30-Day South India Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring the Cultural and Natural Wonders

Day 1: Chennai City Tour

Chennai, Tamil Nadu on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with authentic South Indian breakfast featuring dosas and idlis at this iconic restaurant open from 6:00am to 10:30pm.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this ancient Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate carvings and vibrant gopuram. Open from 6:00am to 12:30pm and 4:00pm to 8:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Fort St. George Museum

Discover Chennai’s colonial history at this museum set inside the first English fortress in India. It opens from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a variety of soft idlis and spicy chutneys at this local favorite, open from 7:00am to 9:30pm.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Marina Beach Walk

Relax and enjoy the scenic Marina Beach, the world's second longest urban beach, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening at Dakshinachitra Cultural Centre

Experience South Indian heritage through exhibitions, craft demonstrations and folk performances. Open from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
INR150, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at the Raintree Restaurant

Dine on exquisite South Indian and contemporary dishes in a garden setting. Open till 10:30pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 2: Chennai to Pondicherry

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before the drive, ensuring you are energized for the journey ahead.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Pondicherry

A scenic 3-hour drive along East Coast Road offering beautiful sea views, arriving around 10:30am.
Fuel Cost INR1200, 3h0m

10:45am

Check-in and Rest

Relax at your hotel in the French Quarter, get ready to explore the charming town.
Varies, 1h15m

12:00pm

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Peaceful spiritual community known for meditation and quiet contemplation. Open 6:00am to 12:00pm and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Experience French-Indian fusion cuisine in a charming heritage villa. Open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR800, 1h15m

2:45pm

Explore French Quarter & Promenade Beach

Walk the quaint streets featuring colonial architecture and visit the serene Promenade Beach.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Botanical Gardens

A relaxing spot with well-maintained gardens, open till 6:00pm.
INR30, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Enjoy traditional Tamil cuisine with a contemporary twist in a chic ambiance.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pondicherry to Thanjavur

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cafe des Arts

Try French pastries and coffee in a bright, artsy environment. Open from 8:00am.
INR400, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Thanjavur

Embark on a 4-hour drive heading southwest through scenic rural Tamil Nadu.
Fuel Cost INR1400, 4h0m

12:15pm

Check-in and Lunch at Hotel

Have a hearty South Indian meal at the hotel and rest before sightseeing.
INR600, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Admire this UNESCO World Heritage Chola temple showcasing grand architecture and art. Open from 6:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
INR40, 2h0m

5:00pm

Thanjavur Palace and Museum

Explore royal artifacts, bronzes, and paintings inside this historical palace. Open from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
INR40, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Taste authentic vegetarian Tamil cuisine in a simple setting, open till 10:00pm.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 4: Thanjavur to Madurai

Madurai, Tamil Nadu on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Traditional South Indian breakfast to start your day.
Included, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Madurai

Travel for about 3.5 hours through agricultural landscapes to Madurai.
Fuel Cost INR1300, 3h30m

11:30am

Check-in and Rest

Arrive at your hotel, freshen up before exploring.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Popular spot for soft idlis and other South Indian specialties.
INR250, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore one of the largest and most historic temples in India, famed for its stunning sculptures and mandapams. Open 5:00am to 12:30pm and 4:00pm to 10:00pm.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Stroll through the Temple Market

Experience the vibrant local marketplace outside the temple selling handicrafts and souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at the Restaurant at Heritage Madurai

Enjoy traditional Madurai cuisine served in a heritage setting.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 5: Madurai to Rameswaram

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fresh breakfast with an early start to Rameswaram.
Included, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Rameswaram

A 3-hour scenic drive over the Pamban Bridge to this important pilgrimage town.
Fuel Cost INR1200, 3h0m

11:00am

Check-in and Relax

Rest at your accommodation near the temple area.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Famous for its long ornate corridors and sacred water tanks, it's a prime destination for devotees. Open 5:00am to 1:00pm and 3:30pm to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Ramarupa

Try fresh coastal seafood and traditional Tamil meals.
INR600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Dhanushkodi Beach visit

Explore the ghost town and tranquil beaches at the tip of Rameswaram Island. Ideal till sunset.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at the Hotel or Local Eatery

Enjoy simple, fresh food featuring coastal flavors before calling it a day.
INR400, 1h0m
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