South India Family Road Trip: Vellore to Nanjangud via Tiruvannamalai, Srirangam, Thanjavur, Rameswaram, Madurai, Palani, and Coimbatore

Day 1: Vellore to Tiruvannamalai

Vellore to Tiruvannamalai, India on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mrs. A's Kitchen, Vellore

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast with fresh idlis and dosa to energize for your journey.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Vellore to Tiruvannamalai

A scenic 80 km drive heading southeast via NH234; estimated travel time is about 2 hours. Prepare for stops at petrol stations near Gudiyatham and Chengam en route.
Petrol costs approx INR600 depending on mileage, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Explore this famous Shiva temple known for its beautiful Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.
Free entry, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sri Ram Mess

Savor authentic Tamil Nadu vegetarian cuisine featuring thali plates in a local ambiance.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Girivalam Path

Take a peaceful walk around the sacred mountain, popular for pilgrims performing the 14 km ritual circumambulation.
Free, 2h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Arunai Anantha Resort

Relax and refresh after your day’s activities at this comfortable and family-friendly hotel.
INR2500, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel restaurant

Enjoy tasty local dishes including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in a quiet setting.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 2: Tiruvannamalai to Srirangam

Tiruvannamalai to Srirangam, India on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty breakfast to prepare for approx 190 km journey to Srirangam.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Tiruvannamalai to Srirangam

Travel southwest approximately 190 km via NH38 and NH44; estimated driving time is 4.5 hours with petrol stations available near Trichy on NH44.
Estimated petrol cost INR1400, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Manoj Dosa, Trichy

Stop for authentic dosas and South Indian snacks in Trichy midway.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

Explore the largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world dedicated to Lord Vishnu, rich with architectural grandeur.
Free entry, 2h0m

4:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Sangam, Srirangam

Comfortable hotel stay close to the temple complex, ideal for families.
INR2800, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Baba Coffee House

Enjoy a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with local flavors in a casual environment.
INR450, 1h0m
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Day 3: Srirangam to Thanjavur

Srirangam to Thanjavur, India on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Traditional South Indian breakfast to start the day.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Srirangam to Thanjavur

115 km drive heading south via NH83, approximately 3 hours. Petrol available near Thuraiyur.
Petrol approx INR900, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a magnificent example of Chola architecture and one of the largest temples in India.
INR100, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Sangam, Thanjavur

Enjoy hearty South Indian meals including Chettinad specialties.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

Discover royal heritage, sculptures, and traditional paintings, open till 5 pm.
INR50, 1h30m

4:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Surya

Rest and refresh at this welcoming family-friendly hotel.
INR2200, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Sree Rama Vilas

Dine on authentic local thali and vegetarian dishes in a classic setting.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 4: Thanjavur to Rameswaram

Thanjavur to Rameswaram, India on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a filling breakfast before the longest drive of the trip (~270 km).
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Thanjavur to Rameswaram

Drive south via NH32 and NH87 for about 6 hours. Petrol and rest stops near Ramanathapuram.
Estimated petrol INR2000, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Ramanagara, Rameswaram

Taste fresh local seafood and traditional Tamil cuisine near the beach.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Home to one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, famous for its long corridors and sacred significance.
Free entry, 2h0m

5:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Sea View

Comfortable stay with easy access to the temple and beach.
INR3000, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Sea View Restaurant

Enjoy freshly prepared Tamil Nadu dishes with sea views.
INR450, 1h0m
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Day 5: Rameswaram to Madurai

Rameswaram to Madurai, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before beginning 170 km drive inland.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Rameswaram to Madurai

Travel west via NH85/ NH44 approximately 4 hours with petrol and refreshment stops in Paramakudi.
INR1300 approx petrol, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Famous for fluffy idlis and traditional Madurai-style meals.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Spend time at this iconic landmark renowned for its towers and vibrant religious festivals.
Free entry, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

A luxury hotel offering family-friendly amenities and excellent views.
INR3500, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Ethical Restaurant

Fresh and flavorful vegetarian dishes in an elegant atmosphere.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 6: Madurai to Palani

Madurai to Palani, India on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relaxed breakfast to fuel up for today’s journey.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Madurai to Palani

Short 110 km drive northwest via NH44, taking roughly 2.5 hours with petrol stops available near Dindigul.
INR900 petrol approx., 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Palani Murugan Temple

Explore this prominent hill shrine and enjoy panoramic views after a short climb or cable car ride.
Temple entry free, cable car approx INR200/person, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Offerings of traditional vegetarian South Indian fare near the temple area.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive Palani to Coimbatore

Approximately 110 km west on NH83; about 2.5 hours drive. Petrol stations en route near Pollachi.
INR900 petrol approx., 2h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Vivanta Coimbatore

Rest comfortably at this upscale hotel with family-friendly amenities.
INR3500, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Sree Annapoorna

Enjoy Coimbatore’s famous South Indian and North Indian dishes at this popular eatery.
INR450, 1h0m
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Day 7: Coimbatore to Nanjangud

Coimbatore to Nanjangud, India on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Power breakfast before the last leg of your family trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Coimbatore to Nanjangud

Approx 230 km southwest, about 5 hours drive via NH948 and NH275. Petrol stations are available in Gundlupet and Mysore.
INR1800 petrol approx., 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Golden Park, Mysore

Enjoy a well-rounded meal featuring Karnataka specialties.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Nanjundeshwara Temple

Explore this famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, an important pilgrimage site in Karnataka.
Free entry, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Nanjundeshwara

Comfortable hotel close to the temple and city center.
INR2800, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Favorite: RRR Restaurant

Try traditional Karnataka meals alongside popular Indian dishes in a family-friendly setting.
INR400, 1h0m
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