7-Day South India Cultural and Coastal Tour: Bangalore to Pondicherry, Madurai, and Rameswaram

Day 1: Travel to Pondicherry

Bangalore to Pondicherry, India on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Departure from Bangalore

Start early morning from Bangalore to Pondicherry by car or bus to avoid traffic and make the most of the day.
INR2000, 6h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Enjoy a delicious southern French and Tamil fusion meal at Villa Shanti, a charming restaurant in Pondicherry open 12pm-11pm.
INR800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Promenade Beach

Walk along the scenic Promenade Beach, a serene place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the spiritual and historical ashram that embodies the teachings of Sri Aurobindo, open until 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Savour a blend of French and Indian cuisine in an elegant colonial setting, perfect to end your first day.
INR1200, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and light French pastries in the artsy Café des Arts, open from 7am.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Auroville

Visit the experimental township of Auroville, explore Matrimandir (book in advance) and learn about its unique philosophy, open 9am-5pm.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Surguru

Relish authentic Tamil vegetarian dishes at Surguru, known for its flavorful dosas and thalis, open from 11am-10pm.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore French Quarter

Take a leisurely walk through the French Quarter's colourful colonial architecture, boutiques, and cafes.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Botanical Garden

Stroll in the tranquil Botanical Garden of Pondicherry featuring exotic plants and a musical fountain (shows at 6:30pm), open 9am-7pm.
INR20, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Xtasi

Enjoy delicious pizzas and continental dishes at this popular café open until 11pm.
INR700, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Madurai

Pondicherry to Madurai, India on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Start your day with French bakery delights and coffee at Baker Street, open from 7am.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive from Pondicherry to Madurai

Take a 6-hour scenic drive south to Madurai, planning stops for refreshments along the way.
INR2500, 6h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and rest

Check into your hotel in Madurai and relax after your journey.
2h0m

6:00pm

Evening visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple

Experience the stunning architecture and spiritual vibe of the Meenakshi Temple, open until 8:30pm in the evening.
INR50, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Savour South Indian staples like idlis and dosa at this famous eatery open late.
INR250, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Madurai

Madurai, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast of pongal and filter coffee, open from 7am.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the majestic 17th-century palace known for its Dravidian architecture, open 9am-6pm.
INR100, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about India’s freedom struggle and see rare photographs and artifacts, open 9am-5pm.
INR75, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Konar Mess

Taste traditional Chettinad cuisine with authentic spices and flavours, open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Visit the huge temple tank, ideal for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Shop at Madurai markets

Explore local markets for textiles, handicrafts, and spices.
Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Dine on refined Indian and international dishes with a view of the city, open till 10pm.
INR1500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Rameswaram

Madurai to Rameswaram, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Madurai to Rameswaram

Travel approximately 3.5 hours to Rameswaram, crossing the scenic Pamban Bridge.
INR1500, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at hotel

Relax and enjoy lunch at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the magnificent temple famous for its long corridors and sacred significance, open 5am-12pm and 5pm-9:30pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk on Pamban Bridge

Take a leisurely walk or drive on the historic Pamban Bridge with stunning ocean views.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Royal Park

Enjoy traditional Tamil cuisine in a comfortable setting near the temple.
INR800, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Dhanushkodi Beach

Explore the serene and picturesque ghost town beach at the tip of the island, free entry, accessible all day.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Kothandaramaswamy Temple

Visit this peaceful temple with beautiful surroundings dating back to the Ramayana era.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Sri Ram Residency

Taste fresh seafood and local Tamil dishes, open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Agni Theertham

Visit this sacred bathing spot on the beach, associated with spiritual cleansing.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Museum

Discover marine biodiversity and fishing culture of the region, open 10am-5pm.
INR40, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Taj Garden Retreat

Dine on a variety of Indian and continental dishes in a tranquil garden setting.
INR1200, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Departure or local sightseeing

Rameswaram, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at your hotel before onward travel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Optional local sightseeing

Visit any missed local spots or relax at your hotel before departure. Consider visiting the Rameswaram market for last-minute souvenirs.
Varies, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Sample local Tamil delicacies nearby before leaving.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Departure preparations

Prepare for onward journey either back to Bangalore or next destination.
View Hotel Availability