3-Week Southern India Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Southern India tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Day South India Itinerary, incl. Chennai and Mysore

  The 20-day route through Southern India winds from Chennai to Mumbai, featuring the UNESCO Shore Temple, wildlife encounters at Periyar, Kerala's serene backwaters, and historic Cochin's cultural treasures.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Chennai & Mahabalipuram

    Start at Fort St. George in Chennai before the afternoon heat sets in. Visit the Fort Museum in the morning when lighting conditions are ideal for viewing colonial artifacts. Take a 2-hour drive to Mahabalipuram. The Shore Temple looks best between 5-6 PM when sunlight bathes the ancient stones in a golden glow.

  • Days 3-4

    Tanjore & Trichy

    The morning drive to Tanjore takes about 6 hours. One traveler shared: "The Brihadeshwara temple at sunrise was breathtaking. Bring a shawl to cover shoulders - temple rules are strict." Visit the Rock Fort in Trichy during early morning or late afternoon to avoid climbing 400+ steps in midday heat.

  • Days 5-6

    Madurai

    You'll need a full day for the Meenakshi Temple complex. Begin at the eastern entrance at 6 AM to beat the crowds. A visitor noted: "The thousand-pillar hall was less crowded before 9 AM, perfect for photos without tour groups."

  • Days 7-8

    Periyar & Kovalam

    Take the 7 AM boat safari in Periyar for optimal wildlife spotting. The 6-hour drive to Kovalam has some winding roads. Consider motion sickness medication if needed. For swimming at Kovalam's lighthouse beach, go before 10 AM when waters are calmest.

  • Days 9-11

    Kerala Backwaters

    Stay in Alleppey to explore the backwaters. Book an overnight houseboat trip. A recent traveler advised: "Basic boats have noisy generators. Worth paying extra for solar-powered ones." Remember to pack mosquito repellent for sunset hours.

  • Days 12-13

    Cochin

    The Chinese fishing nets offer great photo opportunities at dawn. Visit the spice market around mid-morning as vendors set up their stalls. Book front row seats for Kathakali dance shows to catch the intricate facial expressions that tell the story.

  • Days 14-16

    Mysore & Hassan

    Visit Mysore Palace on weekdays to avoid crowds. Take on Chamundi Hill's 1000 steps early before the sun intensifies at 9 AM. Wear shoes with good grip for the uneven stone paths at Hassan's Hoysala temples.

  • Days 17-20

    Hampi & Bangalore

    Spend two full days exploring Hampi. Get to Vitthala Temple before 8 AM to see the musical pillars without crowds. The boulder landscapes look spectacular in early morning or late afternoon light. Plan extra time for your final transfer to Bangalore airport due to heavy traffic.

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• 19 Days in South India, incl. Chennai and Goa

  The 19-day route through Southern India connects 17 cities from Chennai to Mumbai. Highlights include the UNESCO Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, two wildlife sanctuaries, and three blissful days in Goa's coastal paradise.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Chennai & Mahabalipuram

    Start at Chennai's Kapaleeshwar Temple and Marina Beach. Visit the beach before 9 AM to beat the heat and crowds. Take a 2-hour drive to Kanchipuram's silk markets and temples the next day, then go to Mahabalipuram. The Shore Temple looks beautiful at sunset and you'll enjoy cooler temperatures.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Pondicherry & Thanjavur

    Walk Pondicherry's quiet streets in the morning. Visit Auroville between 2-4 PM when the Matrimandir viewing point is less crowded. Take the 4-hour drive to Thanjavur to see the impressive Brihadeeshwara Temple. Bring good walking shoes since the temple grounds are large and open to the sun.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Madurai & Periyar

    Watch the evening aarti at Madurai's Meenakshi Temple around 9 PM. Get there 30 minutes early for a good spot. Next day, drive 4 hours to Periyar National Park. Book your wildlife safari ahead of time since spots fill up quickly.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Cochin to Mudumalai

    See Cochin's Chinese fishing nets in the early morning when fishermen are working. Take the scenic 7-hour drive to Ooty through the Western Ghats. In Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, book morning safaris for better wildlife viewing.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Mysore to Hampi

    Visit Mysore Palace early before the crowds arrive. Break up the long drive to Hassan and Hospet with stops at local restaurants to try Karnataka food. Explore Hampi's ruins in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and it's cooler.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Badami to Goa

    The Badami rock-cut temples need some climbing. Bring good shoes and water. Continue through Bijapur and Belgaum to reach Goa. It's a long drive but you'll see interesting Karnataka architecture along the way.

  • Days 16-19

    Goa & Mumbai Departure

    Relax in Goa for your final days. North Goa's Calangute and Baga are livelier, while South Goa's Palolem and Agonda are more peaceful. Book an afternoon flight from Mumbai to avoid morning traffic from Goa.

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• 20 Days in South India, incl. Chennai and Mumbai

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Chennai & Mahabalipuram

    Start in Chennai to explore colonial sites like Old Government House and Marina Beach. Drive 2 hours south to Mahabalipuram (70km) after 10 AM to skip Chennai's morning traffic. Plan to photograph the ancient shore temples at sunset.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kanchipuram & Tanjore

    Visit Kanchipuram's silk weaving centers early since most close by 5 PM. Take the 6-hour drive to Tanjore (300km) to see the stunning UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple. Get a local guide to explain the detailed carvings.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Madurai & Trichy

    Stop at Trichy's Rock Fort temple on your way to Madurai. Bring good shoes for the steep climb. Visit Madurai's Meenakshi Temple for the 6 PM aarti ceremony. The crowds can be intense, so consider getting an authorized guide.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Kerala Coast

    Go wildlife spotting in Periyar before heading to Kovalam's beaches. Book Ayurvedic treatments early as good centers fill up fast. Stay overnight on a houseboat near Alleppey. Ask for an upper deck room for better views.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Cochin & Mysore

    See Fort Kochi early before it gets hot. The drive to Mysore is 380km (7-8 hours). Stop at Guruvayur temple to break up the trip. Watch the musical fountain show at Brindavan Gardens in the evening.

    
  • Days 13-16

    Hassan & Hampi

    Plan two full days for Hampi's UNESCO ruins. Start at 7 AM before the heat kicks in. Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky terrain. Rent a bicycle to see more sites.

    
  • Days 17-20

    Bangalore & Mumbai

    Finish your trip in India's tech hub and biggest city. Take the Colaba heritage walk in Mumbai early when streets are quiet. Schedule your departure flight after 4 PM to avoid traffic.

    

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