🚗
Road Trip to Visit 15 Top Tourist Destinations of South India
🧭 Starting Point: Chennai | 🧍4 People | 🚘
By Own Car | 💰Budget: ₹1.75 Lakh
+ ₹25K Buffer | 🕒 18–21 Days
1. Chennai – The Gateway to South India
Chennai, the capital city
of Tamil Nadu, is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Start your
journey by exploring iconic landmarks like Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple,
and Fort St. George. The city also offers vibrant street food, shopping
markets, and cultural centers. Spend a day soaking in the essence of this
metropolis before you hit the road.
🔹
Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route Start Point: Chennai
- 📍 Local
Travel: City driving ~30 km | ⛽ ₹300
- 🏛️ Famous For: Beaches,
temples, British architecture
- 📌 Must
Visit: Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple, Fort Museum | 🎟️ ₹20–₹50
- 💳 Card
& Cash accepted widely
- 🏨 Stay
Options: Zostel, Treebo Nestlay, FabHotel Blossoms
(₹1,500–₹2,000)
- ⚠️ Precaution:
Heavy traffic in peak hours
- 📸 Tourist
Spots: Santhome Church, Government Museum
- 🍲 Local
Foods: Murugan Idli, Saravana Bhavan meals
- 💰 Avg.
Expense (4): ₹3,500
- ⏳
Time
Needed: 1 Day
- 💵 Buffer
+ Total: ₹3,500 + ₹500 = ₹4,000
2. Mahabalipuram – Ancient Coastal Marvel
Just a short drive from
Chennai, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is known for its rock-cut temples and ancient
coastal architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers breathtaking
views of the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas. You can also enjoy serene beach
walks and local handicraft shopping.
🔹
Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route:
Chennai → Mahabalipuram
via ECR
- 📍 Distance:
~60 km | ⛽ ₹500
- 🏛️ Famous For:
Rock-cut temples, Shore Temple
- 📌 Must
Visit: Shore Temple, Five Rathas | 🎟️ ₹40
- 💳 Cash
preferred at local stalls
- 🏨 Stay:
Hotel Mamalla Heritage, Sea Breeze, Daphne Hotel (₹1,200–₹1,800)
- ⚠️ Precaution:
Sunscreen essential, avoid high noon visits
- 📸 Tourist
Spots: Arjuna’s Penance, Lighthouse
- 🍲 Local
Foods: Fresh seafood, South Indian thali
- 💰 Avg.
Expense (4): ₹3,500
- ⏳
Time
Needed: 1 Day
- 💵 Buffer
+ Total: ₹3,500 + ₹500 = ₹4,000
3. Pondicherry – French Vibes by the Sea
Pondicherry offers a
charming fusion of French and Indian cultures. Explore the white-washed
buildings of White Town, Auroville’s unique spiritual township, and relax by
Rock Beach or Paradise Beach. Ideal for leisure, yoga, and food lovers.
🔹
Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route:
Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry
via ECR
- 📍 Distance:
~100 km | ⛽ ₹700
- 🏛️ Famous For:
Auroville, colonial architecture
- 📌 Must
Visit: Aurobindo Ashram, Rock Beach | 🎟️ Free
- 💳 Card
& Cash accepted
- 🏨 Stay:
Auro Resort, Budget Inn, Nila Home Stay (₹1,500–₹2,000)
- ⚠️ Precaution:
ID proof needed for Auroville
- 📸 Tourist
Spots: French War Memorial, Serenity Beach
- 🍲 Local
Foods: French crepes, filter coffee
- 💰 Avg.
Expense (4): ₹4,000
- ⏳
Time
Needed: 1 Day
- 💵 Buffer
+ Total: ₹4,000 + ₹500 = ₹4,500
4. Chidambaram – Spiritual Vibes in Temple Town
Chidambaram is a
lesser-known gem famed for the grand Nataraja Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The town is deeply spiritual and serene. The temple’s architecture reflects
cosmic philosophies, making it a must-visit for cultural and religious
travelers.
🔹
Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route:
Pondicherry → Chidambaram
- 📍 Distance:
~65 km | ⛽ ₹400
- 🏛️ Famous For:
Nataraja Temple
- 📌 Must
Visit: Nataraja Temple | 🎟️
Free
- 💳 Cash
preferred at temple premises
- 🏨 Stay:
Hotel Grand Palace Stay, Lakshmi Vilas (₹1,200–₹1,800)
- ⚠️ Precaution:
Dress modestly for temple visit
- 📸 Tourist
Spots: Temple tank, sculptures
- 🍲 Local
Foods: Traditional Tamil veg meals
- 💰 Avg.
