Enchanting South India: Exploring Arunachalam, Madurai, Srirangam, Pondicherry, and Thanjavur

Day 1: Arunachalam and Madurai

Arunachalam and Madurai, India on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arunachalam Local Eatery

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli, dosa, and filter coffee at a popular local eatery open from 7:00am to 10:00am.
INR150, 1h

9:00am

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Explore the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple, a significant Shaivite shrine rich in ancient Dravidian architecture, open from 6:00am to 8:30pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Travel to Madurai

Drive approximately 40 km to Madurai, known for its magnificent temples and bustling markets.
INR500 - taxi fare, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Enjoy authentic Madurai cuisine including varieties of idli and spicy chutneys at this well-loved spot open till 3:00pm.
INR300, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Discover the stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple, a landmark of Dravidian architecture with vibrant gopurams open till 12:00 midnight.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Evening stroll at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Relax by the temple tank famous for its float festival and scenic surroundings.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Mud House

Dine in a cozy ambiance serving traditional Tamil Nadu dishes, open from 7:00pm to 10:30pm.
INR500, 1h
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Day 2: Srirangam Excursion

Srirangam, India on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Restaurant, Madurai

Start early with a wholesome breakfast including South Indian staples at the hotel restaurant, open from 7:00am.
INR200, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Srirangam

Drive approximately 135 km to Srirangam, the island famous for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.
INR900 - taxi fare, 3h

12:00pm

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Explore one of the largest functioning Hindu temple complexes in the world, open from 6:00am to 10:00pm, noted for its magnificent gopurams and ornate halls.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Srirangam Local Restaurant

Savour authentic Tamil vegetarian cuisine favored by temple visitors, with operating hours from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
INR250, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Rock Fort Temple in Tiruchirappalli (optional)

A short 20-minute drive from Srirangam, the Rock Fort Temple offers panoramic views and historical significance, open till 6:30pm.
INR50, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Nearby Restaurant

Relax with a hearty dinner featuring local Tamil Nadu delicacies, available from 7:00pm onwards.
INR400, 1h
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Day 3: Pondicherry Exploration

Pondicherry, India on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick and light breakfast before departure, featuring dosa and coffee.
INR150, 0.5h

7:30am

Travel from Srirangam to Pondicherry

Embark on a 135 km drive towards the serene coastal town of Pondicherry, known for its French colonial heritage.
INR1200 - taxi fare, 3h

11:00am

Visit Promenade Beach

Stroll along the scenic Promenade Beach, perfect for relaxation and viewing colonial architecture, open all day.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café des Arts

Indulge in continental and French-inspired dishes at this charming café open from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Visit this spiritual community and museum reflecting the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, open till 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit French Quarter

Wander through the French Quarter, admiring colorful heritage buildings and quaint streets.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Evening Tea at Le Café

Enjoy tea or coffee at this iconic seaside café open 24 hours with a relaxed ambiance.
INR250, 0.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Savour traditional Tamil and French fusion cuisine in a stylish setting, open till 11:00pm.
INR700, 1h
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Day 4: Thanjavur Heritage

Thanjavur, India on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a nutritious South Indian breakfast including pongal and coffee.
INR200, 0.5h

7:30am

Travel from Pondicherry to Thanjavur

Start a 175 km journey to Thanjavur, renowned for its rich cultural heritage.
INR1400 - taxi fare, 4h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Hotel

Relax with a freshly prepared meal featuring regional specialties at your accommodation's restaurant.
INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, an exemplary Chola dynasty temple famed for its grand scale and exquisite carvings, open from 6:00am to 8:30pm.
INR40, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery

Discover the historical palace complex featuring rare bronzes and classic South Indian art, open till 5:30pm.
INR50, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy sumptuous vegetarian Tamil cuisine at this popular local restaurant, open till 10:00pm.
INR400, 1h
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