17 days in South India Itinerary

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Madurai sits on the banks of the River Vaigai and serves as a center of Tamil culture.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Mon): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tirupparankunram and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Plan my trip to Madurai with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

Chennai to Madurai is an approximately 2.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. In March, daily temperatures in Madurai can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Kochi (Cochin).

A flourishing port city and magnet for the spice trade since the 15th century, Kochi (Cochin) proudly bears its distinct international influence and local Keralan culture.

Change things up with a short trip to Marari Beach in Mararikulam (about 1h 20 min away). Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Chinese Fishing Nets, look for gifts at Leens Exports, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of Saint Francis, and admire the striking features of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica.

To see ratings, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Kochi (Cochin) sightseeing planning site.

You can drive from Madurai to Kochi (Cochin) in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and flight; or take a bus. In March, daily temperatures in Kochi (Cochin) can reach 39°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can go by car to Thekkady.

Centered on an artificial lake, Thekkady provides a sanctuary to a diverse set of animals and plant species.

Spend the 21st (Sat) exploring nature at Periyar National Park. There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Periyar Tiger Reserve, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Our Lady of Lourde's Roman Catholic Latin Church, get great views at Chellarcovil View Point, and admire the natural beauty at Green Park Spices Thekkady.

For where to stay and tourist information, read our Thekkady itinerary planner.

Drive from Kochi (Cochin) to Thekkady in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) early enough to drive to Thiruvalla.

Surrounded by waterways feeding off two rivers, Thiruvalla remains one of the lesser-known destinations in the popular state of Kerala.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. John's Orthodox Syrian Church and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Paliakkara Church.

To see photos, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Thiruvalla sightseeing website.

Traveling by car from Thekkady to Thiruvalla takes 3.5 hours. March in Thiruvalla sees daily highs of 39°C and lows of 29°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) early enough to go by car to Munnar.

Sitting at the point where three mountain rivers meet, the hill station of Munnar has become known as a tea-growing center in the south of the country.

Go for a jaunt from Munnar to Chillithodu to see Green Field Spices and Herbal Garden about 1h 10 min away. Next up on the itinerary: take in nature's colorful creations at Tea Gardens, take in the exciting artwork at Mistletoe art Gallery, stop by Tata Tea Outlet, and examine the collection at Tea Museum.

To see more things to do, photos, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Munnar travel route site.

Traveling by car from Thiruvalla to Munnar takes 5 hours. March in Munnar sees daily highs of 40°C and lows of 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to drive to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

Situated among a collection of low hills that lead up to the coastline, state capital Thiruvananthapuram acts as a base for exploration of the southern tip of the country.

Explore Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)'s surroundings by going to Kovalam (Kovalam Avaduthura Devi Temple, Kovalam Beach, &more) and Varkala Town (Varkala Aquarium, Asparagus, &more). There's much more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, examine the collection at Puthenmalika (Kuthiramalika) Palace, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Sreekandeswaram Mahadeva Temple.

For other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) road trip tool.

Drive from Munnar to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and flight; or do a combination of taxi and train. March in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 29°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to fly to Bengaluru.

Flourishing development and a bustling IT industry transformed Bangalore into a vibrant metropolis, but the city preserves its numerous historic and cultural sights.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Mon): step into the grandiose world of Bangalore Palace, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at ISKCON Temple Bangalore, stroll around Cubbon Park, then admire the natural beauty at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Omkareshwarar Temple.

To see more things to do, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, use the Bengaluru trip maker.

Traveling by flight from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) to Bengaluru takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. Traveling from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in March, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Bengaluru, with lows of 24°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can catch the bus to Mysuru (Mysore).

A historic and culturally distinctive city, Mysuru (Mysore) has all the stories, artworks, and architecture you'd hope to find in the former capital city of a rich kingdom.

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Tue): explore the historical opulence of Mysuru Palace, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Gunja Narasimha Swamy Temple, then stop by Badsha Stores - The Silk Experience Since 1965, and finally admire the local landmark of Brindavan Garden.

For other places to visit, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Mysuru (Mysore) driving holiday planning site.

Take a bus from Bengaluru to Mysuru (Mysore) in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. When traveling from Bengaluru in March, plan for little chillier days in Mysuru (Mysore), with highs around 34°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Tue) to allow enough time to drive back home.