You have almost two weeks, and want to tour South India? Let me tell you, you are going to have a blast. You are not just going on a holiday; this will be a sensual experience of a land of twenty-five hundred year-old temples that touch the heavens; of hills filled with tea bushes where the scent of fresh tea wafts in the air, and of backwaters that induce total relaxation. Consider the following, a step-by-step guide to your very own 15-days South India travel itinerary full of all the magic you seek. Are you ready? Let’s set course to one of the world’s greatest destinations: South India!
Your 15 Day South India Travel Itinerary: A Day by Day Guide
We will hit the well-established highlights and some off-the-beaten-path gems so you have a complete sense of the region’s diversity. From the coastline of the Bay of Bengal to the backwaters of the Arabian Sea coast, this is a South India itinerary that was designed for exploration. Below is a day-by-day account of your very best South Indian itinerary for 15 days made up of what to see, feel, and experience, at each wonderful destination.
Day 1: Chennai
Chennai is your point of safari in South India, vibrant and coastal with an air of elegance – a one-of-a-kind blend of modern normalcy and ancient tradition – among the top places to visit in South India.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Dive right into Dravidian Architecture, at this incredible temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva built in the 7th Century. The gopuram (gateway tower) soars above the temple complex, an incredible array of colorful and intricate sculptures of Hindu mythology with many stories to tell.
Fort St. George: A bastion of British colonial history, Step into time at Fort St. George. This was the first English fort in India. The museum has exhibits and artifacts from this period of time of the Raj that provides interesting insight into history.
Marina Beach: At sunset, enjoy a stroll along the second longest natural urban beach in the world. Feel the sand on your toes and observe the local culture harmoniously merge with its surroundings and allow yourself to reflect on the beauty of the Bay of Bengal.
Day 2: Mahabalipuram
South of Chennai, you arrive at a UNESCO World Heritage site that will shock your tourist sensibilities. Mahabalipuram is a rock cut temple complex that boasts incredible views of the coast on the adjacent coastline. It is one of the best places in South India if you are a history lover.
Shore Temple: You will be amazed by the 8th-century temple that appears to rise out of the Bay of Bengal. It is a stunning view that satisfies even the toughest crowds – especially during sunrise or sunset when the light shimmers on the ancient stone.
Pancha Rathas: Visit the incredible five monolithic rock-cut temples (ratha), each of them carved in the shape of a “chariot” (ratha). It is an example of how these whole, multi-layered structures can be carved out of one large piece of rock.
Arjuna’s Penance is a massive example of an open-air rock relief, and among the largest in the world. The incredible carving includes several scenes from Hindu epics, including an exquisite representation of the Ganges’ descent. It is a true work of art, showing incredible artistry and patience.
Days 3, 4 & 5: Pondicherry & Auroville
You’ll soon find yourself experiencing a different kind of pace! Within a few short hours by car, you will find yourself in the beautiful region of Pondicherry, which can best be described as a little corner of the French Riviera that has been dropped on the coast of Tamil Nadu. Relax in the lovely French Colony of Pondicherry with its yellow buildings, cute shops, and cobble-stoned streets. And with a sprinkle of Auroville’s spiritual vibe thrown in, you have a perfect stop on your South India itinerary.
Promenade Beach & French Quarter: Cyclists love to ride along the promenade or simply enjoy a stroll along the brilliantly maintained French Quarter (White Town) and take a break at a trendy café for a croissant . Everything about the colonial architecture and the lazy attitude is beautiful!
Sri Aurobindo Ashram: This is where you go to spend a moment in silent prayer and/or meditation, at one of the most recognizable spiritual destinations in the world! The Mother and Sri Aurobindo’s Samadhi (shrine) is an astonishingly still and peaceful area where silence is your only noise.
Auroville & The Matrimandir: Try a visit to the experimental township of Auroville. You may need to pre-book to get to the Matrimandir (its soul), but just seeing its magnificent beautiful dome from the tourist viewpoint is inspiring enough to exceed your hopes of vision for humanity.
Day 6: Thanjavur
Thanjavur is a significant cultural hub with temples and artwork that reflect the culture of South India. If you are in search of cultural sites to visit while in South India, Thanjavur is worth your time!
Brihadeeswarar Temple: When you enter the Brihadeeswarar Temple, prepare to be amazed. The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is unquestionably one of the best examples of Chola architecture still in existence. The vimana (the tower atop the sanctum) is among the tallest sublime towers in the world, and it is quite remarkable that the vimana is entirely made of granite!
Thanjavur Palace: You can explore an extensive palace complex that houses various combinations of Nayak and Maratha designs. Within the palace complex, you will encounter some art galleries, a royal museum that has several interesting artifacts, and an elegantly crafted library of manuscripts that is quite beautifully crafted out of palm leaves.
