South India is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant traditions. The states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu together form a perfect trio, offering an extraordinary blend of serene backwaters, ancient temples, coffee plantations, and bustling cities. Whether you have 10 days, 14 days, or 21 days to explore, each itinerary offers an unforgettable journey into South India’s diversity.
This guide provides detailed itineraries for 10, 14, and 21-day trips, along with practical tips and insider suggestions to make your trip to Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu seamless and unforgettable.
Overview of the Three States
Before diving into the itineraries, let’s take a quick look at what each state has to offer:
- Kerala: Known as “God’s Own Country”, Kerala is famous for its serene backwaters, lush green landscapes, Ayurveda, and picturesque hill stations like Munnar.
- Karnataka: A state rich in history, Karnataka is home to majestic ruins like Hampi, lush coffee plantations in Coorg, and cosmopolitan cities like Bengaluru.
- Tamil Nadu: The cultural hub of South India, Tamil Nadu is renowned for its Dravidian-style temples, hill stations like Ooty, and coastal wonders like Pondicherry and Rameswaram.
10-Day Itinerary: Highlights of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu
This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to experience the highlights of each state within a compact timeframe.
Day 1–3: Kerala (Cochin, Munnar, and Alleppey)
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi (Cochin)
- What to Do: Start your journey in Kochi, a historic port city. Visit the Fort Kochi area, famous for its Chinese fishing nets, Jewish Synagogue, and Mattancherry Palace. Stroll along the vibrant streets filled with colonial architecture and boutique shops.
- Stay: Fort Kochi or Ernakulam area.
Day 2: Drive to Munnar (4 Hours)
- What to Do: Explore the rolling tea plantations and misty hills of Munnar. Visit the Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, and Eravikulam National Park. January is also the season to spot the elusive Nilgiri Tahr.
- Stay: A plantation resort overlooking the hills.
Day 3: Alleppey (Houseboat Experience)
- What to Do: Drive to Alleppey (5 Hours) and enjoy a luxurious houseboat ride on the backwaters. Float past tranquil villages, lush paddy fields, and coconut groves. Relish authentic Keralite cuisine cooked onboard.
- Stay: Overnight on the houseboat.
Kerala Travel Packages:
- 4 Days Munnar Alleppey Trip
- 5 Nights 6 Days Kerala Itinerary
- 7 Days Kerala Travel Package
- Kerala 7 Nights 8 Days Tour
Day 4–6: Karnataka (Coorg and Mysore)
Day 4: Drive to Coorg (6 Hours)
- What to Do: Arrive in Coorg, known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and scenic hills. Relax at your resort and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
- Stay: Plantation bungalow or luxury resort.
Day 5: Explore Coorg
- What to Do: Visit Abbey Falls, Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple), and take a plantation tour to learn about coffee production. Enjoy a nature walk in Raja’s Seat, a beautiful garden overlooking the hills.
Day 6: Mysore (3 Hours Drive)
- What to Do: Explore Mysore’s royal heritage. Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, and Brindavan Gardens. Stroll through the colorful Devaraja Market for local spices and handicrafts.
- Stay: Boutique hotels near Mysore Palace.
Coorg & Mysore Trip Package:
Day 7–10: Tamil Nadu (Ooty and Chennai)
Day 7–8: Ooty (Hill Station Getaway)
- What to Do: Drive to Ooty (5 Hours) and immerse yourself in its scenic beauty. Visit Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, and Doddabetta Peak. Take a toy train ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Stay: Colonial-era guesthouses or luxury resorts.
Day 9–10: Chennai (Cultural Hub)
- What to Do: Drive to Chennai (7 Hours). Visit the iconic Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the Government Museum. Don’t miss Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rock-cut temples.
- Stay: Beachside hotels in Mahabalipuram or Chennai.
14-Day Itinerary: A Deeper Dive into South India
For those with more time, the 14-day itinerary allows for a more immersive experience, with additional stops like Wayanad and Hampi.
Day 1–5: Kerala (Cochin, Munnar, Alleppey, and Wayanad)
- Day 1–3: Same as the 10-day itinerary (Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey).
