A road trip in Tamil Nadu offers an amazing journey through the rich culture of South India, witnessing remarkable temples, scenic views, verdant greenery, and serene beaches. From picturesque coastal roads to misty hill stations, Tamil Nadu’s varied experiences make it a must-visit location. Check out the Tamil Nadu trip plan guide below if you wish to explore its ideal routes.
Popular Road Trip Routes
The state of Tamil Nadu is renowned for its well-connected and properly maintained highways, making it perfect for a South Indian road trio. Read on the popular road trip routes if you’re planning a South India road trip, read on for the popular road trip routes.
Chennai to Pondicherry
This road trip along the ECR (East Coast Road) will provide you with some of the best views of the Tamil Nadu coastline. Covering 150 km of area, the 3-hour long offers you the scenic sights of the pristine beaches of the state, including Mahabalipuram.
Chennai to Kanyakumari
This popular road trip is a 700 km journey via NH 38, offering impeccable coastal scene views and visits to ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. It takes 12-14 hours to explore this route, along with visits to major places like Rameswaram.
Coimbatore to Ooty
This route is covered with lush greenery and twisted mountain roads over an area of 90km. It is a 3-4 hour long drive via NH 181 offering remarkable views of the Nilgiri Hills, lush landscapes, and tea plantations, making it a must-travel for nature aficionados.
Must-Visit Attractions
Some renowned places to visit in Tamil Nadu are:
- Meenakshi Temple, Madurai: The famous temple is renowned for its brilliant architecture and colorful cultural fests.
- Ooty Lake: Enclosed with beautiful sceneries, this lake offers stunning landscape views and boating, making it an efficient stop on your Coimbatore to Ooty road trip.
- Kanyakumari: Explore the southernmost tip of your country and check out impeccable sunset views.
Best Time to Travel
Enjoy the Tamil Nadu road trip between October and March, as the weather is pleasant and cool. During this time, you can enjoy mesmerizing drives and explore the temples and beaches in Tamil Nadu without facing the wrath of the sun. Also, hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal are more beautiful during this time, making it a perfect time for a South India road trip.
Travel Tips
- Car Hire:. You can hire self-drive cars in Chennai online for a trouble-free experience.
- Highways: The state of Tamil Nadu has well-connected and highly maintained highways, but be careful while driving on winding hilly roads, especially around Ooty.
- Cultural Etiquette: Some areas of the state have traditional styles of dressing, especially in religious places.
Unique Experience
Enjoy a memorable experience during your Tamil Nadu road trip and witness its natural and cultural beauty at your leisure by booking a car rental in Tamil Nadu. Whether you want to discover the tea estates, experience boating in Kanyakumari, or walk through the colonial lanes of Pondicherry, you will have a unique experience. Check out the beautiful coastline of Tamil Nadu and visit the beaches on your way. Lastly, don’t forget to taste the sumptuous local dishes on your way.
Sample Itinerary
The sample Tamil Nadu itinerary is given here:
- Day 1: Start your journey from Chennai and reach Pondicherry via the East Coast Road. You can stop by Mahabalipuram and explore its UNESCO-declared temples and sculptures before reaching your destination for a comforting beach time.
- Day 2: Explore the French Quarter of Pondicherry, enjoy the tasty local dishes, and relax at Paradise Beach.
- Day 3: Commence your journey to reach Kanyakumari. Rest at Rameswaram to explore the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple before reaching Kanyakumari for sunset views.
- Day 4: Head to Ooty from Kanyakumari, passing through Coimbatore. After reaching Ooty, discover the tea plantations and enjoy a boat ride at Ooty Lake.
Final Travel Checklist
- Vehicle: Make sure the car is in good condition and has undergone service and maintenance checks. If you’re renting, choose self-drive car rental in Bangalore or car rental services in Tamil Nadu.
- First Aid Kit – Carry a first aid kit with you; select specific medicines that you may need.
- Road Helpline Numbers/Service Centre Numbers – These handy booklets are available online and at all car service centers. Don’t forget to grab your copy.
Use the above Tamil Nadu road trip planner to explore the beautiful places and vibrant culture of the state and have an unforgettable experience.
