Welcome to Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu! After landing at the Chennai International Airport, head straight to Mahabalipuram to experience the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Shore Temple and exquisite rock-cut caves or go beach-hopping at the Muttukadu Beach.
Experience the French-Indian blend at Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry. Visit the majestic Sri Aurobindo Ashram for meditation and tranquillity, walk along the Promenade Beach while admiring the French War Memorial, and appreciate Indo-French architecture at the Auroville township.
Take a road trip along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR) to Tranquebar, an 17th-century Danish port town. Discover the Danish Fort Dansborg, visit the Masilamani Nathar Temple to marvel at the architecture and design, and end the day at the golden-sand beach with seafood.
Coimbatore, known as the 'Manchester of South India,' is a perfect combination of tradition and industrial development. Spend three whole days by exploring one of India's largest metropolitan cities, witnessing wildlife at the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, and shopping at the street and local markets. Indulge in delicious local cuisine, such as idli, dosa, and filter coffee.
Experience royalty at Mysore, a city of palaces and spirituality. Visit the iconic Mysore Palace, an epitome of magnificence and grandeur of Wodeyar kings. Take a stroll in the stunning Brindavan Gardens along the Kaveri River and appreciate the symmetrically designed Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya museum.
Welcome to India's Silicon Valley! Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is the centre of India's software and hardware industries. Admire architecture and paintings at the Bangalore Palace, go souvenir shopping at the MG Road in the city centre or visit the impressive Lal Bagh botanical garden.
Hyderabad, the city of pearls, has a lot to offer in terms of food, history, and culture. Roam around the Charminar, an iconic monument of the city, visit the Golconda Fort to learn about its glorious history, and dive deep into Indian art and craft, textiles, and jewellry at the Salar Jung Museum. Do not forget to try out the famous Hyderabadi biriyani and double-ka-meetha.
Consider hiring a private car or taxi for the entire trip to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. The average cost for a taxi is around $50-$60 per day for up to five people. Public transportation, like buses and trains, are available in most of the locations but may consume time and effort. For airport transfers, book a cab or taxi which will cost around $15-$20 from your hotel to the airport.
If you have less time, skip Coimbatore, and Mysore. Try exploring Hampi, a world heritage site full of ancient temples, rocks, and ruins, closer to Bangalore. Do not underestimate the distances and travel times in South India. Better to plan out previously and arrive at new places by noon to have ample time for exploration around or visit the places in the evening. Being a tropical, always carry lightweight clothes, hats, shades, sunscreen lotion, and mosquito repellents.
There are three airports for the itinerary. Chennai International Airport (MAA) is around 40 km away from Mahabalipuram; Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is approximately 15 km away from the city centre, and Hyderabad International Airport (HYD) is approximately 25 km away from the Charminar.