20-Day India Itinerary from Guangzhou to New Delhi and Kolkata

Morning — Guangzhou to New Delhi

Start at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport with plenty of time for check-in, baggage drop, and immigration—ideally around three hours before departure. The journey to Indira Gandhi International Airport usually takes roughly 8–10 hours once connections and airport procedures are included. Keep your hotel address and onward itinerary accessible for immigration, and carry a light layer: Delhi’s August weather is hot and humid, while aircraft and airport terminals can feel cool.

Afternoon — Check in and recover

After landing, allow 60–90 minutes for immigration, baggage collection, and customs. Use a prepaid airport taxi or app-based cab to reach The Imperial New Delhi on Janpath; the drive is commonly 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Check in, refresh, and rest for about two hours rather than trying to sightsee immediately. If you need cash, use an airport ATM or the hotel’s exchange desk, and avoid accepting unsolicited transport offers outside the terminal.

Evening — Dinner at Bukhara

For dinner, take a short taxi ride to Bukhara in Chanakyapuri, one of Delhi’s most established destinations for tandoori cooking and hearty North Indian dishes. Reserve ahead—especially for the 7:30–9:00pm seating—and expect approximately ₹2,500–₹5,000 per person before drinks. The restaurant is known for its rustic open-kitchen atmosphere and dishes such as dal Bukhara, tandoori meats, and freshly baked breads. Return to The Imperial New Delhi afterward and keep the evening quiet; tomorrow’s sightseeing is much more enjoyable after a full night’s sleep.

Morning

Begin around 7:00am at India Gate, when the lawns are cooler and Kartavya Path is relatively calm. Allow about 45 minutes to walk around the memorial and take in the broad ceremonial axis toward Rashtrapati Bhavan. A short auto-rickshaw or app cab ride—roughly 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic—takes you up to Raisina Hill. From outside, admire the presidential estate and its grand approach; access inside Rashtrapati Bhavan is controlled and usually requires advance online booking, so treat this as an exterior visit unless you already have a permit.

Continue south by taxi to Qutub Minar in Mehrauli, allowing 35–50 minutes in normal traffic. The monument complex is best explored before the strongest afternoon heat; budget around 1½ hours for the soaring minaret, ruined gateways, and carved stonework. It generally opens from sunrise to sunset, with entry commonly around ₹35 for Indian citizens and ₹550 for foreign visitors, though prices and ticketing can change. Wear comfortable shoes—the paths are uneven—and carry water, as shade is limited.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, take a cab to the Lotus Temple in Kalkaji, usually 30–45 minutes from Mehrauli. The white marble Bahá’í House of Worship is most rewarding as a quiet pause rather than a rushed monument stop: remove your shoes, keep voices low, and allow about an hour including the gardens. The temple is generally open Tuesday–Sunday from roughly 9:00am to 5:00pm and closed on Mondays; entry is free. From there, head north to Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, allowing 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Arrive in the late afternoon for softer light over the surrounding rooftops, but dress modestly and follow photography rules; non-worshippers may have a small entry or camera fee, and opening access can vary around prayer times.

Walk through the lanes around Jama Masjid for dinner at Karim’s, the long-established Mughlai restaurant near the mosque. The mutton dishes, kebabs, and rich curries are the classics, with a typical meal costing about ₹700–₹1,200 per person. The surrounding lanes are busy and uneven, so arrive by taxi at the designated main-road drop-off and walk the final stretch; avoid accepting unsolicited “guide” offers. After dinner, return by app cab or metro from Jama Masjid station, keeping valuables secure in the crowded lanes.

Morning — Delhi to Jaipur

After breakfast, take the planned New Delhi–Jaipur bus from the Delhi terminal. Allow 5–6 hours, including traffic, and keep water and a light snack with you; Jaipur’s Sindhi Camp Bus Station is busy, so arrange a hotel pickup or use a prepaid/app taxi rather than negotiating on arrival. With a late-morning arrival and hotel check-in, have a quick lunch near the Pink City before beginning sightseeing. Jaipur is hot in late August, so carry an umbrella and expect occasional rain.

Afternoon — Royal Jaipur

Start at City Palace, where the painted gateways, courtyards, and royal textiles make the 1½-hour visit worthwhile. The complex generally opens around 9:30am and closes around 5:00pm; the standard Indian visitor ticket is usually several hundred rupees, while museum and camera charges can vary. It is a short walk or brief e-rickshaw ride through the old city to Jantar Mantar, open roughly 9:00am–5:00pm. Give yourself about an hour to appreciate the enormous eighteenth-century instruments—this is much easier with a guide or audio explanation than by wandering alone.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Badi Chaup ar to Tripolia Bazaar

Take a cycle-rickshaw or auto-rickshaw toward Badi Choupar for Hawa Mahal. The best street-level view is from across the road; the honeycomb façade catches warmer light in the late afternoon, and a nearby rooftop café offers a higher angle if you want a quieter photograph. From there, continue by auto or on foot toward MI Road and stop at Lassiwala for its thick, traditionally served lassi—allow ₹100–₹250 per person and go before closing, as the popular shop can sell out. Finish with an unhurried evening walk from Badi Choupar through Tripolia Bazaar, when the illuminated pink façades, bangles, fabrics, and snack stalls bring the old city to life. Keep valuables secure in the crowd and use an app cab back to the hotel rather than walking far after dark.