Expense (4): ₹3,000
- ⏳
Time
Needed: Half-Day or 1 Day
- 💵 Buffer
+ Total: ₹3,000 + ₹500 = ₹3,500
5. Thanjavur
– The City of Temples and Art
Famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple,
Thanjavur is an ancient seat of Tamil culture, music, and art. The Big Temple,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as an architectural marvel built by Raja
Raja Chola I. Visit the Tanjore Palace, art gallery, and shop for Tanjore
paintings. A spiritual and artistic delight.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Chidambaram →
Thanjavur (~130 km)
- 📍 Distance: 130 km | ⛽ ₹800
- 🏛️ Famous For: Big Temple, Tanjore
painting
- 📌 Must Visit: Brihadeeswarar Temple
| 🎟️ ₹40
- 💳 Cash & Card both accepted
- 🏨 Stay: Svatma, Star Residency,
Hotel Gnanam (₹1,500–₹2,000)
- ⚠️
Temple timings strict, early visit preferred
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Tanjore Palace,
Saraswathi Mahal Library
- 🍲 Local Foods: Tamil Nadu meals,
onion uthappam
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹4,000
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹4,000 + ₹500 =
₹4,500
6. Madurai – Temple City
with Timeless Energy
Known as the “Athens of the East,”
Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple is an iconic structure of devotion and
architecture. The city buzzes with street markets, temple music, and local
delicacies. The temple complex and Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace are major draws.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Thanjavur →
Madurai (~190 km)
- 📍 Distance: 190 km | ⛽ ₹1,000
- 🏛️ Famous For: Meenakshi Temple,
ancient culture
- 📌 Must Visit: Meenakshi Temple | 🎟️ ₹50
- 💳 Card accepted at most places
- 🏨 Stay: Hotel Royal Court, Astoria,
Weshtern Park (₹1,500–₹2,000)
- ⚠️
Wear comfortable footwear; long walks inside temple
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Nayakkar Mahal,
Gandhi Museum
- 🍲 Local Foods: Parotta,
Jigarthanda, Kari dosa
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹4,000
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹4,000 + ₹500 =
₹4,500
7. Rameswaram – The
Sacred Island
Rameswaram
is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, connected by the historic Pamban
Bridge. The Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agni Theertham, and Dhanushkodi ruins are
must-visits. A spiritual yet scenic destination.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Madurai →
Rameswaram (~175 km)
- 📍 Distance: 175 km | ⛽ ₹1,000
- 🏛️ Famous For: Ramanathaswamy Temple
- 📌 Must Visit: Temple &
Dhanushkodi | 🎟️ ₹50
- 💳 Card & Cash accepted
- 🏨 Stay: Jiwan Residency, Daiwik Hotel
(₹1,500–₹2,000)
- ⚠️
Dress conservatively, remove footwear before entry
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Pamban Bridge,
Abdul Kalam Memorial
- 🍲 Local Foods: Sambar idli, fish
curry (coastal)
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹4,500
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹4,500 + ₹500 =
₹5,000
8. Kanyakumari – Where
Oceans Meet
Located
at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari offers a magical sunrise and
sunset view over the confluence of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian
Sea. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Rameswaram →
Kanyakumari (~300 km)
- 📍 Distance: 300 km | ⛽ ₹1,400
- 🏛️ Famous For: Ocean view, cultural
convergence
- 📌 Must Visit: Vivekananda Rock
Memorial | 🎟️ ₹50 boat + ₹20
entry
- 💳 Card & Cash accepted
- 🏨 Stay: Sea View Hotel, Tri Sea
Hotel, Hotel Seashore (₹1,200–₹1,800)
- ⚠️
Boat rides stop by 4:30 PM
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Sunset Point,
Gandhi Mandapam
- 🍲 Local Foods: Fish fry, Kerala
rice meals
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹4,500
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹4,500 + ₹500 =
₹5,000
9. Trivandrum – Kerala's
Capital Charm
A
blend of beaches, temples, and museums, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) houses
the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Enjoy a mix of history and greenery here,
with scenic beaches like Kovalam just nearby.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Kanyakumari →
Trivandrum (~100 km)
- 📍 Distance: 100 km | ⛽ ₹600
- 🏛️ Famous For: Padmanabhaswamy
Temple
- 📌 Must Visit: Temple & Napier
Museum | 🎟️ ₹50–₹100
- 💳 Card accepted at most places
- 🏨 Stay: Ginger, Apollo Dimora,
Hycinth (₹1,500–₹2,000)
- ⚠️
Temple entry only in traditional attire
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Kovalam Beach,
Museum
- 🍲 Local Foods: Kerala sadya, appam
& stew
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹4,000
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹4,000 + ₹500 =
₹4,500
10. Alleppey – Backwaters
and Houseboats
Known
as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is famous for its scenic backwaters and
traditional houseboat stays. Cruising through the canals with coconut trees all
around is a must-do experience.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Trivandrum →
Alleppey (~150 km)
- 📍 Distance: 150 km | ⛽ ₹800
- 🏛️ Famous For: Houseboats,
backwaters
- 📌 Must Visit: Backwater Cruise | 🎟️ ₹2,500–₹3,500 (half-day boat)
- 💳 Card & UPI accepted
- 🏨 Stay: Houseboat (₹4,000–₹5,000/4p),
KTC Guest House
- ⚠️
Book boats in advance (off-season cheaper)
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Vembanad Lake,
Alleppey Beach
- 🍲 Local Foods: Karimeen fry,
tapioca
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹6,000
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹6,000 + ₹500 =
₹6,500
11. Munnar – Tea Gardens
in the Clouds
A
hill station in Kerala, Munnar is famous for tea estates, misty mountains, and
waterfalls. Explore Eravikulam National Park and Mattupetty Dam. Ideal for
relaxation.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Alleppey →
Munnar (~160 km)
- 📍 Distance: 160 km | ⛽ ₹900
- 🏛️ Famous For: Tea plantations,
wildlife
- 📌 Must Visit: Tea Museum,
Eravikulam Park | 🎟️ ₹60–₹200
- 💳 Card & UPI widely accepted
- 🏨 Stay: Green Ridge, Tea Country,
Zostel (₹1,200–₹1,800)
- ⚠️
Slippery roads in monsoon
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Top Station, Echo
Point
- 🍲 Local Foods: Idiyappam, stew,
cardamom tea
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹4,500
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹4,500 + ₹500 =
₹5,000
12. Thekkady – Wildlife
and Spice Trails
Home
to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady offers jungle safaris, spice garden
tours, and boating. Nature lovers and thrill-seekers will enjoy this
destination.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Munnar →
Thekkady (~90 km)
- 📍 Distance: 90 km | ⛽ ₹500
- 🏛️ Famous For: Wildlife sanctuary
- 📌 Must Visit: Periyar Boat Ride | 🎟️ ₹225/person
- 💳 Card/Cash both accepted
- 🏨 Stay: Periyar Woods, Jungle
Palace (₹1,200–₹1,800)
- ⚠️
Forest entry timing restricted
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Spice plantations,
Bamboo rafting
- 🍲 Local Foods: Kerala chicken
roast, idiyappam
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹4,500
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹4,500 + ₹500 =
₹5,000
13. Coimbatore –
Industrial & Temple Hub
A
mix of modern industry and spiritual roots, Coimbatore is home to Marudamalai
Temple and Isha Yoga Center with the iconic Adiyogi statue. Great for a quick
spiritual and restful halt.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Thekkady →
Coimbatore (~190 km)
- 📍 Distance: 190 km | ⛽ ₹1,000
- 🏛️ Famous For: Temples, Isha Center
- 📌 Must Visit: Adiyogi, Marudamalai
| 🎟️ Free
- 💳 UPI & Card widely accepted
- 🏨 Stay: Zibe Coimbatore, Hotel
Kiscol Grands (₹1,500–₹2,000)
- ⚠️
Plan Isha Center entry by afternoon
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Gedee Car Museum,
Adiyogi
- 🍲 Local Foods: Kothu parotta,
banana chips
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹4,000
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹4,000 + ₹500 =
₹4,500
14. Ooty – Queen of the
Hills
Ooty’s
scenic beauty, lake boating, and toy train rides make it a favorite hill
station in Tamil Nadu. Visit tea factories and botanical gardens. Great spot to
unwind near the end of the trip.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Coimbatore →
Ooty (~90 km)
- 📍 Distance: 90 km | ⛽ ₹500
- 🏛️ Famous For: Hills, gardens, lake
- 📌 Must Visit: Botanical Garden,
Lake | 🎟️ ₹30–₹200
- 💳 Card/UPI accepted
- 🏨 Stay: Sherlock, Green Nest Resort
(₹1,800–₹2,200)
- ⚠️
Chilly nights – carry warm clothes
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Doddabetta Peak,
Tea Museum
- 🍲 Local Foods: Nilgiri tea, varkey
biscuit
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹5,000
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹5,000 + ₹500 =
₹5,500
15. Mysore – The Royal
City
The
final stop, Mysore boasts of palaces, silk, and sandalwood. Visit the grand
Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, and local bazaars before heading back to
Chennai.
