7-Day Family Friendly South India Itinerary

1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
   Estimated time from Chennai: 1h 30m (37.7 km)

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and Arjuna's Penance. A perfect start to your South India trip

2. Day 2: Pondicherry
   Estimated time from Mahabalipuram: 1h 40m (98.9 km)

   Relax on the serene beaches of Auroville and enjoy some street shopping around Goubert Market. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

3. Day 3: Tanjore
   Estimated time from Pondicherry: 3h 20m (169.7 km)

   Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Royal Palace Museum. Spend the evening relaxing in the gardens of the Sivaganga Park.

4. Day 4: Madurai
   Estimated time from Tanjore: 2h 30m (173.5 km)

   Visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, Alagar Koil and Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. Unwind by taking a relaxing walk in the Vaigai Dam Garden.

5. Day 5: Munnar
   Estimated time from Madurai: 3h 50m (157.7 km)

   Explore the lush green tea plantations, visit the tea museum and enjoy a boat ride at Mattupetty Dam. Wrap up the day with a relaxing walk in the Rose Garden.

6. Day 6: Alleppey
   Estimated time from Munnar: 4h 30m (147.3 km)

   Take a unique backwaters boat ride through the beautiful and peaceful village life of Kuttanad. Relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset view at the Alleppey Beach.

7. Day 7: Kochi
   Estimated time from Alleppey: 1h 30m (53.4 km)

   Explore the famous Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church and Jewish Synagogue. Spend your evening with a Kathakali dance performance and shopping at the local markets.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shore Temple (1-2 hours, INR 30/person)
• Auroville & Goubert Market (3-4 hours, INR 1000/person)
• Brihadeeswarar Temple & Royal Palace Museum (2-3 hours, INR 100/person)
• Meenakshi Amman Temple & Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal (3-4 hours, INR 25/person)
• Tea Plantations, Mattupetty Dam & Rose Garden (4-5 hours, INR 100/person)
• Backwaters Boat Ride (4-5 hours, INR 750/person)
• Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church & Jewish Synagogue (2-3 hours, INR 20/person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2325/person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a day to explore the backwaters and beaches of Varkala or unwind in the tranquil forests of Thekkady. If you have less time, consider skipping Munnar or spending less time in Kochi.