Chennai to Rameshwaram via Trichy: Which route to take?

For the return, you are better off either getting out at Chidambaram bypass and follow Chidambaram-Bhuvanagiri-Vriddachalam-Ulundurpet or Pondy-Tindivanam.

BHPian SathyaV recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Hello Friends,

I'm planning a Chennai to Rameswaram trip this month and would like to get some insights on the current road conditions and route options.

Chennai to Rameshwaram

We have to make a pit stop at Trichy, so the options are:

Chennai - Trichy - Pudukkottai - Karaikudi - Rameswaram.

Rameshwaram - Tharangambadi
On our return journey, we're planning a day's stay at Tharangambadi, and I'm confused between two options suggested by Google Maps:

Option 1:

Karaikudi - Pudukkottai - Thanjavur - Aduthurai - Tharangambadi

The default route suggested by Google Maps via Aduthurai - Porayar Rd seems very narrow.So, I was considering an alternative route through NH 136B.

Default route from Aduthurai to Thrangambadi:

The alternate considered from Aduthurai to Thrangambadi:

I Would appreciate any suggestions for better routes here.

Option 2:

Rameswaram - Tharangambadi via ECR

I’d love to take this route, but I’m unsure about the road conditions and whether the entire stretch being a single carriageway might cause issues. Would love to hear your inputs here!

Tharangambadi to Chennai

Option 1

Tharangambadi - Tindivanam - Chengalpattu - Chennai

Option 2

Tharangambadi - Chennai via ECR

I'm more inclined towards ECR just to see if I can enjoy the scenic route, but again not sure of the road conditions.

Also, if there are any tips or recommendations for this trip, especially regarding the routes, I'd love to hear them.

Looking forward to your suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Here's what BHPian narayans80 had to say on the matter:

This is the best route. Beyond Trichy it is wide 2-lane. Roads ease up after Trichy Civil. I can confirm roads are in excellent shape till Karaikudi. The wide 2-lane goes all the way till Devipattinam, I've not travelled after Karaikudi recently.

ECR used to be good years back. Am not sure on the maintenance recent times.

Karaikal-Tarangambadi-Thirukadaiyur is pretty average. Thirukadaiyur-Vaitheeswaran Koil is undergoing 4-lane, so it pretty bad for a few kms.

Pudukottai-Thanjavur is good 2-lane road. Thanjavur onwards can't be guaranteed, you'll have some narrow roads to deal with.

For the return, you are better off either getting out at Chidambaram bypass and follow Chidambaram-Bhuvanagiri-Vriddachalam-Ulundurpet or Pondy-Tindivanam.

I can't figure what is scenic about ECR. Barring that one spot near Thiruvidandhai, there is no place else you'll see the sea from the ECR. Even that place is always crowded that you'll only see parked cars than the sea.

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