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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• 14 Days in Southern India, incl. Bangalore and Mumbai

  Southern treasures await across 8 cities. Mysore's Amba Vilas Palace, UNESCO-listed Hampi ruins, and Goa's beaches create lasting memories. Features 13 nights in 4-star hotels like Radisson with comprehensive guided tours.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Bangalore & Mysore

    Start your trip by arriving in Bangalore in the evening to rest. Visit Cubbon Park at 8 AM the next morning before it gets hot followed by Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens. A recent visitor shared: "The diamond-shaped aquarium at Cubbon Park's entrance is stunning in morning light." Take an afternoon AC bus or car to Mysore (3.5 hours).

    
  • Days 3-4

    Mysore & Hassan Region

    Get to Mysore Palace when it opens at 8:30 AM. The audio guide provides excellent historical context. Watch the sunset from Chamundi Hills. The next day takes you on a 5-hour trip to Hassan with stops at Belur and Halebid temples. Remember to pack socks since the temple grounds get very hot.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Hampi UNESCO Site

    The 7-hour drive to Hampi passes through Chitradurga Fort. Wear sturdy shoes for walking the rocky Hampi landscape. Begin at Virupaksha Temple then visit Vittala Temple to see its famous stone chariot. Take a break during the hottest part of the day. Stay in Hospet since Hampi has limited lodging options.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Badami & Hubballi

    Visit Badami's red sandstone caves early for the best morning light. Stop at Aihole and Pattadakal temples on your way to Hubballi. Visit Nrupatunga Betta for excellent city sunset views.

    
  • Days 9-12

    Goa Beaches & Culture

    Take a morning flight to Goa. Spend your first day at Old Goa's Portuguese churches - start at Basilica of Bom Jesus at 9 AM. Use the next few days to enjoy the beaches. Try Candolim if you want to avoid Calangute's crowds. One visitor noted: "The seafood at beach shacks is incredible but confirm prices first."

    
  • Days 13-14

    Mumbai Finale

    Fly to Mumbai. Start with an early Dharavi slum tour. Walk through Colaba to see colonial buildings and end at Gateway of India. Schedule an evening departure on the last day to account for Mumbai's traffic.

    

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