Connected by NH744, Kollam to Madurai circuit makes a great driving itinerary. For the convenience, let’s split this 260 km route into three parts : Kollam – Therkashi – Madurai.
You can further tweak your driving itinerary by adding detours listed below or even make a shorter version of this circuit.
Kollam to Therkashi
In this 100km stretch, you’ll start from the Backwater city of Kollam and end at the temple town of Tenkasi ( literally, Kashi of South).
The first 50km is a busy route on the flat planes of Kerala, the road then turns bit curvy as you reach the hilly terrains around Punalur. You’ll cross the picturesque Western Ghats and enter Tamilnadu. Between Kollam and Tenkasi stretch of itinerary,there over half a dozen attractions – from popular temples to heritage sites to nature attractions.
Therkashi to Srivilliputhur
This 80km though the Tamil countryside, where the Western Ghats gentle slopes merges with the fertile planes. All you’ll see along this stretch is swatches of agriculture field, farming action all along and tiny towns and villages at regular intervals.
Srivilliputhur to Madurai
The next 80 km stretch of NH744 will take you to the temple city of Madurai.
Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is at short detour from the highway.
Watrap is a popular picnic spot near Srivilliputhur (11km detour.) Further 10km, you’ll reach the Sathuragiri Hills , the foothills from where a 4-5 hours trekking will take you to the ancient Sri Sundara Mahalingam Temple.
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