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

Ultimate 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary in South India

Viewed by 342 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Chennai

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
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

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
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

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
Find Hotels in Kanyakumari

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
Find Hotels in Trivandrum

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
Find Hotels in Alleppey

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
Find Hotels in Kochi
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