Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

12-Day Self-Drive Southern India Explorer: Mysore to Tirupati via Ooty, Coimbatore, Madurai, Rameshwaram & Dhanushkodi

Viewed by 109 travelers

Day 1: Explore Mysore

Mysore, India on June 14, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Vinayaka Mylari

Start your day with traditional Mysore dosas and filter coffee at this famed local eatery, open from 7:30 AM.
INR100, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Mysore Palace

Explore the iconic Mysore Palace, a majestic example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The palace opens at 10:00 AM and offers rich cultural insights.
INR70, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at RRR Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Andhra-style meals here; known for spicy veg and non-veg thalis. Open 11 AM to 3 PM.
INR250, 1h

1:30PM

Stroll around Brindavan Gardens

Relax at the famous Brindavan Gardens with its symmetric terraces and illuminated fountains; garden timings 6 AM–8 PM.
INR50, 2h

4:00PM

Visit St. Philomena’s Cathedral

Admire Gothic architecture in this historic cathedral, open till 6 PM daily.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Mysore Mylari

Savour a light dinner featuring Mysore’s famous butter masala dosa in a cozy setting, open till 10 PM.
INR200, 1h
Find Hotels in Mysore

Day 2: Mysore to Ooty Drive

Mysore to Ooty, India on June 15, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast at your hotel before the drive.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Ooty

Begin the 3.5-hour scenic drive from Mysore to Ooty, passing through lush Nilgiri hills.
Fuel cost approx INR1500, 3h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Earl’s Secret

Dine amidst colonial charm with continental and Indian cuisine at this picturesque Ooty restaurant, open 11 AM to 10 PM.
INR600, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Ooty Botanical Gardens

Explore beautiful landscaped gardens with rare plants, open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.
INR30, 1h30m

3:15PM

Scenic walk at Ooty Lake

Enjoy boating or a leisurely walk around Ooty Lake, open 9 AM–5 PM.
INR50, 1h

5:00PM

Check-in and relax at hotel

Rest after the drive and prepare for next day’s adventures.
Varies, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Shinkows

Taste excellent Chinese cuisine in Ooty, open till 10 PM.
INR500, 1h
Find Hotels in Mysore to Ooty

Day 3: Explore Ooty

Ooty, India on June 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a fresh breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Ride Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Take the charming UNESCO-listed toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor; starts early from 8 AM onwards. Book tickets in advance.
INR150, 1h15m

11:00AM

Visit Doddabetta Peak

Enjoy panoramic views atop the highest peak in Nilgiris, open 8 AM to 6 PM.
INR20, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Café

Try some local Tamil Nadu cuisine, many cafes near town serve fresh meals; recommend open kitchens till 3 PM.
INR300, 1h

2:30PM

Rose Garden Visit

Explore one of Asia’s largest rose gardens, open 9 AM to 6 PM.
INR25, 1h

4:00PM

Visit Tea Factory & Museum

Learn about tea processing and sample fresh teas; open 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR30, 1h

6:00PM

Return to hotel and dinner

Dine at hotel or try local eateries serving traditional Nilgiri meals.
INR450, 1h
Find Hotels in Ooty

Day 4: Ooty to Coonoor and Coimbatore

Ooty to Coonoor and then Coimbatore, India on June 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the day’s drive.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Coonoor

Short 1-hour drive to Coonoor, exploring scenic hill roads.
Fuel cost approx INR200, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Sim’s Park, Coonoor

Discover a serene botanical park with exotic flora, open 8 AM–6 PM.
INR20, 1h30m

11:00AM

Visit Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint

Take a short hike to this famous viewpoint for breathtaking views of Catherine Falls.
Free, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Tea Nest

Enjoy a meal with panoramic valley views and fresh Nilgiri tea, open till 3 PM.
INR500, 1h

2:30PM

Drive to Coimbatore

Begin the 2-hour drive down to Coimbatore city, known as the 'Manchester of South India'.
Fuel cost approx INR600, 2h

4:30PM

Check-in hotel and relax

Settle into your Coimbatore hotel and prepare for next day’s sightseeing.
Varies, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Shree Annapoorna Restaurant

Experience tasty South Indian meals with local Coimbatore flavors, open till 10 PM.
INR300, 1h
Find Hotels in Ooty to Coonoor and then Coimbatore

Day 5: Coimbatore to Madurai Drive

Coimbatore to Madurai, India on June 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a substantial breakfast before the road trip to Madurai.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Madurai

Start the approx 3.5-hour journey to Madurai through Tamil Nadu plains.
Fuel cost approx INR700, 3h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Savour Madurai’s famous soft idlis and flavorful chutneys, open 7 AM to 9 PM.
INR150, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this grand Dravidian temple with intricate carvings; temple opens till 12 PM and then 4 PM–10 PM.
Free, 2h

4:00PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

See the 17th century palace known for its blend of architectural styles, open till 6 PM.
INR50, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals at reasonable prices with authentic flavors, open till 9 PM.
INR200, 1h
Find Hotels in Coimbatore to Madurai

Day 6: Madurai Sightseeing

Madurai, India on June 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about India’s freedom struggle with exhibits related to Mahatma Gandhi, open 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR15, 1h

