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

Viewed by 371 travelers

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

12:00pm

Lunch at The Solar Kitchen, Auroville

Enjoy organic and vegetarian meals sourced locally, open until 2pm.
INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Paradise Beach Visit

Return to Pondicherry and take a ferry or drive to Paradise Beach, known for its serene environment and sandy shores. Accessible approx 9am to 5pm.
INR100, 2h

4:00pm

Explore French Colony

Stroll through the charming French colonial streets, checking out colonial architecture, boutiques, and cafes.
INR0, 2h

6:30pm

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Spend a peaceful evening at the spiritual ashram. Open until 7pm.
INR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Sample fusion cuisine combining French and Indian flavors in a cozy setting.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 9: Pondicherry to Bangalore

Pondicherry to Bangalore, India on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel preparing for the drive to Bangalore.
INR300, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Pondicherry to Bangalore

Approx 310 km with a driving time of 6-7 hours via NH77 and NH48.
INR0, 6h30m

3:00pm

Check-in at Bangalore Hotel

Check-in and relax after the drive.
INR3500, Rest

5:00pm

Evening at Cubbon Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the lush Cubbon Park, open till evening.
INR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at MTR Bangalore

Try the legendary Karnataka meals at Mavalli Tiffin Rooms in Bangalore city center.
INR500, 1h
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Day 10: Bangalore to Kolhapur

Bangalore to Kolhapur, India on May 11, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast and start to cover a long distance to Kolhapur.
INR300, 1h

7:00am

Drive from Bangalore to Kolhapur

Approx 570 km, estimated 9-10 hours drive via NH48 and NH66.
INR0, 9h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Kolhapur Hotel

Rest at hotel after the long drive.
INR2500, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Restaurant

Enjoy Kolhapuri cuisine famous for its spicy dishes like tambada rassa and pandhra rassa.
INR400, 1h
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Day 11: Kolhapur to Mumbai

Kolhapur to Mumbai, India on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast before the final leg of your road trip.
INR300, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Kolhapur to Mumbai

Approximately 380 km with approximately 7-8 hours of driving time via NH48.
INR0, 7h30m

3:30pm

Arrive Mumbai

Conclude the road trip as you reach back to Mumbai by afternoon.
INR0, Trip End
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0
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your I want to plan road trip. Mumbai → Pune → Davanagere → Madurai → Rameshwaram → Pondicherry → Bangalore → Kolhapur → Mumbai. The start date will be 2nd May 19:00 Hr. and End date will be 11th May. I need to take 1 full day stop at Madurai. I want to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi Beach and Arichal in Rameshwaram. and Then I want to explore Pondicherry for 1 full day, Auroville, Paradise beach, French Colony, shri Aurobindo Ashram. Please suggest day to day Itinerary, distance, stops, tentative time to reach at each place. Trip

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