Morning

Start around 7:00am with a cab to Amber Fort in Amer, allowing 30–45 minutes from central Jaipur depending on traffic. The fort generally opens around 8:00am; arriving early makes the climb and courtyards much more comfortable, especially in September’s lingering heat. Give yourself about two hours for the palace terraces, painted halls, and views across the Aravalli hills. Skip elephant rides and use the paved approach or the short jeep service if needed. A little beyond the fort, stop at Panna Meena ka Kund for about 30 minutes—the perfectly symmetrical stepwell is best photographed from the upper levels, though access can occasionally be restricted for conservation.

Midday and Afternoon

Continue by cab toward Jal Mahal on Man Sagar Lake, roughly 20–30 minutes from Amer. The palace itself is not open to visitors, so allow half an hour at the lakeside promenade for the view and a short break; midday is bright but useful for seeing the palace clearly across the water. Then head into town to Albert Hall Museum in Ram Niwas Garden, usually another 20–30 minutes depending on congestion. Plan 90 minutes inside for the textiles, arms, sculptures, and richly decorated galleries. Typical entry is around ₹300–₹500 for foreign visitors, with photography rules and ticket prices subject to change; check the same-day counter before entering. Keep lunch light and late, as Jaipur traffic can make a full restaurant stop awkward.

Evening

For a distinctly Jaipur snack, take an auto-rickshaw or app cab to Rawat Mishthan Bhandar on Station Road—about ₹250–₹500 per person for kachori, savory snacks, and sweets, with 45 minutes enough for a relaxed tasting. Afterwards, continue to Johari Bazaar in the Pink City, ideally from about 5:30pm onward when the heat eases and the shops become lively. Spend around 90 minutes wandering the jewelry and textile lanes, but compare prices before buying and ask whether gemstone items come with a proper bill and certification. The market is crowded and some shops close around 8:00–9:00pm, so keep valuables secure and arrange your return by app cab from a wider road rather than expecting a taxi to reach the narrowest lanes.

Morning — Jaipur to Agra

After breakfast, leave Jaipur around 7:00am in your prearranged private car rather than taking the bus—the car makes the en-route stop much easier and lets you keep your luggage with you. The drive to Fatehpur Sikri takes roughly 4–5 hours via NH21, depending on traffic and roadworks. Ask your driver to confirm the drop-off point and keep water, snacks, and cash handy; facilities along this stretch are basic.

Afternoon — Fatehpur Sikri and Agra

Spend about 1½ hours exploring Fatehpur Sikri, ideally arriving around lunchtime. The red-sandstone courtyards, Diwan-i-Khas, and Panch Mahal are especially atmospheric, but the open complex offers little shade, so wear a hat and comfortable shoes. The main palace area generally operates during daylight hours, with admission commonly around ₹50–₹600 depending on nationality and ticket category; confirm the current rate at the official counter. Avoid unsolicited guides near the entrance unless you have agreed on a price first. Afterward, continue about 1–1½ hours to Agra, check in, and take a short break before visiting Agra Fort on Agra Fort Road. Allow around 1½ hours for the Mughal citadel, reaching the riverside palace terraces and the views toward the Taj Mahal; it typically closes around sunset, and entry is usually about ₹50 for Indian visitors or ₹650 for foreign visitors. A short auto-rickshaw or app cab ride from the fort brings you to your hotel—keep the evening easy after the long road day.

Evening — Sadar Bazaar and dinner

Around 6:30pm, head to Sadar Bazaar near Agra Cantonment for an hour of browsing. The liveliest lanes are good for leather goods, small handicrafts, petha sweets, and casual street photography, though bargaining is expected and shop quality varies. Try a small box of petha from an established मिठाई shop rather than buying the first packet offered by a tout. For dinner, take an app cab to Peshawri at ITC Mughal in Tajganj; reserve ahead and expect approximately ₹2,000–₹4,000 per person for its polished North Indian dining. The restaurant’s tandoori breads and kebabs are the natural choice, and the setting is a comfortable way to finish a travel-heavy day.

