Arrive at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, freshen up at your hotel, then head to Charminar to admire its iconic arches and bustling Laad Bazaar for pearls and bangles.
Visit the historic Golconda Fort, climb to the top for panoramic city views, and explore the nearby Qutb Shahi Tombs.
Relax at Hussain Sagar Lake, take a boat ride to see the massive Buddha statue, and dine on biryani at a rooftop restaurant in Banjara Hills.
Travel to Mysore (≈9 h drive). After check‑in, start with a guided tour of Mysore Palace, admiring its lavish interiors and illuminated night lighting.
Climb Chamundi Hill to the Chamundeshwari Temple for sweeping valley views, then visit St. Philomena's Cathedral with its neo‑Gothic spires.
Stroll through the illuminated Brindavan Gardens, enjoy the musical fountain show, and sample Mysore Pak at a local sweet shop.
Drive to Wayanad (≈3 h). Begin with a trek to Edakkal Caves to see prehistoric petroglyphs and enjoy the surrounding forest.
Explore Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary on a jeep safari, spotting elephants, tigers, and endemic bird species.
Relax by the serene Pookode Lake, rent a pedal boat, and savor a Kerala-style dinner at a homestay.
Morning drive to Ooty (≈5 h). Board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam to Ooty, enjoying the misty vistas of the Nilgiri hills.
Visit the Government Botanical Gardens, wander among exotic orchids and centuries‑old trees, then ascend to Doddabetta Peak for a 360° view.
Stroll around Ooty Lake, rent a rowboat, and dine on fresh South Indian fare at a colonial‑styled café.
Early departure to Sabarimala (≈8 h). Check into a pilgrim lodge, then begin the sacred trek through the dense forest to the Sannidhanam Temple.
Participate in the traditional rituals at the Ayyappa Temple, offering prayers and observing the vibrant bhakti atmosphere.
Attend the evening aarti at the temple, then rest at the lodge, respecting the strict dress code and fasting customs.
Drive to Thiruvananthapuram (≈5 h). Start with a visit to the majestic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, admiring its Dravidian architecture and gold‑clad sanctum.
Explore the Napier Museum and the adjacent Zoological Park, then head to Kovalam Beach for a relaxing sunbath and optional surfing.
Enjoy a sunset walk along the lighthouse beach, followed by a seafood dinner at a beachside shack.
Travel to Rameshwaram (≈6 h). Begin with a pilgrimage to Ramanathaswamy Temple, walking its long corridors and ornate pillars.
Visit the historic Pamban Bridge and take a short boat ride to Dhanushkodi, exploring the ruins of the old town and the serene beach.
Witness the evening aarti at the temple, then stroll along the seashore, enjoying the cool breeze and local snacks.
Drive to Tiruchirappalli (≈3 h). Tour the sprawling Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, marveling at its towering gopurams.
Climb the Rock Fort for panoramic views of the Kaveri River, then explore the nearby Jambukeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a leisurely boat ride on the Kaveri, followed by dinner featuring Chettinad cuisine.
Morning drive to Tiruvannamalai (≈2 h). Attend the sunrise worship at Arunachaleswarar Temple, circumambulating the holy Arunachala Hill.
Visit the ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi for meditation, then hike the Skandagiri (Arunachala) trail for a peaceful retreat.
Participate in the evening pooja at the temple, followed by a vegetarian dinner at the ashram mess.
Travel to Pondicherry (≈3 h). Start with a walk along the Promenade Beach, visiting the historic lighthouse and the serene Bharati Park.
Explore the French Quarter’s pastel‑coloured villas, then spend quiet time at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram’s meditation hall.
Dine at a café on the seaside boulevard, savoring Franco‑Indian fusion dishes, and enjoy a stroll through the bustling Goubert Market.
Drive to Tirupati (≈4 h). Ascend the sacred hill to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, partaking in the early darshan and offering prayers.
Visit Kapila Theertham waterfall for a refreshing dip, then explore the historic Chandragiri Fort with its ancient arches.
Attend the evening aarti at the temple, followed by a traditional Andhra dinner at a local restaurant.
Fly or drive back to Hyderabad (≈1 h flight). Check into your hotel and unwind.
Shop for souvenirs at Shilparamam Crafts Village, picking up hand‑loom fabrics and lacquerware.
Celebrate the journey with a grand dinner at a heritage restaurant in the old city, tasting kebabs and haleem.
Leisurely breakfast, optional spa or pool time at the hotel.
Free time to revisit any missed attractions like the Salar Jung Museum or to simply rest.
Casual walk in the Hussain Sagar park, light snack, and early night to prepare for departure.
Pack belongings, enjoy a final breakfast, and arrange transport to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
Check‑in for your flight and bid farewell to South India.
Flight departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Charminar | Free (entry) / $2 for camera |
| Golconda Fort | $5 |
| Hussain Sagar Lake (Boat ride) | $3 |
| Mysore Palace | $8 |
| Chamundi Hill & Chamundeshwari Temple | Free |
| St. Philomena's Cathedral | Free |
| Brindavan Gardens | $4 |
| Edakkal Caves | $3 |
| Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary | $10 |
| Pookode Lake | $2 |
| Nilgiri Mountain Railway | $12 |
| Botanical Gardens (Ooty) | $2 |
| Doddabetta Peak | Free |
| Ooty Lake | $2 |
| Sannidhanam Temple (Sabarimala) | Free (donations optional) |
| Padmanabhaswamy Temple | Free (small donation) |
| Kovalam Beach | Free |
| Ramanathaswamy Temple | Free (donation optional) |
| Pamban Bridge | Free |
| Dhanushkodi Beach | Free |
| Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) | Free (donation optional) |
| Rock Fort | Free |
| Arunachaleswarar Temple | Free (donation optional) |
| Ramana Maharshi Ashram | Free |
| Promenade Beach (Pondicherry) | Free |
| Sri Aurobindo Ashram | Free |
| French Quarter (Pondicherry) | Free |
| Tirumala Venkateswara Temple | Free (donations for darshan) |
| Kapila Theertham Waterfall | $2 |
| Chandragiri Fort | $3 |
| Shilparamam Crafts Village | Free (shopping extra) |
| Salar Jung Museum | $5 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $1150-1400 (including accommodation, transport, meals, entry fees, and modest donations) |