Explore tranquil landscapes, ancient temples and coastlines

Hello everyone,

As a resident of Tamil Nadu, I couldn’t help but share the amazing experiences of this beautiful state. Whether you are planning a summer vacation or looking for a long weekend getaway, Tamil Nadu’s rich culture, ancient temples, serene landscapes, and beautiful seaside await you. Here’s a personal guide to a 10-day road trip covering the best places to visit, must-try food, affordable accommodation, transportation tips, and more!

1. Ooty

I’m originally from Ooty and I must say it’s truly a paradise, famously known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. This charming town is perfect for a leisurely stroll and has a cool climate all year round, making it a great holiday destination. The drive from Mettupalayam to Ooty offers some amazing views – be sure to stop along the way to snap a few photos!

• Travel distance: 85 km from Coimbatore
• Best transportation: Car or bicycle
• Highlights:
  • Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Visit the Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden.
  • Enjoy a boat ride on Ooty Lake.
• Best Restaurant:
  • Shinkow Chinese Restaurant serves authentic Chinese cuisine.
  • Hyderabad Biryani House offers Hyderabadi-style cuisine.
• stay:
  • Zostel Ooty – Budget hostel with dorm rooms starting from Rs.700.
  • Lake View Hotel – Comfortable accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 1,500.
• Unique tips: Start early to avoid traffic jams on mountain roads.

2. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is often referred to as Ooty’s sister, or ‘Kodai’, and is known as the ‘Princess of the Hill Station’. This town is full of waterfalls and hidden gems waiting to be explored. Although the climate is warmer than Ooty, it is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

• Travel distance: 250 km from Ooty
• Best transportation: car
• Highlights:
  • En route we will visit Coonoor which is famous for its tea plantations.
  • Explore Coaker’s Walk, Kodai Lake and Bryant Park.
• Best Restaurant:
  • Cloud Street Cafe serves wood-fired pizza.
  • Astoria Veg offers traditional South Indian cuisine.
• stay:
  • Villa Retreat – Budget accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 2,000.
  • Kodai Resort Hotel – comfortable accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 3,500.
• Unique tips: The drive through the Western Ghats offers breathtaking views; stop from time to time to admire the scenery.

3. Madurai

Madurai is known as the ‘City of Temples’ and is rich in culture and history. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is a must-see, and the city offers a wide variety of Chettinad cuisine – my personal favourite! If you have time, explore nearby places like Tanjore and Trichy, which are equally rich in culture and beauty.

• Travel distance: 115 km from Kodaikanal
• Best transportation: Car or bus
• Highlights:
  • Visit the world famous Meenakshi Amman Temple.
  • Explore the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace.
  • Wander through the local markets and shop for handicrafts and silk saris.
• Best Restaurant:
  • Murugan Idli Shop serves authentic South Indian breakfast.
  • Kumar Mess serves traditional Chettinad cuisine.
• stay:
  • Hotel Supreme – A budget hotel with rooms starting from Rs 1,200.
  • Heritage Madurai – Luxury accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 6,000.
• Unique tips: Visit the temple early in the morning to avoid the crowds and experience the peaceful rituals.

4. Rameswaram

Whenever I need a quiet retreat, I drive straight to Rameswaram. Despite the heat, the place is peaceful, especially if you avoid the afternoon hours. There are many affordable places to explore here, and two to three days is the ideal time to fully enjoy this destination.

• Travel distance: 170 km from Madurai
• Best transportation: Car or train
• Highlights:
  • Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples.
  • Stroll across the Pamban Bridge and enjoy the stunning sea views.
• Best Restaurant:
  • Sri Murugan Mess serves simple, authentic South Indian cuisine.
  • Ahaan, the Hyatt Place’s restaurant, serves Indian and Continental cuisine.
• stay:
  • Daiwik Hotels – Budget hotels with rooms starting from Rs. 2,000.
  • Royal Park Hotel – Comfortable accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 3,500.
• Unique tips: The drive to Rameswaram via the Pamban Bridge is very scenic – stop and take photos!

5. Kanyakumari

Take the East Coast Road to the scenic Kanyakumari where you can watch a stunning sunrise. I prefer to take the less traveled road for a more immersive experience. However, winter visitors might miss the sunrise due to fog.

• Travel distance: 310 km from Rameswaram
• Best transportation: Car or bus
• Highlights:
  • Visit the Vivekananda rock memorial and the Thiruvalluvar statue.
  • Watch the sunset at Kanyakumari Beach, where three oceans meet.
• Best Restaurant:
  • The sea view restaurant serves fresh seafood.
  • Curry is a traditional Tamil dish.
• stay:
  • Tri Sea Hotel – Affordable, rooms start from Rs. 1,500.
  • Sparsa Resort – mid-range accommodation with rates starting from Rs 4,000.
• Unique tips: Plan to reach Kanyakumari in the afternoon to enjoy the stunning sunset.

