South India Exploration Road Trip

Day 1: City and Beach Delight

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Marina Beach

Start your day with a visit to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, to witness a beautiful sunrise.
Marina Beach is located in the heart of Chennai, easily accessible by car or taxi from the city centre.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the stunning Dravidian architecture of Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and soak in the spiritual ambiance.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a short drive from Marina Beach, located in the Mylapore neighbourhood.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in a traditional South Indian meal with delicious idlis and dosas at this popular local eatery.
Murugan Idli Shop is a renowned restaurant in Mylapore, easily reachable from the temple.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Visit Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and delve into the colonial history of the region.
Fort St. George is a short drive from Mylapore, located in the Fort Tondiarpet area of Chennai.
£5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ente Keralam

Enjoy a Kerala-style dinner at Ente Keralam restaurant, offering a variety of authentic dishes from God's Own Country.
Ente Keralam is situated in Adyar, a convenient drive from Fort St. George.
£20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: French Colonial Charms

Pondicherry, India

9:00AM

Auroville

Embark on a spiritual journey at Auroville, an experimental township promoting human unity and peace.
Auroville is located about a 1.5-hour drive from Chennai via East Coast Road.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy a fusion of Italian and Indian flavours with a delicious wood-fired pizza at Tanto Pizzeria.
Tanto Pizzeria is a popular restaurant in the White Town area of Pondicherry.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Promenade Beach

Stroll along the picturesque Promenade Beach, lined with colourful buildings and offering serene views of the Bay of Bengal.
Promenade Beach is a short walk from White Town, easily accessible on foot.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Dine at Villa Shanti to experience fine dining in a restored colonial mansion with a blend of French and Indian cuisine.
Villa Shanti is located in the White Town area, offering a unique dining experience.
£30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Heritage

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi.
Meenakshi Amman Temple is located in the heart of Madurai, easily reachable by car or auto-rickshaw.
£3, 2 hours

11:00AM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century marvel showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture and historical significance.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace is a short drive from the temple, offering insights into the region's royal past.
£2, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Mess

Savour authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine at Murugan Mess, known for its traditional dishes and local flavours.
Murugan Mess is a popular eatery in Madurai, perfect for a satisfying lunch.
£12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about India's freedom struggle and the life of Mahatma Gandhi through exhibits and artefacts.
Gandhi Memorial Museum is a short distance from Murugan Mess, providing a glimpse into the nation's history.
£4, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Amma Mess

Enjoy a hearty meal at Amma Mess, a local favourite known for its authentic South Indian dishes and warm hospitality.
Amma Mess is a renowned restaurant in Madurai, offering a taste of traditional culinary delights.
£18, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature's Bounty

Thekkady, India

8:00AM

Periyar National Park

Embark on a jungle safari at Periyar National Park, home to diverse wildlife including elephants, tigers, and exotic bird species.
Periyar National Park is approximately a 3-hour drive from Madurai, offering a thrilling nature experience.
£10, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Spice Garden Restaurant

Relish a meal amidst nature at Spice Garden Restaurant, serving authentic Kerala cuisine with organic ingredients.
Spice Garden Restaurant is located near the entrance of Periyar National Park, ideal for a post-safari lunch.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Boat Ride on Periyar Lake

Enjoy a serene boat ride on Periyar Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife sightings in their natural habitat.
The boat ride at Periyar Lake is a must-do activity within the national park, providing a unique perspective of the surroundings.
£5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Elephant Junction

Experience dining under the stars at Elephant Junction, offering a magical setting amidst the wilderness with delectable food.
Elephant Junction is a charming restaurant in Thekkady, perfect for a memorable dinner experience.
£25, 2 hours
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Day 5: Hill Station Retreat

Munnar, India

9:00AM

Tea Gardens

Explore the picturesque tea gardens of Munnar, witnessing the lush greenery and scenic beauty of the hill station.
Munnar is around a 3-hour drive from Thekkady, with the journey offering stunning views of the Western Ghats.
£5, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal at Rapsy Restaurant, known for its delicious local delicacies and warm hospitality.
Rapsy Restaurant is a popular dining spot in Munnar, offering a taste of authentic regional cuisine.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Mattupetty Dam

Visit the serene Mattupetty Dam, surrounded by lush hills and offering boating opportunities amidst tranquil surroundings.
Mattupetty Dam is a short drive from Munnar town, providing a peaceful escape into nature.
£2, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Savour dinner at Saravana Bhavan, a renowned vegetarian restaurant offering a variety of South Indian culinary delights.
Saravana Bhavan is located in the heart of Munnar, perfect for a flavourful evening meal.
£15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Hub

Coimbatore, India

8:00AM

Dhyanalinga Temple

Begin your day with spiritual enlightenment at Dhyanalinga Temple, a unique meditation centre with serene surroundings.
Dhyanalinga Temple is located on the outskirts of Coimbatore, a scenic drive from Munnar.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Gass Forest Museum

Explore the rich biodiversity of the region at Gass Forest Museum, showcasing a variety of flora and fauna specimens.
Gass Forest Museum is a short distance from the temple, offering insights into the natural heritage of Coimbatore.
£3, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Annapoorna

Indulge in a delicious South Indian thali at Sree Annapoorna, a popular restaurant known for its authentic flavours.
Sree Annapoorna is a renowned eatery in the heart of Coimbatore, ideal for a satisfying lunch.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

ISKCON Coimbatore

Visit ISKCON Coimbatore to experience spiritual serenity and learn about the teachings of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
ISKCON Coimbatore is a short drive from the restaurant, offering a peaceful retreat.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Junior Kuppanna

Enjoy a scrumptious dinner at Junior Kuppanna, a local favourite for its authentic Chettinad cuisine and flavourful dishes.
Junior Kuppanna is a popular dining spot in Coimbatore, perfect for a culinary exploration.
£20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Garden City Finale

Bangalore, India

9:00AM

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Explore the lush greenery and diverse plant species at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Bangalore.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is centrally located in Bangalore, easily accessible by car or public transport.
£2, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vidyarthi Bhavan

Indulge in a sumptuous South Indian meal at Vidyarthi Bhavan, a legendary eatery known for its crispy dosas and filter coffee.
Vidyarthi Bhavan is a famous restaurant in Bangalore, offering a taste of traditional Karnataka cuisine.
£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bangalore Palace

Visit the majestic Bangalore Palace, a stunning architectural marvel with a blend of Tudor and Scottish styles, reflecting the city's regal past.
Bangalore Palace is a short distance from Vidyarthi Bhavan, providing a glimpse into the royal heritage of Karnataka.
£5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at MTR - Mavalli Tiffin Rooms

Conclude your road trip with a traditional dinner at MTR, savouring the iconic Rava Idli and other authentic South Indian delicacies.
MTR - Mavalli Tiffin Rooms is a historic restaurant in Bangalore, perfect for a flavoursome farewell meal.
£18, 1.5 hours
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