Exploring South India in 7 Days

Day 1: Beach Bliss

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Visit Marina Beach

Start your South India adventure by exploring the vibrant Marina Beach, known for its golden sands and bustling atmosphere.
Take a taxi from your hotel to Marina Beach, approximately 30 minutes drive.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Chennai by visiting the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a taxi from Marina Beach to the temple, around 20 minutes drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in authentic South Indian cuisine at Saravana Bhavan, known for its delicious dosas and idlis.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Saravana Bhavan.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Government Museum

Discover the heritage and art of South India at the Government Museum, housing a diverse collection of artefacts.
Take a taxi to the museum, around 15 minutes drive.
£3, 2 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Besant Nagar Beach

Wind down your day at Besant Nagar Beach, a serene spot to enjoy the sunset and cool breeze.
Take a taxi to the beach, approximately 30 minutes drive.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Historic Marvels

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Explore Shore Temple

Start your day by visiting the ancient Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural beauty.
Take a bus or taxi from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, approximately 2 hours journey.
£5, 2 hours

11:00AM

Discover Pancha Rathas

Marvel at the intricately carved monolithic rock-cut temples at Pancha Rathas, showcasing Dravidian architecture.
Pancha Rathas is a short walk from Shore Temple.
£3, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Moonrakers, a popular restaurant overlooking the sea.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Moonrakers.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Admire the impressive rock carving of Arjuna's Penance, depicting scenes from Indian mythology.
Arjuna's Penance is within walking distance from Pancha Rathas.
£2, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach, soaking in the serene coastal vibes and watching the sunset.
Mahabalipuram Beach is a short walk from Arjuna's Penance.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: French Delights

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Explore Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey at Auroville, an experimental township promoting human unity and peace.
Take a bus or taxi from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry, approximately 2 hours journey.
£7, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Indulge in a French-inspired meal at Le Dupleix, a charming colonial-era restaurant in Pondicherry.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Le Dupleix.
£20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Stroll through White Town

Explore the picturesque streets of White Town, lined with vibrant colonial buildings and chic boutiques.
White Town is best explored on foot.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Paradise Beach

Relax on the pristine shores of Paradise Beach, a secluded spot perfect for unwinding.
Take a taxi from White Town to Paradise Beach, around 30 minutes drive.
£5, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Satsanga

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Satsanga, a popular restaurant offering a blend of Indian and European cuisines.
Take a taxi from Paradise Beach to Satsanga.
£15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the serene Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
Aurobindo Ashram is within walking distance from White Town.
£3, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Pondicherry Museum

Discover the history and culture of Pondicherry at the Pondicherry Museum, showcasing artefacts and exhibits.
Pondicherry Museum is a short taxi ride from Aurobindo Ashram.
£2, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Savour delicious wood-fired pizzas at Tanto Pizzeria, a popular Italian restaurant in Pondicherry.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Tanto Pizzeria.
£12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Goubert Market

Immerse yourself in the local culture at Goubert Market, a bustling marketplace selling fresh produce and souvenirs.
Goubert Market is a short walk or taxi ride from Tanto Pizzeria.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Promenade Beach

Unwind at Promenade Beach, a popular waterfront promenade perfect for a leisurely evening stroll.
Promenade Beach is within walking distance from Goubert Market.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: Temple Trail

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture.
Take a train or taxi from Pondicherry to Madurai, approximately 6 hours journey.
£10, 3 hours

11:00AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Discover the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century marvel showcasing a blend of Dravidian and Islamic architecture.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace is a short taxi ride from Meenakshi Amman Temple.
£5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Delight your taste buds with authentic South Indian flavours at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its delicious idlis and chutneys.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Murugan Idli Shop.
£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Immerse yourself in the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial Museum, housing artefacts and photographs.
Gandhi Memorial Museum is a short taxi ride from Murugan Idli Shop.
£3, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Prayer at Meenakshi Amman Temple

Witness the vibrant evening prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple, a spiritual experience not to be missed.
Meenakshi Amman Temple is a short walk from Gandhi Memorial Museum.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Nature Retreat

Coimbatore, India

9:00AM

Explore Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

Embark on a wildlife adventure at Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Take a train or taxi from Madurai to Coimbatore, approximately 3 hours journey.
£8, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shree Anandhaas

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Shree Anandhaas, a popular restaurant in Coimbatore serving traditional Indian dishes.
Shree Anandhaas is a short walk or taxi ride from the sanctuary.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore VOC Park and Zoo

Spend the afternoon at VOC Park and Zoo, a family-friendly attraction with a variety of animals and recreational activities.
VOC Park and Zoo is within walking distance from Shree Anandhaas.
£4, 2 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Kovai Kondattam

Unwind at Kovai Kondattam, a water theme park offering fun rides and entertainment for all ages.
Take a taxi from VOC Park to Kovai Kondattam, around 20 minutes drive.
£12, 2 hours
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Day 7: Culinary Delights

Kochi, India

9:00AM

Visit Fort Kochi

Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial architecture, art galleries, and spice markets.
Take a flight or train from Coimbatore to Kochi, approximately 1 hour journey.
£20, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Oceanos Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood at Oceanos Restaurant, offering a wide range of coastal delicacies in a charming setting.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Oceanos Restaurant.
£25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Mattancherry Palace

Visit the historic Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, showcasing Kerala's traditional architecture and art.
Mattancherry Palace is a short walk from Fort Kochi.
£4, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shop at Jew Town

Browse through the eclectic shops and antique stores in Jew Town, known for its unique souvenirs and artefacts.
Jew Town is within walking distance from Mattancherry Palace.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dal Roti

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Dal Roti, a cosy restaurant offering North Indian cuisine with a touch of Kerala flavours.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Dal Roti.
£15, 1 hour
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