9-Day South India Road Trip from Chennai: Exploring Tamil Nadu and Kerala Gems

Day 1: Chennai to Tiruvannamalai

Chennai to Tiruvannamalai, India on September 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Start your day with authentic South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, well-known for its dosa and filter coffee. Open from 6:30am.
INR350, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Tiruvannamalai

Begin the 3-hour road trip towards the spiritual town of Tiruvannamalai, famous for the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Fuel cost approx INR1000, 3h0m

12:00pm

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Explore this iconic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a must-visit spiritual landmark reflecting Dravidian architecture. It’s open from 6am to 9pm.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Sri Annamalaiyar Mess

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals and thalis here, offering a taste of local flavors near the temple area.
INR300, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Girivalam Path

Take a serene walk around the sacred hill of Arunachala, a popular spiritual practice at sunset time.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Ashoka

End your day with a delicious South Indian dinner in a comfortable setting.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 2: Tiruvannamalai to Hogenakkal

Tiruvannamalai to Hogenakkal Falls, India on September 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Tiruvannamalai

Have a quick and hearty breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Hogenakkal Falls

Start your 2.5-hour drive to the scenic Hogenakkal Falls, known as the 'Niagara of India'.
Fuel cost approx INR700, 2h30m

11:45am

Hogenakkal Falls visit

Enjoy boat rides and explore the beautiful waterfalls. Open from 9am to 5pm.
Boat ride INR300 per person, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Try local fish curry dishes near the falls for a fresh and authentic meal.
INR350, 1h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Wayanad

Begin the approximately 3.5-hour drive to Wayanad, Kerala.
Fuel cost approx INR1000, 3h30m

7:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Wayanad hotel

Relax with a comfortable check-in followed by a traditional Kerala dinner at the hotel.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 3: Wayanad Exploration

Wayanad, Kerala, India on September 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a fresh Kerala breakfast including appam and stew served in your hotel.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Edakkal Caves

Explore these ancient caves with prehistoric petroglyphs. Site open from 8am to 5pm.
INR50, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local café

Taste Kerala specialties like Kerala sadya or fish curry with rice.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Pookode Lake

Enjoy boating and walking trails around this scenic freshwater lake (open 9am-6pm).
Boat ride INR100, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax at hotel or local market

Spend your late afternoon exploring Wayanad market or relaxing at the hotel.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Puliyarmala Jain temple café

Try vegetarian cuisine in this quaint and peaceful spot, open until 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 4: More Wayanad

Wayanad, Kerala, India on September 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy fresh fruits and Kerala style breakfast to energize your day.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Soochipara Falls

Experience breathtaking three-tiered waterfall open from 9am-5pm, perfect for nature lovers.
INR100, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant near falls

Relish freshly cooked Kerala food with local flavors near the waterfalls.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the sanctuary home to elephants and other wildlife; open till 6pm.
INR100, 3h0m

6:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax and refresh for the next day's drive.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Bungalow Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion of Kerala and continental dishes in a cozy setting.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 5: Wayanad to Alappuzha

Wayanad to Alappuzha, Kerala, India on October 1, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast and prepare for a longer drive to Alappuzha.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Alappuzha

Embark on a scenic 6-hour drive to Alappuzha, famous for its backwaters and houseboats.
Fuel cost approx INR1200, 6h0m

2:30pm

Check-in and lunch at Alappuzha hotel

Rest and enjoy Kerala cuisine including seafood specialties at your hotel.
INR500, 1h0m

4:00pm

Houseboat cruise in backwaters

Spend the afternoon cruising the famous backwaters of Alappuzha, a relaxing and scenic experience; cruises typically run 3-4 hours.
INR2000 per boat, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner on board or at hotel

Enjoy fresh local dishes on the houseboat or back at the hotel.
Included or INR600, 1h0m
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Day 6: Alappuzha to Kanyakumari

Alappuzha to Kanyakumari, India on October 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a Kerala style breakfast before departure.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Kanyakumari

Start the 6-hour drive south to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India where three seas meet.
Fuel cost approx INR1200, 6h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and lunch

Enjoy freshly made South Indian lunch at your hotel in Kanyakumari.
INR500, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry and visit this iconic memorial offering stunning sea views; open till 5:30pm.
Ferry INR50, 1h30m

6:30pm

Watch sunset at the beach

Witness the famous Kanyakumari sunset where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sea View Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood and South Indian cuisine with ocean views.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 7: Kanyakumari to Madurai

Kanyakumari to Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India on October 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your journey to Madurai.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Madurai

Head on an approximately 3-hour drive to Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu.
Fuel cost approx INR500, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Taste famous soft idlis and spicy chutneys at this iconic Madurai eatery.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the magnificent Dravidian architecture of this temple complex; open till 7pm.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover this 17th-century palace with impressive stucco work; open till 6pm.
INR100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Konar Mess

Enjoy authentic Madurai non-vegetarian local cuisine in an informal setting.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 8: Madurai

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India on October 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

A wholesome breakfast to start your day.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Gandhi Museum

Visit this museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and local history; open 9am-5pm.
INR40, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Koodal Azhagar Temple

An important Vishnu temple with striking architecture, open till 2pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Amma Mess

Try traditional Tamil Nadu meals with fresh ingredients.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping and strolling in local markets

Explore Madurai’s bustling markets for textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Varies, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Rest and prepare for the journey home.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Gateway Hotel

Experience gourmet South Indian and international cuisine in a deluxe setting.
INR800, 1h0m
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Day 9: Madurai to Chennai

Madurai to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India on October 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before the drive back to Chennai.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to Chennai

Long drive of approximately 7 hours back to Chennai, completing your round trip.
Fuel cost approx INR1300, 7h0m

3:30pm

Arrive in Chennai

End your memorable road trip safely arriving back in Chennai.
Free, 0h0m
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