Begin your trip in the bustling city of Chennai. Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple which has beautiful architecture and colorful carvings of gods and goddesses. The Government Museum has an extensive collection of art and artifacts from ancient India, including some from the Indus Valley civilization. Also, see a magnificent 17th-century fortress at Fort St. George, which now houses the legislative assembly and a museum. End the day with some delicious local street food at the Food Street in Mylapore.
Take a day trip to Kodaikanal, a beautiful hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. Take a boat ride in the tranquil Kodai Lake, surrounded by lush greenery, and visit the Bryant Park, home to hundreds of varieties of plants and flowers. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley from the Coakers Walk and trek to the serene Bear Shola Falls. You can also try some homemade chocolates at the Chocolate Factory before heading back to Chennai.
Head to the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, renowned for its ancient UNESCO-listed 7th-century temples. Visit the iconic Shore Temple, a complex of three shrines showcasing architectural mastery, and the Pancha Rathas, five rock temples shaped like chariots. Walk along the Beach Road and check out the impressive Arjuna's Penance, an intricately carved monolithic rock panel. You can also visit the Crocodile Bank, a conservation center for crocodiles, alligators, and turtles before returning to Chennai.
Get ready for a refreshing break in the hill station of Yercaud, home to scenic viewpoints and plantations. Check out the Pagoda Point, which offers a panoramic vista of the mountains, and the Killiyur Falls, a cascading waterfall perfect for a picnic. Visit the Shevaroy Temple, perched atop a hill, and take a hike through the dense Kottachedu Teak Forest. En route, stop at the Sitaphal Malai Viewpoint and indulge in some fresh fruits at the vendors’ market before returning to Chennai.
Wrap up your trip in the picturesque French-influenced town of Pondicherry. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, lined with restored colonial-style buildings, and visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an ornate Catholic church. Learn about the life of Sri Aurobindo, the philosopher-mystic who founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and walk along the palm-fringed Promenade Beach. Stop at Gelateria Montecatini Terme for some delicious Italian gelato before leaving.
If you have an extra day, you can explore the colonial town of Thanjavur and visit the magnificently decorated Brihadeeswarar Temple or take a heritage walk through the various palaces, forts, and temples. For adventurers, take a detour to the Mudumalai National Park, a tiger reserve and forest reserve that is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and trekkers. For those who want to relax and unwind, spend an extra day in Kodaikanal for camping, bird-watching or boating. If you have less time, you can cover just the top attractions in Chennai and Pondicherry, and skip some lesser-known or remote locations.