10-Day Southern India Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Southern India tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day South India Temple Tour Itinerary, incl. Bangalore and Hampi

  

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  • Day 1

    Bangalore Arrival

    Your journey begins when you land at Bangalore International Airport. Take the afternoon to settle in and explore local markets. A key tip from a traveler: "Foreign exchange at the airport is essential since ATMs limit daily withdrawals to about $50, and credit cards aren't widely accepted in South India."

    
  • Days 2-3

    Bangalore to Hassan Region (185 km/3 hours)

    Visit Bangalore's Bull Temple and Cubbon Park before driving to Hassan. Spend the next day at the stunning 12th-century Hoysala temples in Belur and Halebid. The stone carvings here represent some of India's best architectural work. Get there early to beat the heat and crowds.

    
  • Day 4

    Shravanabelagola Day Trip (51 km each way)

    Visit the impressive 57-foot Bahubali statue. You'll need to climb 614 steps barefoot to reach it. A practical tip: bring socks because the stone steps get very hot by midday. The site opens at 6:30 AM, so try to start your climb by 8 AM at the latest.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Badami Cave Temples

    Take the 5-hour drive to see Badami's 6th-century cave temples. A visitor shares: "The four cave temples require a fair bit of climbing. Wear comfortable shoes with grip as the stone steps can be slippery. The morning light is best for photography." Take side trips to Pattadakal and Aihole to see more ancient temples.

    
  • Day 7

    Hampi Exploration

    Head to Hospet near Hampi to explore the UNESCO ruins. The site is huge, so focus on the Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple complex. A recent visitor notes: "April temperatures hit 39°C (102°F) - carry plenty of water and plan indoor breaks between 12-3 PM when the heat is most intense."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Mysore and Return to Bangalore

    Take the 6-hour drive to Mysore. Check out the beautiful Maharaja's Palace and go up Chamundi Hill for city views. The next day, drive 2.5 hours back to Bangalore. Use your last afternoon to buy sandalwood products and local items in the city markets.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Use any free time before your flight for final shopping or sightseeing. Book an afternoon flight if possible to avoid Bangalore's heavy morning traffic.

    

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• 10 Day Kerala Itinerary, incl. Kochi and Munnar

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Kochi

    Begin in Fort Kochi in the mid-morning before the heat picks up. Walk through the historic quarter but wear good shoes on the uneven colonial streets. See St. Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets before 4 PM when the lighting is best for photos. "Watching the sunset through the fishing nets was magical, but bring mosquito repellent for the evening hours."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Munnar

    Start the 5-hour drive to Munnar early. The mountain roads can get foggy, so make sure you have a skilled driver. Visit Eravikulam National Park right when it opens at 7:30 AM to see the rare Nilgiri Tahr before clouds arrive. Plan to see Mattupetty Dam before 11 AM to avoid crowds.

    
  • Day 5

    Madurai

    Take the 6-hour drive to Tamil Nadu to visit the spectacular Meenakshi Temple. Go between 6-8 AM for morning puja or after 4 PM when it's cooler. Women need scarves for their shoulders, and everyone should bring socks since you'll remove shoes on hot stone floors.

    
  • Day 6

    Thekkady

    The 5-hour drive brings you to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Book the afternoon boat safari for wildlife viewing. You'll often see elephants near the lake at sunset. Visit spice gardens in the morning when they're quiet.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Kumarakom

    Slow down and enjoy the backwaters. Get to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary when it opens at 6:30 AM for the best bird watching. "Take the small country boats through narrow canals rather than just the big lake. You'll see real village life."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Alleppey & Return to Kochi

    Spend one full day on a traditional houseboat with upper deck viewing areas. Leave extra time for the 90-minute drive back to Kochi since traffic can be heavy. Book afternoon flights out if possible.

    

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• 10 Days in Kerala, incl. Kochi and Alleppey

  A grand tour of Southern India runs from Kochi through Munnar's tea estates and Madurai's temples. Wildlife sanctuaries, backwater cruises, and 6 unique destinations await. Includes 3/4-star hotels, guide services, and daily breakfast.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Kochi

    Begin your Kerala adventure in Fort Kochi. Visit the Chinese fishing nets early morning to see local fishermen at work. Walk to St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica before the heat of midday. "Fort Kochi beach at sunset is magical - bring a light jacket as evening sea breezes can be cool." Book your Kathakali performance tickets early since shows fill up quickly.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Munnar Hill Station (150km from Kochi)

    Start early to avoid traffic on the 5-hour mountain drive to Munnar. The curvy roads through tea plantations might cause motion sickness so sit in front and pack some ginger candy. Visit Eravikulam National Park in the morning for the best views. Spend your afternoon at Mattupetty Dam and the tea plantations. Bring a light sweater since temperatures are cooler at this altitude.

    
  • Day 5

    Madurai (200km from Munnar)

    Take the 6-hour journey to Madurai to see the stunning Meenakshi Temple. Visit the temple in early evening when sunlight illuminates the stonework beautifully. Get a local guide to help you understand the 14 gopurams and their significance. The streets around the temple are perfect for trying authentic South Indian street food.

    
  • Day 6

    Thekkady (150km from Madurai)

    Visit Periyar Lake for wildlife watching. Book the afternoon boat safari for better wildlife spotting. "The morning mist over Periyar Lake is ethereal - but afternoon safaris actually let you see more wildlife." Make time for the spice plantations before you leave.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Kumarakom (135km from Thekkady)

    Discover the famous Kerala backwaters. Start with a morning walk in the bird sanctuary. Bring binoculars if you want to spot rare birds. The houseboats here offer a quieter experience than Alleppey. Take a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake for great photos.

    
  • Day 9

    Alleppey (45km from Kumarakom)

    Drive to Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East. Stay on a traditional houseboat or pick a waterfront resort. Go out early morning when the backwater canals are quiet and watch local life unfold. In the evening, walk through a village to see coir rope making and toddy tapping.

  • Day 10

    Return to Kochi (55km from Alleppey)

    Book an afternoon flight to avoid morning traffic back to Kochi. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. Stop at local markets for spices and handicrafts if you have time. You will find better prices here than at the airport.

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