How many days do you need in South India?

This itinerary covers 7 days in South India, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for South India?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to South India. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Family Adventure in South India

Day 1: Sunrise Exploration

Chennai, India on June 16, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with South Indian delicacies like idlis and dosas from this famous eatery.

INR 200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Marina Beach

Enjoy a leisurely walk on the sandy shores of Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional South Indian thali at this vegetarian restaurant offering a variety of local dishes.

INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Fort St. George

Explore the first fortress built by the British in India, now housing a museum with artefacts from the colonial era.

INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ente Keralam

Treat yourself to authentic Kerala cuisine at this restaurant offering a range of seafood and vegetarian dishes.

INR 800, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Coastal Charm

Pondicherry, India on June 17, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Le Cafe

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast overlooking the Bay of Bengal at this iconic cafe.

INR 300, 1 hour

11:00AM

Paradise Beach

Relax on the golden sands of Paradise Beach and take a dip in the clear waters for a refreshing experience.

INR 200, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria

Enjoy some wood-fired pizzas and pasta at this Italian restaurant with a charming ambience.

INR 600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Auroville

Discover the utopian township of Auroville, known for its sustainable living practices and spiritual vibes.

INR 100, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Rendezvous

End your day with a delectable French meal at this elegant restaurant in Pondicherry.

INR 700, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Madurai, India on June 18, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with a fresh batch of steaming idlis and chutney at this popular breakfast spot in Madurai.

INR 200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the intricate architecture and vibrant colours of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a significant religious site.

INR 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Amma Mess

Savour the flavours of authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine at this humble eatery loved by locals and tourists alike.

INR 300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Step back in time at the grand Thirumalai Nayak Palace, known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and historical significance.

INR 50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Mess

Indulge in a hearty dinner at this local favourite, known for its spicy Chettinad cuisine and warm hospitality.

INR 400, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 4: Hill Station Retreat

Munnar, India on June 19, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Fuel up with a scrumptious South Indian breakfast at this renowned chain of vegetarian restaurants.

INR 250, 1 hour

11:00AM

Tea Museum

Learn about the history of tea in Munnar and witness the tea-making process at the Tata Tea Museum.

INR 150, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal with a view at this restaurant known for its South Indian, North Indian, and Chinese fare.

INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Eravikulam National Park

Embark on a safari in Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy the lush greenery.

INR 200, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Alibaba & 41 Dishes

Relish a variety of Indian, Chinese, and Arabian cuisine at this eclectic restaurant in Munnar town.

INR 600, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 5: Wildlife Adventure

Thekkady, India on June 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at French Toast

Try delicious breakfast options at this quaint cafe before heading out for your wildlife adventure.

INR 300, 1 hour

10:00AM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Embark on a boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to spot elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species.

INR 300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Spice Garden Restaurant

Relish authentic Keralan cuisine at this restaurant surrounded by lush greenery and spice plantations.

INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Elephant Junction

Get up close to gentle giants at Elephant Junction, where you can interact with elephants and even go for a ride.

INR 500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bar-B-Que

Enjoy a barbecue feast with a selection of grilled meats and seafood at this vibrant restaurant in Thekkady.

INR 700, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 6: Backwaters Bliss

Alleppey, India on June 21, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Dreamers Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast by the waterfront at Dreamers Cafe, offering a serene view of the backwaters.

INR 250, 1 hour

11:00AM

Houseboat Experience

Embark on a houseboat cruise through the picturesque backwaters of Alleppey, enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings.

INR 2000 per person (for a day cruise), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on Houseboat

Savour a freshly prepared traditional Kerala meal served on the houseboat as you glide along the serene waters.

Included in houseboat price, 1 hour

5:00PM

Alleppey Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of Alleppey Beach and witness a mesmerising sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Cassia

Enjoy a seafood dinner at Cassia, a popular restaurant known for its coastal delicacies and warm ambience.

INR 800, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Alleppey

Day 7: Cultural Fusion

Cochin, India on June 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Oceanos Restaurant

Indulge in a fusion breakfast with views of the Arabian Sea at this charming restaurant in Cochin.

INR 350, 1 hour

10:00AM

Mattancherry Palace

Explore the historical Mattancherry Palace known for its stunning murals depicting Hindu myths and the Rajas of Kochi.

INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fort House Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Fort House Restaurant located in the heart of Fort Kochi.

INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Jew Town

Stroll through Jew Town and explore its antique shops, spice markets, and the iconic Jewish Synagogue.

Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Chinese Fishing Nets

Witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in action along the Kochi coast, a unique sight dating back to the 14th century.

Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Malabar Junction

End your South Indian adventure with a delectable meal at Malabar Junction, offering a blend of Kerala and international cuisine.

INR 800, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Cochin

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Family Adventure in South India

Day 1: Sunrise Exploration

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Coastal Charm

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Hill Station Retreat

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Wildlife Adventure

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Backwaters Bliss

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 7: Cultural Fusion

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

7:00PM

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