Morning

Set out for the Taj Mahal before dawn, ideally around 5:15–5:30am, so you reach the East Gate area before the first major queues. The monument usually opens around sunrise; tickets are roughly ₹50 for the main complex, with an additional charge if you want to enter the mausoleum. Allow about 2½ hours for the gardens, reflecting pools, and changing light on the marble. September mornings can be humid, so carry water, wear comfortable shoes, and remember that tripods, large bags, food, and many electronic items are restricted. Afterward, take a short auto-rickshaw or app cab—about 10–15 minutes—to Mehtab Bagh, across the Yamuna. Its quieter riverbank viewpoint is especially good for photographing the Taj from a distance; allow about an hour, and expect an entry fee of approximately ₹30–₹300 depending on ticket category and nationality.

Lunch and Afternoon

Return to Tajganj for lunch at The Salt Café Kitchen, a relaxed rooftop restaurant with elevated views toward the Taj Mahal. Budget around ₹800–₹1,500 per person, and allow an hour; it is worth calling ahead because rooftop seating fills quickly and service can be leisurely. In the early afternoon, hire an auto-rickshaw or app cab to Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Often called the “Baby Taj,” it is smaller and more intimate than the morning’s monument, with exceptionally fine marble screens and pietra dura decoration; plan on roughly an hour. From there, visit a reputable marble handicraft workshop in Agra for another hour. Ask to see the artisans actually cutting and setting semi-precious stone rather than accepting a quick showroom presentation, and compare prices before buying—small coasters and boxes are useful souvenirs, while larger inlay pieces are difficult to transport.

Evening

Finish with an easy walk through Taj Nature Walk, reached by auto-rickshaw from Tajganj in about 10 minutes. Go roughly an hour before sunset for a quieter perspective over scrubland, birds, and distant views of the Taj Mahal; the path is generally open from morning until evening, with a modest entry fee, but confirm the closing time locally during monsoon season. Wear closed shoes, use mosquito repellent, and avoid wandering beyond the marked paths after dark. For dinner, stay near your hotel in Tajganj rather than crossing the city again—after a pre-dawn start, the best part of the evening is keeping it unhurried.

Morning — Agra to Khajuraho

Have breakfast early and arrange a hotel pickup to Agra railway station; allow at least 30–45 minutes for the transfer, as station access and platform changes can be hectic. This is essentially a full travel day, so bring water, snacks, and a downloaded ticket—Indian trains can be crowded, and onboard catering is not always reliable. On arrival at Khajuraho railway station, use the prearranged hotel car rather than negotiating immediately outside; the center is only about 10–15 minutes away.

Afternoon — Check-in and the Western Group

Check in, shower, and take a proper hour to recover before heading out again. The Western Group of Temples is the right first outing because it is compact, atmospheric in the late afternoon, and close to most hotels. Allow around two hours for Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Lakshmana Temple, and the surrounding shrines; the complex generally remains open until sunset, with entry for foreign visitors typically around ₹600–₹800, though fees and timings should be confirmed at the official ticket counter. Temple Road is easy to walk, but wear shoes that come off easily and carry water—the stone courtyards retain heat even after the worst of the day has passed.

Evening — Sound and Light Show, then dinner

Stay near the Western Group for the Khajuraho Sound and Light Show, held on the temple grounds after dark. Showtimes vary by season and language, commonly with an English presentation followed by Hindi, so check the current schedule and buy tickets at the complex rather than relying on an old timetable. It lasts about an hour and is more enjoyable if you treat it as a gentle historical introduction rather than a dramatic spectacle. Afterwards, cross to Raja Café, directly opposite the temples, for an easy dinner with views back toward the illuminated complex; expect roughly ₹500–₹900 per person. The rooftop seating is pleasant, though service can be leisurely—exactly what you want after the long train day.

Morning

Start early at Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, ideally around 7:00am, while the stone is still cool and the Western Group is quieter. Allow about an hour to study the soaring shikhara and the famously detailed exterior carvings; shoes must be removed before entering, and photography is generally allowed outside the sanctum. Tickets for the Western Group are usually around ₹40 for Indian visitors and approximately ₹600 for foreign visitors, though fees and opening times can change. A short walk across the garden brings you to Lakshmana Temple, one of the best-preserved shrines in the complex, where 45 minutes is enough for a relaxed look. Carry water, dress respectfully, and avoid unofficial guides who approach at the entrance unless you have arranged one through your hotel.

Midday and Afternoon

Return to your hotel for breakfast, checkout, and luggage collection before transferring to Khajuraho Airport. The terminal is small, but leave about 90 minutes before departure and confirm the operating schedule carefully—connections to Varanasi can involve a change and the full airport-to-hotel journey commonly takes 4–6 hours. On arrival, use a prepaid taxi or a hotel-arranged car rather than accepting unsolicited rides outside the terminal; traffic into the old city can be slow, and many lanes near Godowlia are pedestrian-only. After checking in and taking a short rest, head toward the river on foot or by cycle-rickshaw, depending on your hotel’s location.

