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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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