Hello Everyone,
As someone from Tamil Nadu, I can’t help but share the incredible experiences this beautiful state has to offer. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation or looking for a long weekend getaway, Tamil Nadu’s rich culture, ancient temples, serene landscapes, and coastal beauty are waiting for you. Here’s a personal guide to a 10-day road trip that covers the best places to visit, must-try food, budget accommodations, transportation tips, and more!
1. Ooty
Being from Ooty, I must say it truly is a slice of heaven, famously known as the “Queen of Hills.” This charming small town is perfect for leisurely strolls, and the year-round chilly climate makes it a great escape. The drive from Mettupalayam to Ooty offers breathtaking views—make sure to stop along the way for some photos!
- Travel Distance: 85 km from Coimbatore
- Best Mode of Transportation: Self-drive car or bike
- Highlights:
- Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Visit the Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden.
- Enjoy a boat ride in Ooty Lake.
- Best Restaurants:
- Shinkow’s Chinese Restaurant for authentic Chinese cuisine.
- Hyderabad Biryani House for a taste of Hyderabadi flavors.
- Accommodation:
- Zostel Ooty – Budget-friendly hostel with dorms starting at ₹700.
- Hotel Lakeview – Cozy stay with rooms starting at ₹1,500.
- Unique Tip: Start early to avoid traffic on the mountain roads.
2. Kodaikanal
Often called the sister of Ooty, Kodaikanal, or “Kodai,” is known as the “Princess of Hill Stations.” This small town is filled with waterfalls and hidden gems waiting to be explored. While the climate is warmer than Ooty, it’s a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty.
- Travel Distance: 250 km from Ooty
- Best Mode of Transportation: Car
- Highlights:
- Visit Coonoor en route, famous for its tea plantations.
- Explore Coaker’s Walk, Kodai Lake, and Bryant Park.
- Best Restaurants:
- Cloud Street Cafe for wood-fired pizza.
- Astoria Veg for traditional South Indian meals.
- Accommodation:
- Villa Retreat – Budget stay with rooms starting at ₹2,000.
- Kodai Resort Hotel – Comfortable stay with rooms starting at ₹3,500.
- Unique Tip: The drive through the Western Ghats offers stunning views; take frequent stops to enjoy the scenery.
3. Madurai
Known as the “Temple City,” Madurai is rich in culture and history. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is a must-see, and the city offers a variety of Chettinad cuisine—my personal favorite! 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 Mode of Transportation: Car or Bus
- Highlights:
- Visit the world-famous Meenakshi Amman Temple.
- Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
- Wander through the local markets for handicrafts and silk sarees.
- Best Restaurants:
- Murugan Idli Shop for authentic South Indian breakfast.
- Kumar Mess for traditional Chettinad cuisine.
- Accommodation:
- Hotel Supreme – Budget hotel with rooms starting at ₹1,200.
- Heritage Madurai – Luxury stay with rooms starting at ₹6,000.
- Unique Tip: Visit the temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the peaceful rituals.
4. Rameswaram
Whenever I need a peaceful retreat, I drive straight to Rameswaram. Despite the hot climate, the place offers tranquility, especially if you avoid the afternoon hours. With many budget-friendly places to explore, two to three days are ideal to fully enjoy this destination.
- Travel Distance: 170 km from Madurai
- Best Mode of Transportation: Car or Train
- Highlights:
- Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples.
- Take a walk on Pamban Bridge for stunning sea views.
- Best Restaurants:
- Sri Murugan Mess for simple and authentic South Indian meals.
- Ahaan Restaurant at Hyatt Place for a mix of Indian and continental cuisine.
- Accommodation:
- Daiwik Hotels – Budget hotel with rooms starting at ₹2,000.
- Hotel Royal Park – Comfortable stay with rooms starting at ₹3,500.
- Unique Tip: The drive to Rameswaram via Pamban Bridge is scenic—stop for photos!
5. Kanyakumari
Take the East Coast Road for a scenic drive to Kanyakumari, where you can witness the stunning sunrise. I prefer taking the road less traveled for a more immersive experience. However, winter visitors might miss the sunrise due to fog.
- Travel Distance: 310 km from Rameswaram
- Best Mode of Transportation: Car or Bus
- Highlights:
- Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.
- Watch the sunset at Kanyakumari Beach, where three oceans meet.
- Best Restaurants:
- Sea View Restaurant for fresh seafood.
- The Curry for traditional Tamil cuisine.
- Accommodation:
- Tri Sea Hotel – Budget-friendly with rooms starting at ₹1,500.
- Sparsa Resort – Mid-range stay with rooms starting at ₹4,000.
- Unique Tip: Plan to reach Kanyakumari by afternoon to catch the mesmerizing sunset.
6. Tirunelveli
When I think of Tirunelveli, the famous “Iruttu Kadai Halwa” comes to mind! This city, also known as “Nellai,” is rich in culture and history, with many temples to visit. The hot climate calls for sun protection, so avoid direct sunlight to prevent getting tanned.
