Comprehensive South India Itinerary: Chennai to Bangalore via Tirupati, Rameshwaram, Pondicherry, Ooty, and Mysore

Day 1: Cultural Start

Chennai, India on June 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious traditional South Indian breakfast including dosas and filter coffee at this iconic Chennai eatery open from 7AM to 10PM.
INR250, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this beautiful Dravidian-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing intricate architecture and vibrant cultural activities. Open from 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8:30 PM.
Free, 1h30m

11:30AM

Explore Fort St. George

Visit the first English fortress in India, home to historical artifacts and the St. Mary's Church. Open from 9AM to 6PM.
INR50, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at The Marina

Enjoy traditional Tamil Nadu coastal cuisine with fresh seafood and regional dishes, open from 12PM to 10PM.
INR600, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Government Museum

Explore one of the oldest museums in India with impressive archaeological and art collections. Open from 9AM to 5PM.
INR15, 1h30m

5:00PM

Evening Walk at Marina Beach

Relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Open all day.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at BBQ Nation

Savor a variety of grilled delicacies and buffet offerings open till 11PM perfect for a satisfying dinner.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 2: Spiritual Tirupati

Tirupati, India on June 27, 2025

6:00AM

Travel to Tirupati

Depart early morning from Chennai to Tirupati by train or car, approximately 3.5-hour journey covering about 135 km.
INR500, 3h30m

10:00AM

Visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Experience one of the richest and most visited pilgrimage centers in India. The temple is open from 3:00 AM to 1:30 PM and later in the evening.
Free, 3h

1:30PM

Lunch at Sri Venkateswara Bhavan

Taste simple yet delicious South Indian meals served near the temple, popular among pilgrims.
INR150, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple

Explore this beautiful Vishnu temple in Tirupati city, known for its ornate carvings and spiritual ambiance.
Free, 1h

5:00PM

Explore Chandragiri Fort

Visit the historical fort which is around 10 km from Tirupati, offering panoramic views and history from the Vijayanagara empire. Open till 6 PM.
INR50, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Mayura

Enjoy hearty South Indian thali and Andhra specialties in this comfortable hotel restaurant open till 10 PM.
INR400, 1h

Day 3: Historic Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram, India on June 28, 2025

6:00AM

Travel to Rameshwaram

Depart from Tirupati to Rameshwaram by early morning train or car (approx. 7-8 hours), covering around 370 km.
INR800, 7h

1:00PM

Check-in and Lunch

Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch at the hotel's restaurant offering coastal Tamil Nadu cuisine.
INR500, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this famous temple known for its long ornate corridors and sacred significance. Open from 5 AM to 12:30 PM and 3 PM to 8:30 PM.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Visit Agni Theertham Beach

Relax and experience the sacred beach close to the temple believed to have holy waters. Open all day.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Rameshwaram

Enjoy freshly prepared seafood and Tamil cuisine in a welcoming ambience open till 10 PM.
INR600, 1h

Day 4: Coastal Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on June 29, 2025

7:00AM

Travel to Pondicherry

Depart early morning from Rameshwaram to Pondicherry by car or bus, approximately 5.5 hours covering 300 km.
INR700, 5h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Café des Arts

Enjoy French and fusion cuisine in this charming café located in White Town, open from 9 AM to 9 PM.
INR700, 1h

2:00PM

Explore French Quarter

Stroll through the picturesque streets with colonial buildings, boutiques, and vibrant cafés, open all day.
Free, 2h

4:30PM

Visit Aurobindo Ashram

Experience spiritual calm at the Ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo. Open from 8AM to 12PM and 3PM to 6PM.
Free, 1h

6:00PM

Walk along Promenade Beach

Relax by the seaside promenade famous for its views and statues, open all day.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Villa Shanti

Savor global and Indian dishes in a cozy colonial-style setting, open till 10 PM.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 5: Hill Station Ooty

Ooty, India on June 30, 2025

6:00AM

Travel to Ooty

Start early from Pondicherry to Ooty by train or car (approx. 6-7 hours), distance around 290 km.
INR1000, 6h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Earl's Secret

Enjoy charming colonial ambience and south Indian and continental cuisine. Open from 12 PM to 10 PM.
INR850, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Botanical Gardens

Explore beautifully maintained gardens with diverse plant species. Open from 9AM to 5:30PM.
INR30, 1h30m

4:00PM

Take a Boat Ride on Ooty Lake

Enjoy pedal or row boating on the pleasant lake, open from 10AM to 6PM.
INR100, 1h

6:00PM

Stroll in the Town Market

Browse local crafts, spices, and tea at this colorful shopping area, open till 8 PM.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Shinkows

Savor delicious Chinese and Tibetan cuisine, open till 10 PM.
INR750, 1h

Day 6: Historic Mysore

Mysore, India on July 1, 2025

7:00AM

Travel to Mysore

Depart early morning from Ooty to Mysore by car or bus (approx. 3.5-4 hours), covering around 125 km.
INR700, 4h

11:30AM

Visit Mysore Palace

Tour the grandiose palace, a jewel of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
INR70, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Mylari

Enjoy classic Mysore dosas and other Karnataka specialties in this popular eatery open till 3 PM.
INR200, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Chamundi Hill and Temple

Climb or drive up the hill to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple offering panoramic views of Mysore, open from 6AM to 8 PM.
INR20, 2h

6:00PM

Stroll in Brindavan Gardens

Relax by the symmetrical garden complex famous for its musical fountain show from 7 PM onwards.
INR50, 1h30m

8:00PM

Dinner at Vinayaka Mylari

End your day with delicious South Indian fare known across Mysore, open till 9:30 PM.
INR250, 1h

Day 7: Urban Bangalore

Bangalore, India on July 2, 2025

8:00AM

Travel to Bangalore

Leave Mysore for Bangalore by train or car (approx. 3 hours), distance about 150 km.
INR600, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms)

Sample Bangalore’s legendary South Indian vegetarian cuisine at this historic restaurant open till 3 PM.
INR300, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Explore this vast botanical garden featuring exotic flora and a glass house modeled after London's Crystal Palace. Open 6 AM to 7 PM.
INR20, 2h

4:00PM

Explore Bangalore Palace

Tour this Tudor-style palace with beautiful woodwork and vintage decor. Open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
INR230, 1h30m

6:00PM

Evening Walk in Cubbon Park

Enjoy the greenery in this large city park, perfect for a relaxed stroll, open till 7 PM.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Toit

Enjoy Bangalore’s vibrant craft beer scene with excellent continental and Indian food, open till 11 PM.
INR1200, 1h30m