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7-Day Itinerary for South India in September 2023

  1. Day 1: Chennai
    15 minutes (5.6 km) from Chennai International Airport

    Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple in the morning to witness the ancient Dravidian architecture. Head to the Government Museum to explore the rich history of South India. Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at Saravana Bhavan. In the evening, take a stroll on Marina Beach and watch the sunset.

  2. Day 2: Mahabalipuram
    1 hour 30 minutes (58.3 km) from Chennai

    Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, famous for its rock-cut temples, sculptures and architecture. Visit the Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and the Shore Temple. Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch at a beachside restaurant. In the evening, relax on the beach and watch the waves.

  3. Day 3: Pondicherry
    2 hours 30 minutes (160 km) from Mahabalipuram

    Explore the French Quarter of Pondicherry in the morning, featuring charming colonial architecture, boutiques and cafes. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded in 1926. Enjoy a fusion lunch at Villa Shanti. In the evening, stroll along the Promenade Beach and visit the Mahatma Gandhi statue.

  4. Day 4: Thanjavur
    4 hours (224 km) from Pondicherry

    Discover the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of South Indian architecture. Visit the Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery to see the beautiful traditional paintings. Have lunch at the popular restaurant Raya's, known for its Chettinad cuisine. In the evening, watch a traditional Bharatanatyam dance performance.

  5. Day 5: Madurai
    3 hours 30 minutes (160 km) from Thanjavur

    Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its stunning gopurams, sculptures and intricate carvings. Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and its light and sound show. Enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch at Sri Sree Krishna Mess. In the evening, take a walk through the bustling evening market.

  6. Day 6: Munnar
    4 hours 30 minutes (160 km) from Madurai

    Experience the serenity of the hill station of Munnar, known for its tea plantations, lush greenery and scenic beauty. Visit the Mattupetty Dam and the Echo Point. Have lunch at Saravana Bhavan. In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance performance.

  7. Day 7: Cochin
    4 hours (130 km) from Munnar

    Explore Fort Kochi in the morning, featuring colonial architecture, street art and quaint cafes. Visit the St. Francis Church and the Chinese Fishing Nets. Have lunch at the popular restaurant Kashi Art Cafe. In the evening, take a sunset cruise on the backwaters of Kerala.

Recommendations

Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for an unforgettable jungle safari. Take a day trip to Alleppey to experience the beauty of backwater tourism. Don't miss the Kalaripayattu Martial Arts show in Thekkady. To maximize your fun, try traditional South Indian dishes, attend a local festival, and take in the vibrant colours and sounds of India.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kapaleeswarar Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Government Museum (2 hours, ₹50)
  • Saravana Bhavan (1 hour, ₹500)
  • Marina Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Mahabalipuram UNESCO Site (4 hours, ₹600)
  • Seafood lunch (1 hour, ₹800)
  • Pondicherry French Quarter (3 hours, free)
  • Sri Aurobindo Ashram (1 hour, free)
  • Villa Shanti (1 hour, ₹1000)
  • Brihadeeswarar Temple (2 hours, ₹250)
  • Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery (2 hours, ₹100)
  • Raya's (1 hour, ₹800)
  • Meenakshi Amman Temple (3 hours, free)
  • Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace (1 hour, ₹250)
  • Sri Sree Krishna Mess (1 hour, ₹400)
  • Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point (3 hours, ₹500)
  • Kathakali dance performance (2 hours, ₹1000)
  • Fort Kochi (3 hours, free)
  • Kashi Art Cafe (1 hour, ₹600)
  • Sunset cruise (2 hours, ₹1500)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹7500
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