South India Cultural and Coastal Exploration: Chennai to Coimbatore, Tuticorin, and Rameshwaram - 8 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Chennai, India on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this iconic Chennai restaurant, open from 7am to 10:30pm.
INR300, 1h

10:00am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this beautiful Dravidian style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its colorful gopuram and intricate carvings, open from 6am to 12pm and 4:30pm to 9pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Taste authentic Chennai biryanis and other local delicacies at one of the city's oldest restaurants, open 11am to 11pm.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Coimbatore

Board an afternoon train or take a private cab for the approximately 7-hour journey west to Coimbatore, arriving by late evening.
INR600-1500, 7h

9:30pm

Dinner at Annapoorna Gowrishankar

Have a quick South Indian meal with dosa and curries to end the day's travel, open until 11:30pm.
INR350, 1h
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Day 2: Coimbatore Sights

Coimbatore, India on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a traditional South Indian breakfast at your hotel or nearby café.
INR250, 1h

9:00am

Visit Marudamalai Temple

A scenic hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering spiritual ambience and beautiful views, open 5am to 9pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shree Anandhaas

Enjoy crispy dosas and flavorful vadas at this popular Coimbatore eatery, open 8am to 11pm.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Explore VOC Park and Zoo

Relax at this green urban park and visit the small zoological park, open from 8am to 7pm.
INR20, 2h

4:00pm

Shopping at Brookefields Mall

Shop for local textiles and handicrafts along with national brands in this modern mall.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sree Annapoorna Sree Gowrishankar

Feast on traditional Tamil vegetarian cuisine in a relaxed setting.
INR450, 1h
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Day 3: Travel to Tuticorin

Coimbatore to Tuticorin, India on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Have a quick South Indian breakfast before departing early for Tuticorin by train or cab, approximately 7-8 hours travel time.
INR300, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Tuticorin

Journey through scenic Tamil Nadu countryside towards the port city of Tuticorin (Thoothukudi).
INR700-1600, 7-8h

4:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your hotel in Tuticorin and relax after the day's travel.
Hotel dependent, 1h30m

6:00pm

Visit Tuticorin Beach

Enjoy the serene evening at the beach known for its calm and clean waters.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Beacon

Sample fresh seafood specialties and traditional Tamil meals, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h
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Day 4: Tuticorin Cultural Tour

Tuticorin, India on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty South Indian vegetarian or non-vegetarian breakfast.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Our Lady of Snows Basilica

Explore this historic church built in the Portuguese style, a major pilgrimage site, open 7am to 7pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore Tuticorin Port area

Get a view of one of India’s busiest ports and learn about its shipping and pearl trade history.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Abi’s Rani Mahal

Relish flavorful South Indian and multi-cuisine dishes, open 11:30am to 10pm.
INR500, 1h

3:00pm

Tharuvaikulam Marine National Park Visit

Explore the coastal mangroves and wildlife sanctuary in the afternoon for birdwatching, open 8am to 5pm.
INR100, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Harris Beach

Enjoy a relaxing dinner with beach views featuring fresh fish and prawn delicacies.
INR700, 1h
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Day 5: Travel to Rameshwaram

Tuticorin to Rameshwaram, India on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Have a light breakfast at your hotel before leaving.
INR250, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Rameshwaram

Drive or take a bus for about 4-5 hours across the scenic route towards Rameshwaram island.
INR400-1000, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel in Rameshwaram

Enjoy authentic Tamil meals featuring seafood and vegetarian options.
INR450, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore one of India's most important Hindu pilgrimage temples, renowned for its long corridors and intricate carvings, open 5am to 12pm and 5pm to 9pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Dhanushkodi Beach

Visit the ruins of the old town and enjoy serene sunset views on this remote beach.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Gateway

Dine on coastal and local Tamil cuisine in comfortable surroundings.
INR600, 1h
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Day 6: Rameshwaram Temples and Beaches

Rameshwaram, India on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a traditional Tamil breakfast including idli, vada and coconut chutney.
INR300, 1h

9:00am

Visit Agni Theertham

Take a holy dip at this sacred beach spot where pilgrims perform rituals, close to the temple, open all day.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Explore Kothandaramaswamy Temple

Visit this historic temple set in a scenic spot, important in Ramayana stories, open 6am - 8pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Sathu Residency

Enjoy fresh local seafood and Tamil Nadu cuisine in a friendly ambiance.
INR550, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge and Back Waters

Stroll along this famous bridge and enjoy views of the backwaters between Rameshwaram island and mainland.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sri Saravana Bhavan Rameshwaram

Have an early vegetarian meal known for purity and taste, open till 9:30pm.
INR350, 1h
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Day 7: Leisure and Departure Preparation

Rameshwaram, India on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel with local specialties.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Pamban Bridge

Take a half-day excursion to the iconic Pamban Bridge, the longest sea bridge in India, with photo opportunities and sea views.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel or Local Eatery

Try local delicacies such as fish curry or mutton biryani to celebrate your trip's end.
INR500, 1h

3:00pm

Relax and pack for departure

Spend the afternoon resting or shopping for souvenirs before your onward journey.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner reflecting the best of Tamil cuisine one last time.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure

Rameshwaram, India on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Have your final breakfast in Rameshwaram before checking out of the hotel.
INR300, 1h

8:00am

Travel onward or return

Begin your onward travel by bus, taxi, or train to your next destination or back to Chennai depending on your plans.
Varies, Varies
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