South and West India Road Trip: Mumbai to Madurai, Rameshwaram, Pondicherry, and Back to Mumbai via Pune and Kolhapur

Day 1: Mumbai to Pune

Mumbai to Pune, India on May 2, 2025

7:00pm

Start Road Trip from Mumbai

Start the road trip from Mumbai in the evening to avoid traffic and get a head start towards Pune. The distance is approximately 150 km and usually takes about 3-4 hours.

INR0, 3h30m

10:30pm

Check-in at Pune Hotel

Check into a hotel in Pune for an overnight stay and rest for the next day’s journey.

INR2000, Rest

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Day 2: Pune to Davanagere

Pune to Davanagere, India on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vohuman Café, Pune

Enjoy a classic Irani breakfast with bun maska and chai at Vohuman Café before starting the long journey to Davanagere.

INR200, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Pune to Davanagere

The drive covers approx 530 km taking about 9-10 hours. Plan for rest stops for snacks and refueling.

INR0, 9h30m

6:00pm

Reach Davanagere and Check-in

Check into your hotel in Davanagere and relax after the long drive.

INR1500, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Have dinner at your hotel or nearby local restaurant to try Davanagere benne dose if possible.

INR300, 1h

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Day 3: Davanagere to Madurai

Davanagere to Madurai, India on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a good breakfast before heading out for the long drive to Madurai.

INR250, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Davanagere to Madurai

Covering around 600 km, this drive will take approximately 10-11 hours. Departure early in the morning advised to reach before night.

INR0, 10h30m

6:30pm

Arrive Madurai and Check-in

Check into a hotel and freshen up ahead of the next day’s full exploration of Madurai.

INR2500, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy authentic South Indian dinner with simple fare like idli, dosa and filter coffee at this popular spot in Madurai.

INR300, 1h

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Day 4: Full Day Madurai

Madurai, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before exploring the city.

INR250, 1h

9:00am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this iconic temple known for its stunning Dravidian architecture and rich cultural heritage. Open from 6:00am to 12:30pm and 4:00pm to 10:00pm.

INR50, 2h

11:30am

Pudhu Mandapam

Visit this historic pillared hall near the temple showcasing exquisite sculptures and handicrafts.

INR20, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Try more South Indian delicacies at this famous local restaurant.

INR300, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Gandhi Museum

Discover the history of India’s freedom struggle at this museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

INR25, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at the hotel or explore local markets

Rest or shop for souvenirs in local bazaars like the Puthu Mandapam market.

INR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Amma Mess, Madurai

Enjoy traditional Tamil Nadu meals with local spices and flavors.

INR350, 1h

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Day 5: Madurai to Rameshwaram

Madurai to Rameshwaram, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for a short morning drive with a wholesome breakfast at your accommodation.

INR250, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Madurai to Rameshwaram

Approximately 170 km, the drive takes about 3.5-4 hours through scenic roads.

INR0, 4h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch in Rameshwaram

Check into the hotel and enjoy lunch with fresh seafood or local Tamil cuisine.

INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this famous Hindu temple known for its longest temple corridors and magnificent architecture. Open from 5:30am to 1:00pm and 3:30pm to 9:00pm.

INR0, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Dhanushkodi Beach

Drive 20 km to the ghost town and explore the tranquil coastal beach known for its natural beauty and history. Open throughout the day; best visited in late afternoon.

INR0, 2h

6:30pm

Return to Rameshwaram, Dinner

Enjoy local specialties like meen kozhi curry or parotta at a local restaurant or the hotel.

INR350, 1h

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Day 6: Rameshwaram Full Day

Rameshwaram, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a healthy breakfast to prepare for local sightseeing.

INR250, 1h

9:00am

Visit Arichal Munai

Explore this famous natural site on the island with scenic views and rock formations. It’s a peaceful morning spot, best early to avoid afternoon heat.

INR0, 2h

11:30am

Relax and Lunch

Return to town and enjoy lunch at a local Tamil restaurant offering authentic dishes.

INR300, 1h

1:00pm

Free time or explore local markets

Leisure time for shopping or relaxing by the beach.

INR0, 3h

4:30pm

Evening Walk at Rameshwaram Beach

Enjoy a calm evening walk on the beach with beautiful sunset views.

INR0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Have dinner and rest for the next day’s longer drive to Pondicherry.

INR350, 1h

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Day 7: Rameshwaram to Pondicherry

Rameshwaram to Pondicherry, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Quick, filling breakfast to fuel the long drive ahead.

INR250, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Rameshwaram to Pondicherry

Around 300 km taking approximately 7-8 hours via NH32, enjoy scenic route along the coast.

INR0, 7h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at Pondicherry Hotel

Relax and refresh after reaching Pondicherry.

INR3000, Rest

5:00pm

Evening Walk at Promenade Beach

Stroll along the scenic Promenade Beach and unwind to the coastal breeze.

INR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Enjoy French-inspired cuisine in the heart of Pondicherry’s French Quarter, open until 10:30pm.

INR1500, 1h30m

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Day 8: Full Day Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Start with a European-style breakfast in the French Quarter, open from 8am.

INR600, 1h

8:30am

Visit Auroville

Drive 12 km to Auroville, the universal township focused on human unity and sustainable living. Spend the morning visiting the Matrimandir and exploring.

INR0, 3h