- Travel Distance: 85 km from Kanyakumari
- Best Mode of Transportation: Car or Taxi
- Highlights:
- Visit the historic Nellaiappar Temple.
- Explore the serene Manimuthar Falls.
- Best Restaurants:
- Kasi Viswanathar Hotel for traditional South Indian meals.
- Iruttu Kadai Halwa for the famous Tirunelveli Halwa.
- Accommodation:
- Hotel Aryaas – Budget stay with rooms starting at ₹1,200.
- RR Inn – Mid-range stay with rooms starting at ₹2,500.
- Unique Tip: Don’t leave without trying Tirunelveli’s famous Halwa.
7. Thanjavur
Rich with history, Thanjavur is a city ruled by the Cholas, and visiting the “Periya Kovil” is a must. Known as the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu,” the city offers unique biryani varieties that are a must-try.
- Travel Distance: 290 km from Tirunelveli
- Best Mode of Transportation: Car
- Highlights:
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple.
- Explore Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery.
- Best Restaurants:
- Sree Ariya Bhavan for traditional Tamil meals.
- Thevar’s Biryani for delicious biryani.
- Accommodation:
- Hotel Gnanam – Budget stay with rooms starting at ₹2,000.
- Ideal River View Resort – Riverside stay with rooms starting at ₹4,500.
- Unique Tip: Spend the evening exploring Thanjavur’s local art and crafts.
8. Pondicherry
Pondicherry is famous for its French streets and colorful buildings. The rock beach and broken bridges are my personal favorites. Spend one or two days exploring this quaint town with your friends for a perfect weekend getaway.
- Travel Distance: 170 km from Thanjavur
- Best Mode of Transportation: Car or Bus
- Highlights:
- Explore the French Quarter and Promenade Beach.
- Visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
- Best Restaurants:
- Café des Arts for a French breakfast.
- Surguru Spot for South Indian cuisine.
- Accommodation:
- Villa Shanti – Boutique stay with rooms starting at ₹3,000.
- Le Pondy – Beachfront stay with rooms starting at ₹5,000.
- Unique Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore Pondicherry’s quaint streets.
9. Mahabalipuram
Although the roads to Mahabalipuram are bumpy, the drive along the coast with views on both sides is worth it. The ancient temples are a unique attraction, and spending a couple of days here is ideal for exploring private beaches and enjoying fresh seafood.
- Travel Distance: 100 km from Pondicherry
- Best Mode of Transportation: Car or Bike
- Highlights:
- Visit the Shore Temple and Five Rathas.
- Explore the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse and Beach.
- Best Restaurants:
- Moonrakers for fresh seafood.
- The Wharf for a luxurious dining experience.
- Accommodation:
- Vinodhara Guest House – Budget stay with rooms starting at ₹1,200.
- Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay – Luxury stay with rooms starting at ₹6,000.
- Unique Tip: Visit the Shore Temple early morning to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
10. Chennai
Chennai holds a special place in my heart, and it’s where I spent a few years indulging in the best food spots. With its malls, beaches, theme parks, and more, this city needs about 3-4 days to explore fully. Don’t miss the local food and the beachside fish fry stalls—they’re worth every penny!
- Travel Distance: 60 km from Mahabalipuram
- Best Mode of Transportation: Car or Taxi
- Highlights:
- Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Marina Beach.
- Explore Fort St. George and St. Thomas Mount.
- Best Restaurants:
- Murugan Idli Shop for a classic South Indian breakfast.
- New Andhra Meals for a delicious lunch.
- Accommodation:
- Treebo Trend Elan – Budget stay with rooms starting at ₹2,000.
- The Park Chennai – Luxury stay with rooms starting at ₹6,500.
- Unique Tip: Spend some time shopping in T Nagar, famous for silk sarees and jewelry.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do: Carry a first-aid kit, stay hydrated, and respect local customs.
- Don’t: Litter, disturb wildlife, or ignore traffic rules.
Budget Estimation for an All-in Trip:
- Transportation: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 (fuel and tolls for a car).
- Accommodation: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 (for budget stays).
- Food: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (depending on dining choices).
- Miscellaneous: ₹5,000 (entry fees, shopping).
Total Estimated Budget: ₹35,000 – ₹60,000
Best Packages and Website References:
- MakeMyTrip: Offers customized Tamil Nadu road trip packages starting from ₹50,000.
- Thrillophilia: Tamil Nadu cultural tour packages start from ₹45,000.
- Yatra: Budget-friendly Tamil Nadu packages starting from ₹40,000.
This Tamil Nadu road trip promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Southern India, blending history, culture, nature, and cuisine. Whether you’re a solo traveler or exploring with family, this guide ensures you make the most of your adventure.
See you in the next post!
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With love,
Shara