2-Week Southern India Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Southern India tour itineraries

Compiled by

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.

  

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  • 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."

    

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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• Best of Southern India

  Cultural wonders unfold across 9 cities from Kochi to Madurai. Shore Temple, Mysore Palace, and Kerala backwater homestays offer authentic experiences. Guided tours of Meenakshi Temple and spice plantations in Cardamom Hills region included.

  

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  • Kochi (Cochin) India

    228 mi

  • Bangalore India

    71 mi

  • Srirangapatna India

    9 mi

  • Mysuru India

    241 mi

  • Mamallapuram India

    145 mi

  • Thanjavur India

    49 mi

  • Kanadukathan India

    48 mi
  • Show 2 more

  • Madurai India

    68 mi

  • Thekkady India

    9 mi

  • Periyar National Park India

    9 mi

  • Thekkady India

    57 mi

  • Alleppey India

    27 mi

  • Kerala Backwaters India

    7 mi

  • Kochi (Cochin) India

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