Thirunallar Sri Dharbaranyeswarar Temple
Shiva temple a few km from Karaikal town with the famous shrine of Lord Saneeswaran (Saturn); devotees bathe in the Nala Theertham tank before darshan.
Comfortable outstation travel
Madurai to
Karaikal Cab
A one-way or round-trip cab from Madurai to Karaikal, the coastal enclave of the Union Territory of Puducherry on the Cauvery delta. Most of our Karaikal riders are going to the Thirunallar Sri Dharbaranyeswarar (Saneeswaran) temple, but we also drop at Karaikal town, the beach, colleges, the port area and the railway station, and cover Nagore and Velankanni on the same trip.
Road distance284 km
Travel time5.5 – 6 hours
Trip optionsRound trip · Multi-day
One-way drop fare
Madurai to Karaikal one-way taxi fare
Based on about 284 km by road. Fare = km × per-km rate + ₹400 driver bata.
| Vehicle | Rate | Charged km | One-way fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (4+1) | ₹15/km | 284 km | ₹4,660 |
| SUV (6+1) | ₹19/km | 284 km | ₹5,796 |
| Innova (7+1) | ₹20/km | 284 km | ₹6,080 |
| Innova Crysta (6+1) | ₹23/km | 284 km | ₹6,932 |
- Toll and parking are extra.
- Distance is approximate; the exact km depends on your pickup and drop address.
- Final fare is confirmed by our team before booking.
Route at a glance
Madurai to Karaikal by road
Times are typical driving times; traffic, weather and stops can change them.
- Road distance
- About 284 km
- Driving time
- 5.5 – 6 hours
- Usual route
- Via Melur, Thiruppathur, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur and Thiruvarur
- Road conditions
- From Madurai the cab heads out via Melur and Thiruppathur to Pudukkottai, then on to Thanjavur and east across the delta past Thiruvarur to Karaikal. Depending on traffic, the driver may route via Trichy instead; any extra km are billed at actuals. Karaikal is part of the Union Territory of Puducherry, so any entry tax or permit charged at the border is extra at actuals, along with toll and parking.
- Best time to travel
- Open all year. Thirunallar is busiest on Saturdays and extremely crowded during Sani Peyarchi (the Saturn transit festival), so book early and leave Madurai before dawn on those days. October to December is the northeast monsoon, when heavy rain can slow delta roads. March to June is hot along the coast; plan temple visits for early morning.
Journey highlights
Make more of your trip to Karaikal.
Our drivers know the major routes and popular stops along the way.
01Inland route via Melur, Thiruppathur and Pudukkottai, away from the busy Trichy stretch
02Breakfast or coffee stop near Thanjavur, with the option to see the Big Temple
03Drive across the green Cauvery delta past Thiruvarur
04Direct drop at Thirunallar temple for darshan and the Nala Theertham bath
05Easy add-on to Nagore Dargah and Velankanni church further down the coast
Destination guide
Places to visit in Karaikal
Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple
Temple in Karaikal town dedicated to Karaikal Ammaiyar, one of the 63 Nayanmar saints, known for its annual Mangani (mango) festival.
Karaikal Beach
Quiet beach near the mouth of the Arasalar river, popular with local families in the evening.
Nagore Dargah
Sufi shrine of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed on the coast south of Karaikal, visited by people of all faiths.
Velankanni Basilica
Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health on the coast beyond Nagapattinam, a short drive south of Karaikal.
Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple
UNESCO-listed Chola temple on the way from Madurai, worth a stop on the outward or return drive.
FAQ
Madurai to Karaikal — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the one-way taxi fare from Madurai to Karaikal?
For about 284 km, the one-way fare is Sedan ₹4,660, SUV ₹5,796, Innova ₹6,080, Innova Crysta ₹6,932. This is 284 km × the per-km rate plus ₹400 driver bata. Toll and parking are extra, and our team confirms the final fare before booking.
How long does the Madurai to Karaikal journey take?
The Madurai to Karaikal drive covers about 284 km and takes approximately 5.5 – 6 hours, depending on traffic and halts.
Is there a minimum distance for a one-way cab?
Yes. One-way trips are charged for a minimum of 130 km. Longer trips are charged for the actual road distance.
Are toll and parking charges included in the Madurai to Karaikal fare?
No. Toll and parking are extra and are paid at actuals during the trip.
What does a Madurai to Karaikal round trip cost?
Round-trip fares depend on your dates and the total kilometres. Select Round Trip in the live calculator or call us with your plan for a quotation.
Which vehicles are available for Madurai to Karaikal?
We offer Sedan (4+1), SUV (6+1), Innova (7+1) and Innova Crysta (6+1) for Madurai to Karaikal. Luggage reduces usable passenger space, so share your passenger and bag count before confirming.
How long does Madurai to Karaikal take by cab?
Plan for 5.5 to 6 hours with one food break. Starting by 5 AM gets you to Thirunallar before the late-morning crowd.
Can you drop us directly at Thirunallar temple?
Yes. Thirunallar is just outside Karaikal town, so we drop at the temple and can wait while you bathe in Nala Theertham and finish darshan if you book a round trip.
Is a permit needed for Karaikal?
Karaikal is in the Union Territory of Puducherry. Any entry tax or permit collected for a Tamil Nadu taxi is extra at actuals with toll and parking; we include it in your quotation before you confirm.
Can we cover Nagore and Velankanni on the same trip?
Yes. Both are on the coast south of Karaikal. Ask for a round-trip or multi-stop quote and tell us how long you want at each place.
Can we stop at the Thanjavur Big Temple on the way?
Yes. Thanjavur is on the usual route. Tell us when booking so the driver plans the stop; allow at least an hour.
Is GST included in the fare?
Yes. GST is included in the quoted fare. Toll, parking and any Puducherry entry charge are extra.
How do I book?
Balaji Travels has run cabs from Madurai since 1990. Call or WhatsApp +91 98596 85968; our booking desk is open 5 AM–9 PM (India time), daily.
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Check the live fare or call for a round-trip and multi-day quotation.