Exploring South India in 7 Days

Day 1: Beach Bliss

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a relaxing stroll along the Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world.
Marina Beach is located in the heart of Chennai and can be easily reached by taxi or public transport. It takes around 30 minutes to reach from the city centre.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit the beautiful Kapaleeshwarar Temple known for its Dravidian architecture and intricate sculptures.
The temple is located in Mylapore, a historic neighbourhood in Chennai. It's a short drive from Marina Beach.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in authentic South Indian cuisine at this popular eatery known for its delicious idlis and dosas.
The restaurant is located in T. Nagar, easily accessible by taxi or public transport.
£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Explore the historical Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and visit the Fort Museum for insights into Chennai's colonial past.
Located in the Fort St. George campus, you can take a taxi or local bus to reach here.
£2, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dakshin

Enjoy a lavish dinner at Dakshin, known for its traditional South Indian cuisine with a modern twist.
Dakshin is located in Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park. You can take a taxi to reach there.
£20, 2 hours
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Day 2: Historical Discovery

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Shore Temple

Start your day by exploring the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural beauty.
The Shore Temple is in Mahabalipuram, a short drive from Chennai. You can hire a taxi or use local buses to reach there.
£4, 2 hours

11:00AM

Pancha Rathas

Visit the Pancha Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples, each carved in the shape of a chariot.
The Pancha Rathas are located near the Shore Temple complex and can be reached on foot.
£3, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a seafood lunch with a view at Moonrakers restaurant overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Moonrakers is situated near the Shore Temple. You can walk there from Pancha Rathas.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Covelong Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Covelong Beach, known for its golden sands and water sports.
Covelong Beach is a short drive from Mahabalipuram. You can hire a taxi to reach there.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Othavadai Street

Try local street food and delicacies at Othavadai Street to experience the vibrant food culture of Mahabalipuram.
Othavadai Street is a bustling food street in Mahabalipuram, easily accessible by foot.
£5, 2 hours
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Day 3: French Vibes

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey at Auroville, an experimental township known for its focus on human unity and sustainable living.
Auroville is located a short drive from Pondicherry. You can hire a taxi to reach there.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza at Tanto Pizzeria, a popular Italian restaurant in Pondicherry.
Tanto Pizzeria is located in the White Town area of Pondicherry, easily accessible by taxi or on foot.
£8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Paradise Beach

Relax on the pristine shores of Paradise Beach, accessible only by a short boat ride, offering a secluded and peaceful retreat.
You can take a boat from Chunnambar Boat House to reach Paradise Beach. The boat ride takes around 20 minutes.
£2, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore White Town

Stroll through the charming streets of White Town, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant cafes, and boutique shops.
White Town is the heart of Pondicherry and can be explored on foot.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Indulge in a fusion of French and South Indian flavours at Villa Shanti, a renowned restaurant in Pondicherry.
Villa Shanti is located in the White Town area, within walking distance from many hotels.
£15, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Heritage

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Marvel at the grandeur of Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture.
The temple is located in the heart of Thanjavur and can be reached by taxi or local bus.
£5, 2 hours

11:00AM

Thanjavur Royal Palace

Explore the Thanjavur Royal Palace complex, housing museums and art galleries showcasing the region's cultural heritage.
The Royal Palace is a short distance from the Brihadeeswarar Temple, easily accessible by taxi or on foot.
£3, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sathars

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali meal at Sathars, a popular restaurant in Thanjavur.
Sathars is located near the Royal Palace and is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
£7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Art Village Visit

Visit a local art village to witness traditional Tanjore painting techniques and shop for authentic souvenirs.
The art village is a short drive from the city centre. You can hire a taxi to reach there.
£2, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Raya's

Treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner at Raya's, known for its delectable Chettinad cuisine and warm hospitality.
Raya's is a popular restaurant in Thanjavur, offering a taste of authentic Tamil Nadu flavours.
£12, 2 hours
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Day 5: Temple Trail

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural marvel with intricate carvings and colourful gopurams.
The temple is located in the heart of Madurai and is easily accessible by taxi or local transport.
£3, 2 hours

11:00AM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century marvel showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture.
The palace is a short distance from Meenakshi Amman Temple and can be reached by taxi or on foot.
£2, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delectable idlis and filter coffee.
The restaurant is a popular local eatery in Madurai and can be reached by taxi or on foot.
£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, showcasing his personal belongings and artifacts.
The museum is located near the temple complex and is easily accessible by taxi or local transport.
£2, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

Experience authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine at Amma Mess, a local favourite known for its traditional vegetarian dishes.
Amma Mess is a popular eatery in Madurai, offering a taste of home-cooked meals.
£8, 2 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Exploration

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Local Market Visit

Explore the vibrant local markets of Madurai, bustling with colourful stalls selling spices, textiles, and local handicrafts.
The markets are located in the city centre and can be reached by taxi or on foot.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Thiruparankundram Temple

Visit the Thiruparankundram Temple, a rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering panoramic views of the city.
The temple is located on a hill near Madurai. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach there.
£2, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Konar Mess

Enjoy a traditional Chettinad meal at Konar Mess, a local eatery known for its authentic flavours and spicy dishes.
Konar Mess is a popular dining spot in Madurai, offering a taste of the region's culinary heritage.
£7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk along Vaigai River

Take a leisurely walk along the banks of Vaigai River, a serene spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Madurai.
Vaigai River flows through the city, offering a peaceful setting for a relaxing stroll.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Gopu Iyengar Bakery

Treat yourself to delicious South Indian snacks and sweets at Gopu Iyengar Bakery, a popular local bakery.
Gopu Iyengar Bakery is a well-known establishment in Madurai, perfect for an evening snack.
£3, 1 hour
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Day 7: Nature Retreat

Coimbatore, India

8:00AM

Monkey Falls

Start your day with a visit to Monkey Falls, a picturesque waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery, ideal for a refreshing dip.
Monkey Falls is located near Coimbatore. You can hire a taxi to reach the falls.
£1, 2 hours

11:00AM

Dhyanalinga Temple

Experience tranquillity at the Dhyanalinga Temple, a spiritual complex offering meditation spaces and serene surroundings.
The temple is a short drive from Monkey Falls. You can hire a taxi to reach there.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Annapoorna

Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at Sree Annapoorna, a well-known restaurant in Coimbatore serving authentic cuisine.
Sree Annapoorna has multiple branches in Coimbatore. Choose the nearest one for a delightful lunch.
£6, 1 hour

3:00PM

Marudhamalai Hill Temple

Visit the Marudhamalai Hill Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The temple is situated on Marudhamalai Hill. You can hire a taxi to reach the temple entrance.
£2, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The French Door

Indulge in a fusion of French and Indian cuisine at The French Door, a charming restaurant in Coimbatore.
The French Door is located in the city centre of Coimbatore, offering a unique dining experience.
£18, 2 hours
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