🔹 Highlights:
- 🛣️ Route: Ooty →
Mysore → Chennai (~480 km return)
- 📍 Distance: Ooty to Mysore (125
km), Mysore to Chennai (360 km)
- ⛽ Fuel: ₹2,500
(combined)
- 🏛️ Famous For: Mysore Palace, silk,
yoga
- 📌 Must Visit: Palace | 🎟️ ₹100
- 💳 Card & UPI accepted
- 🏨 Stay: Hotel Roopa, Parklane Hotel
(₹1,500–₹2,000)
- ⚠️
Buy souvenirs early (markets close early)
- 📸 Tourist Spots: Palace, Brindavan
Gardens
- 🍲 Local Foods: Mysore masala dosa,
Mysore Pak
- 💰 Avg. Expense (4): ₹4,500
- ⏳ Time Needed: 1
Day
- 💵 Buffer + Total: ₹4,500 + ₹500 =
₹5,000
📆 Total Number of Days
Required: 18–21 Days
If you're planning to take a 6–7-seater rented car with a
driver instead of using your own vehicle, here's a breakdown of
additional
costs you can expect for a 21-day South India road trip covering 15
destinations:
🚘 Rented Car with Driver – Estimated Additional Cost
✅ 1. Car
Rental Charges (with Driver)
- Type of Vehicle: Innova
Crysta / Ertiga / Xylo (AC)
- Daily Rate (All
Inclusive):
₹4,000–₹4,500 per day
(Includes driver allowance, fuel, intercity tolls, taxes, and limited km/day – usually 250–300 km)
For 21 days:
₹4,000 ×
21 = ₹84,000 (minimum)
₹4,500 ×
21 = ₹94,500 (maximum)
✅ 2. Parking
Charges at Tourist Sites
- Approx. ₹50–₹100 per site/day × 15–18 sites = ₹1,200–₹1,500
✅ 3. Driver
Tips (Optional but recommended)
- ₹100–₹200 per day × 21 days = ₹2,100–₹4,200
🧾 Impact
on Total Trip Budget
If your original own-car trip budget was ₹1.75
lakh (for 4 people) including ₹14,000 for fuel, then:
- Subtract fuel cost: ₹1,75,000 – ₹14,000 =
₹1,61,000
- Add rental cost (with driver): ₹1,61,000 +
₹87,000–₹1,00,000
- ✅
New
Total Trip Budget with Rental Car: ₹2.48
– ₹2.61 lakh (for 4 people)
- ✅
Per Person Cost (4 people): ₹62,000 – ₹65,250
✅
Benefits of Renting:
- No car maintenance worries
- Local driver familiar with regional roads
- Rest for all passengers
- Safe night parking and guidance
Adv
⚠️ Disclaimer: This blog is intended
to serve as a general travel guide for a road trip across top destinations in
South India. The routes, distances, expenses, and stay suggestions are
estimated based on 2024–2025 travel trends and are subject to change based on
fuel prices, seasonal fluctuations, personal preferences, and local regulations.
Readers are advised to verify details such as hotel availability, road
conditions, opening hours of tourist attractions, and COVID-19 or government
travel advisories before planning their trip. The budget includes an additional
buffer of ₹25,000 for emergencies or unexpected costs. Travel responsibly and
ensure all necessary vehicle documents, IDs, and safety equipment are carried
throughout the journey.
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#ExploreSouthIndia #ChennaiToKanyakumari #SouthIndiaTourPlan #BudgetTripIndia
#HillStationsOfSouth #CulturalTourIndia #TravelWithFriends #IndianRoadTrips
#UNESCOSitesIndia #HouseboatKerala #SouthIndiaFoodTrail #TempleTourIndia
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