7-Day Scenic Road Trip from Kanyakumari to Chennai via Pondicherry

Day 1: Kanyakumari Exploration

Kanyakumari, India on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Sunrise at Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Witness the breathtaking sunrise at this iconic rock island monument that blends history and natural beauty, a must-see in Kanyakumari.
INR50, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Sangam

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast including idli, dosa, and filter coffee in a cozy setting near the seashore.
INR200, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Gandhi Memorial Mandapam

Explore the beautiful memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, where you can learn about his life and admire the architecture.
Free, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sea View Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood and traditional Tamil Nadu dishes with ocean views, perfect for a relaxing midday meal.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Rameswaram

Drive approximately 3.5 hours to Rameswaram, a sacred town known for its temples and spiritual significance.
Transport costs vary, 3h30m

5:30pm

Check-in and Evening Walk

Check into your hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening stroll near the town or on the beach to unwind.
Varies by hotel, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Relish authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes with a comfortable ambiance to end your day.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 2: Rameswaram Temples

Rameswaram, India on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast served at your hotel.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore one of the holiest Hindu temples, famous for its magnificent corridors and sacred water tanks.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sri Murugan Mess

Enjoy flavorful Tamil Brahmin vegetarian food known for its authenticity and quality.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Dhanushkodi Beach Visit

Visit the serene and historically significant Dhanushkodi beach, a perfect spot for relaxation and photography.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Madurai

Travel approximately 3 hours to Madurai to continue your cultural exploration.
Transport costs vary, 3h0m

7:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Savor traditional Tamil breakfast style dishes that are popular locally even at dinner time.
INR250, 1h0m
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Day 3: Madurai Heritage

Madurai, India on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast to energize your day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Spend your morning exploring this architectural marvel, vibrant with sculptures and rich history.
INR50, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the grandeur of this 17th-century palace showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture.
INR100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kumar Mess

Taste authentic Madurai-style biryani and other local delicacies in a casual setting.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Travel to Pondicherry

Embark on a 6-hour drive to Pondicherry, a charming coastal town blending French and Tamil cultures.
Transport costs vary, 6h0m

8:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Villa Shanti

Dine on modern French-Indian fusion cuisine in an atmospheric colonial villa.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 4: Pondicherry Culture

Pondicherry, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Enjoy a French-style breakfast with croissants and coffee in a charming outdoor setting.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore French Quarter

Walk through colorful colonial buildings, quaint streets, and boutiques reflecting Pondicherry’s French heritage.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience the spiritual calm of this famous ashram and learn about its history and teachings.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Savor exquisite Tamil and French inspired dishes set in a restored heritage mansion.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Promenade Beach

Take a stroll along this serene beachfront promenade, perfect for relaxing and sunset views.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Surguru

Relish authentic South Indian vegetarian specialties in a popular local restaurant.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 5: Mahabalipuram History

Mahabalipuram, India on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Pondicherry

Have an early breakfast before departure to make the most of the day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Travel about 2.5 hours north to Mahabalipuram, famous for its rock-cut temples and sculptures.
Transport costs vary, 2h30m

10:30am

Visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites featuring ancient rock-cut architecture and monumental temples.
INR40, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy fresh seafood and coastal Tamil dishes with sea views at this renowned restaurant.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Spend some leisure time on the sandy beach, ideal for swimming or just relaxing.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Drive to Chennai

Head to Chennai, about 1 hour north, to prepare for your city exploration.
Transport costs vary, 1h0m

7:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Experience iconic Chennai vegetarian cuisine with a menu of classic South Indian dishes.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 6: Chennai Sightseeing

Chennai, India on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Brew Room

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and healthy breakfast options in an artistic café atmosphere.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this ancient Dravidian style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing stunning architecture.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Fort St. George Museum

Learn about British colonial history at this museum housed inside the first English fortress in India.
INR30, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Buhari

Taste Chennai’s famous biryani and other Indian dishes in a family-friendly restaurant.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Marina Beach Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Asia’s longest urban beach and absorb the local life and scenery.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Government Museum

View a rich collection of archaeological and numismatic artifacts with an emphasis on South Indian history.
INR15, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dakshin

Enjoy fine dining with authentic South Indian meals and a peaceful ambiance at ITC Grand Chola.
INR1000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Chennai Leisure

Chennai, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Pantry

Have a relaxed breakfast with an assortment of continental and Indian options in a casual café.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit San Thome Basilica

Tour this beautiful Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, complete with neo-Gothic architecture.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Shopping at T Nagar

Explore bustling markets for silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts in one of Chennai’s busiest shopping districts.
Shopping costs vary, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ratna Café

Try tasty Chennai-style dosas and other local favorites in a time-honored restaurant.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at hotel or nearby spa

After a week of travel, unwind at your hotel or enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment.
Varies, 2h0m

5:00pm

Prepare for departure or extend your stay

Use this time to pack, rest, or explore more depending on your schedule.
Varies, Flexible
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