3-Day Cultural and Nature Escape to Madurai and Rameswaram from Chennai

Day 1: Travel & Explore Madurai

Madurai, India on June 18, 2025

6:00am

Depart Chennai by Train/Car

Start early morning journey from Chennai (approx 7-8 hours by train or car) to Madurai, an ancient city known for its magnificent temples and rich history.
INR 500-1500, 7h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy traditional South Indian vegetarian cuisine famous for soft idlis and spicy chutneys in this iconic Madurai eatery open 8:00am-9:00pm.
INR 200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this grand Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, featuring impressive towers and intricate carvings. Open 5:00am-12:30pm and 4:00pm-10:00pm.
INR 50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll Thirumalai Nayakar Palace

Visit this 17th-century palace famous for its majestic architecture and evening sound and light shows (check show timings). Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
INR 100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Amma Mess

Savour authentic Tamil meals with home-style flavors served in a cosy diner atmosphere. Open till 10:00pm.
INR 300, 1h0m

Day 2: Rameswaram Day Trip

Madurai to Rameswaram, India on June 19, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Rameswaram

Early morning start by road (approx 3 hours) to Rameswaram, a sacred island known for the Ramanathaswamy Temple with its stunning corridors and spiritual ambiance.
INR 800 taxi fare approx., 3h0m

9:30am

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Experience one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India, renowned for its long ornate corridors and spiritual rituals. Open 6:00am-1:00pm and 3:15pm-9:00pm.
INR 0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Sri Murugan

Sample traditional South Indian coastal cuisine with fresh seafood and vegetarian options. Open 11:00am-3:00pm.
INR 350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Dhanushkodi Beach Visit

Relax or explore the serene beaches and ghost town area of Dhanushkodi, accessible by local transport or taxi.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Return to Madurai

Travel back to Madurai by road, enjoying scenic rural landscapes of Tamil Nadu.
Included in taxi fare, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kovai Kutralam

Feast on South Indian delicacies and try the famous Madurai Jigarthanda dessert to refresh after a day of travel and visiting.
INR 300, 1h0m

Day 3: Madurai to Chennai

Madurai, India on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sree Sabarees

Start your day with hearty South Indian breakfast including dosas and vadas in this popular local chain, open from 7:00am.
INR 200, 1h0m

9:30am

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit this important museum showcasing India's freedom struggle and Gandhi's life through artefacts and photographs. Open 9:30am-5:00pm, closed on Mondays.
INR 35, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping at Madurai Market

Explore vibrant local markets for handicrafts, textiles including traditional Madurai sarees, and souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Curry Place

Enjoy a variety of Tamil and Chettinad dishes in a comfortable setting, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
INR 400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Depart Madurai by Train/Car to Chennai

Begin your return journey to Chennai, concluding your cultural and spiritual trip in South India.
INR 500-1500, 7h0m