Exotic South India Exploration

Day 1: Chennai Delights

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

8:00AM

Visit Marina Beach

Start your day with a stroll along the sandy shores of Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world.
Marina Beach is a 30-minute drive from Chennai city centre.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at the Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a 20-minute drive from Marina Beach.
Entrance fee applicable, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in authentic South Indian cuisine with a variety of dosas and idlis at this popular eatery.
Murugan Idli Shop is a 15-minute drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Moderate, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Fort St. George

Step back in time at the first English fortress in India, housing a museum with colonial artefacts.
Fort St. George is a 30-minute drive from Murugan Idli Shop.
Entrance fee applicable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Amethyst Cafe

Relax in the charming courtyard of this cafe housed in a restored colonial bungalow and savour fusion delicacies.
Amethyst Cafe is a 20-minute drive from Fort St. George.
High-end, 2 hours
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Day 2: Tranquil Pondicherry

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India

9:00AM

Visit Auroville

Explore the universal town of Auroville, an experimental township promoting peace, sustainability, and human unity.
Auroville is a 3-hour drive from Chennai.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and Italian delights in a cosy setting at this popular restaurant.
Tanto Pizzeria is a 20-minute drive from Auroville.
Moderate, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Promenade Beach

Unwind by the serene Promenade Beach, lined with palm trees and overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Promenade Beach is a 10-minute drive from Tanto Pizzeria.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

Dine at this rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city and enjoy delectable French and Indian fusion cuisine.
Rendezvous is a 15-minute drive from Promenade Beach.
High-end, 2 hours
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Day 3: Madurai Heritage

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

8:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Discover the intricate architecture and vibrant sculptures of this historic temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi.
Meenakshi Amman Temple is a 5-hour drive from Pondicherry.
Entrance fee applicable, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Relish delicious South Indian thalis and traditional meals at this renowned eatery.
Murugan Idli Shop is a 10-minute drive from Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Moderate, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Step into the grandeur of the Nayak dynasty at this opulent palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace is a 15-minute drive from Murugan Idli Shop.
Entrance fee applicable, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shop at Puthu Mandapam

Browse through a variety of handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs at this bustling market near the temple.
Puthu Mandapam is a 5-minute walk from Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
Shopping costs vary, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

End your day with a hearty meal at Murugan Idli Shop, known for its authentic South Indian flavours.
Murugan Idli Shop is a 20-minute walk from Puthu Mandapam.
Moderate, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Coimbatore

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

9:00AM

Explore Marudhamalai Hill Temple

Embark on a spiritual journey to this hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering panoramic views of the city.
Marudhamalai Hill Temple is a 4-hour drive from Madurai.
Entrance fee applicable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sree Annapoorna

Savour traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine at this iconic restaurant known for its delectable vegetarian dishes.
Sree Annapoorna is a 30-minute drive from Marudhamalai Hill Temple.
Moderate, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Eachanari Vinayagar Temple

Pay homage at this temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known for its impressive 6-foot idol.
Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is a 20-minute drive from Sree Annapoorna.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore VOC Park and Zoo

Spend the afternoon amidst nature at this park featuring a zoo, toy train, and botanical garden.
VOC Park and Zoo is a 30-minute drive from Eachanari Vinayagar Temple.
Entrance fee applicable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Junior Kuppanna

Treat yourself to a sumptuous Chettinad meal at Junior Kuppanna, famous for its spicy and flavourful dishes.
Junior Kuppanna is a 10-minute drive from VOC Park and Zoo.
Moderate, 2 hours
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Day 5: Scenic Ooty

Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India

8:00AM

Enjoy a Toy Train Ride

Embark on a picturesque journey aboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train, passing through lush valleys and tea plantations.
The Ooty Toy Train station is a 3-hour drive from Coimbatore.
Ticket fee applicable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Dine at this colonial-style restaurant offering a blend of Indian and Continental cuisine amidst stunning views.
Earl's Secret is a 10-minute walk from Ooty Toy Train station.
High-end, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Botanical Gardens

Stroll through the well-manicured gardens showcasing a diverse array of plant species, including a fossilized tree trunk.
Botanical Gardens are a 5-minute walk from Earl's Secret.
Entrance fee applicable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Ooty Lake

Unwind by the tranquil Ooty Lake, offering boating facilities amidst a picturesque setting.
Ooty Lake is a 10-minute drive from Botanical Gardens.
Boating fee applicable, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant

Savour delectable Chinese specialities at this popular restaurant in the heart of Ooty.
Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant is a 15-minute walk from Ooty Lake.
Moderate, 2 hours
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Day 6: Serene Kochi

Kochi, Kerala, India

9:00AM

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Explore this Dutch palace showcasing Kerala murals, Hindu temple art, and portraits of the Cochin Rajas.
Mattancherry Palace is a 6-hour drive from Ooty.
Entrance fee applicable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Indulge in a culinary fusion of seafood dishes and Kerala cuisine at this popular waterfront restaurant.
Fusion Bay is a 15-minute drive from Mattancherry Palace.
High-end, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Fort Kochi

Walk through the historic streets of Fort Kochi, dotted with colonial buildings, art galleries, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
Fort Kochi is a 20-minute walk from Fusion Bay.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Attend Kathakali Dance Show

Witness the traditional dance form of Kathakali, known for its vibrant costumes, expressive gestures, and intricate makeup.
The Kathakali Theatre is a 10-minute walk from Fort Kochi.
Ticket fee applicable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kayees Rahmathulla Hotel

Savour authentic Malabar cuisine at this legendary restaurant known for its biryanis and seafood delicacies.
Kayees Rahmathulla Hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Kathakali Theatre.
Moderate, 2 hours
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Day 7: Relaxing Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, Kerala, India

9:00AM

Houseboat Experience

Embark on a leisurely houseboat cruise through the scenic backwaters of Alleppey, soaking in the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Houseboats depart from Alleppey Jetty, a 3-hour drive from Kochi.
Rental fee applicable, 6 hours

3:00PM

Lunch on Houseboat

Enjoy a traditional Keralan meal prepared by the onboard chef as you glide along the serene backwaters.
Lunch is provided on the houseboat.
Included in houseboat rental, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax and Enjoy Scenery

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the deck of the houseboat, taking in the lush greenery and village life along the backwaters.
Houseboat provides a scenic cruise experience.
Included in houseboat rental, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner on Houseboat

Savour a sumptuous dinner under the stars on the houseboat, with freshly cooked local delicacies.
Dinner is provided on the houseboat.
Included in houseboat rental, 2 hours
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