28 days in India Itinerary

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Madurai sits on the banks of the River Vaigai and serves as a center of Tamil culture.

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and Aayiram Kaal Mandapam are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Visit Karpagavinayagar Temple and Palani Murugan Temple for their historical value. There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Alagarkoil Temple and Shrine, admire the landmark architecture of Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, see the interesting displays at Gandhi Memorial Museum, and take in the dramatic natural features at Samanar Hills.

For maps, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Madurai sightseeing planning site .

If you are flying in from United States, the closest major airport is Madurai Airport. In February, plan for daily highs up to 87°F, and evening lows to 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Tiruchirappalli.

Located in the center of the state, the ancient city of Tiruchirappalli--or Trichy/Tiruchi as it is more commonly known--remains rich in Tamil culture.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Mon): don't miss a visit to Sri Ayyappan Temple, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Vekkali Amman Temple, and then explore the striking landscape at Rock Fort Temple. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Jambukeswarar Temple and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read Tiruchirappalli trip builder app .

You can drive from Madurai to Tiruchirappalli in 2 hours. Another option is to take a train. In February, daily temperatures in Tiruchirappalli can reach 92°F, while at night they dip to 70°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Tue) so you can drive to Rameswaram.

A trip to Rameswaram on Pamban Island will take you across a long limestone shoal bridge with spectacular ocean scenery.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): take in the spiritual surroundings of Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple, contemplate the waterfront views at Agnitheertham, then snap pictures at Pamban bridge, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hanuman Temple. On the 13th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: don't miss a visit to Burial Place of APJ Abdul Kalam, take in the views from Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Ruined Temple/Church of Dhanushkodi, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Dhanushkodi Beach.

To see other places to visit, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Rameswaram trip planner .

Drive from Tiruchirappalli to Rameswaram in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 14th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Kodaikanal.

A cool and relaxing hill station, Kodaikanal has long attracted visitors up to its privileged position in the Western Ghats.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Sat): take some stellar pictures from Pillar Rocks, then delve into the lush surroundings at Pine Forest, then explore the activities along Kodaikanal Lake, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple. Keep things going the next day: cruise along Silent Valley View Point, contemplate the waterfront views at Berijam Lake, then pick up a one of a kind souvenir at Dynasty, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kurinji Andavar Temple.

To find photos, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Kodaikanal day trip planning tool .

Drive from Rameswaram to Kodaikanal in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi. In February, daily temperatures in Kodaikanal can reach 87°F, while at night they dip to 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 17th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive back home.

Tea gardens and eucalyptus trees scent the air of the fields surrounding Ooty, a popular summer tourism destination up in the hills.

On the 18th (Tue), look for all kinds of wild species at Mudumalai National Park, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Doddabetta Peak, and then see the interesting displays at Tea Museum. Keep things going the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Karaimadai Ranganathar Temple, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Palamalai Ranganathar Temple, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Elk Hill Murugan Temple.

Find out how to plan Ooty (Udhagamandalam) trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Getting from Kodaikanal to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) by car takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 91°F, and evening lows to 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 20th (Thu) to allow time for the car ride back home.

Tirunelveli ), also known as Nellai and historically descended in the form of a hedge and roof to save the paddy crop of a devotee. On the 21st (Fri), take in the dramatic scenery at Courtallam Falls and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Thiruchendur Murugan Temple. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the dramatic scenery at Manimutharu Water Falls and then look for all kinds of wild species at Kalakkadu Sanctuary.

To find maps, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Tirunelveli route maker website .

Traveling by car from Ooty (Udhagamandalam) to Tirunelveli takes 8.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight. Traveling from Ooty (Udhagamandalam) in February, Tirunelveli is a bit warmer at night with lows of 75°F. On the 23rd (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Kanyakumari.

Located at the most southerly point of mainland India, Kanyakumari has long attracted pilgrims and those keen to see the end of the road.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Padmanabhapuram Palace and Bhagavathy Amman Temple. Get some cultural insight at Thanumalayan temple - Sthanumalayan Kovil and Jain Temple Kanyakumari. There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Kanyakumari Beach, make a trip to Gandhi Memorial, take in the dramatic scenery at Thirparappu Waterfalls, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Shirdhi Sai Baba Temple, Kanyakumari.

To find photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Kanyakumari planning app .

You can drive from Tirunelveli to Kanyakumari in 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 89°F in February, and nighttime lows around 75°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) so you can go by car to Mahabalipuram.

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.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Sea Shore Temple and Monuments at Mahabalipuram. Escape the urban bustle at Mahishasuramardini Cave and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Covelong Beach, don't miss a visit to Tiger Cave, admire the striking features of Pancha Rathas, and explore the fascinating underground world of Trimurti Cave.

For where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, use the Mahabalipuram online vacation planner .

Traveling by car from Kanyakumari to Mahabalipuram takes 10 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Kanyakumari in February, plan for slightly colder nights in Mahabalipuram, with lows around 70°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) so you can go by car to Thanjavur.

A bastion of South Indian culture and heritage, Thanjavur entrances visitors from all over the world with its architecture, distinct art style, and the Great Living Chola Temples, landmarks of the city and a World Heritage Site.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Sun): explore the world behind art at Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Airavatesvara Temple, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uppiliappan Temple. On the 2nd (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sri Ramalingaswami Temple, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, and then admire the landmark architecture of Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

For maps, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Thanjavur tour planner.

Traveling by car from Mahabalipuram to Thanjavur takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, flight, and taxi; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 92°F in February, and nighttime lows around 70°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Tue) to allow enough time to drive back home.