South India Exploration

Day 1: City of Temples

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Start your South India adventure by exploring the intricate architecture and vibrant culture of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is located in the Mylapore neighborhood of Chennai, easily accessible by taxi or public transport from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Marina Beach

Relax and enjoy a leisurely stroll along one of the longest urban beaches in the world, Marina Beach, offering stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
Marina Beach is a short drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Free, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in authentic South Indian cuisine with a variety of flavorful dosas and idlis at this popular local eatery.
Murugan Idli Shop is a short distance from Marina Beach.
$10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Fort St. George

Immerse yourself in history at the first English fortress in India, housing a museum with colonial artifacts and insights into British rule.
Fort St. George is a quick drive from Murugan Idli Shop.
$5, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a delicious dinner at this renowned restaurant known for its South Indian vegetarian dishes like dosas and thalis.
Saravana Bhavan is located in the heart of Chennai.
$15, 1 hour
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Day 2: Seaside Serenity

Mahabalipuram, India

9:00AM

Visit Shore Temple

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site, Shore Temple, a stunning example of ancient Pallava architecture overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Mahabalipuram is a 2-hour drive from Chennai via ECR Road.
$5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Moonrakers

Savor fresh seafood and traditional South Indian dishes while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline at this beachfront restaurant.
Moonrakers is located near Shore Temple.
$20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Pancha Rathas

Marvel at the monolithic rock-cut temples of Pancha Rathas, each carved in the shape of a chariot representing the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
Pancha Rathas is a short walk from Shore Temple.
$5, 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Mahabalipuram Beach and witness a beautiful sunset over the sea.
Mahabalipuram Beach is a leisurely stroll from Pancha Rathas.
Free, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sea Shore Garden Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner by the beach with a mix of Indian and Continental cuisines at this charming restaurant.
Sea Shore Garden Restaurant is located near Mahabalipuram Beach.
$25, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: French Riviera of the East

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Explore Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey at Auroville, an experimental township known for its sustainable living and cultural diversity.
Pondicherry is a 2-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
Free, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Indulge in wood-fired pizzas and delectable Italian dishes at this cozy restaurant in the heart of Pondicherry.
Tanto Pizzeria is a short distance from Auroville.
$15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Pay homage to Sri Aurobindo and experience tranquility at his ashram, a spiritual center promoting inner peace and self-discovery.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is located in the White Town area of Pondicherry.
Free, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Walk along Promenade Beach

Stroll along the picturesque Promenade Beach, lined with colonial buildings and offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal.
Promenade Beach is a short walk from Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Free, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

Enjoy a fusion of French and Indian cuisine at Rendezvous, a cozy restaurant offering a delightful dining experience in Pondicherry.
Rendezvous is located near Promenade Beach.
$30, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Heritage

Thanjavur, India

9:00AM

Explore Brihadeeswarar Temple

Admire the grandeur of Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Dravidian architecture and intricate stone carvings.
Thanjavur is a 4-hour drive from Pondicherry.
$5, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Sangam

Relish traditional South Indian thali meals and flavorful curries at Hotel Sangam, a popular dining spot in Thanjavur.
Hotel Sangam is located near Brihadeeswarar Temple.
$10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace

Explore the historic Thanjavur Royal Palace, once the official residence of the Nayak and Maratha rulers, now a museum showcasing royal artifacts.
Thanjavur Royal Palace is a short walk from Hotel Sangam.
$5, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Shop at Thanjavur Market

Immerse yourself in the local culture by browsing through vibrant markets selling traditional handicrafts, silk sarees, and brass items.
Thanjavur Market is nearby the Royal Palace.
Varies, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sathars

Treat your taste buds to authentic Chettinad cuisine at Sathars, renowned for its spicy and flavorful dishes in Thanjavur.
Sathars is a short drive from Thanjavur Market.
$20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Temple Town

Madurai, India

9:00AM

Explore Meenakshi Amman Temple

Witness the architectural marvel of Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.
Madurai is a 3-hour drive from Thanjavur.
$5, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Mess

Savor authentic Tamil cuisine at Murugan Mess, known for its delicious vegetarian meals and traditional flavors.
Murugan Mess is located near Meenakshi Amman Temple.
$10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Step back in time at Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century marvel featuring stunning architecture and grandeur.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace is a short distance from Meenakshi Amman Temple.
$3, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Walk around Gandhi Memorial Museum

Gain insights into India's freedom struggle at the Gandhi Memorial Museum, housing exhibits on Mahatma Gandhi's life and principles.
Gandhi Memorial Museum is located in Madurai city center.
$2, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Amma Mess, a popular local eatery serving delicious Chettinad cuisine and traditional South Indian dishes.
Amma Mess is a short drive from Gandhi Memorial Museum.
$15, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature's Abode

Thekkady, India

9:00AM

Boat Safari at Periyar Lake

Embark on a serene boat safari at Periyar Lake, nestled in the lush forests of Thekkady, and spot wildlife like elephants, deer, and birds.
Thekkady is a 3-hour drive from Madurai.
$10, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Spice Garden Restaurant

Treat your taste buds to authentic Kerala cuisine amidst the spice plantations at Spice Garden Restaurant, offering a delectable dining experience.
Spice Garden Restaurant is near Periyar Lake.
$20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Spice Plantations

Take a guided tour of the aromatic spice plantations in Thekkady, learning about various spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.
Spice plantations are a short distance from Periyar Lake.
$5, 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Ayurvedic Massage at Ayura Spa

Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Ayurvedic massage at Ayura Spa, known for its holistic wellness therapies and healing treatments.
Ayura Spa is located in the vicinity of Spice Plantations.
$50, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bamboo Hut Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful dinner amidst nature at Bamboo Hut Restaurant, serving delicious Kerala delicacies in a tranquil setting.
Bamboo Hut Restaurant is nearby Ayura Spa.
$25, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Melting Pot

Kochi, India

9:00AM

Explore Fort Kochi

Stroll through the historic lanes of Fort Kochi, dotted with colonial buildings, art galleries, and quaint cafes, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage.
Kochi is a 4-hour drive from Thekkady.
Free, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

Dine at Kashi Art Cafe, a popular cultural hub serving organic food, artisanal coffee, and showcasing contemporary artworks by local artists.
Kashi Art Cafe is located in Fort Kochi.
$15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Explore the historical Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, housing Kerala murals, artifacts, and glimpses of the region's royal past.
Mattancherry Palace is a short walk from Fort Kochi.
$3, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Shop at Jew Town

Discover antique treasures, spices, and handicrafts at Jew Town, a vibrant market known for its Jewish heritage and eclectic mix of shops.
Jew Town is nearby Mattancherry Palace.
Varies, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Oceanos Restaurant

Indulge in a seafood feast at Oceanos Restaurant, offering a wide range of fresh seafood dishes in a cozy waterfront setting.
Oceanos Restaurant is located near Jew Town.
$30, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability