South India

Here's an ideal itinerary for 8 days in South India that includes beaches and temples:

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Upon arrival in Chennai, you can check into your hotel and relax for a bit. In the afternoon, head to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. You can take a stroll along the beach, enjoy some street food, and watch the sunset.

Day 2: Explore Chennai's Temples

Start your day by visiting the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Afterward, visit the Parthasarathy Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in Chennai. In the evening, you can visit the San Thome Basilica, a stunning church built in the Gothic style.

Day 3: Pondicherry

Take a road trip to Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its beautiful beaches and colonial architecture. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, which was founded by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, The Mother. Later, explore the French Quarter, which has charming streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

Day 4: Mahabalipuram

Visit Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and monuments. Start your day by visiting the Shore Temple, a beautiful temple located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Afterward, visit the Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples carved out of granite.

Day 5: Kanyakumari

Take a train to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a famous Indian philosopher and spiritual leader. Later, visit the Kanyakumari Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari.

Day 6: Kovalam

Take a road trip to Kovalam, a beautiful beach town known for its pristine beaches and laid-back vibe. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sea, and enjoying some delicious seafood.

Day 7: Trivandrum

Visit Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Start your day by visiting the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a stunning temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Afterward, visit the Napier Museum, which has a collection of ancient artifacts and exhibits on Kerala's history and culture.

Day 8: Departure

On your last day, you can do some last-minute shopping or visit any places that you missed during your trip. Later, you can head to the airport for your flight back home.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to South India!