7-Day South India Itinerary

1. Day 1: Bangalore
   Chennai (4h 50m by car)

   Visit the Bangalore Palace, and then take a scenic drive to Chennai.

2. Day 2: Chennai
   Mamallapuram (1h 30m by car)

   Explore the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and San Thome Church before driving to Mamallapuram.

3. Day 3: Mamallapuram
   Pondicherry (2h 30m by car)

   Visit the Shore Temple and take a stroll through the Descent of Ganges rock carving. Then head to Pondicherry.

4. Day 4: Pondicherry
   Kumbakonam (4h 30m by car)

   Explore the French quarter of Pondicherry including Notre Dame des Anges and Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Then drive to Kumbakonam.

5. Day 5: Kumbakonam
   Madurai (5h 45m by car)

   Visit the Kumbeswarar Temple and the Mahamaham Tank. Then take a long drive to Madurai.

6. Day 6: Madurai
   Thekkady (2h by car)

   Visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple and Thirumalai Nayakar Palace before heading to Thekkady.

7. Day 7: Thekkady
   Cochin (4h 15m by car)

   Enjoy a boat ride through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the morning and then drive to Cochin. Visit Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Bangalore Palace (2h, INR 225)
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple (1h, Free)
• Shore Temple (1h, INR 500)
• Notre Dame des Anges (1h, Free)
• Kumbeswarar Temple (1-2h, Free)
• Meenakshi Amman Temple (2-3h, Free)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (2h, INR 450)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1175 (excluding transportation and accommodation)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the backwaters of Kerala or taking a detour to Ooty. If you have less time, shorten your visits to Thekkady or Madurai.