Road tripping through Tamil Nadu is like opening a box of sweets in different shapes, colours, and flavours. Whether you are travelling for nature’s vicinity, for soaking up the culture of the unhurried cities of the state, or simply to experience the thrill of a great drive, the road trip from Chennai to Madurai ticks all boxes, and packs in a few more surprises too. You’ll be passing through some of the more well-known destinations of Tamil Nadu, and take pit stops at the lesser-known gems of each town on your way. By Shubhanjana Das
The whole stretch is dotted with paddy fields, little villages, backwaters, temples, fisheries, shrimp farms, stone sculpturing shacks, and even crocodile farms! By the time you make your way into The City of Temples, Madurai, you will already be in a state of unperturbed bliss, thanks to this fulfilling 466 km-long drive.
Chennai is a melting pot that concocts an authentic South Indian experience, bringing together nature, culture, history, food and heritage. Start your trip early with a steaming cup of the Chennai special filter coffee at Madras Coffee House. If you feel like soaking in some air before you take charge of the wheel, head to the Broken Bridge to witness the sunrise where the Adyar River estuary meets the Bay of Bengal.
1. Mahabalipuram
The first stop after starting from Chennai, Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram, is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Site Group of Monuments from the 7th and 8th-century. However, we suggest you give the India Seashell Museum of Mahabalipuram a try, for it is truly one of a kind. The museum shelters more than 40,000 seashells and marine fossils spanning 6,000 different kinds. These were collected by Raja Mohammad from all over the world. The souvenir shop and the seafood restaurant is worth spending a couple of hours.
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Total distance – 56 km via East Coast Road
Duration of the road trip – 1 h 20 m approx
Best time to visit – October to December
Things to keep in mind before – Keep a few hours in hand when visiting Mahabalipuram’s Indian Seashell Museum and plan your drive for the day accordingly.
Where to stay – Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
Where to stop and eat – The Fresh and Live Sea Restaurant
2. Puducherry
Lovingly referred to as Pondy by the locals, it’s true that just walking through the lanes of this vibrant city of quaint cafes and rich French architecture can smoothen all the rough edges. A rather striking change of scenery after Mahabalipuram, Pondy is easier on the eyes, its colonial hangover looming heavy in every nook and cranny. After you’ve secured your share of bagels and quiches from Baker Street, head to Temple Adventures for a scuba diving experience to remember. Bharathi Park takes pride in Aayi Mandapam, a Greco-Roman styled monument built by French architect Monsieur Lamairesse is the ideal place to end the day before you head to Serenity Beach for sunset.
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Total distance – 100 km from Mahabalipuram via East Coast Road
Duration of the road trip – 1 h 50 m approx
Best time to visit – October to February
Things to keep in mind – Pondy is ideal for a night stay before you head further on your journey. Pack some snacks from Mahabalipuram as you may find it difficult to find restaurants on the way.
Where to stay – Le Pondy
Where to stop and eat – La Maison Rose, Carte Blanche
3. Chidambaram
The road from Pondy to Chidambaram grazes the coastline before you enter this little town that is sure to transport you back in time with its majestic temples. Chidambara is also known amongst locals for its special horoscope reading using palm leaves, adding to its timeless charm. However, if you drive just 17 km further, you can find yourself looking at the world’s second-largest mangrove forest, Pichavaram. Located between two prominent estuaries, here the mangrove trees are always partially subdued in a few metres of water. There are small pockets of islands dotting the waterscape that offers backwater cruise and water sports like parasailing, canoeing and rowing.
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Total distance – 63 km from Puducherry
Duration of the road trip – 1 h 20 m approx
Best time to visit – October to March
Things to keep in mind – If you wish to visit the ancient temples of Chidambaram, make sure you reach there early in the morning before driving to and from Pichavaram.
Where to stay – Lakshmi Vilas Heritage Resort
Where to stop and eat – Sri Krishna Vilas
4. Trichy
After leaving Chidambaram, you will cross Thanjavur and then take the Coimbatore-Nagapattinam highway to reach Tiruchirapalli/Trichy. This fast-growing industrial town is an example of modernity and tradition co-existing in harmony. The ancient temples of Trichy stand over it like a watchful guardian. Leave the hustle of Trichy behind for the mountain range of the Eastern Ghats in Pachamalai, located another 80 km away. The drive to Pachamalai is as rewarding as the destination, with sprawling greens as far as your sight goes. We suggest you indulge in trekking the range, soaking up the unique tribal life of the region.
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Total distance – 169 km from Chidambaram
Duration of the road trip – 3 h 23 m approx.
Best time to visit – November to March
Things to keep in mind – You can make a pit stop at Thanjavur on the way to Trichy for Saraswathi Mahal Library and the Thanjavur Art Gallery.
Where to stay – Hotel Le Temps Fort
Where to stop and eat – Vasanta Bhavan in Thanjavur, Sri Sangeetas in Trichy
5. Madurai
Your final destination may be nicknamed The City of Temples, but it has more to it than just the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The potters’ village of Vilacheri and the Gothic build of the St Mary’s Cathedral are two of the best examples of things to do in Madurai, minus the temple hopping. The hill complexes Nagamalai, Yanaimalai and Samanar Malai further highlight the cultural and historic treasure of Madurai.
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Total distance – 135 km from Trichy
Duration of the road trip – 2 h approx
Best time to visit – October to March
Things to keep in mind – Start early-ish from Trichy if you wish to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple and then head to the hills.
Where to stay – Courtyard by Marriott Madurai
Where to stop and eat – Amma Mess
Related: Road Trips From Bengaluru: Explore The Secret Temple Trails Of Karnataka