The Perfect 10-Day South India Road Trip Itinerary


🚗🌴 The Perfect 10-Day South India Road Trip Itinerary

Explore Scenic Routes, Temples, Beaches & Hills — All in One Drive!

Looking to escape the routine and dive into an unforgettable adventure through the heart of South India? This 10-day road trip itinerary is tailored for travelers who want to soak in heritage, nature, hill stations, beaches, and local flavors — all at their own pace. From ancient palaces to misty mountains and coastal charm, here’s how you can plan the ultimate South Indian journey by road!


🗓️ Day 1: Bangalore to Mysore (145 km | 3.5 hrs)

Kick-start your journey in Karnataka with a drive to the royal city of Mysore. Known for its regal architecture and rich heritage, Mysore is a great first stop to dive into culture and color.

Must-Visit:

  • Mysore Palace 🏰
  • Chamundi Hills 🛕
  • Brindavan Gardens 🌸
  • St. Philomena’s Church

🍽️ Famous Food to Try:

  • Mysore Masala Dosa
  • Mysore Pak (sweet)
  • Filter Coffee

🛏️ Stay: Near Chamundi Hill or KR Circle
🛍️ Shop: Silk sarees, sandalwood products



🗓️ Day 2–3: Mysore to Ooty (125 km | 4.5 hrs)

Drive through forested highways via Bandipur and Mudumalai into the Nilgiris. Ooty’s colonial charm, cool breeze, and tea gardens are the perfect refresh.

Must-Visit:

  • Ooty Lake 🚣
  • Doddabetta Peak
  • Botanical Garden 🌿
  • Nilgiri Toy Train 🚂

🍽️ Famous Food to Try:

  • Ooty homemade chocolates
  • Varkey (local baked snack)
  • Fresh corn & tea

🛏️ Stay: Near Charring Cross or Fern Hill
📷 Tip: Early morning shots over the tea estates are magical!


🗓️ Day 4: Ooty to Munnar (via Coimbatore – 260 km | 7 hrs)

Long but scenic drive down the ghats and into Kerala. Munnar welcomes you with misty tea valleys and cool air.

Must-Visit:

  • Tea Gardens 🍃
  • Attukal Waterfalls 💧
  • Echo Point 🎤
  • Tata Tea Museum

🍽️ Famous Food to Try:

  • Kerala Parotta with Beef Fry
  • Appam with stew
  • Banana chips

🛏️ Stay: Chithirapuram or Old Munnar Town
🛍️ Shop: Tea, handmade soaps, spices


🗓️ Day 5: Munnar to Thekkady (90 km | 3 hrs)

Descend into the Cardamom Hills to Thekkady, a spice heaven and wildlife retreat.

Must-Visit:

  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary 🐘
  • Boating in Periyar Lake 🚤
  • Spice Gardens 🌱
  • Kathakali Show 🎭

🍽️ Famous Food to Try:

  • Malabar Biryani
  • Kerala Sadya (veg feast)
  • Local banana fritters

🛏️ Stay: Kumily or near Periyar
🛍️ Shop: Spices, Ayurvedic oils, souvenirs


🗓️ Day 6: Thekkady to Alleppey (138 km | 4 hrs)

Off to the backwaters! Alleppey is calm, romantic, and known for scenic houseboat stays and lagoons.


Must-Do:

  • Houseboat Cruise
  • Alleppey Beach 🏖️
  • Revi Karunakaran Museum 🖼️
  • Shikara Ride 🛶

🍽️ Famous Food to Try:

  • Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish)
  • Chemmeen Curry (Prawn curry)
  • Appam & Fish Molee

🛏️ Stay: Houseboat or beachside resorts
🛍️ Shop: Coir crafts, handlooms, local snacks


🗓️ Day 7: Alleppey to Kochi (53 km | 1.5 hrs)

Short drive to Kochi — a coastal melting pot of cultures. Dutch, Portuguese, Jewish, and Malabari vibes all blend here.

Must-Visit:

  • Fort Kochi 🌊
  • Chinese Fishing Nets 🎣
  • Mattancherry Palace 🏛️
  • Jew Town Market 🛍️

🍽️ Famous Food to Try:

  • Meen Pollichathu (Fish)
  • Kappa & Meen Curry (Tapioca & fish)
  • Ginger Coffee & Pazham Pori

🛏️ Stay: Fort Kochi or Marine Drive
📷 Tip: Sunset near the fishing nets is Insta-gold!


🗓️ Day 8: Kochi to Wayanad (280 km | 7 hrs)

Leave the coast behind and head to the misty hills of Wayanad. It’s quiet, green, and full of adventure.

Must-Visit:

  • Edakkal Caves 🪨
  • Soochipara Falls 🌊
  • Pookode Lake 🚣
  • Banasura Sagar Dam 🌄

🍽️ Famous Food to Try:

  • Bamboo rice dishes
  • Wayanadan Pepper Chicken
  • Jackfruit-based desserts

🛏️ Stay: Kalpetta, Meppadi or Vythiri
🛍️ Shop: Bamboo crafts, wild honey, black pepper


🗓️ Day 9: Wayanad to Coorg (120 km | 4 hrs)

Two coffee heavens in one trip! Coorg (Kodagu) is lush, hilly, and filled with unique Kodava culture.

Must-Visit:

  • Abbey Falls 🌊
  • Dubare Elephant Camp 🐘
  • Raja’s Seat 🌄
  • Coffee Plantation Tours

🍽️ Famous Food to Try:

  • Pandi Curry (Coorg pork curry)
  • Akki Roti
  • Coorg-style Filter Coffee

🛏️ Stay: Madikeri or coffee estate homestays
🛍️ Shop: Coffee, oranges, homemade wines


🗓️ Day 10: Coorg to Bangalore (240 km | 6 hrs)

Drive back to where it all began. Stop by scenic viewpoints or Buddhist monasteries on your way.

En Route Optional:

  • Bylakuppe Tibetan Monastery 🕉️
  • Nisargadhama Island 🏝️
  • Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary 🐦

🍲 Final Meal Tip: Try Ragi Mudde with Sambar near Mysore Highway before you hit Bangalore traffic!



🧳 Must-Carry Items

  • Power banks & chargers 🔌
  • Light jackets & umbrellas
  • Sunglasses & sunscreen 😎
  • First-aid kit & medicines 💊
  • Printed copies of hotel/ID proofs 🧾
  • Reusable water bottles & eco bags


10 Day South India Itinerary, South India Road Trip Budget, Kerala Road Trip, Ooty Munnar Coorg Itinerary, Couples South India Road Trip

#SouthIndiaVibes #RoadTripIndia #BudgetTravelIndia #IncredibleIndia #ExploreKerala #TravelWithTaste #HillStationHeaven #BeachAndBackwaters


📌 Disclaimer: This itinerary is based on publicly available travel data and personal experiences. Prices, road conditions, and entry policies may vary due to seasonality or regional updates. Travelers are advised to check local government websites, road safety alerts, and accommodation platforms before confirming bookings. The blog is a travel guide meant for informational purposes and not a guaranteed service. Travel safely and sustainably.

***

Post a Comment

0 Comments
* Please Don't Spam Here. All the Comments are Reviewed by Admin.