10-Day Family-Friendly South India Adventure: From Thiruvananthapuram to Tirupati

Day 1: Explore Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, India on May 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start the day with traditional South Indian breakfast like idli, dosa and filter coffee at this iconic city centre eatery, open from 7am to 10:30am. Family-friendly and budget-friendly.

INR200, 1h

10:00am

Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore this famous temple known for its intricate architecture and cultural significance. Note that entry is sacred-visitor friendly, open from 3:30am to 12:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:00pm but visitors should dress modestly and be prepared to wait due to queues.

Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Villa Maya

Enjoy a sumptuous Kerala meal in a beautiful heritage villa, offering local dishes with fresh ingredients. Open 12pm – 10pm, perfect spot for a relaxing family meal.

INR1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Napier Museum and Zoo

Spend the afternoon at Napier Museum, showcasing art and archaeology, followed by a visit to the adjacent Zoo, ideal to keep the child entertained. Museums open 10am-5pm; Zoo closes at 5:30pm.

INR100, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Shanghumugham Beach

Evening beach stroll at this popular spot famous for sunsets and camel rides, a great way for the family to unwind before dinner.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Tuskers Trail

Family-friendly restaurant offering Indian and international cuisine in a rustic setting. Open till 10:30pm.

INR1200, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Local Culture & Travel to Kanyakumari

Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day’s travel and exploration.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kanakakkunnu Palace Grounds

A lovely place for the family to stroll amidst greenery and beautiful architecture with space for children to play. Open 8am to 6pm.

Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Depart for Kanyakumari by car

The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours; plan breaks to accommodate infants and child comfort.

Varies, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Saffron Restaurant, Kanyakumari

Savour fresh seafood and Tamil Nadu cuisine in a family-friendly setting near the beach. Open 12 noon – 10pm.

INR1000, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to this famous monument located on a small island, great for light adventure and scenic views. Ferry service operates from 9am to 5:30pm, last boat 5pm.

INR150, 2h

6:00pm

Watch Sunset at the Beach

Experience the spectacular confluence of three seas and India's southern tip sunset – perfect for family photos and relaxation.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Sangam

Comfortable dining with a variety of options including South Indian staples to suit all family members.

INR900, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Madurai & Explore

Kanyakumari to Madurai, India on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

A quiet breakfast to start the trip to Madurai, rich in history and culture.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Madurai

A roughly 4-hour car journey north, with stops for refreshments for the child and infant.

Varies, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Famous for fluffy idlis and traditional tiffin dishes, quick and child-friendly meal option near Meenakshi Temple.

INR400, 45m

2:00pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore one of South India's most iconic temples, known for its stunning architecture and colourful gopurams. Open 5am – 12:30pm and 4:30pm – 10pm.

Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Visit this majestic 17th-century palace, now a museum with light and sound show in the evening (starts at 7pm). Flat terrain good for stroller access.

INR100, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Cosmopolitan

Enjoy a menu mix of Indian and continental dishes with child-friendly options, a relaxed atmosphere for families.

INR1000, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Madurai Exploration & Travel to Rameswaram

Madurai to Rameswaram, India on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Nutritious breakfast including fresh fruits and dosas to energise for the day’s activities and travel.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about the legacy of Gandhi in this peaceful museum, good for adults and a quiet visit for children. Open 9am – 5pm.

INR40, 1.5h

11:00am

Depart for Rameswaram

3.5 hours drive to Rameswaram, with planned stops for comfort breaks.

Varies, 4h

3:00pm

Lunch and Check-in at Hotel Mega Residency

Family-friendly hotel with good amenities and close to the temple area, perfect for rest before evening activities.

INR2000, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this famous temple with longest corridor and sacred tanks, important pilgrimage site. Open 5am – 12pm and 5pm – 9pm.

Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Convenient dinner at the hotel featuring local flavourful South Indian dishes, catering to adult and child palates.

INR800, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Discover Rameswaram

Rameswaram, India on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy south Indian breakfasts like pongal and vada, convenient for the whole family.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Dhanushkodi Beach

Explore the ghost town ruins and enjoy the pristine beach. It's a light adventure experience with open spaces good for children. Best visited in the morning to avoid afternoon heat.

Free, 2h

11:00am

Return and rest at Hotel

Free time for the infant and child to rest before next outing.

Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sri Annamalaiya Chettinad Restaurant

Famous for authentic Chettinad cuisine, great for adventurous family members wanting to try spicy fare, with milder options for child.

INR1000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pamban Bridge

View the iconic cantilever railway bridge connecting mainland India and Rameswaram Island, a short visit and photo opportunity.

Free, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Local Markets

Shop for souvenirs such as seashell crafts, spices and handicrafts, an engaging experience for the child to see local culture.

Depends on purchases, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening Rest at Hotel

Relax at hotel in anticipation of next day's travel.

Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Light dinner with options catering to all ages in a comfortable setting.

INR800, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Pondicherry

Rameswaram to Pondicherry, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a healthy breakfast before the long drive ahead.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Depart for Pondicherry

Long journey of approximately 6-7 hours by car—schedule stops for child and infant comfort and meals.

Varies, 7h

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Hotel de L'Orient

Stay at this charming heritage hotel, with spacious rooms suitable for families, ideal for relaxing after travel.

INR3500, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Walk at Promenade Beach

Take a gentle stroll along the peaceful seafront promenade, great for family and stroller-friendly paths.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café des Arts

Enjoy relaxed French-inspired ambience and dishes, with options suitable for adults and children alike. Open till 10pm.

INR1200, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Explore Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Enjoy delicious bakery treats, perfect for kids and adults alike. Open 7am – 10pm.

INR500, 1h

9:00am

Visit Auroville

Explore the spiritual community with the Matrimandir landmark; peaceful surroundings suitable for families. Visitors allowed 9am – 11:30am and 2pm – 4:30pm.

Free, 2h

11:30am

Relax at Botanical Gardens

Spacious gardens with children's play area, ideal for a calm and pleasant walk. Open 8:30am – 5:00pm.

INR20, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Surguru

Tasty South Indian meals and thali, family-friendly and quick service.

INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Explore French Quarter on foot or bicycle with child trailer

Take a leisurely tour of the colourful colonial streets, architecture, and boutique shops. Suitable for all family members, stroller friendly in many areas.

Free, 2h

6:00pm

Tea and snacks at Le Café

Seaside café with relaxed vibe, ideal for a break with light refreshments.

INR400, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Experience a blend of Tamil and French cuisine in a soothing courtyard setting. Open till 10:30pm.

INR1500, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Travel to Tirupati

Pondicherry to Tirupati, India on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before journeying towards Tirupati.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Depart for Tirupati

Approximately 6-7 hours journey by car; plan breaks to keep child and infant comfortable.

Varies, 7h

3:00pm

Check-in at Fortune Select Grand Ridge

Comfortable, family-friendly accommodation in Tirupati, with good access to the temple and amenities.

INR4000, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple

A quieter temple close to town, good for an evening visit allowing gentle exploration and fewer crowds.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Famous Raju's

Well-known for authentic Andhra cuisine and a variety of dishes to please both adults and children.

INR900, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Tirupati Pilgrimage

Tirupati, India on May 11, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Eat early to prepare for the pilgrimage to Sri Venkateswara Temple, as it gets very crowded later.

Included, 1h

7:00am

Visit Sri Venkateswara Temple

The main attraction of Tirupati, this famous temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. It opens early (3am) and is best visited early morning to avoid crowds. Facilities available for children and infants.

Free, 3h