Ultimate 8-Day South India Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Chennai

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with an authentic South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its dosas and idlis.
Take a taxi or use local transport to reach
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Marina Beach

Stroll along the iconic Marina Beach, watching the sunrise and savoring the ocean breeze.
Drive to Marina Beach, parking is available nearby.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historic Fort St. George, which houses a museum and offers insights into Chennai’s colonial past.
Drive 15 minutes to Fort St. George.
INR 300, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ponnusamy Hotel

Savor Chettinad meals known for their spiciness and unique flavor at this popular eatery.
Drive 10 minutes to Ponnusamy Hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a fantastic example of Dravidian-style temples.
Drive 20 minutes to the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Benjarong

Indulge in luxurious North Indian cuisine at Benjarong, known for its warm ambiance and delectable dishes.
Drive 30 minutes to Benjarong.
INR 1800, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Heritage of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea Breeze

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the shore at Hotel Sea Breeze.
Check out from Chennai and drive to Mahabalipuram (1 hour).
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shore Temple

Explore the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Walk from breakfast spot (10 mins walk).
INR 150, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit Pancha Rathas

Marvel at the five monolithic chariots built in different architectural styles at Pancha Rathas.
Drive 10 minutes to Pancha Rathas.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The New Lighthouse Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood while the waves crash against the shore at The New Lighthouse Restaurant.
Drive 10 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 800, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Arjuna's Penance

Discover the magnificent bas-relief carvings at Arjuna's Penance depicting a captivating legend.
Drive 5 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Eden

End your day with a delightful dinner at Eden, known for its delicious Indian and continental food.
Drive 10 minutes to Eden.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Pondicherry's Unique Charm

Pondicherry, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bread & Chocolate

Enjoy a continental breakfast featuring homemade jams and fresh pastries at Bread & Chocolate.
Check out from Mahabalipuram and drive 1 hour to Pondicherry.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auroville

Discover the spiritual community of Auroville, which promotes peace and sustainable living.
Drive 30 minutes to Auroville.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Indulge in French cuisine with Creole influences at Villa Shanti, set in a converted heritage home.
Drive 30 minutes back to Pondicherry.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore French Quarter

Wander through the colorful streets of the French Quarter, with charming colonial buildings and cafés.
Walk from the restaurant (10-minute walk).
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Promenade Beach

Revel in the sunset at Promenade Beach, perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
5 minutes walk to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Café

Enjoy a casual dinner with sea views at La Café, known for its refreshing salads and light dishes.
Drive 10 minutes back to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Hub of Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Iruvaram

Kickstart your day with traditional South Indian breakfast at Hotel Iruvaram.
Check out from Pondicherry and drive to Thanjavur (4 hours).
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the splendid Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pivotal art piece of the Chola dynasty.
Drive 15 minutes to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Thanjavur Palace

Visit the exquisite Thanjavur Palace, known for its grand architecture and art gallery.
Drive 10 minutes to the Palace.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kanappa Restaurant

Sample authentic Tamil cuisine including thalis at Kanappa Restaurant, renowned for its delightful dishes.
Drive 10 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Art & Crafts Museum

Discover local arts and crafts at the museum showcasing the vibrant culture of Thanjavur.
Drive 10 minutes to the museum.
INR 100, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at GMB Restaurant

Conclude your day with dinner at GMB, enjoying their spicy Chettinad curries.
Drive 15 minutes to GMB Restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Heart of Madurai

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sree Sabarees

Relish freshly-prepared idlis and coffee at Sree Sabarees, a local favorite for breakfast.
Check out from Thanjavur and drive to Madurai (2 hours).
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Marvel at the grand structure of Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its beautiful sculptures and history.
Drive 15 minutes from breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Explore the majestic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, showcasing the fusion of Islamic and Dravidian architecture.
Drive 10 minutes to the Palace.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Southern Spice

Indulge in a delightful buffet featuring regional specialties at The Southern Spice.
Drive 5 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 700, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Gandhi Museum

Learn about Gandhi’s life and impact in India at the informative Gandhi Museum.
Drive 10 minutes to the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Aryaas

Wrap up your day with a vegetarian thali at Aryaas, known for its authentic local flavors.
Drive 10 minutes to Aryaas.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Scenic Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Kodaikanal International

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Hotel Kodaikanal International.
Check out from Madurai and drive to Kodaikanal (3 hours).
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kodaikanal Lake

Enjoy a peaceful morning on Kodaikanal Lake, perfect for boating and pigeon-feeding.
Drive 10 minutes to the lake.
INR 200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Coaker's Walk

Stroll along Coaker's Walk, a picturesque pathway with breathtaking views of the valley.
Drive 15 minutes to Coaker's Walk.
INR 20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Astoria Veg Restaurant

Dine at Astoria Veg Restaurant, known for its local cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
Drive 10 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Pillar Rocks

Marvel at the stunning Pillar Rocks, a set of three granite boulders surrounded by lush greenery.
Drive 30 minutes to Pillar Rocks.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Move Lounge

End your day with a delightful dinner at The Move Lounge, featuring multi-cuisine options.
Drive 20 minutes to the restaurant.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Adventure in Thekkady

Thekkady, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Grand Thekkady

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at Hotel Grand Thekkady before heading out for the day.
Check out from Kodaikanal and drive to Thekkady (3 hours).
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Embark on a guided nature walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, observing diverse flora and fauna.
Drive 30 minutes to the sanctuary.
INR 500, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Boat Ride on Periyar Lake

Enjoy a picturesque boat ride on Periyar Lake, keeping an eye out for elephants and other wildlife.
Walk to the boating area (10 minutes).
INR 300, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Thekkady Spice Garden

Savor a farm-to-table experience while enjoying flavorsome dishes with spice garden view.
Drive 15 minutes to the spice garden.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

Witness an exciting Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, showcasing traditional techniques.
Drive 20 minutes to the center.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Thekkady Café

Dine at Thekkady Café, known for its continental dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Drive 10 minutes to the café.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Serenity in Alleppey

Alleppey, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Coconut Grove

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at Coconut Grove, featuring local delicacies.
Check out from Thekkady and drive to Alleppey (4 hours).
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Houseboat Cruise

Set off on a spectacular houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters of Alleppey.
Arrive at Alleppey, arrange a houseboat from local vendors.
INR 3500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on Houseboat

Relish freshly prepared Kerala-style meals served on the houseboat while enjoying scenic views.
Provided as part of the houseboat package.
Included, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Local Villages

Visit nearby villages and experience local culture, markets, and hospitality.
Continue your houseboat cruise.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Alleppey Boat Jetty

Disembark from the houseboat and head back to land.
Drive back to Alleppey Boat Jetty.
Free, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Raasa

Conclude your trip with a delectable dinner at Hotel Raasa, indulging in Kerala’s rich flavors.
Drive 10 minutes to Hotel Raasa.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability