20-Day Family Road Trip from Kottayam to Itanagar: Scenic Routes, Cultural Delights, and Adventure

Day 1: Kottayam to Coimbatore

Kottayam to Coimbatore, India on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Dhe Puttu

Enjoy authentic Kerala specialty puttu and kadala curry before setting off. Dhe Puttu opens at 7am and offers a great start with local flavours.
INR200, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive from Kottayam to Coimbatore

Embark on approximately 6-hour drive covering around 312 km via NH544, enjoying lush landscapes and glimpses of Tamil Nadu countryside.
Fuel cost approx INR2500, 6h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at Taj Gateway Hotel, Coimbatore

Relax and freshen up at this comfortable hotel located close to the city centre.
INR5000 approx, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Marudamalai Murugan Temple

Explore this famous hillside temple with panoramic views; open until 6pm, perfect for an evening visit.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Shree Anandhaas

Savour delicious South Indian vegetarian thali dishes and filter coffee; open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Coimbatore to Chennai

Coimbatore to Chennai, India on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a hearty South Indian breakfast including dosa and idli.
Included in hotel stay, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Chennai

A longer stretch of approximately 500 km via NH544 and NH79, expect around 8 to 9 hours drive with scenic countryside views.
Fuel cost approx INR3500, 9h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at The Raintree, Chennai

Stay centrally located with excellent amenities, ready to explore next day.
INR6000 approx, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Try freshly made idlis, vadas and chutneys in this iconic Chennai eatery open till late night.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 3: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Famous for authentic Tamil Nadu breakfast items like dosas and pongal, opens early at 6:30am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this iconic Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, open till 12pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Marina Beach Walk

Take a stroll along one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Perfect for family photos and relaxing.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dindigul Thalappakatti

Enjoy famous biryani and other Tamil Nadu dishes, open till 4pm.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Fort St. George Museum

Learn about Chennai’s colonial history at the museum inside Fort St. George; open till 5pm.
INR40, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Flying Elephant

Upscale dining offering multi-cuisine options including Indian and continental; opens from 7pm.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 4: Chennai to Vishakhapatnam

Chennai to Vishakhapatnam, India on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Simple and energising start with South Indian favourites.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Vishakhapatnam

Explore the scenic East Coast Road route, covering approx. 780 km which will be split into two days for comfort.
Fuel approx INR5000, 6h0m

2:00pm

Stopover at Nellore

Rest and enjoy lunch and short sightseeing. Famous for Maqam tomb and local markets.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Continue to Rajahmundry

Drive further 3 hours to Rajahmundry for overnight stay.
Fuel approx INR1500, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Surya

Sample authentic Andhra cuisine with hyderabadi biryani and spicy curries.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 5: Rajahmundry to Vishakhapatnam

Rajahmundry to Vishakhapatnam, India on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Surya

Fuel up for the day with hot dosas and coffee before continuing onward.
INR300, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Vishakhapatnam

A 4-hour drive covering 214 km through coastal Andhra Pradesh with interesting stops.
Fuel approx INR1500, 4h0m

1:00pm

Check-in at The Gateway Hotel Beach Road

Beach-front hotel for ultimate relaxation after travel.
INR6000 approx, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Sri Sairam Parlour

Try local dishes including seafood and Andhra specialities, open till 5pm.
INR600, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Kailasagiri Hill Park

Enjoy panoramic coastal views with cable car rides and gardens; park open until 7pm.
INR100 per person, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dakshin

Upscale restaurant specialising in South Indian cuisine, open until 10pm.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 6: Vishakhapatnam to Bhubaneswar

Vishakhapatnam to Bhubaneswar, India on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast including idli and coffee before a long drive.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Bhubaneswar

Cover 445 km approx. This will be broken into two days with a stopover at Visakhapatnam to ensure safe family travel.
Fuel approx INR4000, 6h0m

2:00pm

Stopover at Srikakulam

Quick sightseeing of Arasavalli Sun Temple, known for its ancient architecture; open 6am-8pm.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Check-in at Hotel in Srikakulam

Rest at a comfortable local hotel for the night.
INR3500 approx, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Srikakulam local restaurant

Enjoy traditional Odia dishes reflective of the region’s culture.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 7: Srikakulam to Bhubaneswar

Srikakulam to Bhubaneswar, India on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Simple Indian breakfast to prepare for the day's drive.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Bhubaneswar

A 266 km drive taking approximately 5 hours through scenic Eastern Ghats landscapes.
Fuel approx INR2500, 5h0m

2:00pm

Check-in at Mayfair Lagoon

Well-appointed hotel with excellent family facilities.
INR7000 approx, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Lingaraj Temple

Explore this stunning 11th-century temple dedicated to Shiva, open till 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Dalma Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Odia cuisine with vegetarian and meat options; open till 10pm.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 8: Exploring Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, India on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a delicious buffet including local fruits and Indian breakfast items.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

Discover ancient Jain rock-cut caves dated to 2nd century BC; open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Truptee Restaurant

Sample best of Orissa cuisine including prawn curry and dalma; open till 3pm.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Odisha State Museum

Explore rich history and culture exhibitions, open till 5pm.
INR40, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mayfair Lagoon

Dine at the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant offering Indian and continental dishes.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 9: Bhubaneswar to Siliguri

Bhubaneswar to Siliguri, India on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Nourishing breakfast to prepare for a long travel day ahead.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Siliguri

A long drive of approximately 1,300 km; will be split into segments across three days with strategic stops for family comfort.
Fuel approx INR12000, 8h0m