6. Tirunelveli

When I think of Tirunelveli, I think of the famous ‘Iruttu Kadai Halwa’! Also known as ‘Nellai’, the city is rich in culture and history with many temples to visit. The hot climate requires sun protection, so stay out of direct sunlight to avoid getting a tan.

• Travel distance: 85 km from Kanyakumari
• Best transportation: Car or Taxi
• Highlights:
  • Visit the historic Nellaiappar Temple.
  • Explore the tranquil Manimutha Falls.
• Best Restaurant:
  • Kasi Viswanathar Hotel serves traditional South Indian cuisine.
  • How to make halwa for famous Tirunelveli halwa.
• stay:
  • Hotel Aryaas – Budget accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 1,200.
  • RR Inn – mid-range accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 2,500.
• Unique tips: Don’t leave without trying Tirunelveli’s famous Halwa.

7. Thanjavur

Thanjavur is a city ruled by the Chola dynasty and has a rich history, and a visit to the ‘Periya Kovil’ is a must. Known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu’, the city offers unique varieties of biryani that are worth a try.

• Travel distance: 290 km from Tirunelveli
• Best transportation: car
• Highlights:
  • Visit the Brihadeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Explore the Thanjavur Palace and Art Galleries.
• Best Restaurant:
  • Sree Ariya Bhavan serves traditional Tamil cuisine.
  • Thevar’s Biryani serves delicious biryani.
• stay:
  • Hotel Gnanam – Budget accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 2,000.
  • Ideal River View Resort – Riverside accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 4,500.
• Unique tips: Explore the local arts and crafts of Thanjavur in the evening.

8. Pondicherry

Pondicherry is famous for its French-style streets and colorful buildings. My personal favorites are the rocky beaches and the Broken Bridge. Spend a day or two exploring this quaint town with friends for a perfect weekend getaway.

• Travel distance: 170 km from Thanjavur
• Best transportation: Car or bus
• Highlights:
  • Explore the French Quarter and Promenade Beach.
  • Visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
• Best Restaurant:
  • Café des Arts serves a French breakfast.
  • Surguru for a taste of South Indian cuisine.
• stay:
  • Villa Shanti – Boutique accommodation with rates starting from Rs 3,000.
  • Le Pondy – Beachfront accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 5,000.
• Unique tips: Rent a bike and explore the quaint streets of Pondicherry.

9. Mahabalipuram

Although the road to Mahabalipuram is bumpy, the drive along the coast is well worth the views on either side. The ancient temples are a unique attraction, and a few days here is ideal for exploring private beaches and feasting on fresh seafood.

• Travel distance: 100 km from Pondicherry
• Best transportation: Car or bicycle
• Highlights:
  • Visit the Shore Temple and the Five Chariots.
  • Explore Mahabalipuram Lighthouse and Beach.
• Best Restaurant:
  • Moonrakers offers fresh seafood.
  • The Wharf offers a luxurious dining experience.
• stay:
  • Vinodhara Guest House – Budget accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 1,200.
  • Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay – Luxury accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 6,000.
• Unique tips: Visit the Coast Temple in the early morning and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

10. Chennai

Chennai holds a special place in my heart and I have spent a few years here, enjoying the food to my heart’s content. The city has shopping malls, beaches, theme parks, etc. and it takes about 3-4 days to fully explore. Don’t miss the local food and the fried fish stalls on the beach – they are worth every penny!

• Travel distance: 60 km from Mahabalipuram
• Best transportation: Car or Taxi
• Highlights:
  • Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Marina Beach.
  • Explore Fort St. George and Mount St. Thomas.
• Best Restaurant:
  • Murugan Idli Shop serves up a classic South Indian breakfast.
  • New Andhra Meals offers delicious lunch.
• stay:
  • Treebo Trend Elan – Budget accommodation with rates starting from Rs 2,000.
  • The Park Hotel Chennai – Luxury accommodation with rooms starting from Rs 6,500.
• Unique tips: Spend some time shopping in T Nagar, famous for its silk saris and jewellery.

Note:

• Do: Carry a first aid kit, stay hydrated, and respect local customs.
• No: Littering, disturbing wildlife or ignoring traffic rules.

All-inclusive travel budget estimate:

• transportation: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 (car fuel and toll charges).
• stay: 15,000 – 30,000 rupees (for budget stay).
• food: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (depending on meal options).
• Various: ₹5,000 (entry fee, shopping fee).

Total budget: 35,000 – 60,000 INR

Best packages and website references:

• Build My Trip: Customized Tamil Nadu road trip packages are available starting from Rs 50,000.
• Stimulant addiction: The Tamil Nadu cultural tour packages start from Rs 45,000.
• pilgrimage: Affordable Tamil Nadu packages start at Rs 40,000.

This Tamil Nadu road trip takes you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of South India, combining history, culture, nature and cuisine. Whether you’re travelling alone or exploring with your family, this guide will ensure you make the most of your adventure.

See you in the next article!
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with love,
Sarah