Thanjavur Art: Whether or not you want to watch someone do it, you cannot not see or buy a Thanjavur painting, a classical South Indian kingdom period art that is famous for its vivid colors, shining gold foil work, and subject that is almost always religious in nature.
Days 7 & 8: Madurai
Madurai has always been the heart of spirituality in South India. There are many temples and crazy markets and great street life, so if you’re visiting South India, don’t skip Madurai!
Meenakshi Amman Temple: This is a large and beautiful temple complex. You’ll want to spend time admiring the 14 great gopurams all candy striped and decorated with many hundreds of stucco figures. It is an architectural delight featuring religious structures including one of the largest pillared halls known as the Hall of a Thousand Pillars and a large temple tank. And, if you can, come back in the evening for a great evening ceremony.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: Located just outside the Meenakshi Amman temple grounds, this 17th-century palace showcases grand Indo-Saracenic architecture and features an impressive courtyard and high pillars – particularly nice at the evening sound and light show.
Local Markets and Jigarthanda: Get lost in the hectic local marketplace, extremely close to the temple – it is an explosion of multiple sensations – potentially when the local foods’ smells overwhelm your nose! Don’t miss trying the famous dessert drink, Jigarthanda – it is a sweet milky drink that is magical.
Days 9, 10 & 11: Munnar
Once you have satisfied your cultural experience in the temple towns, it is time to enjoy the fresh, cool air of the Western Ghats. We are now in God’s Own Country, as it is commonly known, and headed straight into the rolling hills of Munnar. Here you are on your way for your next concept of hillstations in South India with its beautiful, rolling green tea gardens and cool air. It is a retreat for those who enjoy being in nature on a South India tour holiday, here are your Munnar highlights.
Tea Plantation Tours & Tasting: This is the number one thing to do here and take a guided tour of a tea estate.You will discover the journey from leaf to cup or end with a sampling of renowned tea from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park: Site of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. This park also provides some of the best views when the Neelakurinji flowers bloom every twelve years.
Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point: Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the calm Mattupetty Dam surrounded by lush hills, then a short drive will bring you to some fun shouting out to the hills at Echo Point. You can then listen to your echo come back.
Days 12, 13 & 14: Alleppey Backwaters
The backwaters of Alleppey are a place straight out of a postcard. A houseboat experience is the central aspect of any travel itinerary in South India.
Houseboat Stay: This is the quintessential experience. To live aboard a houseboat that glides through the calm backwaters is pure magic! Dine on Keralan food while watching the sunset over the water!
Village Life and Canoe Rides: Take a smaller traditional canoe into the narrower canals that cannot accommodate large houseboats. This provides a real life experience of the daily life of the residents who reside along the backwaters.
Birdwatching & Paddy Fields: The backwaters of Kerala is a paradise for birdwatchers. Look for kingfisher, egrets, and several other stunning birds, not to mention the infinite green paddy fields stretching out to the horizon.
Day 15: Fort Kochi
Now after a wonderful 15-day experience, you end your trip in the charming and multi-cultural port town of Fort Kochi, where you will observe the remnants of Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Jewish cultures on the decor, places of worship, and the overall friendly and artistic feel throughout this town. Fort Kochi is the perfect setting to reflect on your experience concocting some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Use this time also to eat one last lovely Keralan meal before heading to the nearby international airport.
Chinese Fishing Nets: The cantilevered fishing nets jutting out over the water are Kochi’s icons; and they look their best late-afternoon into sunset, when you may watch the fishermen deploy their artistry while relishing one last lovely sunset over the Arabian Sea.
St. Francis Church & Jewish Synagogue: Next is India’s oldest European Church where Vasco da Gama was laid to rest initially. Next, it is time to visit the fun Jew Town area and the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the commonwealth.
Kerala Kathakali Centre: Finally, you must finish your trip with a performance of Kerala’s classical dance-drama, called Kathakali, featuring extraordinary performers who will convey ancient stories by way of gestures, body language, elaborate costume, and artful makeup.
Wrapping Up
And all at once, two weeks of incredible magic come to an end. You traveled the breadth of Southern India, from the spiritual fires of Madurai to the calm waters of Alleppey and from the weathered stones of Mahabalipuram to colonial Kochi, and you experienced the true heart and soul of South India, something the common traveler will never touch and very few will truly experience. The fifteen-days South India tour itinerary was created so you could experience the incredible diversity that is Southern India–you had an entire cultural immersion of Southern India; you traveled to places, but you also traveled your soul!
Now, the only question is — where to next? Safe travels, and may your curiosity take you to your next adventure.
