6-Day South India Road Trip: Vijayawada to Chennai, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Kodaikanal, Arunachalam & Back

Day 1: Travel & Explore Chennai

Chennai, India on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Vijayawada

Start early from Vijayawada to make the best use of the day. The drive to Chennai takes approximately 9-10 hours covering about 660 km.
INR0, 10h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant, Vijayawada

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast comprising idlis, dosas, and filter coffee to fuel the long drive ahead. Opens from 7:00 AM.
INR150, 0h45m

7:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

After reaching Chennai, refresh and head to Saravana Bhavan for authentic vegetarian Tamil cuisine. They are open till 11 PM.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 2: Madurai & Rameshwaram Travel

Madurai & Rameshwaram, India on June 28, 2025

6:00am

Drive Chennai to Madurai

Early morning drive covering approximately 460 km taking around 7-8 hours to reach Madurai.
INR0, 8h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at Amma Mess, Madurai

Experience local Madurai flavors with a traditional South Indian breakfast. This highly rated spot opens by 6:00 AM.
INR120, 0h45m

11:00am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Explore this iconic and intricately designed temple, a must-see cultural landmark open 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM.
INR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Drive Madurai to Rameshwaram

Drive about 170 km, approx 3.5 hours to reach Rameshwaram known for its spiritual significance.
INR0, 3h30m

4:30pm

Check-in and relax at Rameshwaram

Check in to your hotel and unwind post drive.
INR0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Evening visit to Ramanathaswamy Temple

Enjoy the serene evening atmosphere at this famous temple, open till 8:30 PM.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Ashok Bhavan

Savor traditional Tamil and seafood dishes at this well-reputed local eatery, open until 9:30 PM.
INR250, 1h0m

Day 3: Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari

Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi, Pamban & Kanyakumari, India on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Early visit to Dhanushkodi

Explore the ghost town and beautiful beach at Dhanushkodi. Best to visit early to avoid heat and crowds. Open all day with no entry fee.
INR0, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast in Dhanushkodi local eatery

Enjoy fresh, local breakfast like idli and chutney at small local cafes near Dhanushkodi.
INR80, 0h45m

11:00am

Visit Pamban Bridge and ferry views

Drive back through Pamban Bridge, a historic suspension bridge over the sea, offering picturesque views and great photo opportunities.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Drive Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari

Embark on a longer drive approx 310 km / 6-7 hours south to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.
INR0, 7h0m

7:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Hotel Sangamam

Enjoy delicious local cuisine with views of the ocean. Open till 10 PM.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 4: Explore Kanyakumari & Travel to Kodaikanal

Kanyakumari & Kodaikanal, India on June 30, 2025

6:30am

Sunrise at Kanyakumari Beach

Witness the unique sunrise where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean meet. Early visit to avoid crowds.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Seashore

Enjoy a quick South Indian breakfast near the beach. Open from 7 AM.
INR150, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry (INR60 round trip) to this famous monument. Opens 8 AM to 5 PM.
INR60, 2h0m

12:00pm

Drive Kanyakumari to Kodaikanal

Start the 4-5 hour drive approximately 250 km to the beautiful hill station of Kodaikanal.
INR0, 5h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Cloud Street Restaurant

Relish continental and local cuisine in a cozy setting, open till 9 PM.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 5: Kodaikanal to Arunachalam

Kodaikanal & Arunachalam, India on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ten Degrees Event Cafe

Enjoy fresh and healthy breakfast options to start your day in Kodaikanal. Opens at 8 AM.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Kodaikanal Lake and Bryant Park

Spend a relaxing morning at the scenic lake and the picturesque park, open from sunrise to sunset.
INR30, 2h0m

11:00am

Drive Kodaikanal to Arunachalam

Drive approximately 180 km taking about 4-5 hours through scenic routes towards Arunachalam hills.
INR0, 5h0m

4:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at local guesthouse in Arunachalam

Enjoy a simple meal and rest after a long day of travel and sightseeing.
INR250, 1h0m

Day 6: Return to Vijayawada

Arunachalam to Vijayawada, India on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse Arunachalam

Have an early light breakfast before starting the long journey back to Vijayawada.
INR150, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive Arunachalam to Vijayawada

Begin the approximately 700 km drive back to Vijayawada. This may take about 11-12 hours, so plan stops for refreshment and rest.
INR0, 12h0m

7:30pm

Arrival in Vijayawada

Arrive home after an adventurous and culturally rich 6-day road trip through South India.
INR0, 0h0m