Travel from Chennai

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 7th-century Pallava rock-cut temples and sculptures along the Coromandel Coast.

Best time: October to March (cooler months)

The "City of Thousand Temples" and one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, also famous for handwoven silk sarees.

Best time: October to March

India's second largest brackish water lagoon, home to thousands of flamingos during winter migration.

Best time: November to February (flamingo migration)

One of India's oldest bird sanctuaries, where thousands of migratory birds nest in a shallow lake from November to March.

Best time: November to March

An experimental township near Pondicherry dedicated to human unity, home to the golden Matrimandir and residents from over 50 countries.

Best time: October to March

A massive 16th-century Vijayanagara fort with a moat, and the ornate Sripuram Golden Temple covered in 1,500 kg of gold.

Best time: October to March

A former French colonial town with colourful streets, a serene promenade, Auroville, and excellent cafés.

Best time: October to March

A quiet hill station in the Eastern Ghats, offering cool weather, trekking trails, and a serene lake.

Best time: October to March

Home to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, the most visited religious site in the world.

Best time: September to March (avoid festival rush if possible)

The "Jewel of the South," a hill station in the Shevaroy Hills of Salem district with coffee plantations, a serene lake, and cool climate.

Best time: October to June (pleasant year-round except monsoon)

Known as the "Niagara of India," a dramatic set of waterfalls on the Kaveri River at the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border.

Best time: July to January (monsoon and post-monsoon)