10-Day South India Itinerary

1. Day 1: Chennai
   30 minutes (12.9 km) from Chennai International Airport

   Explore the Kapaleeswarar Temple, stroll along Marina Beach, and indulge in local cuisine at Dakshin.

2. Day 2: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 40 minutes (56.7 km) from Chennai

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Five Rathas, and admire the Shore Temple at sunset.

3. Day 3: Pondicherry
   2 hours 30 minutes (155 km) from Mahabalipuram

   Stroll through the charming French Quarter, visit Aurobindo Ashram, and relax at Promenade Beach.

4. Day 4: Thanjavur
   4 hours (180 km) from Pondicherry

   Marvel at the Brihadeeswarar Temple, visit the Royal Palace Museum, and witness the intricate art of Tanjore painting.

5. Day 5: Madurai
   4 hours 30 minutes (210 km) from Thanjavur

   Admire the intricate carvings at the Meenakshi Amman Temple and witness the daily night ceremony at the temple.

6. Day 6: Thekkady
   2 hours 30 minutes (146 km) from Madurai

   Embark on a memorable Boat Safari at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and explore the spice plantations.

7. Day 7: Alleppey
   4 hours (141 km) from Thekkady

   Cruise through the tranquil backwaters in a traditional houseboat and witness the Vembanad Lake sunset.

8. Day 8: Cochin
   1 hour 30 minutes (54 km) from Alleppey

   Visit the Dutch Palace, indulge in local delicacies at Jew Town, and witness the Chinese fishing nets at sunset.

9. Day 9: Mysore
   8 hours (380 km) from Cochin

   Marvel at the stunning Mysore Palace, trek up to Chamundi Hill, and shop at Devaraja Market.

10. Day 10: Bangalore
    3 hours (147 km) from Mysore

    Explore the Bangalore Palace, stroll through the lush Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, and shop at the bustling Commercial Street Market.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Marina Beach (1-2 hours, free)
• Dakshin (1-2 hours, ₹₹)
• Five Rathas (1-2 hours, ₹₹)
• Shore Temple (1 hour, ₹₹)
• Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hours, free)
• Promenade Beach (1-2 hours, free)
• Brihadeeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, ₹₹)
• Royal Palace Museum (1 hour, ₹₹)
• Meenakshi Amman Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (3-4 hours, ₹₹₹)
• Backwaters Houseboat Cruise (6-7 hours, ₹₹₹)
• Dutch Palace (1-2 hours, ₹)
• Jew Town (1-2 hours, free)
• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, free)
• Mysore Palace (1-2 hours, ₹₹)
• Chamundi Hill (2-3 hours, free)
• Devaraja Market (1-2 hours, free)
• Bangalore Palace (1-2 hours, ₹)
• Lalbagh Botanical Gardens (1-2 hours, ₹)
• Commercial Street Market (2-3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs (per person): ₹₹₹₹₹

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Ooty or Kodaikanal for their scenic beauty and hill stations. If you have less time, skip Mysore and Bangalore and instead spend more time at the stunning backwaters in Alleppey.