Evening

Reach Dashashwamedh Ghat in the late afternoon, allowing time to absorb the waterfront bustle before the ceremony: pilgrims bathing, flower offerings drifting on the river, and boatmen calling from the steps. For the Ganga Aarti, arrive at least 45 minutes early, especially on a festival day, and keep phones and wallets secure in the dense crowd. Afterward, walk back through the lanes around Godowlia for a Kashi thali at a well-reviewed vegetarian restaurant—expect roughly ₹300–₹700 per person for a filling meal of seasonal vegetables, dal, breads, rice, and sweets. Stick to freshly cooked food, use bottled water, and let the evening end gently; after a long transfer, the maze of Old Varanasi is best explored slowly rather than rushed.

Morning

Begin before dawn at Assi Ghat, ideally around 5:00am, and board a small rowboat for the ride toward Manikarnika Ghat. The riverfront is at its most atmospheric now: temple bells, drifting lamps, bathers, and the first light catching the stepped ghats. Allow about 1½ hours, and agree on the price before boarding—roughly ₹500–₹1,500 for a private boat, depending on duration and boat type. Ask the boatman to keep a respectful distance at Manikarnika Ghat, where cremations are taking place; photography there is inappropriate.

After breakfast, continue through the lanes around Godowlia to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor. Security is strict: carry only essential items, expect to leave phones and bags in approved lockers, and dress modestly. Entry arrangements and queue systems can change, while special darshan options cost considerably more than ordinary access, so check with your hotel or the official temple channels that morning. Allow around 1½ hours, then take a proper break at a nearby vegetarian restaurant such as Baati Chokha, rather than trying to eat while navigating the crowded lanes.

Afternoon and evening

Hire an auto-rickshaw or app cab to Sarnath, usually 30–45 minutes from central Varanasi depending on traffic. Start at the Sarnath Archaeological Museum—typically open from around 10:00am to 5:00pm and closed on Fridays—with the Lion Capital and finely carved Buddhist sculpture as the highlights; allow about an hour. Tickets are inexpensive, generally around ₹20–₹25 for Indian or SAARC visitors and higher for other foreign visitors, with identification sometimes requested.

Walk onward to Dhamek Stupa, the serene brick-and-stone monument associated with Buddha’s first sermon, then spend another 45 minutes in Deer Park among the tree-lined paths and monastery grounds. Keep the afternoon unhurried; Sarnath feels markedly calmer than Varanasi’s old city, and the late light is excellent for architectural details. Afterward, collect your luggage and leave for Varanasi Junction with a generous buffer—at least 60–90 minutes—before your train to Gaya Junction, which takes roughly 4–5 hours and usually costs ₹300–₹1,200. Confirm the platform on the station displays or the NTES app, and arrange a pickup in Gaya before boarding, as arriving late can make finding a reliable auto-rickshaw unnecessarily difficult.

Morning

Leave Gaya around 6:30–7:00am in a hotel-arranged prepaid taxi or app cab; the ride to Bodh Gaya usually takes 30–45 minutes, with a realistic fare of ₹700–₹1,500. Ask to be dropped near the pedestrian approach to the Mahabodhi Temple and carry only essentials, as security is strict. Allow about two hours inside the temple complex, where the atmosphere is most peaceful before the heat and larger pilgrimage groups arrive. Entry is free, though camera and locker arrangements may involve small charges; dress modestly and expect to remove your shoes.

Spend another 45 minutes beside the Bodhi Tree, the traditional site associated with Buddha’s enlightenment. This is the place to slow down rather than take photographs—sit quietly, observe the pilgrims’ circumambulations, and keep voices low. Afterward, take a short cycle-rickshaw or auto-rickshaw ride through the compact temple district to the Thai Monastery, whose sweeping, tiered roof and richly decorated Buddhist architecture make it one of Bodh Gaya’s most distinctive stops. Temples generally welcome visitors during daylight hours, but timings can vary around prayer services.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue by auto-rickshaw to the Great Buddha Statue, roughly 10–15 minutes away depending on traffic. Allow 45 minutes to walk around the landscaped grounds and view the 25-metre seated image; late afternoon is more comfortable for the open-air visit. From there, arrange a short ride to the Root Institute for Wisdom Culture. Check its noticeboard or website in advance for a meditation, teaching, or prayer session—programs are not guaranteed, and visitors should arrive quietly and follow the center’s dress and photography rules. Leave a little unplanned time here; Bodh Gaya is best experienced at a slower pace than a standard sightseeing circuit.

For dinner, choose a simple vegetarian thali restaurant near Mahabodhi Temple, where a filling meal usually costs ₹250–₹600 per person. Ask your driver or hotel for the day’s cleanest busy option rather than committing to an empty restaurant, and keep bottled water with you. After dinner, return to Gaya by prearranged cab—allow 30–45 minutes, preferably departing before about 8:00pm, when the road is darker and local traffic can be less predictable.

Morning — Bodh Gaya to Kolkata

After breakfast, leave Bodh Gaya for Gaya Airport in a hotel-arranged taxi, allowing 30–45 minutes for the drive and arriving at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight. The airport is small, but check-in, security, and possible delays can still make the overall transfer to central Kolkata take four to six hours door to door. On arrival at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, use the prepaid taxi counter or an app cab; central Kolkata is usually 45–75 minutes away, depending on traffic. Leave your luggage at the hotel and have a light Bengali lunch nearby rather than trying to fit in another major sight before the afternoon.

Afternoon — Maidan heritage

Head to Victoria Memorial in the Maidan after checking in, ideally around 2:30 or 3:00pm. Allow about two hours for the marble galleries and gardens; the museum is generally closed on Mondays, with the grounds often open from early morning until evening, while indoor hours and ticket prices can change. Expect approximately ₹50–₹200 for entry depending on the ticket category, and dress modestly for the museum. A short walk across the broad, tree-lined Maidan brings you to St. Paul’s Cathedral, where 45 minutes is enough to appreciate the Gothic nave, stained glass, and quiet grounds. The cathedral is a working place of worship, so avoid visiting during services and keep shoulders and knees covered.

Evening — Park Street dinner

As the heat eases, take an app cab or walk toward Park Street, roughly 10–20 minutes from the Maidan depending on your exact starting point. Spend an hour wandering beneath the old trees and illuminated shopfronts before dinner at Peter Cat, one of the street’s enduring institutions. Its chelo kebab—usually around ₹700–₹1,200 per person—is the classic order, but portions are generous and the restaurant commonly develops a queue at dinner, so arrive before 7:00pm or expect a short wait. Afterward, linger along Park Street for its colonial-era facades, bakeries, and music bars; a taxi back to your hotel is usually easier than relying on late-night public transport.

Morning

Start early, around 6:30am, with an app cab to Howrah Bridge. The crossing is busiest later in the day, while the first light gives you a clear view of the steel cantilever and the steady movement of pedestrians, buses, and handcarts. Ask the driver to stop on the Strand Road side near the river approach; allow about 30 minutes for photographs, but avoid standing in the roadway or blocking foot traffic. From there, walk beneath the bridge to Mullick Ghat Flower Market, one of Kolkata’s most vivid morning scenes. Give yourself about an hour among the marigold garlands, roses, jasmine, porters, and wholesale traders. Wear closed shoes—the ground can be wet and uneven—and keep your phone and wallet secure in the crowd. A small breakfast of tea and kachori from a busy stall is fine, but choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot.

Take a short taxi ride into North Kolkata for Marble Palace, allowing 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. This ornate nineteenth-century mansion is generally visited in the late morning, but entry is subject to prior permission and can be unpredictable; arrange authorization through your hotel or a reputable local guide before setting out. The visit itself takes about an hour, and photography may be restricted. Afterward, have a proper lunch nearby or return toward central Kolkata rather than trying to fit in another major sight—the old lanes around Chitpur Road and Burrabazar are more enjoyable when explored slowly from a cab window or on foot.

Afternoon and Evening

Around 2:00pm, continue to Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore. Set aside roughly 1½ hours for the courtyards, rooms, portraits, and literary exhibits; check the day’s opening schedule before leaving, as museum hours and closures can change. The surrounding Jorasanko lanes are worth a brief wander after the visit, with old balconies, narrow passages, and neighborhood sweet shops giving you a much better sense of historic Kolkata than a rushed taxi circuit. Continue south by app cab or metro toward College Street—allow 25–40 minutes in afternoon traffic—and stop at Indian Coffee House for an inexpensive break. Expect about ₹150–₹350 per person for coffee and snacks, with slow service that is part of the experience; take your time beneath the high ceilings and listen to the animated student and academic conversations.

Finish by browsing College Street, where secondhand-book stalls stretch along both sides of the road. Spend an hour looking through Bengali literature, university texts, old maps, and inexpensive English-language books; bargaining is normal, especially if you buy several volumes. For the easiest return, use an app cab from the main road rather than trying to navigate the lanes with shopping bags. Keep the evening unhurried—traffic around College Street can be heavy after 6:00pm, and the neighborhood is best enjoyed as a final stroll rather than as a race to another attraction.

Morning

Start around 7:00am at Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata’s most intense and atmospheric place of worship. The approach through Kalighat is crowded with flower sellers, priests, and narrow lanes, so use an app cab and get down a short walk away rather than trying to reach the temple gate by car. Allow about 1½ hours, and keep your belongings secure; unofficial “guides” may offer to arrange special darshan or donations. Entry is free, though queues and rituals can be confusing—if you want a paid puja, use only the official temple channels and agree on any fee beforehand.

