Optimized South India Road Trip: Secunderabad to Rameswaram via Chennai and Madurai

Day 1: Travel and Explore Chennai

Secunderabad to Chennai, India on April 18, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Shri Lagan Restaurant

Enjoy delicious traditional South Indian breakfast staples like masala dosa or upma, available from 6am, to start your day energized.
INR150, 1h0m

7:30am

Drive Secunderabad to Chennai

Embark on an approximately 630 km drive heading southeast, passing through Andhra Pradesh and entering Tamil Nadu, expect around 10-11 hours of travel.
N/A, 11h0m

6:30pm

Check-in at The Residency Towers

Arrive and settle into this centrally located upscale hotel that provides convenience for city exploration.
INR4000, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Southern Spice

Dine on a variety of traditional Tamil Nadu dishes in an elegant restaurant, open until 10:30pm.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 2: Chennai Sightseeing

Chennai, India on April 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Taste some of the best dosas and filter coffee at this iconic Chennai vegetarian restaurant, open from 7am.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the beautiful 7th-century Dravidian style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, open from 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Tour Fort St. George

Discover the historic fort that marked the start of British rule in India, with a museum open from 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Marina Restaurant

Relish fresh seafood and coastal specialties near Marina Beach, open from 12pm to 3pm.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax at Marina Beach

Enjoy a scenic stroll or relax along one of the longest urban beaches in India, accessible all day.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive Chennai to Madurai

Begin a 460 km drive southward with an estimated driving time of 7-8 hours across Tamil Nadu’s interior.
N/A, 8h0m

10:30pm

Overnight stay at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Check into the hotel and rest after the long drive.
INR3500, N/A

Day 3: Madurai and Rameswaram Journey

Madurai to Rameswaram, India on April 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with soft idlis and spicy chutneys at this well-known establishment, open from 6am.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Tour the magnificent temple complex, noted for its elaborate gopurams and rich history, open from 5am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm.
Free, 2h0m

10:30am

Drive Madurai to Rameswaram

Travel approximately 170 km crossing Pamban Bridge, the journey takes about 4 hours through coastal and rural landscapes.
N/A, 4h0m

2:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Royal Park

Settle into this conveniently located hotel providing easy access to main attractions within Rameswaram.
INR2000, N/A

3:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Rameswaram Restaurant

Enjoy flavorful Tamil cuisine and fresh seafood in this highly rated hotel restaurant, open until 3:30pm.
INR350, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the temple renowned for its long corridors and sacred water tanks, open until 6pm with magnificent evening ambiance.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Evening at Dhanushkodi Beach

Relax and witness a beautiful sunset at this serene and scenic location at the tip of Rameswaram Island.
Free, 1h0m

7:45pm

Dinner at Hotel Aryaas

Indulge in traditional vegetarian South Indian fare in a friendly atmosphere to end your day on a delicious note.
INR300, 1h0m