10-Day Southern India Tour Packages
Ten days in Southern India offer a chance for a truly memorable journey. Imagine strolling through Bangalore's parks, admiring the intricate sculptures of the Belur and Halebid temples, and looking up at the massive Gometeshwara statue in Sravanaelgola. Discover the marvels of Badami's cave temples, wander through the ancient remains of Hampi, and witness the beauty of Kathakali dance.
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
This 10-day trip through Southern India takes you to 8 cities including Hassan, Belur, Halebeedu, Badami, Hampi, Mysore, and Bangalore. You'll see the 12th-century Chennakesava Temple in Belur and the intricately carved Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebeedu, both masterpieces of Hoysala architecture. The 57-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali at Shravanabelgola dates back to the 8th century and stands as one of the highlights.
- 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.
10 Day Kerala Itinerary, incl. Kochi and Munnar
This 10-day itinerary covers 7 destinations across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with overnight stays at properties like Hotel Abad Copper Castle in Munnar and Backwater Retreat Honeymoon House in Kumarakom. The UNESCO-listed Meenakshi Temple in Madurai features intricate gopurams worth checking out, and you'll trek through Eravikulam National Park to spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Cruise Periyar Lake in Thekkady to see wild elephants in their natural habitat, then visit spice plantations and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for migratory Siberian cranes. Scenic drives take you through Kerala's Western Ghats between destinations.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Southern India 10 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Magnificent 10 Days South India Temple Tour Package from Bangalore(ALL INCLUSIVE)
10 Days Romantic Beaches and Backwaters Tour of Kerela(ALL INCLUSIVE)
Romantic Beaches and Backwaters 10 Days Tour of Kerela
South India Temples Tour With Kerala Total Spiritual All Inclusive
Southern India Tour with Beaches and Houseboat Experience
10-Day Kerala Cultural and Wellness Tour : Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Alleppey, Kovalam
Best of Kerala Tour
South India : Backwaters, Tea Plantations, Temples & Beach Stay W/Private Guide & Chauffer
Goa Hampi Badami Tour
Kerala & Beach - 10 days
What people love about 10-day Southern India tours
- Magnificent 10 Days South India Temple Tour Package from Bangalore(ALL INCLUSIVE)
In April 2024, we experienced the 10-day South India Temple Tour Package from Bangalore and the surrounding area with our driver Ramesh. We had the most amazing time which was made even better by Ramesh throughout the entire trip. The hotels which were booked were fantastic apart from the first hotel which was located on an industrial site and had no outside seating area. If you are planning on travelling to this part of the world and don’t mind the heat, then April is a fantastic time to go, however, if you do mind hot 39-degree temps each day then probably best not to book during April which is their hottest period. Things to consider: Footwear (socks are a must) as some sites do not allow sneakers or shoes to be worn. Make sure you have plenty of water as you’ll need it. Whilst breakfast was included, it was challenging to have each day, due to the distances travelled during the day and the early starts which were required. The route could have been planned better as on 2 occasions we were in the car for over 6 hours travelling. You can only withdraw up to £50 per day from cashpoint machines at any one time, therefore foreign exchange in the airport is always a good start. Credit Cards are not widely acceptable as are Travel Cards, cash is king in India. Be prepared for photo bombing and photo requests by lots and lots of people especially if you are travelling in the summer months. Winter months we understand aren’t so bad as there are more foreigners in the country. If you have the option of picking a driver, you will never regret using Ramesh. This man has a built-in Sat Nav and is so knowledgeable. He will even take you to places off the beaten track to show you the marvels of South India during this tour. Ramesh made our holiday a bit more special and is amazing. He is kind and caring, and it was important to him that we experience the best 10 days.
- 10 Days Romantic Beaches and Backwaters Tour of Kerela(ALL INCLUSIVE)
My partner and I recently went on the 10 Days Romantic Beaches and Backwaters Tour of Kerala and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and stunning views. The tour was all-inclusive, which made it even more convenient for us. We didn't have to worry about booking accommodations, transportation, or activities as everything was taken care of for us. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made sure we had a smooth and enjoyable trip. The first few days were spent on the beautiful beaches of Kerala. We were able to relax and soak up the sun while enjoying the crystal clear waters. The beaches were clean and not overcrowded, which made it a perfect romantic getaway for us. We also got to try some delicious seafood and local delicacies at the beachside restaurants. Next, we embarked on a backwater cruise through the famous Alleppey backwaters. It was a serene and peaceful experience, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional houseboats. We even got to try our hand at rowing a canoe, which was a fun and unique experience. One of the highlights of the tour was the stay at a traditional Kerala houseboat. It was a luxurious and romantic experience, with the boat being equipped with all the modern amenities. We enjoyed a delicious dinner on board, while watching the sunset over the backwaters. The tour also included visits to various cultural and historical sites, such as the Mattancherry Palace and Fort Kochi. We learned about the rich history and culture of Kerala, which added another dimension to our trip. The tour ended with a visit to the picturesque hill station of Munnar. The scenic drive through the tea plantations was breathtaking, and the cool weather was a welcome change from the hot beaches. We also got to visit a tea factory and taste some of the finest tea in the world. Overall, the 10 Days Romantic Beaches and Backwaters Tour of Kerala was an amazing experience. The combination of beaches, backwaters, and cultural visits made it a well-rounded trip. The all-inclusive package made it hassle-free and allowed us to fully relax and enjoy our time together. We highly recommend this tour to any couples looking for a romantic and unforgettable getaway.
- Romantic Beaches and Backwaters 10 Days Tour of Kerela
Our Romantic Beaches and Backwaters Tour of Kerala was an unforgettable experience. As Emily and Jonathan from the UK, we were looking for a peaceful and romantic holiday, and this tour exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, everything was perfectly organized. We started in Kovalam, where the calm beaches and breathtaking sunsets made our stay incredibly relaxing. Our beachfront resort offered stunning ocean views and created the perfect romantic atmosphere. The most memorable part of our trip was the houseboat cruise in Alleppey. Floating through the serene backwaters surrounded by greenery and coconut palms felt like a dream. The houseboat staff were warm and attentive, preparing delicious Kerala meals fresh onboard. It was intimate, peaceful, and absolutely enchanting. In Munnar, the cool mountain air and rolling tea plantations offered a refreshing change. We loved walking through the tea gardens, visiting the spice plantations, and enjoying an Ayurvedic spa session that was part of the tour pure bliss. What truly impressed us was the balance of relaxation, nature, and cultural experiences. Our driver was Dinesh friendly and knowledgeable, the accommodations were excellent, and the itinerary was smooth and well-paced. We returned home with our hearts full and memories we’ll cherish forever. Highly recommended for couples seeking a romantic escape in God’s Own Country.