Start your trip by arriving at Chennai International Airport. After checking into your hotel, visit Kapaleeswarar Temple in the morning, the most prominent Hindu temple in Chennai. In the afternoon, head to Fort St. George, a 17th-century British fort, and visit the Government Museum in the evening to learn about Tamil Nadu's rich history.
Drive to Mahabalipuram in the morning and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Shore Temple, and the Five Rathas. In the afternoon, visit the Tiger Cave and relax on the beach. Head back to Chennai in the evening.
Drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony, in the morning. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, a unique experimental town in the afternoon. In the evening, stroll along the Promenade Beach and explore the French Quarter's charming streets and cafes. Check into a hotel in Pondicherry for the night.
Take a morning flight to Kochi and drive to Alleppey. Board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the backwaters, enjoying the scenic views of the palm trees, paddy fields, and local life. Have lunch and dinner on the houseboat and spend the night on board.
Drive to Thekkady in the morning and visit Periyar National Park, a wildlife sanctuary that is home to elephants, tigers, and other animals. Take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake in the afternoon. End the day with a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
Drive to Munnar, a scenic hill station known for its tea plantations, in the morning. Visit the Tea Museum and learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, go on a tea plantation tour and taste different varieties of tea. Check into a hotel in Munnar for the night.
Drive to Kochi in the morning and explore the city's historic sites, including the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and Chinese Fishing Nets. In the afternoon, visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and see the Kathakali dance show. End your trip with a seafood dinner at a local restaurant in Fort Kochi.
Consider visiting the Athirapally Waterfalls, an hour and a half drive from Kochi, for breathtaking views and a relaxing picnic. You can also take a day trip to Kumarakom, a popular tourist destination known for its bird sanctuary and houseboat cruises. For adventure seekers, try trekking in the Western Ghats or bamboo rafting in Thekkady. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent for your trip.
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