Scenic South India Train and Car Journey: Srikakulam to Chennai, Madurai, Palani, Rameswaram, Padmanabhaswamy Temple & Tirupati

Day 1: Train to Chennai

Srikakulam, India to Chennai, India on June 13, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Srikakulam

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast of idli and dosa at local favorite Hotel Srikanya, known for its fresh flavors and quick service. Open from 5:30AM to 10:30AM.

INR100, 0h45m

7:00AM

Train Journey to Chennai

Board the early morning train from Srikakulam Road Station to Chennai Central. The scenic route along the East Coast offers beautiful views of the Bay of Bengal. Typical journey time is 12 hours.

INR600, 12h0m

7:00PM

Dinner near Chennai Central

Upon arrival, dine at Buhari Hotel, Chennai, famous for its biryanis and kebabs serving delicious local and Mughlai cuisine. Open until 11PM.

INR400, 1h30m

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Day 2: Chennai to Madurai

Chennai to Madurai, India on June 14, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional filter coffee and South Indian breakfast platter of dosas and vadas at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai, open from 6:00AM. A perfect start before your road trip.

INR150, 1h

9:00AM

Drive from Chennai to Madurai

Embark on a 7-hour scenic road trip (about 460 km via NH38) to Madurai, known for its rich cultural heritage and the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple.

INR2500 (car rental/fuel), 7h

4:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its intricate Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures. Open from 5:00AM to 12:30PM and 4:00PM to 10:00PM.

INR50, 1h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Relish soft idlis and chutneys at this popular eatery near Meenakshi Temple, serving open till late night.

INR120, 1h

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Day 3: Palani and Rameswaram

Madurai to Palani and Rameswaram, India on June 15, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick South Indian breakfast at your hotel in Madurai to prepare for an active day ahead.

INR150, 0h45m

7:30AM

Drive to Palani

Drive 120 km northwest to Palani, famed for Palani Murugan Temple perched on a hill, a major pilgrimage site with panoramic views. The temple is open 6:00AM to 8:30PM.

INR600, 2h

9:30AM

Visit Palani Murugan Temple

Climb or take the cable car to the temple and explore the sacred hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, an important devotional site.

INR20, 1h

10:30AM

Drive to Rameswaram

Continue the drive south-east for approximately 170 km to the holy island of Rameswaram, known for Ramanathaswamy Temple.

INR700, 3h

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Rameswaram

Enjoy freshly cooked Tamil Nadu style meals featuring seafood specialties at Hotel Rameswaram, open until 3PM.

INR300, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the famous temple with the longest corridor in India and its sacred water tanks. Entry is free and open from 6:00AM to 8:30PM.

INR0, 2h

5:00PM

Evening walk on Dhanushkodi Beach

Witness the tranquil sunset and ruins of Dhanushkodi, the ancient ghost town, from the nearby beach area. Open access anytime.

INR0, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Sri Ramakrishna Bhavan

Savour classical South Indian dishes with vegetarian options in Rameswaram, open till 9:30PM.

INR250, 1h

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Day 4: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

Rameswaram to Thiruvananthapuram, India on June 16, 2025

6:00AM

Early Breakfast

Start early with a light breakfast at your hotel in Rameswaram before departure.

INR150, 0h30m

6:30AM

Drive to Thiruvananthapuram

Head west on a 250 km scenic 6-hour drive crossing into Kerala, leading you to the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the city of Thiruvananthapuram.

INR2000, 6h

12:30PM

Lunch at Villa Maya

Dine in a heritage home restaurant offering Kerala cuisine with elegant ambiance. Open from 12PM to 3PM.

INR1000, 1h30m

2:30PM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore this famous Vishnu temple renowned for its stunning Dravidian architecture, strict dress codes, and historical treasure chambers. Open from 3:00AM to 12:00PM and 5:00PM to 8:00PM.

INR0, 1h30m