📍 India

SOUTH INDIA ESSENTIALS: TEMPLES, BACKWATERS AND WELLNESS

Temple stones vibrating with ancient rhythms, emerald-calm backwaters, tea gardens rolling through mist. South India, between spirituality and serenity.

≈ 16
Days
1810
Km
12
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Enter through Trivandrum, follow Munroe Island's canals and glide along Alleppey's backwaters. Walk Munnar's tea hills, find Cochin's bustle, admire Mysore, explore Hampi's sacred boulders and end in Badami's sculpted caves.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Trivandrum

cultural gateway southern threshold

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8 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of downtown Trivandrum and Padmanabhaswamy temple
2
Sunset walk on Kovalam beach
🎯

Activities

→
Dinner on the coast with view of the Arabian Sea
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 3h
2
Day

Munroe Island

village waterways backwater gateway

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7 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Canoe ride on the backwaters of Munroe Island
2
Exploration of villages and coconut plantations by bicycle
🎯

Activities

→
Keralese cooking class with locals
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 2h
3
Day

Alleppey

backwater kingdoms floating palaces

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10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Houseboat cruise on the canals of Alleppey
2
Walk on Alleppey beach at sunset
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting of coconut-based dishes
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 140 km
Travel time: 3h30
4
Day

Munnar

misty tea gardens emerald slopes

Munnar - Photo 1Munnar - Photo 2Munnar - Photo 3Munnar - Photo 4Munnar - Photo 5Munnar - Photo 6Munnar - Photo 7Munnar - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Hiking in the tea plantations of Munnar
2
Visit to the Munnar tea museum
🎯

Activities

→
Sunrise observation over the misty hills
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 3h20
5
Day

Cochin

spice-harbor crossroads trading legacy

Cochin - Photo 1Cochin - Photo 2Cochin - Photo 3Cochin - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Walk in Fort Cochin and observation of Chinese fishing nets
2
Visit to the Jewish synagogue and the Dutch Palace
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 270 km
Travel time: 6h
6
Day

Mysore

palace splendor royal heritage

Mysore - Photo 1Mysore - Photo 2Mysore - Photo 3Mysore - Photo 4Mysore - Photo 5Mysore - Photo 6Mysore - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Maharaja's palace in Mysore
2
Discovery of Devaraja market and local dosas
🎯

Activities

→
Light show at Mysore palace
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 140 km
Travel time: 3h30
7
Day

Hampi

boulder temple realm spiritual

Hampi - Photo 1Hampi - Photo 2Hampi - Photo 3Hampi - Photo 4Hampi - Photo 5Hampi - Photo 6Hampi - Photo 7Hampi - Photo 8Hampi - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the archaeological site of Hampi and Virupaksha temple
2
Hiking among the rocks and rice fields around Hampi
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset on Matanga hill
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 140 km
Travel time: 3h
8
Day

Badami

cliff-carved caves sculptural wonder

Badami - Photo 1Badami - Photo 2Badami - Photo 3Badami - Photo 4Badami - Photo 5Badami - Photo 6Badami - Photo 7Badami - Photo 8Badami - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the rock-cut temples of Badami
2
Discovery of Agastya lake and Badami fort
🎯

Activities

→
Photography of sculptures at sunset
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 2h30
9
Day

Bijapur

dome grandeur architectural heritage

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5 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Gol Gumbaz mausoleum
2
Exploration of Ibrahim Rauza and ancient mosques
🎯

Activities

→
Photography walk through the old streets
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 500 km
Travel time: 8h
10
Day

Chennai

temple culture urban sacred

Chennai - Photo 1Chennai - Photo 2Chennai - Photo 3Chennai - Photo 4Chennai - Photo 5Chennai - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Walk on Marina Beach in Chennai
2
Visit to Kapaleeshwarar temple
🎯

Activities

→
Seaside dinner with Tamil cuisine
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h30
11
Day

Mahabalipuram

shore sculpture ocean artistry

Mahabalipuram - Photo 1Mahabalipuram - Photo 2Mahabalipuram - Photo 3Mahabalipuram - Photo 4Mahabalipuram - Photo 5Mahabalipuram - Photo 6Mahabalipuram - Photo 7Mahabalipuram - Photo 8Mahabalipuram - Photo 9Mahabalipuram - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Shore Temple and rock sculptures
2
Walk on the fishermen's beach
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of pilgrims and local ceremonies
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 2h30
12
Day

Pondicherry

french heritage colonial charm

Pondicherry - Photo 1Pondicherry - Photo 2Pondicherry - Photo 3Pondicherry - Photo 4Pondicherry - Photo 5Pondicherry - Photo 6Pondicherry - Photo 7Pondicherry - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Stroll through the French quarter of Pondicherry
2
Visit to Sri Aurobindo's ashram
🎯

Activities

→
Dinner at a Franco-Indian restaurant in the city center

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

KERALA HIGHLIGHTS: BACKWATERS, HILLS & COAST

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HAMPI TEMPLES, GOA SHORES & NILGIRIS: THE SOUTH INDIA HERITAGE LOOP

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🛡️ Travel advice - India

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Winter (October-March): Perfect weather, cool temperatures, dry conditions, peak tourist season, ideal touring, clear skies, advance booking essential.

Shoulder Season (April & September): Good weather, fewer crowds, moderate temperatures, reasonable prices, transitional seasons, excellent value.

Summer (April-June): Hot weather, challenging conditions, hill stations popular, lowest prices, fewer tourists, air conditioning essential.

Monsoon (June-September): Heavy rainfall, lush landscapes, romantic atmosphere, lowest prices, challenging travel, cultural experiences, spiritual season.

Regional Variations: Diverse climates, altitude differences, seasonal patterns, weather monitoring, regional planning, flexible scheduling essential.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 13 and 19 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in India?

Incredible diversity with ancient spirituality, vibrant colors, and rich cultural heritage. Experience Taj Mahal, spiritual traditions, and authentic Indian culture. The country offers cultural immersion with historical significance and culinary excellence. India provides life-changing cultural experiences with incredible diversity and spiritual depth.