Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 76 travelers
7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in South India

7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in South India

Day 1: Friday, December 22, 2023 - Arrival in Chennai

Morning: Arrive in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Start your day with a visit to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline and take in the beautiful sunrise.

  • Marina Beach: Free, approx. 2-3 hours

Afternoon: Explore Fort St. George, a historic fortress built by the British East India Company. Visit the St. Mary's Church and the Fort Museum to learn about the city's colonial past.

  • Fort St. George: Entrance fee - INR 5 (approx. $0.07), approx. 2-3 hours

Evening: Head to the vibrant Mylapore neighborhood and visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the bustling streets lined with shops and taste the local cuisine.

  • Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Free, approx. 1-2 hours

Day 2: Saturday, December 23, 2023 - Pondicherry

Morning: Travel to Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its charming architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Start your day by exploring the French Quarter, also called White Town. Take a stroll along the Promenade Beach and visit the iconic statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

  • Promenade Beach: Free, approx. 1-2 hours

Afternoon: Visit Auroville, an experimental township known for its spiritual community. Explore the Matrimandir, a golden spherical temple, and learn about Auroville's philosophy.

  • Auroville: Free, approx. 2-3 hours

Evening: Enjoy the charming streets of Pondicherry and try some delicious French cuisine at one of the local cafes or restaurants.

Day 3: Sunday, December 24, 2023 - Mysore

Morning: Travel to Mysore, a city known for its rich heritage and majestic Mysore Palace. Explore the palace grounds and witness the grandeur of the architecture.

  • Mysore Palace: Entrance fee - INR 70 (approx. $0.97), approx. 2-3 hours

Afternoon: Visit the Chamundi Hills and climb up to the Chamundeshwari Temple. Enjoy the panoramic views of Mysore from the hilltop.

  • Chamundi Hills: Free, approx. 1-2 hours

Evening: Explore the vibrant Devaraja Market and indulge in some local shopping. Don't miss trying the famous Mysore silk sarees and sandalwood products.

Day 4: Monday, December 25, 2023 - Coorg

Morning: Travel to Coorg, a picturesque hill station known for its coffee plantations and natural beauty. Visit the Abbey Falls and enjoy the scenic beauty of the cascading waterfall.

  • Abbey Falls: Entrance fee - INR 15 (approx. $0.21), approx. 2-3 hours

Afternoon: Explore Dubare Elephant Camp and participate in various activities like elephant feeding and bathing, as well as a boat ride along the River Cauvery.

  • Dubare Elephant Camp: Entrance fee - INR 20 (approx. $0.28), approx. 3-4 hours

Evening: Take a leisurely walk in the coffee plantations and enjoy the tranquility of Coorg. Sample some locally grown coffee and experience the serene surroundings.

Day 5: Tuesday, December 26, 2023 - Ooty

Morning: Travel to Ooty, a popular hill station nestled in the Nilgiri Mountains. Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Ooty Lake, where you can enjoy boating and breathtaking views.

  • Ooty Lake: Entrance fee - INR 10 (approx. $0.14), boating charges extra, approx. 2-3 hours

Afternoon: Explore the Government Botanical Garden and admire the wide variety of plants and flowers. Take a leisurely stroll through the well-maintained gardens.

  • Government Botanical Garden: Entrance fee - INR 30 (approx. $0.42), approx. 2-3 hours

Evening: Enjoy a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the scenic beauty as the toy train chugs along the picturesque landscapes.

  • Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Ticket price varies based on the class of travel, approx. 2-3 hours

Day 6: Wednesday, December 27, 2023 - Madurai

Morning: Travel to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in South India. Visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture. Witness the intricate carvings and colorful gopurams.

  • Meenakshi Amman Temple: Free, approx. 2-3 hours

Afternoon: Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a grand palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture. Take a walk through the corridors and admire the beautiful murals.

  • Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: Entrance fee - INR 10 (approx. $0.14), approx. 1-2 hours

Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Vaigai River and experience the vibrant markets of Madurai. Taste the local street food and indulge in some shopping.

Day 7: Thursday, December 28, 2023 - Kanyakumari

Morning: Travel to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue, located on a small island. Enjoy the panoramic views of the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.

  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Entrance fee - INR 20 (approx. $0.28), ferry charges extra, approx. 2-3 hours

Afternoon: Explore the Kanyakumari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Devi Kanya Kumari. Take a dip in the holy waters and witness the beautiful sunset.

  • Kanyakumari Temple: Free, approx. 1-2 hours

Evening: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Kanyakumari Beach and savor the local delicacies. Witness the mesmerizing sight of the sunset over the ocean.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have some extra time in Chennai, visit the Government Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures and archaeological findings. In Mysore, explore the Brindavan Gardens, famous for its musical fountains and beautiful landscaping. Don't forget to try the traditional Mysore Pak, a sweet delicacy made with ghee and gram flour.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version