Tirunelveli to Swamimalai by cab
Swamimalai is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, a hill temple near Kumbakonam in the Cauvery delta. It is about 390 km from Tirunelveli, a full day’s drive of seven to eight hours through Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur.
Because the road passes some of the great Chola temple towns, this is best treated as a pilgrimage circuit of two or three days. Tell us which temples you want, and we plan the halts so that every day is manageable.
Route and travel time
The usual route is Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur, then Kumbakonam. The distance is about 390 km, and the drive takes 7 to 8 hours. A round trip is about 780 km.The best time to go is october to March.
What to see in Swamimalai
Swamimalai Murugan Temple
A hill temple where, by tradition, Murugan taught the meaning of Om to his father.
Kumbakonam temples
The temple town has many shrines, including the Sarangapani Vishnu temple and the Adi Kumbeswarar Shiva temple.
Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
A Chola temple near Kumbakonam, part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples.
Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple
Another UNESCO-listed Chola temple, and a natural stop on the way.
Swamimalai bronze work
The town is known for traditional bronze icon casting, and some workshops welcome visitors.
Suggested plan
- Day 1: Tirunelveli to Thanjavur, seeing the Brihadisvara Temple in the evening.
- Day 2: Kumbakonam and Swamimalai in the morning, then Darasuram in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Return to Tirunelveli, or continue to another Murugan temple.
Good to know before you go
- This is a long trip, so tell us your dates and the number of nights before we quote.
- Temples keep fixed hours and close in the afternoon, so plan the days around them.
- Driver bata, toll and parking are extra, and night halts for the driver are arranged with you.
Which car to book
For this distance, an SUV such as an Innova Crysta is the most comfortable. A sedan is fine for two or three travellers, and a Tempo Traveller for groups.
Fare guide
Taxi fare for Tirunelveli to Swamimalai
Outstation trips of 300 km and more are charged per kilometre by vehicle, plus driver bata of ₹400 to ₹700. A round trip to Swamimalai is about 780 km. Prices are as of 19 September 2026.
| Vehicle | Suits | Per km | Driver bata | Distance charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire / Etios | Up to 4 guests | ₹13 A/C | ₹400 | ₹10,140 |
| Toyota Innova | Family of 6 to 7 | ₹18 A/C | ₹500 | ₹14,040 |
| Toyota Crysta | Family of 6 to 7, extra comfort | ₹21 A/C | ₹500 | ₹16,380 |
| Tempo Traveller | Groups of 12 and more | ₹24 A/C | ₹600 | ₹18,720 |
The distance charge is the per-km rate multiplied by about 780 km. It leaves out driver bata, toll, parking, permits and night charges, and trips of more than one day add local sightseeing kilometres. We confirm the exact fare before you travel.
See the full cab price list for every vehicle and package.