Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

10-Day South India Cultural and Culinary Extravaganza

Viewed by 74 travelers

Day 1: Chennai Exploration

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Authentic South Indian Breakfast

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Sangeetha, indulging in dosas and idlis served with flavorful chutneys.
Located centrally, easily accessible via auto-rickshaw.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore the intricately carved and vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a perfect example of Dravidian architecture.
A short 15-minute drive from breakfast spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Marina Beach Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the long stretch of Marina Beach, soaking in the sun and local vibes.
15-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Savor the famed biryani at Buhari Hotel, a culinary institution in Chennai.
Located by the beach, only a 10-minute ride from the beach.
INR500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Fort St. George

Discover the rich colonial history at Fort St. George and its museum, which displays artifacts from the British rule.
25-minute drive from lunch.
INR200, 2 hours

5:30PM

Shopping at T Nagar

Experience local shopping for traditional sarees and handicrafts in the bustling T Nagar area.
15-minute drive from Fort.
Variable, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Anjappar

End your day with a feast at Anjappar, renowned for its Chettinad cuisine.
10-minute drive from T Nagar.
INR600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Heritage of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before your journey to Mahabalipuram.
Start your day at your Chennai hotel.
INR250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Mahabalipuram

A scenic drive of about 1.5-hours along the coast will take you to Mahabalipuram.
Follow ECR towards Mahabalipuram.
N/A, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Marvel at the magnificent Shore Temple, one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India.
Situated near the coast, easily accessible.
INR150, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Witness the famous rock relief sculpture, Arjuna's Penance, capturing a significant episode from the Mahabharata.
Short walk from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Wild Woods Spa and Resort

Enjoy a wholesome meal with authentic flavors at Wild Woods, set amidst lush greenery.
5-minute drive from the sculpture.
INR700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Five Rathas

Explore the Five Rathas, a set of monolithic rock-cut temples with stunning architecture.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR150, 2 hours

5:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Unwind on the sandy beach, watching the sunset and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
5-minute drive from Five Rathas.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Moonraker

Savor delicious seafood dishes with a South Indian twist at Moonraker.
10-minute drive from the beach.
INR800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Pondicherry Serenity

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Start your day with delicious pastries and a croissant from the charming Baker Street.
Head towards Pondicherry from Mahabalipuram.
INR350, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Pondicherry

Drive for about 1.5 hours to reach the serene city of Pondicherry.
Enjoy the coastal scenery on the way.
N/A, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Auroville

Visit Auroville, an experimental township that focuses on human unity and community living.
15-minute drive from Pondicherry center.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Xoxo

Refuel with a lovely vegetarian meal at Cafe Xoxo, offering a unique ambience.
Return to Pondicherry center.
INR500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit French Quarter

Stroll through the quaint streets of the French Quarter with beautiful colonial architecture.
Easily reachable on foot from the cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Promenade Beach

Take in the views as you relax at Promenade Beach, a great spot for sunset watching.
Short walk from the French Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel de L'Orient

Indulge in a fusion of Indo-French cuisine at Hotel de L'Orient, perfect for a memorable meal.
About a 10-minute walk from the beach.
INR900, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 4: Nature in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before the journey to Kodaikanal.
Start at your Pondicherry accommodation.
INR400, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Kodaikanal

Embark on an exciting journey to the hill station of Kodaikanal, which is about a 7-hour drive through scenic hills.
Follow local routes heading north.
N/A, 7 hours

3:00PM

Check-in and Refresh

Check into your hotel in Kodaikanal and unwind after the journey.
Various hotels are available in the area.
Varies, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Spend the late afternoon enjoying the beauty of Kodaikanal Lake, with options for boating or walking around.
Short drive from the hotel.
INR200, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Royal Cafe

Savor local delicacies while overlooking the serene lake at The Royal Cafe.
10-minute drive from the lake.
INR600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kodaikanal

Day 5: Cultural Marvels of Madurai

Madurai, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your Kodaikanal hotel before heading to Madurai.
Enjoy your meal at the hotel.
INR400, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Madurai

Set out on a scenic journey to Madurai lasting approximately 3 hours.
Follow the picturesque routes through the countryside.
N/A, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Be awed by the exquisite carvings and religious significance of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a central landmark of Madurai.
Easily accessible via local transport.
Free, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Konar Mess

Experience authentic South Indian meals at Konar Mess, a popular place among locals.
About 10-minute drive from the temple.
INR400, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture.
15-minute drive from lunch.
INR100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shop at Madurai Old City

Dive into the local culture at the bustling Madurai Old City, perfect for shopping textiles and handicrafts.
5-minute drive from the palace.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

