12-Day Self-Drive South India Road Trip: Nagpur to Mysore, Ooty, Coonoor, Coimbatore, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi, Tirupati & Back

Day 1: Travel & Explore Mysore

Nagpur to Mysore, Karnataka on June 14, 2025

6:00AM

Start Drive from Nagpur

Begin your self-drive journey early in the morning for the approximately 1,200 km drive to Mysore, Karnataka.

INR0, 12h0m

7:00PM

Check-in & Rest

Arrive in Mysore and check into your hotel to rest after the long drive.

INR0, Overnight

View Hotels

Day 2: Mysore Heritage Tour

Mysore, Karnataka on June 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at RRR Restaurant

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast at RRR Restaurant, known for its dosas and idlis. Open 7AM to 10:30AM.

INR150, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Mysore Palace

Explore the grand Mysore Palace, a historic royal residence with stunning architecture and rich history. Opens 10AM to 5:30PM.

INR70, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Mylari Hotel

Savor famous Mysore masala dosa and South Indian cuisine at Mylari Hotel, open 11AM to 3PM.

INR200, 1h0m

1:30PM

Stroll Brindavan Gardens

Visit Brindavan Gardens, known for beautiful landscaping and musical fountain shows. Gardens open till 7PM; fountain starts after 7PM.

INR50, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Vinayaka Mylari

Enjoy a cozy dinner with authentic Mysore flavors. Open till 10PM.

INR250, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 3: Mysore to Ooty via Bandipur

Mysore to Ooty, Tamil Nadu on June 16, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel before starting the drive to Ooty.

INR150, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive to Ooty (via Bandipur)

Drive approximately 125 km to Ooty, passing through Bandipur National Park; stop by for a quick wildlife view from outside the park as interiors require permits.

INR0, 4h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Earl's Secret, Ooty

Relax with a delicious lunch at Earl’s Secret offering good ambiance and continental cuisine. Open 12PM-3PM.

INR400, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Ooty Botanical Gardens

Explore the 22-acre gardens that are home to exotic and indigenous plants, perfect for relaxed walks. Open till 6PM.

INR30, 1h30m

4:00PM

Ooty Lake Boating

Enjoy boating at Ooty Lake, a serene spot in the middle of the town. Open till sunset.

INR100, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Shinkows

Try authentic Chinese and Indo-Chinese dishes at Shinkows. Open till 10PM.

INR350, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 4: Coonoor Exploration & Drive to Coimbatore

Ooty and Coonoor, Tamil Nadu on June 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out.

INR150, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Coonoor

Short 20 km scenic drive to Coonoor through the Nilgiris hills.

INR0, 1h0m

10:00AM

Visit Sim’s Park

Wander through Sim's Park, a beautifully maintained botanical garden with rare plants and a small toy train ride. Open till 6PM.

INR20, 1h0m

11:30AM

Visit Dolphin’s Nose

Drive or hike to Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint, offering stunning views over the Nilgiris valley.

INR0, 1h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at The Culinarium

Relish fresh bakery items and light meals in a charming cafe atmosphere. Open 10AM-6PM.

INR300, 1h0m

2:30PM

Drive to Coimbatore

Drive approx 70 km downhill to Coimbatore city, Tamil Nadu’s industrial hub.

INR0, 2h0m

5:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Check into Coimbatore hotel and rest after the drive.

INR0, Overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at Hari Bhavanam

Try traditional Tamil Brahmin meals served on plantain leaves, offering a taste of local culture. Open till 10PM.

INR250, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 5: Coimbatore to Madurai

Coimbatore and Madurai, Tamil Nadu on June 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your hotel breakfast and prepare for the drive to Madurai.

INR150, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive to Madurai

Long drive of about 215 km from Coimbatore to Madurai.

INR0, 4h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Known for soft idlis and traditional Tamil dishes, open 7AM-10PM.

INR150, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the spectacular Meenakshi Temple with its ornate gopurams and vibrant architecture. Open 5AM to 12:30PM and 4PM to 10PM.

INR0, 2h0m

5:00PM

Stroll Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Visit the historic 17th-century palace with impressive night-time sound and light show (starts at 7PM, check daily schedule).

INR100, 1h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Bamboo Restaurant

Enjoy local Chettinad cuisine in a garden setting. Open till 10PM.

INR300, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 6: Madurai to Rameshwaram

Madurai to Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu on June 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a filling breakfast before the drive east to Rameshwaram.

INR150, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive to Rameshwaram

Drive about 170 km to the holy island town of Rameshwaram.

INR0, 4h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Sri Murugan

Simple South Indian vegetarian food popular with pilgrims. Open 12PM-3PM.

INR200, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Shiva, famous for its long corridor and sacred baths. Open 5AM to 12PM and 5PM to 9PM.

INR0, 2h0m

5:00PM

Walk Along Pamban Bridge

Evening stroll or photos at Pamban Bridge, engineering marvel connecting Rameshwaram to mainland.

INR0, 30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Azhar

Try coastal Tamil seafood specialties, open till 9PM.

INR350, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 7: Dhanushkodi Day Trip

Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi on June 20, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast

Have a quick breakfast, as you'll start early for the day trip.

INR100, 30m

7:30AM

Drive to Dhanushkodi

Visit the ghost town Dhanushkodi, approximately 20 km from Rameshwaram, known for its ruins and scenic ocean views.

INR0, 1h0m

9:00AM

Explore Dhanushkodi Ruins

Walk around the abandoned town, seeing remnants of the cyclone destruction and pristine beaches.

INR0, 2h0m

11:30AM

Drive Back to Rameshwaram

Return to Rameshwaram for lunch and relaxation.

INR0, 1h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy budget-friendly South Indian meals in a classic coffee house atmosphere.

INR150, 1h0m

3:00PM

Relax / Optional Local Sightseeing

Spend the afternoon relaxing or visiting local markets and shops.

INR0, 3h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Ambica

Good vegetarian options with local flavors to end your day.

INR250, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 8: Rameshwaram to Tirupati

Rameshwaram to Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh on June 21, 2025

6:00AM

Start Early Drive to Tirupati

Begin the approximately 600 km drive northeast to Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

INR0, 11h0m

5:00PM

Check-in & Rest in Tirupati

Arrival and hotel check-in to rest after long day drive.

INR0, Overnight

View Hotels

Day 9: Tirupati Temple Visit

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh on June 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome meal at your stay.

INR150, 1h0m

8:00AM

Visit Sri Venkateswara Temple

Visit the famous hilltop Venkateswara Temple, a major pilgrimage site open from 3AM to 1:30PM and again from 3:30PM to 8:30PM. Book darshan tickets in advance if possible.

INR0, 3h0m