Exploring Tamil Nadu's deep South: A three-day road trip through Valparai, Thoothukudi, and Nagercoil

The Hindu

19-05-2025

There are road trips you take to escape, and then there are road trips that remind you why the journey matters. Our three-day drive through the deep South of Tamil Nadu — covering Valparai, Thoothukudi, and Nagercoil — was one such experience. An exploration of lesser-known destinations, framed by winding mountain roads, coastal serenity, and jungle escapes.
Choosing the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 for this drive was not just about comfort or luxury — it was about enabling a journey that spanned terrain as varied as tea country, sun-scorched coastlines, and dense tropical jungles. With its blend of power, elegance, and intelligent technology, the GLC became more than our mode of transport — it became a trusted companion. It absorbed the miles with grace, offered a commanding view of the road ahead, and effortlessly transitioned from smooth highways to broken trails.
Tamil Nadu is a driver's dream. With wide, well-paved highways and scenic backroads that snake through some of the most underrated terrains in the country, it is a state that rewards those who love the road as much as the destination.
Day 1: The Road to Valparai — Into the hills
We began our journey in Coimbatore, heading toward the mist-draped haven of Valparai, nestled high in the Anamalai Hills. The climb to Valparai is the stuff of road trip legends — 40 hairpin bends twisting through forests and tea plantations, flanked by towering trees and deep valleys. The drive was engaging yet smooth, with the GLC's poised handling and plush cabin making it even more enjoyable.
Things to Do in Valparai
Aliyar dam and viewpoint – The ideal stop to take in the view before the ascent.
Loam's view point – Breath-taking panoramic vistas over the plains below.
Nirar dam and Sholayar forest reserve – Ideal for quiet walks and spontaneous wildlife sightings.
Tea garden trails – Drive or walk through the misty plantations.
Day 2: Valparai to Thoothukudi – Salt flats, seafood and boutique luxury
Leaving the hills behind, we made our way toward Thoothukudi. The landscape shifted dramatically — tea estates gave way to palm-fringed fields, open plains, and eventually salt pans shimmering in the sun. The drive was long, but the GLC's adaptive cruise control and refined ride kept fatigue at bay.
Thoothukudi is a city of contrasts: a working port with raw energy, set against the calm rhythm of the coast. We chose to stay at The Croft, a boutique property tucked a little outside town. Built with refined simplicity and an eye for design, it served as the perfect base to unwind.
And then there was the food. Fresh seafood dominates menus here — think grilled prawns, fiery crab masala, and delicately cooked seer fish with southern spices. It is not fine dining, but it is fresh, authentic, and memorable.
Things to Do in Thoothukudi
Manapad coastline – A dramatic, less-visited coastal stretch with cliffside views.
Salt pan drives – Especially striking at sunrise or dusk, these make for surreal photo ops.
Harbour walk – Soak in the local flavour and the hum of maritime life.
Day 3: Thoothukudi to Nagercoil – Jungle trails and land's end
The final leg of the journey took us South-West to Nagercoil, a town tucked between the Western Ghats and the coastline, just shy of the tip of the Indian subcontinent. The terrain became greener, denser. We detoured into jungle paths near Keeriparai, a forested region that offered us our most off-road-heavy drive of the trip. Here, the GLC's off-road tech came into its own. With the transparent bonnet view showing us hidden rocks and dips, we navigated narrow forest tracks with surprising ease. It is rare to combine luxury with confidence in such terrain, but the GLC managed to deliver both.
Driving out to Land's End felt symbolic. The road narrows as it hugs the coastline, revealing views of the sea that seem endless. It was the perfect place to bring the journey to a close — peaceful, expansive, and humbling.
Things to Do in Nagercoil:
Land's End drive (Kanyakumari) – A scenic drive down to the southernmost point of India.
Chothavilai beach – A serene, crowd-free spot with clean sands and gentle waves.
Vattakottai fort – An old coastal fort with commanding views of the sea and countryside.
Keeriparai jungle trails – Ideal for those who love a bit of adventure.
Falling in love with the road
This was more than a scenic drive. It was a deep dive into the varied landscapes and textures of Tamil Nadu's South — a land of misty hills, salt-swept plains, and verdant forests. Each place offered a different rhythm, and each road told a different story.
While the destinations were the heroes of this journey, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 enabled it with quiet competence and consistent comfort. It allowed us to soak in the experience without ever worrying about what lay ahead — be it a winding hill road or a jungle trail.
For those who love driving, Tamil Nadu offers a treasure trove of routes and getaways. And with the right vehicle, the journey itself becomes a destination.