Conclude your Madurai experience with a delightful meal at Sree Sabarees, known for its varied menu.
Short 5-minute drive from the shopping area.
INR500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Madurai

Day 6: Adventure in Thekkady

Thekkady, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Madurai before starting your journey.
Have a fulfilling meal at your accommodation.
INR400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Thekkady

Commence your 3-hour drive to Thekkady, famous for its wildlife sanctuary.
Head north on the state highways.
N/A, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Check into your hotel in Thekkady, relax, and prepare for an adventure.
Find various options near the sanctuary.
Varies, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Thekkady Café

Choose from delightful local dishes at Thekkady Café, a favorite among travelers.
15-minute drive from the hotel.
INR500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Go on a nature walk or boat ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna.
15-minute drive from lunch.
INR1500, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Visit Spice Plantation

Learn about the spice plantation and its significance through a guided tour.
5-minute drive from the sanctuary.
INR300, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Thekkady Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local specialties at Thekkady Restaurant.
Located nearby your hotel.
INR600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 7: Houseboat in Alleppey

Alleppey, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Thekkady.
Enjoy your meal on-site.
INR400, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Alleppey

Set out for Alleppey, about 4.5 hours away, known for its picturesque backwaters.
Follow the signs to Alleppey.
N/A, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Stop at a local eatery along the way for a traditional Kerala meal with rice and curry.
Find options along the route.
INR300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Arrive in Alleppey and Check-in

Check into your pre-booked houseboat and prepare to set sail.
You will find houseboats at various locations along the backwaters.
Varies, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Backwaters on Houseboat

Begin your enchanting journey through the backwaters, taking in amazing views and life along the canals.
Sail the beautiful backwaters.
Included with houseboat stay, 4 hours

7:30PM

Dinner on Houseboat

Savor a delicious Kerala meal prepared just for you while floating on the tranquil waters.
Dine aboard your houseboat.
Included with houseboat stay., 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Alleppey

Day 8: Cultural Kochi

Kochi, India

8:30AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard the houseboat before departing.
On the houseboat.
Included in stay., 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Kochi

Drive about 1.5 hours to reach Kochi, a city rich in history and culture.
Follow the main roads towards Kochi.
N/A, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Fort Kochi Exploration

Wander through the historical Fort Kochi area, famous for its colonial architecture and art galleries.
Begin walking tour upon arrival.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kashi Art Café

Savor a mix of local and continental dishes at Kashi Art Café, an artistic hidden gem.
A short walk from Fort Kochi.
INR600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Admire the stunning architecture and murals of the Mattancherry Palace, a historical landmark.
15-minute drive from lunch.
INR200, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Jew Town

Discover the history of the Jewish community in Kochi at Jew Town, known for its antique shops.
Walk from Mattancherry Palace.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Malabar Junction

End the day with a delightful experience of Kerala-style dishes at Malabar Junction.
15-minute drive from Jew Town.
INR700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 9: Scenic Munnar

Munnar, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel in Kochi before heading to Munnar.
On-site at the hotel.
INR400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Munnar

Set out for a beautiful 4-hour drive to the stunning hill station of Munnar.
Follow the picturesque routes.
N/A, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a tasty South Indian lunch at Saravana Bhavan, a well-known eatery in Munnar.
Find easily on your way into Munnar.
INR500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tea Plantation Visit

Explore the lush tea plantations that blanket Munnar, offering a serene landscape.
Nearby tea estates are accessible.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Attukal Waterfalls

Experience the beauty of Attukal Waterfalls, a perfect spot for nature lovers.
15-minute drive from tea estates.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Relax with dinner at your hotel, featuring local dishes with a modern twist.
On-site at the hotel.
INR600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 10: Tranquility in Trivandrum

Trivandrum, India

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Munnar hotel before departing for Trivandrum.
On-site at the hotel.
INR400, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Trivandrum

Embark on a 4-hour drive to Trivandrum, the state capital of Kerala, known for its rich heritage.
Take the roads south towards Trivandrum.
N/A, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Aryas

Indulge in a delicious traditional Kerala meal at Hotel Aryas upon arrival.
A quick drive from your hotel.
INR500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore the grandeur of Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its impressive architecture.
Short drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Explore the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, a treasure trove of history.
Only a 5-minute drive from the temple.
INR100, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Mothers Veg Plaza

Conclude your South Indian journey with a delightful vegetarian dinner at Mothers Veg Plaza.
10-minute drive from the museum.
INR500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll at Kovalam Beach

Take your final walk on the sandy shores of Kovalam Beach, concluding your memorable journey.
15-minute drive from dinner location.
Free, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Trivandrum
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About South India

Best India Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: South India (July)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: South India (April)
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your South India Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go