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

4-Day Cultural & Scenic Adventure in South India

Viewed by 84 travelers

Day 1: Heritage and City Exploration

Chennai, India on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, renowned for its dosas and idlis served with chutneys and sambar.
INR250, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this ancient Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a prime example of Chennai's rich religious architecture.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Fort St. George

Discover the historical British fort, its museum showcasing colonial artifacts and insight into Chennai’s colonial past.
INR25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Marina

Enjoy fresh seafood and regional Tamil Nadu dishes with a view of Marina Beach.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Marina Beach Walk

Take a leisurely walk along Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India, and experience local life.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar Bazaar

Visit this bustling market famous for traditional silk sarees, gold jewelry, and local handicrafts.
Free (Shopping costs vary), 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Savor authentic Tamil Nadu non-vegetarian delicacies like Chettinad chicken in a heritage style ambience.
INR500, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Ancient Temples & Coastal Views

Mahabalipuram, India on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a light South Indian breakfast in preparation for a day of exploration.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Mahabalipuram (1h15m from Chennai)

Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures.
Transport approx INR1500, 1h15m

9:30am

Explore Shore Temple & Pancha Rathas

Visit the iconic Shore Temple by the sea and the five monolithic rathas, masterpieces of Pallava architecture.
INR200, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Dine at this popular seaside restaurant offering fresh seafood and coastal cuisine with ocean views.
INR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Mahabalipuram Beach

Relax or stroll along this quiet beach, watching fishermen or enjoying the serene landscape.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Sculpture Museum

Explore the exhibits displaying ancient sculptures and artifacts related to Mahabalipuram’s history.
INR100, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Chennai for Overnight

Drive back to Chennai to rest and prepare for the next day.
Transport approx INR1500, 1h15m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Crown Plaza Hotel

Dine at the hotel's fine-dining restaurant offering diverse Indian and international cuisine.
INR800, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: French Heritage & Relaxation

Pondicherry, India on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Baker Street

Relish fresh French pastries and breakfast dishes at this charming French-style bakery and café.
INR350, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Pondicherry (2h30m from Chennai)

Travel south to the charming coastal town known for its French colonial legacy and serene beaches.
Transport approx INR2000, 2h30m

10:30am

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Explore the peaceful ashram dedicated to the spiritual leader Sri Aurobindo, a center for meditation and philosophy.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Stroll through French Quarter

Walk the quaint lanes lined with colonial villas, colorful murals, and boutiques reflecting French architecture.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Enjoy a mix of French and South Indian cuisines in a stylish heritage home setting.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Promenade Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon walking or sitting along the beach promenade enjoying sea views.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Auroville

Short drive to visit this experimental township dedicated to human unity and sustainable living.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Experience fine dining in a beautiful colonial-era building, serving French and fusion dishes.
INR900, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Pondicherry

Day 4: Temple Town and Spirituality

Chidambaram, India on May 24, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick and wholesome breakfast to start early for temple visits.
Included, 0h45m

7:30am

Drive to Chidambaram (1h30m from Pondicherry)

Travel to Chidambaram, known for the famous Nataraja Temple, an essential spiritual site in South India.
Transport approx INR1500, 1h30m

9:00am

Visit Nataraja Temple

Explore this grand temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer; admire Dravidian architecture and vibrant rituals.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Dutch Fort Ruins

Walk around nearby historic ruins offering insight into regional history beyond the temples.
Free, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local South Indian Restaurant

Enjoy traditional vegetarian thali with local flavors in a simple, authentic setting.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Chennai (3h drive)

Head back to Chennai for your final evening of the trip.
Transport approx INR2000, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bay View, Chennai

Conclude your South India journey with a dinner by the sea featuring a blend of Indian and international dishes.
INR800, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Chidambaram

Day 5: Departure Day

Chennai, India on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before your departure.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Free time or Short visit to Santhome Basilica

If time permits, visit this historic Christian church built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, with beautiful colonial architecture.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Head to Chennai Airport/Station

Make your way to departure point for onward travel.
Transport varies, Varies
Find Hotels in Chennai
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, 4-

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, 4- Trip

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