Continue by cab to Birla Mandir in Ballygunge, roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. This polished white-marble temple is much calmer, with beautifully carved scenes from Hindu epics and a pleasant elevated view over the surrounding neighborhood. Dress modestly, leave shoes and large bags outside, and expect about 45 minutes here; photography inside may be restricted. For a quick Bengali-style snack afterward, stop at Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick Sweets nearby for sandesh or a light breakfast rather than sitting down for a heavy meal.

Afternoon and Evening

Head north toward the Maidan and take an unhurried walk around the tram-lined edges near Esplanade and Red Road. This is Kolkata’s best pause in the middle of a busy sightseeing day: cricket matches, horse-drawn carriages, vendors, and broad views toward Fort William create a distinctly local rhythm. Avoid walking in the strongest afternoon sun—carry water and use a short taxi ride to reach Nandan at Rabindra Sadan, where you can spend about an hour browsing the cinema complex, posters, and cultural quarter around Rabindra Sadan and Academy of Fine Arts. Check the current film and exhibition listings online; Bengali-language films are often shown with English subtitles, but schedules change.

Finish at 6 Ballygunge Place, booking ahead for dinner, especially on a weekend. Order a spread of Bengali home-style dishes—shukto, dal, fish preparations, kosha mangsho, and mishti doi—sharing several plates rather than choosing just one main. Budget roughly ₹800–₹1,500 per person, excluding alcohol. The restaurant is convenient from Nandan by taxi, usually 15–25 minutes, but evening traffic can be slow; allow extra time and avoid relying on the tram for this final leg.

Late Morning — Kolkata to Chennai

Take a late-morning nonstop flight from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Chennai International Airport. Allow roughly 5–7 hours door to door, including the airport transfer, check-in, security, flight, baggage collection, and the onward ride to your hotel. A prearranged hotel car or app cab is easiest in Chennai; traffic around Guindy and Teynampet can be slow, so do not plan a tightly timed activity immediately after landing.

Afternoon — Egmore Museum District

After checking in and having a quick rest, head to the Government Museum in Egmore, ideally arriving by around 2:30–3:00pm. Spend about two hours in the archaeology and bronze galleries, especially the exceptional Chola bronzes and South Indian stone sculpture. The museum is generally open from around 9:30am to 5:00pm and is usually closed on Fridays and public holidays; budget approximately ₹15–₹75 for entry, with separate charges sometimes applying to photography. From the museum, walk or take a very short auto-rickshaw ride toward the Sankara Nethralaya area for a 45-minute café break—expect roughly ₹250–₹600 per person for coffee, juice, and a light snack. Keep this stop relaxed rather than searching for a destination café; the neighborhood is practical and busy, with several dependable South Indian tiffin and bakery options.

Evening — Marina Beach and T. Nagar Dinner

As the heat eases, take an app cab toward Marina Beach in Triplicane, allowing 25–45 minutes depending on traffic. Arrive around sunset and walk the broad promenade for about an hour, staying near the busier, lit sections and avoiding the water itself, as swimming is unsafe. The beach is free, though vendors charge widely varying prices for snacks and small activities—agree on prices before buying. Finish with dinner at Murugan Idli Shop in T. Nagar, a straightforward local choice for soft idlis, podi, vada, dosa, and strong filter coffee; allow about ₹250–₹500 per person and roughly an hour. The ride from Marina Beach to T. Nagar commonly takes 20–35 minutes, and it is worth using a cab rather than attempting several bus connections after dark.

Morning

Start around 7:00am in Mylapore, when the neighborhood is already lively but not yet uncomfortably hot. Begin at Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai’s great Dravidian landmark, allowing about an hour to walk through the gopuram-lined entrance and around the inner courtyards. Dress modestly, remove your shoes, and keep a little cash for a flower offering; photography may be restricted in some areas. From the temple, walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to San Thome Basilica—roughly 10 minutes—where a quieter 45-minute visit offers a striking contrast: white neo-Gothic architecture and the tradition connecting the cathedral with St. Thomas. Continue on foot through Mylapore Tank and bazaar, allowing another hour for flower stalls, brassware, household goods, and snacks such as sundal or hot bajji. The temple and market area is easiest to explore before noon; expect short auto rides within Mylapore to cost about ₹50–₹150, depending on traffic and negotiation.

Afternoon

Have an early lunch near Mylapore—a practical choice is Rayar’s Mess for a simple South Indian tiffin, though seating is limited and it can be busy—or choose a more relaxed vegetarian meal at Karpagambal Mess. Then arrange a cab toward DakshinaChitra Museum in Muttukadu, allowing roughly 60–90 minutes each way depending on traffic along the East Coast Road. Spend about two hours among the reconstructed traditional houses from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, looking out for craft demonstrations and artisan workshops. The museum is generally open from around 10:00am to 6:00pm and closed on Tuesdays; entry is commonly in the ₹200–₹300 range for adults, with separate charges sometimes applying for photography or activities. Carry water and sunscreen—the grounds are spread out, and the afternoon can be humid.

Evening

Return toward the city and finish at The Marina in Besant Nagar, a more relaxed seaside setting than central Marina Beach. Arrive around 6:00pm for a breezy walk beside the water before settling into dinner; Bay View at Vivanta Chennai is the polished option for seafood and coastal dishes, while nearby Boardwalk at Radisson Blu offers a comfortable casual setting. Budget approximately ₹700–₹1,500 per person, depending on whether you choose a café-style meal or seafood. Avoid swimming—the currents are dangerous—and use an app cab for the return, as traffic around Besant Nagar and the coast thickens after sunset.

Morning — Chennai to Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, leave Chennai around 7:30–8:00am in a prearranged private car via East Coast Road. Allow 1½–2 hours, depending on traffic, and ask the driver to avoid rushing—the coastal road is one of the more pleasant drives around Chennai. A round trip generally costs about ₹5,000–₹8,000 per vehicle, depending on the car and waiting time. Start at the Shore Temple, ideally before the sun becomes too strong; allow about an hour for the Pallava shrine, sea views, and the surrounding lawns. The monument complex usually opens around 6:00am and closes around 6:00pm; entry is approximately ₹40 for Indian visitors and ₹600 for foreign visitors, with fees subject to change. Wear sandals that are easy to remove and bring water, as there is limited shade near the temple.

Continue a short drive inland to Pancha Rathas, where five remarkable monolithic structures were carved from a single rock outcrop. Give yourself about an hour, and look closely at the unfinished details and animal sculptures rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. Entry is generally covered by the same ASI ticket system or priced similarly. From there, drive back toward the central village for Arjuna’s Penance, an enormous open-air relief best appreciated from several angles; 45 minutes is enough unless you are particularly interested in Pallava sculpture. The lanes around East Raja Street and Othavadai Street are good for a relaxed wander between stops, with small handicraft shops and cafés tucked behind the main road.

Lunch and Evening — Seafood by the Coast

Have lunch at Moonrakers, a longstanding casual seafood restaurant near the main tourist area. Order grilled fish, prawns, or crab with rice and a cold lime soda; expect roughly ₹700–₹1,500 per person. It is informal rather than polished, and the freshest choice is usually whatever is displayed that day. After eating, leave the afternoon deliberately open for a slow walk through Mahabalipuram’s stone-carving lanes or a rest at a café—September can still be hot and humid, and the monuments are much more enjoyable without trying to force in another sight. Save your final sea views for around sunset near the Shore Temple, then depart in the private car around 6:30–7:00pm. The return to Chennai via East Coast Road takes about 1½–2½ hours; traffic approaching the city can be heavy, so allow extra time if you have a fixed dinner reservation or early plans the next morning.

Morning — Mahabalipuram to Puducherry

Leave Mahabalipuram around 7:00am in your prearranged car via the East Coast Road, allowing 2½–3½ hours for traffic and a breakfast or chai stop. On arrival, ask to be dropped near the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in White Town; the surrounding streets are easiest to explore on foot, and parking is awkward. Spend about an hour here in the quiet meditation area—dress modestly, keep voices low, and note that phones and photography may be restricted. A short walk through White Town then becomes the day’s best unhurried stretch: follow lanes around Rue Suffren, Rue Romain Rolland, and Rue Dumas to see pastel villas, bougainvillea, shuttered balconies, and restored Tamil-French houses.

Afternoon — Church and waterfront

After lunch in White Town—Villa Shanti is a reliable choice for a relaxed sit-down meal, while Coromandel Café works well for coffee and lighter plates—take an auto-rickshaw or app cab, roughly 10 minutes, to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus near the railway station. Allow 30–45 minutes to see the Gothic façade and stained glass; services may make the interior busy, so keep the visit respectful. Return toward theafront for Le Café, right on the Seafront Promenade, where coffee and snacks usually cost around ₹250–₹600 per person. It is particularly pleasant in the late afternoon, although service can be slow—come for the view rather than a quick meal.

Evening — Rock Beach

Finish with an hour along Rock Beach Promenade, beginning near the Gandhi statue and wandering south as the heat drops. The road is generally closed to traffic in the evening, making it comfortable for a slow walk beside the sea, with vendors selling roasted corn and small snacks. Swimming is not advisable here because of the rocks and currents; instead, enjoy the breeze and the changing light on the waterfront. If you want dinner afterward, stay in White Town for La Villa, M La Café, or a simple dosa at Sri Kamatchi Bhavan—and have your hotel arrange the return auto or cab, as finding a ride late can take longer than expected.

