11 days in South India Itinerary

Chennai is known for historic sites, beaches, and shopping. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: tour the pleasant surroundings at Marina Beach, don't miss a visit to New Life Assembly of God, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Parthasarathy Temple, and get the lay of the land with Walking tours.

For more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Chennai driving holiday planner.

Bengaluru to Chennai is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also fly; or drive; or take a train. Traveling from Bengaluru in July, things will get a bit warmer in Chennai: highs are around 42°C and lows about 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Mahabalipuram.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Wed): admire the landmark architecture of Raya Gopura, then explore the ancient world of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, then stop by Jewel Mount., and finally admire the striking features of Pancha Rathas. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Shore Temple, then meet the residents at The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology, and then view the masterpieces at Srinithi Art Gallery.

To see photos, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Mahabalipuram trip itinerary maker app.

You can drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. In July, plan for daily highs up to 42°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Chidambaram.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Fri): stroll through Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, take a peaceful walk through Pichavaram, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Pitchavaram Backwater.

To see other places to visit, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Chidambaram trip itinerary tool.

Drive from Mahabalipuram to Chidambaram in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) early enough to drive to Kumbakonam.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Sat): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uppiliappan Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Patteeswaram Temple, then admire the striking features of Airavatesvara Temple, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mahapratyangira Devi Temple. On the 19th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple, Swamimalai, appreciate the history behind Gangaikonda Cholapuram, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dhenupureeswarar Temple, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kathiramangalam Vana Durga Temple.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Kumbakonam tour planner.

You can drive from Chidambaram to Kumbakonam in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In July, plan for daily highs up to 43°C, and evening lows to 31°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Pondicherry.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Mon): admire the landmark architecture of Matrimandir, then take in the waterfront activity at Seaside Promenade, then make a trip to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and finally look for gifts at Senteurs-Fleurs en Flacon. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Tue): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Paradise Beach, and then stroll through Sadhana Forest.

To find maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Pondicherry holiday planner.

Traveling by bus from Kumbakonam to Pondicherry takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can travel back home.