Travel Itinerary South India
Travel 2 weeks through South India, this is my itinerary
India is a surprising country, it is huge, that is why most people choose to travel through a part of the country. The southern part is extremely exotic, and you will encounter friendly people, perfectly detailed temples and breathtakingly nature making it immensely beautiful to visit. The contrast with the North of India is stark, cities in the south are less crowded, people are more relaxed. Check out my travel itinerary of South India guide for tips and recommendations!
Online Itinerary Guide
Mahaballipuram
Most people will arrive in Chennai (formerly Madras) when starting their travel itinerary through South India. However, starting in Chennai is not truly worth it, the city is packed. Therefore, this journey begins in Mahabalipuram, a delightful quiet fishing village in the southeast of India, nestled along the sea. There are several nice cultural attractions to visit here. For instance, Pancha Rathas, a beautifully carved rock divided into five great monuments, awaits exploration. Additionally, a visit to the Arulmigu Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple offers a unique experience. Opposite the temple lies a lush green park featuring a remarkable Krishna’s Butter Ball, seemingly defying gravity for years.
Exploring South India: from Auroville to Kumbakonan
Travel itinerary South India - Auroville: stepping into serenity
Escape the chaos of city life as you venture into Auroville, a spiritual city nestled amidst lush greenery. Here, a magnificent gold-coloured ball houses a grand meditation centre exclusively accessible to community members. Immerse yourself in tranquillity and find solace in this serene oasis.
Pondicherry: where French elegance meets Indian vibrancy
Discover Pondicherry, the former capital of the French East Indies that once thrived under French rule from 1673 to 1954. The remnants of this colonial era still linger, with traces of French influence evident throughout the city. Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful long beach and breathe in the refreshing sea breeze.
Kumbakonan: a cultural extravaganza
Delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Kumbakonan, where intricate temples like Darasuram and Sarangapani Temple showcase exquisite architecture and vibrant colors. Lose yourself in the beauty and history of these remarkable landmarks as you explore the captivating city.
Madurai (via Thanjavur) - Travel itinerary South India
Thanjavur: a city of splendour
Make a visit to the magnificent Brihadishwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the intricate architecture and marvel at the divine aura that surrounds this sacred place. Do not miss the chance to explore the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, an architectural masterpiece adorned with vibrant colours and home to a fascinating museum showcasing exquisite bronze statues.
Majestic Madurai
Journey south westward to Madurai, known as the temple capital of Tamil Nadu, boasts the magnificent Sri Meenakshi Temple, one of India’s largest and most revered temples. However, bear in mind that there are strict dress codes in place, so it is important to dress modestly before entering this sacred space. Beyond the impressive temple, Madurai is also renowned for its famous flower market. Residents travel many kilometres to visit this popular and relatively small market, where a wide array of flowers is available for purchase as offerings. If you want to know more about all the cultural sights in the state of Tamil Nadu, then read my online travel guide!
Thekkady & Periyar NP
After all the impressive temples, suddenly you crave a little less culture and more nature. The route continues to the cooler town of Thekkady. The Periyar National Park borders this town, and that is the main reason why you want to visit this place. This nature reserve has a large population of indigenous species. You can almost guarantee spotting bison (also known as Gaur), the popular bird Kingfisher, Indian grey mongoose, and sambar deer. Large populations of elephants also live here which you can spot with luck and the Bengal tiger is as well among one of the inhabitants, but seeing one of the 42 tigers is very rare.
In Thekkady, you can see a popular martial art, the 3000-year-old ‘Kalaripayattu,’ which is impressive to see. This city is rich in spices that ‘just grow on trees’ over here, visit one of the spice plantations and then take a fun cooking class. If you want to know more about Thekkady and Periyar National Park, then check out my comprehensive hidden gem article.
Kochi - Travel itinerary South India
After the coolness of Thekkady, it is time for tropical warmth again. The route continues to Kochi, a lovely former fishing town where typical Chinese fishing nets can still be found. They are used less intensively these days, but they were originally placed by Chinese traders. Fort Kochi was occupied by various countries for many years, and it is clearly visible. Visit the Mattancherry Palace, where you will learn a lot about the occupations, the Dutch cemetery where the last Dutchman was buried until 1972, the beautiful synagogue, and stroll through the sultry streets Fort Kochi has to offer.
Kerala Backwaters - Travel itinerary South India
From Kochi, the route continues to the backwaters of Kerala. These waters are a chain of brackish lagoons and consist of 5 lakes along the Arabian Sea coast. Here, you can enjoy all the palm trees, local life along the water, and with luck, experience the fantastic sunset with all its amazing colours. If you want to know more, then read on in my online travel guide!
Kovalam Beach
Enjoy after your trip, in beautiful Kovalam, located on the beach, where you can completely relax after all the impressions you have gained during this trip. Especially visit the Vizhinjam Lighthouse Beach, where you can take a refreshing dip in the sea, walk along the boulevard in the evening, shop, and enjoy delicious food at one of the many restaurants.
If you are curious about a complete article about Kerala including Kochi, a traditional village, Varkala en Kovalam have a look at my online travel guide.
Travel tips & tricks, itinerary South India
Concluding the journey through South India, you have the possibility to fly back home from Trivandrum (adjacent to Kovalam). For those eager to discover all the tips & tricks for this destination, be sure to explore South India’s online prep guide. The following topics are mentioned, among others:
- Safety
- Currency
- Food
- Visas
- Languages
- Costs
- Transportation & travel times
- Best travel time
Consider to travel with a group tour
India is another way of travelling than you might be used to. That is why you could opt to book a wonderful journey through a group tour organization. I had the privilege of travelling with Sawadee, a group tour organization in The Netherlands, and made this wonderful journey with other group members and my father.
Last update: 21-02-2024 © Doris Leone
