13 days in Tamil Nadu Itinerary

Chennai, a city hailed for its vibrant atmosphere and historic attractions, remains one of the most visited places in India.

Chennai is known for historic sites, beaches, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: tour the pleasant surroundings at Marina Beach, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and get in on the family fun at VGP Snow Kingdom.

To find reviews, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Chennai trip tool.

New York City, USA to Chennai is an approximately 22.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to India Standard Time is 10.5 hours. Prepare for much hotter weather when traveling from New York City in November: high temperatures in Chennai hover around 86°F and lows are around 73°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): explore the fascinating underground world of Mahishasuramardini Cave, don't miss a visit to Pancha Rathas, then meet the residents at The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon): explore the ancient world of Monuments at Mahabalipuram and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Shore Temple.

Plan my Mahabalipuram trip by asking Inpirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

Getting from Chennai to Mahabalipuram by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 86°F in November, and nighttime lows around 73°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) early enough to travel 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.

On the 24th (Tue), take in the spiritual surroundings of Jain Temple Kanyakumari, pause for some photo ops at Thiruvalluvar Statue, then make a trip to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Kanyakumari Beach.

To find ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Kanyakumari trip website.

Getting from Mahabalipuram to Kanyakumari by combination of flight and train takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of taxi and train. Expect a daytime high around 87°F in November, and nighttime lows around 76°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Madurai.

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.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Wed): gain a rich perspective with a tour of cultural highlights, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Tirupparankunram, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yoga Narasimhar Temple.

For traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read Madurai trip itinerary planning site.

Traveling by car from Kanyakumari to Madurai takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In November, daytime highs in Madurai are 85°F, while nighttime lows are 74°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) 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 26th (Thu): explore the ancient world of Dolmen Circle, then contemplate the waterfront views at Kodaikanal Lake, then take in nature's colorful creations at Bryant Park, and finally browse for treasures at Dynasty. On the 27th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the spiritual surroundings of Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple, then delve into the lush surroundings at Pine Forest, then take some stellar pictures from Pillar Rocks, and finally take in the pleasant sights at Coakers Walk.

For ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Kodaikanal online attractions planner.

You can drive from Madurai to Kodaikanal in 3 hours. Another option is to take a bus. November in Kodaikanal sees daily highs of 85°F and lows of 74°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) so you can drive to Ooty (Udhagamandalam).

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

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Sat): admire the natural beauty at Government Rose Garden, take in nature's colorful creations at Government Botanical Garden, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Doddabetta Peak, and finally revel in the low prices at Jai's King Star. Keep things going the next day: explore the activities along Ooty Lake, then explore the activities along Pykara Lake, and then admire the sheer force of Pykara Water Falls.

For ratings, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, use the Ooty (Udhagamandalam) road trip tool.

Traveling by car from Kodaikanal to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. In November, daily temperatures in Ooty (Udhagamandalam) can reach 87°F, while at night they dip to 71°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can travel back home.