7-Day South India Cultural and Nature Exploration from Vijayawada to Kerala with Arunachalam, Kanchi, Madurai, and Kochi

Day 1: Travel and Sightseeing

Vijayawada, Arunachalam, Kanchipuram, India on June 13, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Vijayawada

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at 'Sri Krishna Bhavan', known for its soft idlis and crispy dosas, opening from 6 AM.
INR100, 1h0m

7:30AM

Drive to Arunachalam Hill

Start early and drive approximately 7 hours to Arunachalam hills, a scenic pilgrimage spot known for its natural beauty and temples.
INR0, 7h0m

2:30PM

Lunch at Arunachalam Local Eatery

Sample authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine at a local eatery near Arunachalam – try the thali meals which are wholesome and flavorful.
INR150, 1h0m

3:30PM

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Explore this famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its distinct Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.
INR0, 2h0m

5:30PM

Drive to Kanchipuram

Head towards Kanchipuram (approx 2.5 hours), famous for its temples and silk sarees.
INR0, 2h30m

8:00PM

Dinner and Overnight Stay in Kanchipuram

Dine at 'Annapoorna', known for traditional South Indian meals, open till 10 PM. Retire for the night.
INR250, 1h0m
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Day 2: Kanchipuram Temples and Travel

Kanchipuram to Madurai, India on June 14, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel, Kanchipuram

Start with a wholesome South Indian breakfast like pongal and filter coffee at your hotel.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00AM

Visit Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple

Spend the morning exploring these ancient temples noted for their impressive architecture and spiritual ethos, opening from 6 AM to 7 PM.
INR0, 3h0m

11:30AM

Drive to Madurai

Begin the drive to Madurai, approximately 6 hours.
INR0, 6h0m

5:30PM

Check-in and Rest

Check-in to your hotel in Madurai and take some rest after the long drive.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Savor famous soft idlis and spicy chutneys at this iconic eatery, open till 10 PM.
INR100, 1h0m
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Day 3: Madurai Sightseeing

Madurai, India on June 15, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a South Indian breakfast at your hotel.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this iconic temple complex renowned for its stunning gopurams, sculptures and vibrant religious celebrations, open from 5 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM.
INR50, 3h0m

11:30AM

Thirumalai Nayakar Palace

Visit the impressive 17th-century palace known for its giant pillars and Indo-Saracenic architecture, open from 9 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 6:30 PM.
INR50, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Relish traditional Tamil Nadu meals and vegetarian dishes at this well-known restaurant, open till 3 PM.
INR200, 1h0m

2:15PM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about India's freedom struggle in this historic museum open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR20, 1h30m

5:00PM

Evening Leisure at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Relax by the large temple tank and enjoy evening views.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop again or Hotel

Dine on local favorites or enjoy your hotel’s cuisine.
INR150, 1h0m
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Day 4: Travel Madurai to Kumarakom, Kerala

Madurai to Kumarakom, Kerala on June 16, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast and Check-out

Have a quick breakfast at the hotel before departing.
INR150, 1h0m

7:30AM

Drive to Kumarakom, Kerala

Travel approx 7-8 hours to the scenic backwaters region of Kumarakom in Kerala.
INR0, 8h0m

3:30PM

Check-in at backwater resort

Receive warm Kerala hospitality at your backwater resort in Kumarakom.
INR0, 1h0m

5:00PM

Relax and Explore Resort surroundings

Spend time unwinding by the beautiful Vembanad Lake and enjoy the sunset.
INR0, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Resort

Savor fresh Kerala cuisine featuring seafood specialties at your resort restaurant.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 5: Kumarakom to Kochi

Kumarakom to Kochi, Kerala on June 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy a typical Kerala breakfast with appam and stew at your resort.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Kochi

Short 1.5 hour drive to Kochi, the gateway to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
INR0, 1h30m

10:30AM

Visit Fort Kochi and Mattancherry

Tour historical sites including Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and famous Chinese fishing nets open all day.
INR50, 3h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

Dine in a charming art-filled cafe featuring continental and Kerala fusion dishes, open till 4 PM.
INR450, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica

Explore the oldest European churches in India, rich in colonial history and architecture.
INR0, 1h0m

4:00PM

Relax at Marine Drive

Enjoy the waterfront promenade with views of Kochi harbour.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Experience fine dining with traditional Kerala seafood specialties at this highly rated restaurant inside the Taj Malabar hotel, open till 11 PM.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Backwaters and Kerala Culture

Kochi and Kerala Backwaters on June 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Kochi

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast including local Kerala specialties.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00AM

Full Day Backwater Houseboat Cruise

Board a traditional houseboat from Kochi area for a day cruise through Kerala’s serene backwaters, enjoying local cuisine on board and scenic views. Usually available from 8 AM to 6 PM.
INR3500, 8h0m

6:30PM

Return and Rest

Relax at your hotel after the cruise.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00PM

Dinner at Fusion Bay

Enjoy a mix of Kerala and international dishes in this cozy dining spot in Fort Kochi, open till 10 PM.
INR800, 1h0m
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Day 7: Return Journey

Kochi to Vijayawada, India on June 19, 2025

6:00AM

Early Breakfast and Check-out

Have a light breakfast before starting your return journey.
INR250, 1h0m

7:00AM

Travel back to Vijayawada

Begin a long travel day back to Vijayawada. Consider flying from Kochi to Vijayawada for time efficiency (approx 2 hour flight) or opt for train/road options if preferred.
INR2500+ flight/train cost, 2h0m or 10h by road/train

12:00PM

Arrival and End of Trip

Arrive in Vijayawada with great memories from your South India journey.
INR0, 0h0m
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