Day 4–5: Wayanad
- What to Do: Head to Wayanad, a serene hill station known for its dense forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Visit Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, and take a jeep safari in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Stay: Eco-friendly resorts amidst coffee plantations.
Day 6–10: Karnataka (Coorg, Mysore, and Hampi)
Day 6–7: Coorg (Same as the 10-day itinerary).
Day 8: Mysore (Same as the 10-day itinerary)
Day 9–10: Hampi
- What to Do: Travel to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an ancient city filled with breathtaking ruins. Visit the Vijaya Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, and the Stone Chariot. Explore the surreal boulder-strewn landscapes on a bicycle or auto-rickshaw.
- Stay: Boutique guesthouses near the ruins.
Day 11–14: Tamil Nadu (Ooty, Pondicherry, and Chennai)
Day 11–12: Ooty
- Same as the 10-day itinerary.
Day 13: Pondicherry
- What to Do: Drive to Pondicherry (6 Hours) and soak in the French colonial charm of this coastal town. Explore the French Quarter, Auroville, and relax at Promenade Beach.
- Stay: Heritage hotels in the French Quarter.
Day 14: Chennai
- What to Do: Spend your final day exploring Chennai’s cultural and historical gems (same as the 10-day itinerary).
Tamil Nadu Travel Itineraries:
- 5 Days Ooty and Kodaikanal Tour
- 5 Days Pondicherry Mahabalipuram Trip
- 7 Days Ooty, Munnar, and Kodaikanal Travel
- 6 Nights 7 Days Tamil Nadu Package
21-Day Itinerary: An Epic South Indian Adventure
For those who want to see it all, the 21-day itinerary covers the length and breadth of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, with stops in lesser-known gems like Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, and Madurai.
Day 1–7: Kerala
- Day 1–5: Same as the 14-day itinerary (Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, Wayanad).
Day 6–7: Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)
- What to Do: Visit Thekkady for its wildlife safaris and spice plantations. Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake and enjoy an Ayurvedic massage.
- Stay: Jungle resorts near the sanctuary.
Day 8–14: Karnataka (Coorg, Mysore, Hampi, and Badami)
Day 8–10: Same as the 14-day itinerary (Coorg, Mysore, and Hampi).
Day 11–12: Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal
- What to Do: Explore the rock-cut temples of Badami and the historic monuments of Aihole and Pattadakal, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Stay: Comfortable mid-range hotels in Badami.
Karnataka Tour Packages:
Day 15–21: Tamil Nadu (Madurai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, and Chennai)
Day 15–16: Madurai
- What to Do: Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Explore the bustling local markets and enjoy authentic Tamil cuisine.
- Stay: Heritage hotels near the temple.
Day 17–18: Rameswaram
- What to Do: Explore the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its long corridors and intricate carvings. Visit Dhanushkodi Beach, a hauntingly beautiful ghost town.
- Stay: Resorts near the beach.
Day 19: Kanyakumari
- What to Do: Witness the confluence of three seas at India’s southernmost tip. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Day 20–21: Chennai
- What to Do: End your trip by exploring Chennai’s vibrant city life (same as the 10-day itinerary).
Travel Tips for South India
- Weather and Packing:
- January–March is the best time to visit, with pleasant weather and minimal rainfall.
- Pack lightweight cotton clothing, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Carry light woolens for hill stations.
- Transport:
- Hire a private cab for seamless intercity travel.
- Trains are a great option for budget travel but need advance booking.
- Cuisine:
- Try local dishes like Kerala Sadya, Mysore Masala Dosa, and Chettinad Curry.
- Cultural Etiquette:
- Respect local customs, especially in temples.
- Remove shoes before entering sacred spaces.
Conclusion
Whether you have 10, 14, or 21 days, a journey through Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu offers a perfect mix of culture, history, natural beauty, and adventure. From the serene backwaters of Kerala to the ancient ruins of Hampi and the magnificent temples of Tamil Nadu, every day brings a new discovery.
Plan your trip based on your interests and the time available, and let the diverse wonders of South India leave you enchanted!
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