Comprehensive 4-Day South Tamil Nadu Coastal and Cultural Tour: Madurai to Kanyakumari

Day 1: Madurai Temples

Madurai, India on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast items like idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this iconic local eatery, which opens early to serve fresh meals.
INR100, 1h0m

9:30am

Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the majestic and intricately sculptured Meenakshi Temple, an iconic symbol of Tamil architecture and a center of vibrant religious activity. Open from early morning to late evening.
INR50, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Amma Mess

Savor authentic Tamil Nadu vegetarian cuisine in a simple setting; try their famous dosa and thali meals, open till mid-afternoon.
INR150, 1h0m

2:30pm

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit this educational museum showcasing India's struggle for independence with artifacts and photographs, open from 9am to 5pm.
INR20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Discover this grand 17th-century palace exemplifying Indo-Saracenic architecture, illuminating cultural history. It closes by 6pm, so timely arrival is necessary.
INR60, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jigarthanda Café

Taste the famous Jigarthanda (local cold beverage) with North Indian and Tamil dishes available. Open till 10pm.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 2: Rameshwaram Pilgrimage

Rameshwaram, India on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Madurai to Rameshwaram

Morning drive of approximately 3.5 hours covering 170 km on NH85, arriving in Rameshwaram by late morning for sightseeing.
INR1500 (taxi or private cab), 3h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Sri Krishna

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast with fresh idlis, vadas, and chutneys at this popular hotel restaurant.
INR120, 0h45m

12:00pm

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Visit this famous temple renowned for its magnificent corridors and sacred water tanks, a major pilgrimage site open from 6am to 9pm.
Free entry, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Sai Ram

Relish non-vegetarian coastal Tamil delicacies including fresh seafood, open till 4pm.
INR250, 1h0m

4:00pm

Dhanushkodi Visit Preparation

Prepare for the afternoon trip to Dhanushkodi with vehicle arrangements since the area is a protected and remote desert-like beach zone.
INR500 (vehicle hire), 0h30m

4:30pm

Travel to Dhanushkodi

Short 20 km drive through scenic and isolated coastal road leading to the ruins and sandy beaches of Dhanushkodi.
Included in vehicle hire, 0h45m

5:15pm

Explore Dhanushkodi

Walk around the ghost town remains of Dhanushkodi, learning about the 1964 cyclone disaster and enjoying beautiful sea views during sunset. Accessible until sunset (approx 6:30pm).
Free, 1h15m

7:00pm

Return to Rameshwaram and Dinner at Hotel Taj

Enjoy an elegant dinner featuring a blend of local Tamil and continental dishes at this well-regarded hotel restaurant, open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Dhanushkodi & Return

Dhanushkodi, India on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Sunrise at Dhanushkodi Beach

Witness the serene sunrise over the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean in Dhanushkodi, a truly tranquil and picturesque experience.
Free, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at local eatery near Dhanushkodi

Relish simple coastal breakfast with fresh seafood options or vegetarian fare available at small local food stalls.
INR100, 0h45m

9:30am

Return travel to Rameshwaram

Drive back to Rameshwaram town center for further travel arrangements to Kanyakumari.
Included in vehicle hire, 0h45m

10:30am

Travel from Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari

Approximate 6-hour drive (320 km) via NH44, a scenic route along Tamil Nadu’s coastline; plan for stops en route for refreshments.
INR2000 (taxi or cab), 6h0m

4:30pm

Check-in at hotel in Kanyakumari

Relax and freshen up after the drive at your accommodation in Kanyakumari before heading out to explore in evening.
Varies, 1h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Kanyakumari Beach

Enjoy the famous sunset where three oceans meet, a must-see natural spectacle in southern Tamil Nadu, accessible any time.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Treat yourself to delicious vegetarian South Indian thalis and specialties at this renowned chain, open till late evening.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 4: Kanyakumari Highlights

Kanyakumari, India on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Dakshinachal

Start your day with fresh South Indian breakfast including idlis, uttapams, and strong filter coffee in a welcoming ambience.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30am

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a short ferry ride (8 am to 4 pm) to this serene island monument commemorating Swami Vivekananda, offering spectacular ocean views.
INR50 (ferry), INR30 (entry), 2h0m

11:00am

Thiruvalluvar Statue

Visit the majestic 133-feet tall statue honoring the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, located near Vivekananda Rock Memorial, accessible by the same ferry service.
Included in ferry ticket, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sea View Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Tamil Nadu staples while overlooking the ocean, open from 11 am to 3 pm.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kanyakumari Temple Visit

Visit the Kanyakumari Amman Temple, a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kumari Amman, open throughout the day for darshan.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Shopping and Leisure at Kanyakumari Market

Explore local markets for handicrafts, seashell souvenirs, and Tamil spices; ideal for some relaxed shopping.
Varies, 1h30m

5:00pm

Departure or Evening Leisure

Prepare for onward travel or enjoy leisure time at your hotel or nearby cafes with scenic ocean views.
Varies, Flexible