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Exploring South India: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Friday, December 8, 2023: Arrive in Chennai

Start your South India adventure by landing in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. In the morning, visit the beautiful Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the shore, take in the stunning views, and try local street food. In the afternoon, explore the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its impressive Dravidian architecture. As the evening sets in, head to the lively Spencer Plaza for shopping and entertainment.

  • Marina Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Spencer Plaza: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Head to Murugan Idli Shop for a delightful South Indian breakfast. They serve traditional idlis and dosas at an average cost of ₹150 per person.
  • For lunch, try Annalakshmi Restaurant, known for its authentic vegetarian South Indian thali. Enjoy a variety of dishes at an average cost of ₹300 per person.
  • In the evening, dine at Madras Pavilion. This multi-cuisine restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including South Indian specialties and international cuisine, with an average cost of ₹700 per person for dinner.
Saturday, December 9, 2023: Pondicherry

Embark on a day trip to the charming coastal town of Pondicherry. Start your morning with a visit to the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community dedicated to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. In the afternoon, explore the French Quarter, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant streets, and boutique shops. Make sure to visit the picturesque Promenade Beach for a leisurely stroll. As the evening approaches, indulge in delicious French cuisine at one of the local restaurants.

  • Aurobindo Ashram: Free, 2-3 hours
  • French Quarter: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Promenade Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Sunday, December 10, 2023: Mysore

Travel to the enchanting city of Mysore in Karnataka. Begin your morning by visiting the magnificent Mysore Palace, an architectural marvel. Explore the palace grounds and witness the grandeur of the royal heritage. In the afternoon, take a trip to the Brindavan Gardens, famous for its beautifully landscaped terraces, fountains, and musical fountain show. As the evening approaches, enjoy a cultural experience by attending a traditional dance performance at the Mysore Palace.

  • Mysore Palace: INR 200 (approx. $3), 2-3 hours
  • Brindavan Gardens: INR 30 (approx. $0.50), 2-3 hours
  • Mysore Palace Dance Performance: INR 100-200 (approx. $1.50-$3), 1-2 hours
Monday, December 11, 2023: Coorg

Head to the picturesque hill station of Coorg. In the morning, visit the Abbey Falls, a stunning waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery. Enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and take memorable photos. In the afternoon, explore the coffee plantations and learn about the coffee-making process. You can also visit the Namdroling Monastery, home to a large Tibetan Buddhist community. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the serene atmosphere of Coorg.

  • Abbey Falls: INR 15 (approx. $0.25), 2-3 hours
  • Coffee Plantations: Varies, 2-3 hours
  • Namdroling Monastery: Free, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 12, 2023: Kochi

Travel to the vibrant city of Kochi, also known as Cochin. Start your morning by exploring Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with colonial-era buildings and charming streets. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and walk along the waterfront promenade. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala. As the evening sets in, savor the delicious seafood at one of the local restaurants.

  • Fort Kochi: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 300-500 (approx. $4-$7), 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 13, 2023: Alleppey

Experience the serene backwaters of Kerala by visiting the beautiful town of Alleppey. Begin your day with a relaxing houseboat cruise through the tranquil backwaters. Enjoy the scenic views, lush greenery, and traditional village life along the banks. In the afternoon, explore the narrow canals by canoe or take a stroll through the paddy fields. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

  • Houseboat Cruise: Varies, 4-5 hours
  • Canoe Ride: INR 500-1000 (approx. $7-$14), 2-3 hours
  • Backwater Sunset: Free, 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 14, 2023: Kanyakumari

Conclude your South India journey by visiting the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland, Kanyakumari. In the morning, witness the breathtaking sunrise from the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, situated on a rocky island offshore. Explore the memorial and enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Thiruvalluvar Statue and the nearby Kanyakumari Temple. As the evening sets in, relax on the sandy shores of Kanyakumari Beach.

  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial: INR 20 (approx. $0.30), 2-3 hours
  • Thiruvalluvar Statue: INR 20 (approx. $0.30), 1-2 hours
  • Kanyakumari Temple: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique and family-friendly experience in South India, make sure to visit the DakshinaChitra Cultural Center near Chennai. Explore the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh through traditional houses, artifacts, and craft demonstrations. It's a great place to learn about the diverse cultural traditions of South India.

Another hidden gem is the Srirangapatna Island near Mysore. This island is home to the Ranganathaswamy Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Explore the temple complex and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Don't miss the chance to take a boat ride on the Cauvery River, offering scenic views of the island.

Make sure to check https://kayak.com/in_?a=kan_252520_563153&p=v1&lc=en&url=%2Fstays for hotel and flight prices for your South India adventure.

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