From the Queen of Hills to the Southernmost Tip
Coimbatore - Palani - Kodaikanal - Madurai - Rameswaram - Tiruchendur - Kanyakumari - Trivandrum
Welcome to your grand South Indian adventure! Upon your arrival at Coimbatore Airport or Railway Station, our friendly representative from South India Tours & Travels will receive you. We begin our journey by driving towards the sacred town of Palani. Here, you will visit the famous Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, one of the Six Abodes of Lord Murugan, perched atop a hill. You can reach the temple via the winch or cable car for a thrilling experience and divine darshan.
After receiving the blessings of Lord Murugan, we will continue our drive towards the "Princess of Hill Stations," Kodaikanal. The winding roads through the Western Ghats offer spectacular views of the plains below. As you enter the hills, the air turns misty and cool. Upon arrival, check into your pre-booked resort and relax. If time permits, enjoy a peaceful evening stroll near the lake. Overnight stay in Kodaikanal.
After a delicious breakfast, get ready to explore the natural wonders of Kodaikanal. We start with the Coaker’s Walk, a narrow pedestrian path offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys. Next, visit Bryant Park, a beautifully maintained botanical garden. We then proceed to the iconic Pillar Rocks, three massive granite boulders standing tall against the sky. Nearby, explore the Guna Caves, a deep ravine known for its mysterious charm.
In the afternoon, we visit the Pine Forest, a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers. Experience the thrill at Green Valley View (formerly Suicide Point), which offers a bird's-eye view of the Vaigai Dam. We wrap up the day at the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, where you can enjoy boating, horse riding, or cycling around the 5km perimeter. The evening is yours to explore the local Tibetan market for woolens and chocolates. Overnight stay in Kodaikanal.
Check out from your hotel after breakfast as we descend the hills and head towards Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Often called "Thoonga Nagaram" (the city that never sleeps), Madurai is the cultural soul of Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up before we head out for a spiritual afternoon.
The highlight of the day is the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple. This architectural marvel features 14 majestic gopurams and the stunning "Hall of Thousand Pillars." Witness the intricate carvings and the divine energy of the shrine. Later, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a 17th-century palace known for its giant white pillars and Italian-influenced architecture. In the evening, you can witness the night ceremony (Palliarai Puja) at the Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Leaving the vibrant streets of Madurai, we drive towards the holy island of Rameswaram. The journey itself is a highlight as we cross the historic Pamban Bridge, offering a spectacular view of the turquoise sea and the railway bridge running parallel. Rameswaram is a significant pilgrimage site, being part of the Char Dham circuit.
Upon arrival, visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for having the longest temple corridor in the world. Before entering the temple, pilgrims traditionally bathe in the 22 Holy Wells (Theerthams) located inside the temple complex. Later, visit Agni Theertham (the sea shore) and Lakshmana Tirtham. Spend the evening soaking in the spiritual ambiance of this sacred island. Overnight stay in Rameswaram.
Start your morning with a visit to Dhanushkodi, the ghost town at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island. Here, you can see the ruins of the town destroyed in the 1964 cyclone and stand at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. It is also believed to be the starting point of the Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge). After exploring Dhanushkodi and the Kothandaramaswamy Temple, we drive towards Tiruchendur.
Tiruchendur is home to the Subramanya Swamy Temple, the only one among the Six Abodes of Lord Murugan situated on the sea shore. The temple's location right next to the crashing waves of the Gulf of Mannar is truly awe-inspiring. After a peaceful darshan and watching the sunset by the beach, check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Tiruchendur.
After an early morning breakfast, we proceed towards the southernmost tip of mainland India, Kanyakumari. This unique destination is the meeting point of three oceans: the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival and check-in, we head to the ferry terminal for a boat ride to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built on a massive rock where Swami Vivekananda meditated.
Adjacent to the rock is the towering 133-foot Thiruvalluvar Statue, dedicated to the great Tamil poet. Back on the mainland, visit the Kumari Amman Temple (dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari) and the Gandhi Memorial, where his ashes were kept before immersion. The day ends with a spectacular Sunset View at the beach, where the sun appears to dip directly into the sea. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.
Wake up early to witness the breathtaking Sunrise over the ocean—a sight you will cherish forever. After breakfast, we bid farewell to Tamil Nadu and cross the border into Kerala as we drive to Thiruvananthapuram. Enroute, we visit the magnificent Padmanabhapuram Palace, a stunning 16th-century wooden palace that showcases traditional Kerala architecture (Note: Palace is closed on Mondays).
Upon reaching Trivandrum, visit the world-renowned Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its immense gold treasures and the reclining posture of Lord Vishnu. (Please note the strict dress code for entry). Later, visit the Napier Museum and the Kuthira Malika Palace. In the evening, you can relax at the famous Kovalam Beach, enjoying the lighthouse views and the cool sea breeze. Overnight stay in Trivandrum.
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. If your flight/train schedule permits, you can do some last-minute shopping for Kerala spices, handicrafts, or traditional Kasavu sarees. Visit the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple or take a quick drive to the Veli Tourist Village where the lake meets the sea.
Finally, our representative will transfer you to Trivandrum International Airport or the Railway Station for your return journey. You leave with your heart full of memories, from the misty hills of Kodai to the sacred shores of Rameswaram and the golden temples of Trivandrum. We thank you for choosing South India Tours & Travels for your memorable holiday!