10 day trip across South India — this idea first came to me when I felt stuck in routine and wanted a journey that mixed culture, nature, food, and peace. I didn’t want a rushed vacation. I wanted a trip that felt slow, meaningful, and filled with places that are truly worth seeing. After completing this journey myself, I realized how beautiful and effortless South India becomes when you plan it right.
What I’m sharing below is not just an itinerary—it’s a guide based on what I personally experienced, what worked well, what I would repeat, and how you can enjoy the same smooth trip without confusion.
Why a 10 Day Trip Across South India Is Perfect
South India is diverse. In just a few hours of travel, the landscape shifts from modern metros to historic towns, from misty hills to coffee estates, from peaceful backwaters to beaches with soft waves. A 10 day trip across South India gives you the perfect balance—enough time to explore key places without feeling rushed.
What makes this journey special is the mix of:
- history
- culture
- nature
- food
- coastal beauty
- relaxing experiences
No matter your travel style, South India fits effortlessly.
How to Prepare for Your 10 Day Trip Across South India
Before you move into the actual itinerary, a little preparation makes the experience smoother:
- Book intercity travel in advance
- Choose homestays—they offer better food and conversations
- Carry light cotton clothes for plains and warm layers for hill stations
- Keep cash for rural areas
- Start early each morning to avoid traffic
These small things make a huge difference during a long journey.
⭐ 10 Day Trip Across South India — Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Bengaluru
Begin your 10 day trip across South India in Bengaluru. The city gives you a gentle start with parks, cafés, and clean roads.
Explore:
- Cubbon Park
- MG Road
- Church Street
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden
End the day with a plate of idli-vada or dosa that tastes nothing like what you get in big cities outside the South.
Day 2 — Mysuru
From Bengaluru, Mysuru is an easy 3-hour drive. The city immediately slows you down—in a good way.
Don’t miss:
- Mysore Palace
- Chamundi Hills
- Mysore Market
- Traditional South Indian meals
Mysuru is clean, calm, and full of heritage. It’s the perfect second stop.
Day 3 & 4 — Coorg
As you continue your 10 day trip across South India, Coorg will probably become one of your favorite parts. The coffee smell, the silence, the green hills—it all feels like a reset button.
What to visit:
- Abbey Falls
- Raja’s Seat
- Mandalpatti
- Coffee Plantations
Stay in a Coorg homestay. The warmth, food, and stories make the trip unforgettable.
Day 5 — Ooty
Driving from Coorg to Ooty gives you scenery that feels straight out of a postcard. Ooty offers a slower, softer vibe.
Experience:
- Botanical Gardens
- Ooty Lake
- Doddabetta Peak
- Tea Factory
The evenings get cold, so keep a jacket handy.
Day 6 — Coonoor
Coonoor is quieter and more peaceful than Ooty. The toy train ride between the two is a highlight of any 10 day trip across South India.
Visit:
- Sim’s Park
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Catherine Falls
- Tea estates
It’s perfect for photography and slow travel.
Day 7 — Coimbatore
Coimbatore is the “food break” in your itinerary. It’s clean, organized, and known for its spiritual energy.
Must-see:
- Adiyogi Statue
- Marudamalai Temple
- Local dosa cafés
It also works as the ideal point to enter Kerala next.
Day 8 & 9 — Kerala Backwaters (Alleppey or Kumarakom)
This is the most peaceful portion of your 10 day trip across South India. Whether you book a houseboat or a lakeside resort, the experience is unforgettable.
Do this:
- Sunset cruise
- Kayaking
- Local seafood
- Ayurvedic massages
Kerala backwaters slow down your mind. It’s a natural detox.
Day 10 — Kochi
Kochi blends old-world charm with coastal beauty. It’s a perfect way to end your journey.
Explore:
- Fort Kochi
- Dutch Museum
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Marina Promenade
With its art vibes, cafés, and history, Kochi leaves you with a warm final memory.
⭐ Budget Tips for a Smooth 10 Day Trip Across South India
- Take trains instead of flights when possible
- Stay in homestays
- Eat local food instead of restaurant chains
- Pre-book intercity travel
- Travel with one backpack to avoid extra charges
These simple travel habits save a surprising amount of money.
⭐ Best Season to Plan This Trip
You can enjoy this itinerary throughout the year, but these seasons feel best:
- October to March — ideal weather
- April to June — best for hill stations
- July to September — monsoon beauty, especially Kerala & Coorg
Choose based on what kind of experience you want.
Final Thoughts
A 10 day trip across South India is not just a week-long holiday—it’s a journey filled with flavors, silence, history, and landscapes that gently shift with every kilometre. Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or family, the region gives you something deeply personal and refreshing.