VaraWorld

Embark on a whirlwind 7-day tour across South India, starting in Bangalore (Karnataka) and culminating in Kovalam, Kerala (and flying back to Bangalore). This journey takes you through the French colonial charm of Pondicherry, Tamil Naidu (TN), the temple city of Madurai, TN the sacred island of Rameshwaram, TN and the southernmost tip of India which is Kanyakumari, TN, before arriving at the serene beaches of Kovalam. Experience diverse cultures, magnificent temples like the Meenakshi and Padmanabha Swamy, historical sites such as Aurobindo Ashram and Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and the scenic beauty of Tamil Nadu and Kerala on this epic road trip.

Day 1, Day 2: Puducherry

Our South India road trip kicked off in Bangalore with a rental car, our trusty companion for the journey ahead. Our first stop was the captivating former French colony of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry). We spent two delightful nights immersed in its unique atmosphere, wandering through the charming French Quarter with its distinctive mustard-hued colonial buildings and trendy shops, and strolling along the scenic Bay of Bengal promenade, marked by statues like the impressive Gandhi Memorial. The city’s vibrant cafe culture was a definite highlight. A significant part of our second day was dedicated to exploring the fascinating experimental township of Auroville in the Viluppuram district.

Day 3: Madurai

Our journey continued early as we drove towards Madurai, a vibrant and historic city nestled on the banks of the Vaigai River. The city’s skyline is instantly recognizable thanks to the 14 vividly colored gopurams, or gateway towers, of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. This Dravidian-style temple, adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu deities, stands as a significant pilgrimage destination. While the queues can be lengthy, the temple’s breathtaking architecture makes the wait truly worthwhile, even though photography isn’t permitted inside. As it was New Year’s Eve, we were treated to a fantastic fireworks display, enjoyed right from the comfort of our hotel balcony.

Day 4: Rameshwaram

Today’s drive took us further south to Rameshwaram, a significant Hindu pilgrimage town situated on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. While known for its religious importance, we found ourselves captivated by the stunning Dhanushkodi Beach Point. The journey to Rameswaram involves crossing incredible bridges, and reaching Dhanushkodi offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal merging with the Indian Ocean. We spent a good portion of our day enjoying these beaches and were rewarded with a truly spectacular sunset. For those planning a visit, we highly recommend a stay at The Residency Tower.

Day 5: Kanyakumari

Today marked our approach to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, a coastal town in Tamil Nadu where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea converge. This location is renowned for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the ocean. We visited the popular Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a monument built in 1970 on one of the rocks in the Laccadive Sea, about 500 meters off the coast, commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s enlightenment on that very spot.

Day 6: Kovalam

Finally, it was time to relax and recharge, and our short drive brought us to Kovalam, a beautiful beach and seaside resort near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Our resort stay allowed us to fully enjoy Kovalam’s stunning beaches. The following day, before catching our flight back to Bangalore, we had the opportunity to visit the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This South India road trip proved to be a truly classic experience, a visual delight offering a diverse range of sights and encounters with wonderful people along the way. It’s a definite must-do for everyone!

Hotels we stayed at on this roadtrip:

Pondicherry – Ananda Inn (4 star)
Madurai – Sterling V Grand (4 star)
Rameshwaram The Residency Tower (4 star)
Kanyakumari – Annai Resorts and Spa (4 star)
Kovalam – Uday Samudra (5 star)