Tamil Nadu hills, temple cities and the complete Kanyakumari coast

Meet in Coimbatore around 08:00 and take the scenic hill drive up to Ooty. Check into your hotel and take some time to refresh and rest. Later, visit the Government Rose Garden to admire its colourful terraced displays, followed by a walk along Ooty Lake. Taking a boat ride on the lake is optional. You may also spend time browsing the local markets for homemade chocolates, fresh tea, spices and regional handicrafts. Overnight in Ooty.

After an early breakfast, set out to explore the picturesque Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake. Continue with a visit to a local tea plantation and tour the Tea Museum to learn about traditional tea production. Later, walk up to Doddabetta Peak, the highest viewpoint in the Nilgiris, to take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Finish your sightseeing at the Government Botanical Garden before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Ooty.

Have an early breakfast, check out around 04:00, and begin the drive south from Ooty through the hills to Kodaikanal. Ordinary moving time alone is about seven and a half hours before rest stops and hotel approaches. Check into your hotel upon arrival and relax after the long road trip. In the afternoon, head down to Kodaikanal Lake for a tranquil boat ride, stroll through the vibrant flowerbeds of Bryant Park, and take in dramatic valley panoramas along Coaker's Walk. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kodaikanal.

Enjoy breakfast before exploring the natural sights around Kodaikanal. Visit the towering granite columns of Pillar Rocks and view the dramatic terrain around Guna Caves from the authorised viewing area. Walk beneath tall trees in the Pine Forest, pause to admire the roadside cascades of Silver Cascade Falls, and visit the serene Kurinji Andavar Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan. Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Kodaikanal.

After breakfast, check out and drive down the hills to the historic city of Madurai. Check in to your hotel and freshen up. In the late afternoon, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple to explore its towering gopurams and experience the evening worship rituals. Afterwards, take a walk through the bustling markets nearby, renowned for South Indian textiles, brassware, spices and local street food. Overnight in Madurai.

Depart early around 03:30 after breakfast for the drive from Madurai to the island town of Rameswaram. Check in to your hotel to freshen up. Visit the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial, Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple, and take in views across the Pamban Bridge. Continue past Kothandaramaswamy Temple to the historic ruins of Dhanushkodi and the Ram Setu shore viewpoint. Conclude with darshan at the ancient Ramanathaswamy Temple. Overnight in Rameswaram.

Have an early breakfast, check out, and take the coastal drive down to Kanyakumari. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind. In the afternoon, visit Triveni Sangam, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. Stroll over to Kanyakumari Beach if time permits, and watch the sun go down over the open ocean horizon. Overnight in Kanyakumari.

Start early to watch the sunrise over the ocean, followed by breakfast. Board the ferry to visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the massive Thiruvalluvar Statue. Return to the mainland to see Bhagavathy Amman Temple and Gandhi Memorial Mandapam. Drive to Padmanabhapuram Palace to admire its celebrated wooden architecture (closed on Mondays), and finish your sightseeing with a stop at Mayapuri Wonder Wax Museum near Kanyakumari Railway Station. Overnight in Kanyakumari.

Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed morning at the hotel before checking out. Begin the drive north to Madurai, where ordinary city moving time is nearly four hours before comfort stops and terminal connections. Your vehicle drops you at Madurai Airport or the railway station for your onward travel, concluding your journey across Tamil Nadu.