Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Mysore - Kodaikanal - Madurai - Rameshwaram

Visit to Pune - Mysore - Kodaikanal -  Madurai - Rameshwaram - Pune.

Hello,
I am back with one more bag pack-travel story.

We planned to see the amazing Rameshwaram from Pune and grab some great places on the way as always by saving penny and exploring great places and traditional food.

We started our Journey from Pune to Mysore via bus which takes around 12 hours by road.
The best advice in travelling is , Travel to long distance during nights so that you are fresh in the morning and see the variety on the way to Enjoy your Destination at the fullest.




Day1: Pune- Mysore

We landed in Mysore @ 8:00 am.
It is calm and beautiful city which has magnificent outskirts.

You can have brakefast @ any Udupi Restaurant and for those who prefer other breakfast all hotels like subway, North indian restaurant, chats are near by the railway station or the main bus stop.

We visited the Mysore Palace as we decided to stay just for the day time as we were willing to enjoy the natural beauty of Kodai.

Places around Mysore:

    • Madikeri
    • Ooty
    • Coorg


Places to visit in Mysore:
    • Mysore Palace. (Day and night both are beautiful)
    • Chamundeshwari hills/Temple. (Day)
    • Railway museum. (Day)
    • Chamarajendra Gardens. 
    • Brindavan Garden (Early morning and Evening)
    • Lakes
    • Sand Museum
    • Jagmohan Palace
    • St. Philmena’s cathedral.

Some Shutter Memories:




Day2: Mysore – Kodaikanal.

We took a train in evening which takes us from Mysore to Kodai Road, which is the nearest station to reach Kodaikanal. It is around 10 hours journey by rail route.

On reaching Kodai Road, you can take a bus  (300/- INR per person) or a cab (600 - 2000, depends on the season) to  reach Kodaikanal the scenic beauty hill top with the air filled with soothing smell of Eucalyptus and beautiful pine trees.

Most of sightseeing tours starts from Kodai Lake. The center place for enjoying Lake, Market, Food, Head Bus stop and reasonable hotels.
You can find the room from  400 – 10000 as per your wish and scenic view you select and most of the hotels also arrange the tour for Kodai views.
So select the hotel and start your tour. I believe you should stay at least 1 night and 2 days to enjoy much but for most 2 days and 2 nights are best.

The cycling and sports and food @ Kodai is Very very cheap compared to Munnar and Thekkady.

Eg. 20/- INR for 1 hour cycling or  80/- INR for self boating in lake.


Places to visit:

Poombarai Village:
    • Pine Forest
    • Kundar Falls.
    • Poombarai Village view
    • Pallanki Village view
    • Mannavanur Lake view
    • Mannavanur Lake


Kodaikanal :
    • Coakers Walk
    • 500 Years old tress
    • Pamber Falls
    • Upper Lake View
    • Green Valley View
    • Golf Course
    • Pillar Rocks
    • Guna Canve
    • Pine Forest
    • Shanthi Valley view
    • Bryant park
    • St’ Mary’s Church
    • Vaigai Dam
    • Chettiar Park
    • Moier Pint
    • Dolphin’s Nose
    • Wax Museum



Trekking and Picnic Tours:
    • Silent Valley view and Berijan Lake.
    • Bear Shola falls – Vattakkanal falls- Neptune Falls.



Some Shutter Memories:

Liril or Pambar falls:



Sports biking near Pambar:



Wax Museum:



Kodai Lake:



Coakers Walk:




Day3: Kodaikanal – Madurai

The must see is “Meenaksi” temple.
The city is surrounded by temples with scenic beauty if you wish to see.

You can opt for Dharamsala's to Fancy hotel , just near the bust stop or the railway station which are at walking distance to one another.

P.S. : Dont give extra money anywhere.. Just enjoy the ghat and the beautiful pillars of the temple





Day4: Madurai - Rameshwaram - Madurai

Go by train to enjoy the longest rail route on the Ocean.
You can return by local Bus to enjoy the bridge on the Ocean and if luck see the train curve.

In Madurai you can visit Market for some shopping or a near by temple on the hill...your choice and your wish..

This was the last day of the trip and we returned to Pune from Madurai.

Places to visit:
    • Rameshwaram Beach
    • Rameshwaram Temple.
    • APJ Abdul Kalam Home
    • Hanuman Mandir with the floating stone.
    • Boat ride in the Indian Ocean.
Shutter Memories:



Important Short Notes: 


Travel cost for 2 person:

Ticket from Mysore to Pune (Bus)                   2800  INR
Museum Visit Mysore:                                       200  INR
Auto Transport :                                                100   INR
Lunch & BreakFast:                                           400  INR
Ticket from Mysore to KodaiRoad(ACTrain)    1600  INR
Kodai Hotel (1 Night 2 day)                              1000  INR
Kodai Sight Seeing 12 places and lake             900  INR
Cycling and Sports at Kodai Lake                     300  INR
Kodai to Madurai (By ST Bus)                           260  INR
Madurai Stay (Jain Dharamsala AC Room)      700  INR
Madurai - Rameshwaram (By train)                    80  INR
Rameshwaram - Madurai (By bus)                   120  INR
Food @ Madurai                                              1000 INR
Madurai - Pune (By Train)                               1600  INR
Total                                                               11060 INR

This was not any hardship travel even for a family as all stays were with good authenticity.

** Never hush in the trip but enjoy the moment as that is what makes the trip memorable and give you real essence of the place.

** Kodai Hotel : Deepak hotel opposite bus stop or near Subway
** Gujarati Samaj near to Meenaksi Temple.
** Use local food and local hotels where you see many people visiting , it will never let you down.

** Some Kodai FAQ pictures