4:00pm

Stopover at Malda

Explore historic Gour ruins and indulge in famous Malda mangoes; accommodation for overnight stay.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Malda

Offers local Bengali and Indian cuisine, open till 9pm.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 10: Malda to Siliguri

Malda to Siliguri, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Simple and healthy breakfast to start travel day.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Siliguri

Continue northeast covering around 350 km, passing through panoramic vistas of North Bengal.
Fuel approx INR4000, 7h0m

2:30pm

Check-in at The Elgin Silver Oaks

Comfortable family hotel with hillside views and amenities.
INR5500 approx, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Salugara Monastery

Explore the large Buddhist monastery with beautiful architecture; open till 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Blue Poppy Restaurant

Enjoy Tibetan and North Eastern cuisine in a family-friendly environment; open till 10pm.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 11: Siliguri to Guwahati

Siliguri to Guwahati, India on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast including eggs and toast.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Guwahati

The 330 km drive via NH27 through Assam's scenic rivers and hills.
Fuel approx INR3500, 7h0m

3:30pm

Check-in at Radisson Blu Guwahati

Modern hotel with excellent facilities ideal for families.
INR7000 approx, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Kamakhya Temple

A revered hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, open till 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Paradise Restaurant

Try Assamese specialities including fish tenga and pitha; open till 10pm.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 12: Exploring Guwahati

Guwahati, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Include local favourites like jolpan and tea.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Assam State Museum

Explore Assam’s rich cultural heritage, open 9:30am to 4:30pm.
INR20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Boat Ride on Brahmaputra River

Relaxing cruise with views of river life and hills, operated till late afternoon.
INR300 per person, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Moonlight Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Assamese cuisine including bamboo shoot curry; open till 5pm.
INR700, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Umananda Island

Small island temple on Brahmaputra, accessible by ferry; ferry operates till sunset.
INR50 ferry, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Pavilion

Relaxed dining offering Indian and continental food; open till 10pm.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 13: Guwahati to Itanagar

Guwahati to Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early start breakfast to prepare for mountainous drive.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Itanagar

A 270 km drive approx 7-8 hours into Arunachal Pradesh, through beautiful hills and valleys; plenty of photo stops recommended.
Fuel approx INR3000, 8h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok

Luxury stay blending local culture and modern comforts in Itanagar.
INR7000 approx, 1h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Hotel or explore local market

Light evening walk exploring local crafts and food stalls before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy local Arunachali cuisine with family-friendly options.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 14: Exploring Itanagar

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with fresh local fruits and Indian breakfast staples.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ita Fort

Explore the historic fort renowned for its architectural significance, open daily till 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum

Discover rich tribal culture and artefacts of Arunachal Pradesh, open till 4pm.
INR30, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Sample local dishes like Apong (rice beer) and smoked meat specialties.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Ganga Lake (Gyakar Sinyi)

Relax by this scenic lake just outside the city, ideal for family picnics and photos.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Namdapha Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion of local and Indian food with beautiful views.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 15: Itanagar Cultural Tour

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast with fresh juices to energise for cultural exploration.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Day trip to Ziro Valley

Explore the picturesque valley known for its Apatani tribal culture, about 3 hours one way; start early to make the most of the day.
Fuel approx INR1500, 8h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ziro

Enjoy local Apatani cuisine at a community-run eatery.
INR600, 1h0m

6:30pm

Return to Itanagar

Drive back after a full cultural day discovering indigenous villages and crafts.
Included in earlier fuel cost, 2h30m

9:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Rest after long day with comforting Indian dishes at hotel restaurant.
INR1000, 1h0m

Day 16: Relaxing Itanagar Day

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with family-friendly menu.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit State Central Library

A quiet place to learn about regional literature and culture, open till 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore local handicraft shops

Buy souvenirs and admire handicrafts of Arunachal tribes.
Free to browse, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local eatery

Taste fresh river fish and local vegetable dishes.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Polo Park

Family-friendly park ideal for leisurely walks and relaxation.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mid Town Restaurant

Relaxed ambience with good variety of Indian and continental dishes.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 17: Itanagar to Bomdila

Itanagar to Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast as the drive to Bomdila takes around 5 hours through hilly terrain.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Bomdila

A scenic 150 km journey ascending through hills enriched with tribal cultures.
Fuel approx INR2000, 5h0m

1:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Pemaling

Comfortable stay with traditional local decor and terraces with views.
INR4500 approx, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Pemaling Restaurant

Sample Nyishi tribal dishes and hearty Indian meals.
INR600, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Bomdila Monastery

Explore the peaceful Buddhist monastery with stunning mountain views; open till 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Eatery

Taste more local delicacies in a laid-back setting.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 18: Bomdila to Itanagar

Bomdila to Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before returning.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive back to Itanagar

Return trip with opportunities to stop and admire the landscape.
Fuel approx INR2000, 5h0m

3:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax after journey and prepare for onward plans.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Light dinner with family favourites before trip conclusion.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 19: Last Day Local Exploration

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast enjoying local and continental options.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Local Markets

Explore Itanagar's markets for handicrafts and fresh produce.
Free to browse, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Cafe

Try fusion dishes reflecting local and Indian flavours.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Hotel or nearby park

Prepare for onward travels or rest before departure.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Hotel

Celebrate an amazing road trip with a special dinner.
INR1500, 2h0m

Day 20: Departure Day

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before check-out.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Prepare for departure

Complete packing and arrange transport for onward journey.
Free, 1h0m