Scenic South India Road Trip: Ongole to Kanyakumari via Arunachalam and Rameshwaram

Day 1: Ongole to Arunachalam

Ongole to Arunachalam, India on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sri Sai Mess, Ongole

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast with dosas and filter coffee at this popular local eatery, perfect for fueling the journey ahead.
INR150, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Arunachalam

Start the road trip southward, covering approximately 160 kilometres through scenic coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, estimated driving time 4 hours.
Transport cost varies, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Tamil Annai, Arunachalam

Experience authentic Tamil cuisine, especially the flavorful Chettinad chicken and fresh vegetarian thali options in a traditional setting.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Explore the majestic Arunachaleswarar Temple, a significant spiritual site dedicated to Lord Shiva, noted for its impressive Dravidian architecture and serene atmosphere.
Free entry, 2h0m

4:30pm

Sunset stroll in Arunachalam town

Enjoy a relaxing walk through the local markets and streets to experience the town’s life and shop for souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Arunachala Residency

Sample local South Indian delicacies including idiyappam and karuveppilai chicken curry in a comfortable setting close to the temple.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 2: Arunachalam to Rameshwaram

Arunachalam to Rameshwaram, India on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a traditional Tamil breakfast of pongal and coconut chutney to energise the day of travel and sightseeing.
Included with stay or INR200, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Rameshwaram

Depart for Rameshwaram, approximately 130 km from Arunachalam, travel involves crossing the famous Pamban Bridge over the sea.
Transport cost varies, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in at hotel and freshen up

Rest briefly at your guesthouse or hotel to prepare for an afternoon of temple visits and historical tours.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Aryaas

Enjoy a tasty thali meal with seafood and vegetarian options, a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites, famous for its long corridors and intricate sculptures; open until 7:00pm, perfect for afternoon visitation.
Free entry, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk Pamban Bridge

Experience the iconic Pamban Bridge on foot or by vehicle, marvel at the engineering and beautiful ocean views linking Rameshwaram to mainland India.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rameshwaram Restaurant

Delight in fresh seafood, especially the locally caught fish curries, set in a cosy atmosphere near the temple.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 3: Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari

Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari, India on June 1, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have a light early meal including idlis and medu vada before a longer journey to the southern tip of India.
Included with stay or INR200, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive to Kanyakumari

Travel approximately 310 km south-west to Kanyakumari, passing through beautiful landscapes and coastal vistas, expected driving time around 6 hours.
Transport cost varies, 6h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Sea View, Kanyakumari

Enjoy freshly prepared coastal Kerala Tamil Nadu cuisine with views of the ocean, featuring dishes like fish moilee and appam.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Kanyakumari Temple & Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Explore the famous temple dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari, then take a ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial for spectacular sea views and spiritual ambiance; ferries operate until 5:30pm.
Entry free, ferry approx INR100, 2h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Kanyakumari Beach

Witness the spectacular sunset at the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean, a perfect way to end the day.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Relish a purely vegetarian South Indian dinner at this renowned chain, known for its dosas and thalis, ensuring a satisfying end to the journey.
INR300, 1h0m
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