22 days in South India Itinerary

Pack the 6th (Fri) with family-friendly diversions at Ramoji Film City. There's much more to do: explore the historical opulence of Golconda Fort, take in the spiritual surroundings of Charminar, look for gifts at Krishna Jewellers Pearls & Gems, and admire the striking features of Taj Falaknuma Palace.

For reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Hyderabad trip planning site.

Atlanta, USA to Hyderabad is an approximately 23.5-hour flight. You'll lose 10.5 hours traveling from Atlanta to Hyderabad due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Atlanta in January, expect Hyderabad to be warmer, temps between 86°F and 61°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Mon) to allow time for the flight to Chennai.

Explore Chennai's surroundings by going to Mahabalipuram (Pancha Rathas, The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology, &more). There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Marina Beach, see the interesting displays at Government Museum, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, and admire the landmark architecture of University of Madras.

For reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Chennai journey maker site.

You can fly from Hyderabad to Chennai in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Hyderabad in January since evenings lows in Chennai dip to 69°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Fri) so you can fly to Madurai.

Madurai is known for historic sites, sightseeing, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: see the interesting displays at Gandhi Memorial Museum, admire the landmark architecture of Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yoga Narasimhar Temple, and indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Madurai road trip planning site.

You can fly from Chennai to Madurai in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In January, plan for daily highs up to 84°F, and evening lows to 70°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly to Pondicherry.

Pondicherry is known for sightseeing, beaches, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: go for a stroll along the water at Seaside Promenade, enjoy the sand and surf at Paradise Beach, pause for some serene contemplation at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and don't miss a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Pondicherry route planner.

You can fly from Madurai to Pondicherry in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can go by car to Ooty (Udhagamandalam).

Ooty (Udhagamandalam) is known for nature, parks, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: admire the natural beauty at Government Botanical Garden, contemplate the waterfront views at Pykara Lake, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Doddabetta Peak, and pause for some serene contemplation at St. Stephen's Church.

To find photos, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Ooty (Udhagamandalam) trip maker website.

Traveling by car from Pondicherry to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. In January in Ooty (Udhagamandalam), expect temperatures between 78°F during the day and 62°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Sun) to allow time for the car ride to Rameswaram.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): take in the views from Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge and then make a trip to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial. Keep things going the next day: kick back and relax at Dhanushkodi Beach Point and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Water Bird Sanctuary.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Rameswaram trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Ooty (Udhagamandalam) to Rameswaram takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of taxi and train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.