphere, water sports, and stunning views at one of Goa’s busiest beaches.
Free, 2h0m

5:00PM

Explore Old Goa churches

Visit UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral to admire stunning baroque architecture. Open 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
INR50, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf

Celebrate the end of your journey with fresh seafood and Goan wines in a lively riverside setting.
INR1200, 1h30m
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