5-Day South India Itinerary: Ooty, Coonoor, Rameshwaram & Madurai Exploration

Day 1: Ooty Arrival & Sightseeing

Ooty, India on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Earl's Secret

Enjoy a cozy breakfast at Earl's Secret renowned for its scenic ambiance and delicious continental and Indian breakfast options.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Botanical Gardens

Explore the Government Botanical Gardens, a 22-acre well-maintained garden housing a variety of flora, perfect for a morning walk and photography.
INR30, 1h30m

11:30am

Ooty Lake Boating

Relax with a boat ride on Ooty Lake and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
INR120, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shinkows Chinese Restaurant

Taste authentic Chinese cuisine in Ooty’s famous Shinkows, famed for its spicy chicken and steamed dishes.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Doddabetta Peak

Visit the highest point in the Nilgiris to catch panoramic views of the valley and surrounding hills.
INR20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Shopping at Ooty Market

Browse local handicrafts, homemade chocolates, and spices at Ooty’s bustling market.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Earl's Secret

Dine in a charming setting with a mix of Indian and continental dishes to finish your day.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 2: Coonoor Exploration

Coonoor, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Coonoor

Drive or take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Ooty to Coonoor, a picturesque journey of about 20 km through scenic hills.
INR100 for train, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Tea Nest Cafe

Enjoy fresh tea and light breakfast at this rustic cafe surrounded by tea plantations.
INR350, 1h0m

10:30am

Sim's Park

Stroll through Sim's Park, a beautiful garden featuring rare trees and an orchid house, ideal for nature lovers.
INR30, 1h30m

12:30pm

Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint

Take a short trek or drive to Dolphin’s Nose to get breathtaking views of the Nilgiri hills and Catherine Falls.
Free, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Raintree

Savor local South Indian and North Indian dishes in a relaxing hill station ambiance.
INR450, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Tea Estates

Explore nearby tea factories such as the Devon Tea World to learn about tea processing and sample teas.
INR50, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Ooty

Travel back to Ooty and relax in your accommodation or explore local eateries.
INR100, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Mountain Club

Enjoy a hearty South Indian dinner with specialties like dosa and sambar to end your day.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 3: Rameshwaram Spiritual Visit

Rameshwaram, India on May 10, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Rameshwaram

Early morning flight or train from nearby Coimbatore/ Madurai airport to Rameshwaram for an approx 6-7 hour trip by train or bus if direct flight unavailable.
INR1000 approximate, 6h0m

1:00pm

Check in and Lunch

Check into your hotel and have lunch at a local restaurant offering coastal Tamil cuisine.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Visit the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, renowned for its stunning architecture and long corridors, a significant pilgrimage site.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Dhanushkodi Beach

Drive to the ghost town of Dhanushkodi and explore the beach area, ideal for quiet reflection and photography.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Star Residency

Relish fresh seafood dishes and traditional Tamil meals at this popular Rameshwaram restaurant perfect after a day of exploration.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 4: Madurai Culture & History

Madurai, India on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Rameshwaram to Madurai

Morning drive or train to Madurai, taking about 3 hours, a city known for its rich cultural heritage.
INR300, 3h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop, famous for soft idlis and flavorful chutneys.
INR150, 0h45m

11:30am

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stunning Dravidian architecture marvel with sprawling grounds and vibrant sculptures.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Enjoy a luxurious lunch offering South Indian and international cuisine along with panoramic views of Madurai.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Explore the 17th-century palace known for its impressive architecture blending Dravidian and Rajput styles.
INR100, 1h30m

5:00pm

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Visit this large temple tank and enjoy the serene atmosphere, especially beautiful at sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sri Sabarees

Savor authentic Tamil vegetarian cuisine in a traditional setting at Sri Sabarees.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 5: Madurai Departure & Leisure

Madurai, India on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel with a variety of Indian and continental options.
Usually included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Stroll around local markets

Explore Madurai's vibrant markets for souvenirs such as textiles, spices, and jewelry.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Spend an hour at this museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi showcasing his life and India's independence movement.
INR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Taste Madurai’s favorite biryani and other Indian dishes at the popular Buhari Hotel.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Departure

Prepare for your departure from Madurai airport or railway station.
N/A, N/A
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