29 days in South India Itinerary

Once an important sea port city in the ancient Pallava kingdom, Mahabalipuram today draws in visitors with UNESCO-listed monuments and temples carved out of rock during the 7th and 8th centuries CE. The structures showcase the decoration and form of early Dravidian architecture, and their distinctive designs, striking coloration, and scale still create an evocative atmosphere when studied closely and when seen as a whole.

Bring the kids along to Shore Temple and The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology. There's lots more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Pancha Rathas, explore the fascinating underground world of Mahishasuramardini Cave, explore the ancient world of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, and take an in-depth tour of Maritime Heritage Museum.

Ask Inspirock to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Mahabalipuram fast, fun, and easy.

Cincinnati, USA to Mahabalipuram is an approximately 28-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to India Standard Time is 10.5 hours. Plan for much warmer temperatures traveling from Cincinnati in December, with highs in Mahabalipuram at 85°F and lows at 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Pondicherry.

South Indian spiritualism meets French chic in Pondicherry, an interesting, unusual, and international destination on the Bay of Bengal.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Mon): take in the spiritual surroundings of Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, then go for a stroll along the water at Seaside Promenade, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Panchavati Anjaneya, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Paradise Beach, and then look for gifts at Domus.

For photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Pondicherry trip planning website.

Traveling by car from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi and train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) so you can fly to Kochi (Cochin).

A flourishing port city and magnet for the spice trade since the 15th century, Kochi (Cochin) proudly bears its distinct international influence and local Keralan culture.

Kids will enjoy Marari Beach and Chinese Fishing Nets. Take a break from Kochi (Cochin) with a short trip to Alappuzha Beach in Alappuzha, about 1h 40 min away. Spend the 28th (Wed) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Paradesi Synagogue, admire the landmark architecture of Jeevamatha Church, take a stroll through Jew Town, and browse the different shops at LuLu Mall.

To see maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Kochi (Cochin) driving holiday planner.

You can fly from Pondicherry to Kochi (Cochin) in 3 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or drive. December in Kochi (Cochin) sees daily highs of 89°F and lows of 75°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Sat) early enough to fly to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

Situated among a collection of low hills that lead up to the coastline, state capital Thiruvananthapuram acts as a base for exploration of the southern tip of the country.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Kovalam Beach and Napier Museum. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum): Kovalam (Lighthouse Beach & Spas & Wellness) and Varkala Town (Varkala Light House, Varkala Beach, &more). The adventure continues: examine the collection at Puthenmalika (Kuthiramalika) Palace and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sreekandeswaram Mahadeva Temple.

For photos, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, read Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) online vacation planner.

Getting from Kochi (Cochin) to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) are 88°F, while nighttime lows are 75°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) early enough to go by car to Thekkady.

Centered on an artificial lake, Thekkady provides a sanctuary to a diverse set of animals and plant species.

Bring the kids along to Periyar Tiger Reserve and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The adventure continues: explore the activities along Periyar Lake, see Off-Road Tours, relax and rejuvenate at Ayur Sparsh, and take in nature's colorful creations at Green Park Spices Thekkady.

Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Thekkady trip simple and quick.

Getting from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) to Thekkady by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and flight; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can drive to Munnar.

Sitting at the point where three mountain rivers meet, the hill station of Munnar has become known as a tea-growing center in the south of the country.

Kids will enjoy Mattupetty Dam and Munnar Hill Station. Next up on the itinerary: take in nature's colorful creations at Tea Gardens, take a stroll around Kalari Kshethra, get outside with Outdoor Activities, and see the interesting displays at Tea Museum.

To find other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Munnar trip planner.

Traveling by car from Thekkady to Munnar takes 3 hours. Expect a daytime high around 91°F in January, and nighttime lows around 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Mysuru (Mysore).

A historic and culturally distinctive city, Mysuru (Mysore) has all the stories, artworks, and architecture you'd hope to find in the former capital city of a rich kingdom.

On the 11th (Wed), step into the grandiose world of Mysuru Palace, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, and then take in the exciting artwork at The Hobby Place. On your second day here, admire the local landmark of Brindavan Garden, then examine the collection at R K Narayan House, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple.

For reviews, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Mysuru (Mysore) day trip planning website.

You can drive from Munnar to Mysuru (Mysore) in 6.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi, flight, and bus; or take a bus. In January, Mysuru (Mysore) is a bit cooler than Munnar - with highs of 78°F and lows of 62°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) to allow enough time to take a bus to Bengaluru.

Flourishing development and a bustling IT industry transformed Bangalore into a vibrant metropolis, but the city preserves its numerous historic and cultural sights.

Family-friendly places like Wonderla Amusement Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden will thrill your kids. Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of ISKCON Temple Bangalore, shop like a local with UB City, cross one thing off your bucket list with a skydiving experience, and step into the grandiose world of Bangalore Palace.

For photos, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Bengaluru travel app.

You can take a bus from Mysuru (Mysore) to Bengaluru in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. In January, daily temperatures in Bengaluru can reach 81°F, while at night they dip to 59°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Hyderabad.

Teeming with history and heritage, Hyderabad draws visitors from all over the world with its old Indo-Islamic buildings, forts, and museums.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Ramoji Film City and Salar Jung Museum. There's lots more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Birla Mandir, hunt for treasures at Laad Bazaar, admire the landmark architecture of Chowmahalla Palace, and appreciate the history behind Charminar.

For reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Hyderabad trip tool.

Getting from Bengaluru to Hyderabad by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or drive. In January, plan for daily highs up to 86°F, and evening lows to 61°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly back home.