10:30AM

Explore Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Visit this huge temple tank famous for the float festival held in Madurai.
Free, 1h

12:00PM

Lunch at Konar Mess

Relish tasty non-vegetarian Tamil Nadu dishes, open 11 AM to 4 PM.
INR200, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Koodal Azhagar Temple

Known for its beautiful sculptures and religious significance.
Free, 1h

4:00PM

Relax at your hotel or explore local markets

Shop for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs in bustling Madurai markets.
Varies, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

Enjoy pure vegetarian South Indian cuisine with quality service, open till 10 PM.
INR300, 1h
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 7: Madurai to Rameshwaram Drive

Madurai to Rameshwaram, India on June 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Begin with a nutritious breakfast before the drive to Rameshwaram.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Rameshwaram

Start the 3-hour drive known for beautiful landscapes and ocean views.
Fuel cost approx INR500, 3h

11:00AM

Check in and lunch

Check into your hotel and have lunch at Hotel Tamil Nadu, known for local coastal cuisine.
INR400, 1h

12:30PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this iconic temple famous for its long corridors and sacred significance, open 5 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM.
Free, 2h

3:00PM

Walk along Dhanushkodi Beach

Relax at this serene beach near Rameshwaram, famous for its views of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea confluence.
Free, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Sea View

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Tamil dishes right by the sea, open till 10 PM.
INR600, 1h
Find Hotels in Madurai to Rameshwaram

Day 8: Day trip to Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi, India on June 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

A quick breakfast before your trip to Dhanushkodi, a ghost town and scenic coastal spot.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Dhanushkodi

Take a 1-hour drive to this magical location at the tip of Rameshwaram Island, USA’s vehicle access via boat or rugged road.
Fuel cost approx INR200, 1h

9:00AM

Explore Dhanushkodi ruins and beaches

Spending the day exploring remains of the old town destroyed by 1964 cyclone and enjoying peaceful beaches.
Free, 4h

1:00PM

Pack lunch or local eatery

Carry a picnic or have lunch at small local eateries providing coastal snacks.
INR200, 1h

2:00PM

Return to Rameshwaram

Drive back to Rameshwaram to rest and refresh for the evening.
Fuel cost approx INR200, 1h

5:00PM

Visit Agnitheertham

Experience the sacred bathing ghats on the sea shore, open till sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Sahil Restaurant

Seafood lovers will relish fresh fish curries and biryanis served here.
INR500, 1h
Find Hotels in Dhanushkodi

Day 9: Rameshwaram to Tirupati Drive

Rameshwaram to Tirupati, India on June 22, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a long drive with a hearty breakfast early morning as you head toward Tirupati.
Included, 1h

7:00AM

Drive to Tirupati

Start the approximately 8-hour drive (480 km) to Tirupati with breaks in between for refreshments.
Fuel cost approx INR1500, 8h

3:30PM

Check-in and rest

Settle into your hotel in Tirupati and rest before evening visits.
Varies, 1h30m

5:00PM

Visit local temples around Tirupati

Explore temples like Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple open till 8 PM; great for spiritual insights.
Free, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Sri Mahalakshmi Tiffin Centre

Enjoy traditional Andhra meals including spicy curries and freshly made chapatis.
INR250, 1h
Find Hotels in Rameshwaram to Tirupati

Day 10: Tirupati Pilgrimage

Tirupati, India on June 23, 2025

5:00AM

Early breakfast and prepare for temple visit

Have a quick breakfast to head early to the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
Included, 1h

6:00AM

Visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Spend the morning at one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites; temple opens at 3 AM and crowd is manageable early morning.
Free, 4h

11:00AM

Lunch at Aira’s Vadapav

Enjoy light snacks and South Indian tea after temple darshan.
INR150, 1h

12:30PM

Explore Sri Vari Museum

Learn about temple history and culture, open 10 AM – 5 PM.
INR30, 1h

2:00PM

Return to hotel and relax

Rest in the afternoon and prepare for the next day’s journey or further local exploration.
Varies, Rest of day

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel RRR

Enjoy a sumptuous vegetarian Andhra-style dinner.
INR300, 1h
Find Hotels in Tirupati

Day 11: Tirupati to Mysore Return

Tirupati to Mysore, India on June 24, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a fulfilling breakfast as you prepare for your return journey to Mysore.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Drive back to Mysore

Set off on the approximately 7-hour drive back to Mysore to complete your loop, enjoying the countryside along the way.
Fuel cost approx INR1500, 7h

3:00PM

Check-in at Mysore hotel and relax

Rest and enjoy your last evening in Mysore before departure.
Varies, 2h

7:00PM

Farewell dinner at Hotel RRR

Celebrate your trip with a delicious meal featuring Karnataka specialties.
INR400, 1h
Find Hotels in Tirupati to Mysore

Day 12: Departure/Extra Day

Mysore, India on June 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your onward travel or to explore last-minute Mysore shopping and sightseeing.
Included, 1h

10:00AM

Visit Mysore Zoo or local markets

Check out Mysore Zoo for wildlife or visit local markets to pick up souvenirs and traditional silks, opened 8 AM to 6 PM.
INR80, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Mylari Hotel

Relish a quick lunch of Mysore’s famous dosas before departure.
INR200, 1h
Find Hotels in Mysore
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed