Ultimate 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary in South India

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Ratna Cafe, famous for its crispy dosas and filter coffee.
Head east toward Marina Beach after breakfast.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marina Beach

Stroll along Marina Beach, enjoying the sunrise and the vibrant morning atmosphere.
Continue to Fort St. George by car, a short 20-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Fort St. George

Discover the historical significance of Fort St. George and visit the museum inside.
Drive to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, about 20 minutes away.
INR50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Annalakshmi

Savor a traditional vegetarian meal at Annalakshmi, known for its authentic South Indian thali.
Drive towards Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Admire the stunning Dravidian architecture at Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Make your way to Santhome Basilica, 15 minutes by car.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Discover Santhome Basilica

Explore this iconic church, a significant site for Christians and remarkable for its neo-Gothic architecture.
Head to your hotel for check-in and rest.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

End your day with a delightful seafood dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf, offering a coastal ambiance.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Beach and Heritage

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Seashore

Start your journey to Mahabalipuram with breakfast by the sea at Hotel Seashore, well-known for its view and pastries.
Drive south along East Coast Road, a scenic route taking about 1 hour.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Shore Temple, and enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.
Walk to the nearby Pancharathas.
INR40, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Pancharathas

Marvel at the beautiful rock-cut temples known as Pancharathas, commemorating the five Pandava brothers.
Drive to Arjuna's Penance, around 5 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Village

Enjoy traditional South Indian fare at The Village, set in a lush garden ambiance.
Make your way back towards the Shore Temple area.
INR800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Witness the exquisite bas-relief carvings depicting Arjuna's penance.
Head to the Mahabalipuram Beach for an afternoon stroll.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the scenery.
Return to town for evening activities or your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Wet Whistle

End your day with a delightful meal at Wet Whistle, popular for its casual dining experience with local and international cuisine.
INR900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: French Flavors

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Start your day with freshly baked croissants and coffee at Baker Street, a popular French bakery.
Head northeast to Pondicherry, about a 1.5-hour drive.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore French Quarter

Wander through the charming French Quarter, admiring vibrant colonial architecture and bougainvilleas.
Stroll towards Aurobindo Ashram.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience tranquility at Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community with beautiful gardens.
Walk down to Promenade Beach for lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Indulge in a unique French culinary experience in this vibrant café filled with art.
Walk back towards the French Quarter for more exploration.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Promenade Beach

Relax at Promenade Beach, enjoying the breeze and people-watching.
Make your way to Serenity Beach around 5 minutes by car.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Serenity Beach

Enjoy the calm atmosphere at Serenity Beach, ideal for unwinding or taking a leisurely walk.
Drive with scenic views back to the main town for dinner.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Dine at Villa Shanti, renowned for its fusion of Indian and international cuisine.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Journey to Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off to Kanyakumari.
Depart for Kanyakumari, approximately a 8-hour drive.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Scenic Drive to Kanyakumari

Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and coastal roads along your journey to Kanyakumari.
Free, 8 hours

5:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive in Kanyakumari and check into your hotel.
Rest and freshen up.
INR2000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial and enjoy mesmerizing sunset views.
Return to Kanyakumari town for dinner.
INR200, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Ocean Park Restaurant

Finish your day with fresh seafood at The Ocean Park Restaurant, situated with stunning sea views.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Awakening

Trivandrum, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your Kanyakumari hotel before the drive to Trivandrum.
Depart for Trivandrum, only an hour's drive away.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Discover the rich architecture of Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a historic icon of Trivandrum.
Drive to the Napier Museum, which is around 10 minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Napier Museum

Unravel the history of the region at Napier Museum, known for its exotic collection of artifacts.
Proceed to lunch nearby.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Sukhman

Savor authentic Kerala cuisine at Hotel Sukhman, featuring local specialties.
Drive towards Kowdiar Palace after lunch.
INR750, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kowdiar Palace

Explore the grandeur of Kowdiar Palace, the official residence of the former royal family.
Head to the beaches next.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Shanghumukham Beach

Unwind at Shanghumukham Beach, known for its scenic beauty.
Make your way to dinner.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Spice Route

Conclude your day with a fine dining experience at The Spice Route, offering a blend of South Indian and international dishes.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Backwaters Bliss

Alleppey, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relish a delicious breakfast before embarking on a journey to Alleppey.
Travel from Trivandrum to Alleppey which takes about 3 hours.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Alleppey

Enjoy the scenic drive through lush green paddy fields and waterways en route to Alleppey.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check into Houseboat

Arrive in Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat to experience the backwaters.
Cruise through the backwaters and relax.
INR5000 (shared houseboat), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch on Houseboat

Enjoy a freshly prepared local meal served right on the houseboat as you glide through serene waters.
Included in houseboat, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Backwaters

Spend the afternoon exploring the canals, paddy fields, and local villages in the backwaters.
Continue cruising until sunset.
Included in houseboat, 3 hours

5:30PM

Relax aboard houseboat

Indulge in the tranquility of the backwaters as the sun begins to set.
Included in houseboat, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner on Houseboat

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on the houseboat, relishing Kerala cuisine amidst stunning views.
Included in houseboat, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Collapse

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Start your day with breakfast onboard, enjoying the calm waters surrounded by greenery.
Disembark from the houseboat and head to Kochi, approximately 1 hour away.
Included in houseboat, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Kochi

Enjoy the final leg of your journey while soaking in the picturesque landscapes until reaching Kochi.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Fort Kochi

Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial architecture and local crafts.
Walk or take a bike to Jew Town.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

Nourish yourself with delicious fare at Kashi Art Cafe while appreciating local art.
Stroll to the nearby Church of St. Francis.
INR700, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Church of St. Francis

Discover the historical significance of Church of St. Francis, the oldest European church in India.
Continue to the Chinese Fishing Nets.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

See Chinese Fishing Nets

Witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and engage with the local fishermen.
Head back to your hotel to rest.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Conclude your South India adventure with a memorable dinner at The Rice Boat, offering a great view of the harbor.
INR1200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability