Madurai
Road Trips From Madurai
1. Thekkady
Thekkady is a town near Periyar National Park in the state of Kerala state. It is a true paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. Thekkady has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Further, it has numerous cardamom, tea, and coffee plantations. Tourists can also enjoy various adventure activities like trekking, rafting, jeep safaris, bamboo, and rafting. You can also spot various animals like wild elephants, bison, wild boars, and also various kinds of birds. Hence, the road trip to Thekkady is really stunning and filled with beautiful landscapes, green hill slopes, and tea production lines.
- Distance: 145 km from Madurai
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Places to visit: Periyar National Park, Border Hiking, Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation, Periyar Tiger Trail, Bamboo Rafting, Thekkady Lake, and Chellarkovil.
2. Ooty
Ooty is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills. Local residents call it “Queen of Hills“. Set at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by majestic mountains, tea gardens, waterfalls, winding country lanes, botanical gardens, and charming colonial architecture makes Ooty the perfect respite for everyone. More than thousands of people come to visit this beautiful hill station. Thus, it is one of the Best Road Trips From Madurai.
- Distance: 282 km from Madurai
- Best time to visit: March to June
- Places to visit: Avalanche Lake, Pykara Falls, Toy Train, Deer Park, Doddabetta Peak, Lake, Botanical Gardens, Tea Museum, Emerald Lake, and Mudumalai National Park
3. Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai is a small mountain range located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Named after the name of Goddess Ettukkai Amman guarding the hills with her divine protection. It spreads over a distance of almost 280 sq. km. Surrounded by dense trees thus offers a mesmerizing view. Some of the tallest hills in this region rise up to a staggering height of 4265 meters. And it is a well-known pepper-growing region. Moreover, this range is famous for its 70 hairpin bends.
- Distance: 246 km from Madurai
- Best time to visit: March-June or August-December
- Places to visit: Siddhar Caves, Selur viewpoint, Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Masilla falls, and Namma Falls, Arapaleeshwarar Temple, Boat House, and Botanical Gardens.
4. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a hill station which is located in the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu. Situated in height at 2,000 meters above sea level. Local people call it as “Princess of Tamil Nadu’s hill stations”. The pleasant, refreshing breeze blowing makes it perfect for sightseeing. You can also indulge in various activities like trekking, cycling, boating, and other outdoor activities. Also known as the “gift of God” because of its beautifully gifted lakes and hills. Thus, it is one of the best hill stations to be visited in India.
- Distance: 120 km from Madurai
- Best time to visit: April to June
- Places to visit: Silver Cascade Falls, suicide point, Pillar Rocks, Poombarai, Kodaikanal Lake, Dolphins Nose, Bryant Park, Solar Observatory, Mannavanur, Coaker’s walk, and Pine Forest.
5. Alleppey
Alleppey or Alappuzha is located in the state of Kerala. Often termed as “Venice of the East”. Further, this town is among the oldest planned towns in India. It is famous for its several backwater canals, beaches, a network of tranquil canals paddy fields, and lagoons. Further, in the olden days, the boat with a thatched roof that covers over wooden hulls was used to carry tons of rice and spices to the other towns. Then, Alleppey Beach is a famous beach that rejuvenates souls and lies in the Arabian Sea. There are plenty of houseboats, homestays, and Ayurvedic resorts that make tourists stay longer days in Alleppey. Hence, this is one of the prime attractions that pull visitors to the place is the stay at houseboats.
- Distance: 291 km from Madurai
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Places to visit: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Alappuzha Beach, Vembanad Lake, Marari Beach, Mannarasala Temple, St. Andrew’s Forane Church, and Stay in Houseboat.