3-Day Southern India Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Southern India tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Karnataka Itinerary, incl. Bangalore and Nagarhole National Park

  Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, and Nagarhole National Park showcase South India's diverse attractions. The trip includes 2 nights at premium lodges and 3 wildlife safaris with expert naturalists.

  

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  • Day 1

    Bangalore to Mysore to Kabini (230 km)

    Leave Bangalore by 7 AM to beat the morning traffic. The drive to Mysore takes 4-5 hours. Visit Mysore Palace in the late morning when the lighting is perfect for photos and you'll find fewer tourists. Foreign visitors pay about $7 USD for entry. Head to Chamundi Hills in the afternoon. You can drive up in 20 minutes or walk the 1000 steps if you're feeling energetic. After seeing St. Philomena's Church, make your way to Kabini, about 1.5 hours from Mysore.

    
  • Day 2

    Nagarhole National Park Safaris

    Your morning safari starts at 6:30 AM. Wear neutral colors to blend in with the environment. Tigers and elephants are most active during these early hours. Take a break at your lodge during the hottest part of the day. The afternoon safari begins around 3:30 PM. Take binoculars to spot some of the park's 250+ bird species. If you're visiting during dry season (October-May), bring a light scarf to protect yourself from dust during the drives.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Safari and Return to Bangalore

    Start your day with one last dawn safari when wildlife activity peaks. After breakfast, start your 5-6 hour journey back to Bangalore. If you have a flight to catch, give yourself at least 3 hours to reach and get through the airport from Kabini.

    

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• 3 Days in South India, incl. Chennai and Pondicherry

  The coastal circuit of Southern India spans 3 days through Chennai, Mahabalipuram, and Pondicherry. Starting from Marina Beach, visit Fort St. George before reaching UNESCO-listed Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas. The trip culminates in French-influenced Pondicherry, with stops at Aurobindo Ashram and Matrimandir in Auroville.

  

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  • Day 1

    Chennai to Mahabalipuram

    Get to Marina Beach in Chennai before 8 AM to see local fishermen with their morning catch and skip the midday heat. Visit Fort St. George mid-morning when the museum is quieter and you can better appreciate the colonial exhibits. The 2-hour coastal drive to Mahabalipuram offers great views of the Bay of Bengal plus photo opportunities of salt pans and fishing villages. Pro tip: Take an umbrella to the Shore Temple since shade is limited. Wear good shoes because the stone ground heats up significantly by afternoon. If you want to avoid crowds at the Pancha Rathas visit after 4 PM when tour groups have left.

  • Day 2

    Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

    Start your day at the Cave Temples before temperatures rise. Morning is also perfect to watch local craftsmen at work in their stone carving workshops. Plan your 90-minute drive to Pondicherry for after lunch to arrive in the cooler evening. The French Quarter (White Town) is beautiful at sunset. A recent visitor noted: "Walking through the bougainvillea-lined streets of Rue Suffren at dusk, with yellow-painted colonial buildings on both sides, felt like being transported to a different era—though watch out for the occasional speeding scooter!"

  • Day 3

    Pondicherry to Chennai

    Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple before 7 AM to see the temple elephant blessing visitors. For Auroville tours starting at 9 AM book your Matrimandir viewing spot a day ahead as spaces fill up quickly. The return drive to Chennai takes about 3.5 hours so time your departure based on your flight considering Chennai's heavy evening traffic. Remember to pack a scarf for temple visits to cover your shoulders and wear clothes that cover your knees. For the best photos visit temples early morning or late afternoon when sunlight brings out the stone's warm colors.

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• 3 Day South India Itinerary, incl. Goa and Badami

  A 500km round-trip from Goa to Badami showcases the UNESCO World Heritage Pattadakal complex and ancient cave temples. Two nights at Badami Court, with expert guiding and daily breakfast costs approx. $140 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Goa to Badami

    Leave your Goa hotel early. The 250km drive to Badami takes about 5 hours and morning traffic out of Goa can get busy. The route goes through the Western Ghats so bring motion sickness medication if you need it. Stop at Chorla Ghat viewpoint to take photos and stretch your legs. You'll reach Badami by early afternoon. The Badami Court hotel is a good choice since it's close to the cave temples. Take the rest of the day to walk around the town. It's small enough to explore on foot but keep in mind some streets are quite steep.

    
  • Day 2

    Badami's Ancient Sites

    Visit the Badami Cave Temples at 6 AM opening time to avoid crowds and intense heat. The temperature often reaches 95°F (35°C) by noon. Wear shoes with good grip because the stone steps can be slippery. You'll need 2-3 hours to properly see the four main caves. After lunch take a 30-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Pattadakal. Next is the Aihole archaeological site where you should definitely see the Durga Temple with its unique curved design. Remember to bring water and sun protection as these sites offer little shade.

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Goa

    The drive back to Goa takes 5-6 hours depending on traffic. If you have a late flight consider stopping at the spice plantations near Ponda. They're on the way and give you a good look at Goa's farming traditions. The return trip offers nice views of the Sahyadri mountains which are particularly beautiful during monsoon season from June to September.

    

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