2-Week Southern India Tour Packages
South India guides you through some true experiences, from Kerala's backwaters to Karnataka's temples, and Tamil Nadu's coastal shrines. Head to Wayanad's tea estates, Mysore's palace, and Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple. Gaze upon the Arabian Sea coast and Dravidian temple architecture that dominates landscapes throughout the southern states. It’s less well-traveled, but that’s exactly why it’s so amazing.
Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Southern India tour itineraries
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MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar
14 Day Southern India Itinerary, incl. Mysore and Kerala
Rich heritage spans 11 destinations across 600km. Mysore Palace tours, Bandipur wildlife safaris, Ooty hill climb, Kerala backwater cruises, and Varkala beach relaxation create lasting memories. Includes guided rides, accommodation, and most meals for approx. $290 per day.
- Days 1-2
Mysore & Srirangapatna
Your journey begins in Mysore with bike fitting and orientation. Visit the stunning Mysore Palace and its rich interiors. A short 15km ride takes you to Srirangapatna to explore Tipu Sultan's former capital and temple ruins. "The local guide brought history alive explaining the cultural significance of every corner of the palace."
- Days 3-4
Rural Karnataka & Bandipur
Ride quiet backroads through village life to Chamarajanagar. Next up is Bandipur National Park for a 4x4 safari to spot elephants, deer and tigers. "We were incredibly lucky to see a tiger just 30 feet away during our safari!"
- Days 5-6
Ooty Hill Climb & Descent
Challenge yourself with the 36-hairpin climb to Ooty hill station at 2,240m. "Getting to the top of Ooty was probably the hardest thing I've done, but the sense of achievement was incredible," one cyclist shared. The next day brings a thrilling 54km descent through tea plantations into Kerala. Remember to pack layers since temperatures change significantly with altitude.
- Days 7-8
Coastal Kerala
Ride through coconut groves and fishing villages to Cherai Beach. Take a ferry to Fort Kochi, where Chinese fishing nets and colonial buildings tell stories of the past. "The seafood at the beach shacks is amazing - try the tandoori prawns simmered in coconut milk."
- Days 9-10
Fort Kochi & Backwaters
Spend a day exploring Fort Kochi's heritage sites in Jew Town and Mattancherry Palace. The next day brings a peaceful ride to Muhamma for your backwaters adventure. "The tranquil backwaters were the perfect contrast to our active cycling days."
- Day 11
Houseboat Experience
Experience life on a traditional kettuvallam houseboat while cruising through Kerala's backwaters. Watch local life unfold along palm-lined canals. "Drifting along the backwaters while your chef prepares fresh seafood was magical."
- Days 12-14
Varkala Beach
Your final ride follows coastal roads to Varkala's clifftop beaches. Take time to unwind, try Ayurvedic treatments and enjoy fresh seafood sunsets. "Book afternoon beach time - mornings can be foggy and the best swimming is after 2pm when the tide is right."
14 Day South India Itinerary, incl. Bangalore and Kerala
A complete 14-day tour covering 12 major southern cities. Two-night stays enable in-depth visits. Rich mix of cultural and natural experiences.
- Days 1-2
Bangalore & Mysore
Begin in Bangalore, India's technology capital. Visit Lal Bagh gardens in the early morning to beat the heat. The drive to Mysore takes about 3.5 hours. Plan to arrive by lunch to make the most of your sightseeing time. See the Mysore Palace at dusk when it lights up with thousands of bulbs. Remember to wear modest clothing when visiting temples at Chamundi Hills.
- Days 3-4
Coonoor
Head to this peaceful hill station in the Nilgiri Hills. The mountain drive takes 5-6 hours. Consider taking motion sickness medication if needed. Visit Sim's Park and walk to Dolphin's Nose viewpoint before the afternoon mist arrives. Bring a light jacket since evenings get cool at 1,850m elevation.
- Days 5-6
Kochi
The drive to this historic port takes 6 hours. Make sure to book your Kathakali dance performance ahead of time. Plan your visit to the Jewish Synagogue carefully as it closes early Friday and all day Saturday. Walk through the heritage zone in the morning when it's cooler.
- Days 7-8
Alleppey & Thekkady
Discover Kerala's backwaters in Alleppey. Take the 7:30 AM boat safari at Thekkady's Periyar Sanctuary for the best wildlife spotting. Visit the spice markets early before the crowds arrive.
- Days 9-11
Tamil Nadu Temple Circuit
Experience morning prayers at Madurai's Sri Meenakshi Temple for the most authentic atmosphere. The drive to Trichy takes 4-5 hours. When visiting Thanjavur's Brihadeeswara Temple bring water and sun protection as there isn't much shade.
- Days 12-14
Pondicherry to Chennai
The drive to French-influenced Pondicherry takes 3 hours. A previous visitor noted: "The colonial architecture and seaside promenade create a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in India." Visit Mahabalipuram's shore temples on your way to Chennai. Schedule an evening departure flight since morning traffic can be unpredictable.
South India Tour
Southern India unfolds across 8 cities, showcasing Kochi's historic port and Mysore's palace. Traditional Kerala backwater villages, UNESCO's Shore Temple, and Thekkady's aromatic spice plantations paint a vibrant cultural canvas.
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What people love about 2-week Southern India tours
- Cycle Kerala & Tropical India
This was a great tour. The guide and staff were absolutely outstanding. It was a well-paced tour with solid but not exhausting biking distances.
- Amazing South India tour with Karnataka & Kerala & Pondicherry and Tamilnadu
Overall, a really good tour, some excellent aspects and some average elements. Some of the sights were off the charts, but towards the end there were too many temples. The quality of the guides in each place varied from average to very good, and the same is true of the accommodation. Our driver, Dipen, was a star - always punctual, and very safe.
- South India Tour
My South India tour was one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment I landed in Chennai to my final days in Kochi, everything felt warm, vibrant, and truly authentic. The architecture in Mahabalipuram left me speechless—carvings that are over a thousand years old yet unbelievably detailed. In Pondicherry, I loved strolling through the French Quarter with its colorful buildings and peaceful seaside promenade. My favorite part was the Kerala backwaters. Cruising on a traditional houseboat, watching palm trees reflect on serene waters, and enjoying delicious local meals was a dream come true. The hospitality everywhere I went was exceptional; people were kind, helpful, and always smiling. South India is a perfect mix of history, culture, nature, and food. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a rich and relaxing travel experience. I can’t wait to return.