Morning — Auroville and the Matrimandir viewpoint

Leave Puducherry early, around 6:30–7:00am, with your prearranged car for Auroville; the drive usually takes 30–45 minutes. Go first to the Auroville Visitor Centre, which generally opens around 9:00am, to understand the township’s history and its international, experimental community. Allow about two hours, including the exhibits, gardens, and time for coffee or a light breakfast at the visitor facilities. Dress modestly and comfortably, and carry water—the red-earth paths can feel hot even in the morning.

From the Visitor Centre, follow the marked route to the Matrimandir viewing point, roughly a 10–15-minute walk depending on access arrangements. The golden sphere is viewed from outside rather than entered on a casual visit; allow around 45 minutes to take in the unusual architecture and the quiet, landscaped setting. Photography is permitted only in designated areas, so follow the signs and avoid treating the meditation spaces like a conventional sightseeing stop. Leave Auroville by late morning, since the airport transfer is the day’s main logistical challenge.

Afternoon and Evening — Travel to Bengaluru and dinner at MTR

Continue by private car toward Chennai International Airport, allowing roughly 2–3 hours from Auroville depending on traffic, then leave a generous margin for check-in and security. The complete journey to Bengaluru is usually 6–8 hours door to door; a late-afternoon arrival is realistic, so keep the rest of the day deliberately light. After checking in, use an app cab rather than trying to drive yourself through central traffic. Head to Vidhana Soudha around dusk for a quick exterior visit and photographs—the building is not normally open for casual interior touring, but its illuminated façade is especially impressive for about 30 minutes. Then take a short cab ride to MTR near Lalbagh for a classic Karnataka vegetarian meal: try the rava idli, masala dosa, bisi bele bath, or seasonal sweets. Expect roughly ₹300–₹700 per person; arrive before the dinner rush, as this famous dining room can develop a queue.

Morning

Start around 6:30am at Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Basavanagudi, when the paths are coolest and local walkers are out exercising. Allow about 1½ hours for the glasshouse, old trees, lakeside paths, and seasonal flower displays; the garden typically opens around 6:00am, with entry usually around ₹30–₹50. From the main gate, take an app cab to Bengaluru Palace—roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic—and arrive before the late-morning crowds. The Tudor-style palace takes about 1½ hours to visit; expect an entry fee of roughly ₹300–₹500, with separate charges sometimes applying for photography. Wear comfortable shoes, as the palace grounds and interior route involve plenty of walking.

Afternoon

For lunch, stop somewhere around Vasanth Nagar or Shivajinagar rather than losing time crossing town; Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) is a dependable choice for masala dosa, rava idli, and a traditional South Indian thali, though queues can be long. Continue to the National Gallery of Modern Art on Palace Road, a short cab ride from the palace. Give the collection about 1½ hours, particularly if you enjoy Indian modernists and quieter museum spaces; it is generally open from late morning to early evening and closed on Mondays, with admission commonly around ₹20–₹50. Keep the afternoon unhurried—Bengaluru traffic can make even short distances unpredictable.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Spend the cooler part of the day in Cubbon Park, entering from the Kasturba Road side and wandering beneath the enormous rain trees toward the colonial-era buildings around the park. One hour is enough for a relaxed walk, and there is no general entry fee; avoid isolated paths after dark and keep valuables secure. Finish in Indiranagar at Toit, a lively brewpub on 100 Feet Road, for Bengaluru’s well-known craft beer and a substantial dinner. Reserve ahead for a weekend or busy evening, and budget approximately ₹1,000–₹2,000 per person including food and drinks. Allow 30–45 minutes from central Bengaluru by cab in evening traffic, and use a ride-hailing service rather than driving after drinking.

Early Morning — KR Market and Bangalore Fort

Begin around 6:30am at KR Market in Kalasipalya, one of the best places to see Bengaluru fully awake. The flower section is especially lively at this hour, with marigolds, roses, and jasmine being sorted into garlands while the produce market rolls into its morning rhythm. Allow about an hour, and keep bags and phones secure in the crowds; the market floor can be wet and slippery. A short walk or quick auto-rickshaw ride brings you to Bangalore Fort, whose remaining granite gateway and walls offer a compact glimpse of the city’s older military history. Allow 30–45 minutes. Both stops are best done early, before heat and traffic build; an app cab is easier than parking in this dense area.

Breakfast and Airport Transfer

Finish in Basavanagudi with a traditional South Indian tiffin breakfast at Vidyarthi Bhavan on Gandhi Bazaar, known for crisp masala dosa and strong filter coffee, or Hotel Dwarka nearby for a slightly quicker, more relaxed meal. Expect roughly ₹200–₹500 per person, and allow about an hour; Vidyarthi Bhavan can have a queue, so keep the meal flexible if your flight is tight. Return to the hotel, collect your luggage, and leave for Kempegowda International Airport at least three hours before an international departure. From central Bengaluru, a private car usually takes 1–2 hours depending on traffic; use the airport road via Hebbal when practical, and confirm your terminal and airline check-in area before leaving.