Grand South India Journey: 12 Days in Kerala, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu
Why choose Best Complete South India Tour Package with our Shimla-based experts?
Ready for a beautiful trip through South India? Our 12-day journey is made for families and couples who want to see the real side of this region. We'll take you from the old streets of Fort Kochi to the cool tea hills of Munnar. You'll relax on a private houseboat in the quiet backwaters of Alleppey and walk through coffee farms in Coorg. We've also included the royal Mysore Palace and a ride on the famous Ooty toy train. We handle all the planning and provide private AC rides so you can just enjoy the views and the local food. It’s a complete journey that covers the most beautiful spots in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
"We believe that travel in these mountains should never be rushed. Having spent years guiding travelers along these exact roads, my advice is to take the early morning walks when the air is absolutely crisp and local life is just starting. Avoid the generic tourist traps and ask our drivers to stop at the small roadside dhabas for fresh cedar-smoke chai. We don't just plan itineraries—we connect you with the real, unhurried soul of our home."
Trip Highlights
Mysore Palace—See the stunning royal palace, especially when it lights up on Sunday evenings.
Houseboat Stay—Spend a night on a private traditional boat in the Alleppey backwaters.
Nilgiri Toy Train—Enjoy a beautiful ride on the UNESCO toy train through the hills.
Munnar Tea Hills—Walk through the lush green tea gardens and enjoy the mountain air.
Coorg Coffee Estates—Stay in a resort inside a coffee farm and learn how coffee is grown.
Fort Kochi History—See the giant Chinese Fishing Nets and walk through the old spice markets.
Jungle Drive—Drive through Bandipur forest and try to spot wild elephants and deer.
Local Food—Try authentic dishes like Malabar seafood and Coorgi Pandi Curry.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arriving in Kochi: Historic Fort Kochi 0m
Start your journey in the old port town of Kochi. Our driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to a heritage hotel in Fort Kochi. In the afternoon, take a relaxed walk to see the Chinese Fishing Nets and the 1503 AD St. Francis Church. Explore the local markets where you can find fresh spices. End your day with a tasty Malabar seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Altitude: Sea Level.
Drive to Munnar: Into the Tea Hills (130km) 1,600m
After a fresh breakfast, we leave for Munnar (130km). The drive takes you from the coast up into the mountains. On the way, we'll stop to see the beautiful Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. Arrive in Munnar by late afternoon and check into your resort. Enjoy the cool air and the view of the tea gardens from your balcony. Altitude: 1,600m.
Exploring Munnar: Parks & Lakes 1,600m
Spend the day seeing the best of Munnar. Visit the Eravikulam National Park to see the rare mountain goats and enjoy the views. Later, head to the Tea Museum to see how tea is made. We’ll also visit Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake for a quiet walk by the water. If you want, you can buy fresh tea directly from the factory outlet. Altitude: 1,600m.
Munnar to Alleppey: Night on a Houseboat (160km) 0m
Today we drive back down to the plains (160km) to reach Alleppey. Around noon, board your private houseboat. This traditional boat will take you through the quiet canals and lakes of the backwaters. You can see local village life from the water and relax as the boat glides along. Your lunch and dinner will be served fresh on the boat, featuring local Kerala flavors. Altitude: Sea Level.
Drive to Mysore: The City of Palaces (350km) 763m
After a morning boat ride, we start our long drive north to Mysore (350km). We'll reach the city by evening. Mysore was the capital of the Wadiyar kings and is full of history. If it's a Sunday, we'll head to the Mysore Palace at 7 PM to see it glowing with thousands of lights. It's a great time to try the local Mysore Masala Dosa for dinner. Altitude: 763m.
Royal Heritage: Mysore Palace & Hills 763m
In the morning, visit the grand Mysore Palace. It's one of the most beautiful buildings in India with its stained glass and royal halls. Afterward, drive up Chamundi Hills to see the ancient temple and the giant Nandi bull statue. Spend your evening exploring the colorful Devaraja market, famous for its flowers and incense. Altitude: 763m.
Mysore to Coorg: Coffee & Monasteries (120km) 1,150m
We head to the hills of Coorg (120km). On the way, we'll visit the Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery) in Bylakuppe. It's the largest Tibetan settlement here, and the 60-ft gold statues are amazing to see. Reach Coorg and check into your resort, which is located right inside a coffee plantation. Take a walk through the estate in the evening and enjoy the smell of coffee and spices. Altitude: 1,150m.
Coorg Life: Waterfalls & Views 1,150m
Spend a full day in the misty hills of Coorg. Visit Abbey Falls, a beautiful waterfall hidden among the coffee trees. Later, drive to Talakaveri (1,276m), the birthplace of the River Kaveri on the Brahmagiri hills. The view from here is stunning. In the evening, visit Raja's Seat to watch the sunset over the valley. Don't forget to try the local Coorgi food, especially the Pandi Curry. Altitude: 1,150m.
Through the Forest: Coorg to Ooty (180km) 2,240m
After breakfast, we drive toward Ooty (180km). This road goes through the Bandipur and Mudumalai forests. If you're lucky, you might see wild elephants or deer from your car. Afterward, we climb up the steep hills with 36 hairpin bends to reach Ooty. Check into your hotel and enjoy the cold mountain air. Altitude: 2,240m.
Ooty Fun: Toy Train & Gardens 2,240m
Start your morning with a ride on the famous Nilgiri Toy Train from Ooty to Coonoor. It's a UNESCO world heritage site and offers some of the best mountain views. Our car will pick you up at Coonoor and bring you back. In the afternoon, visit the Botanical Gardens and head up to Doddabetta Peak for a bird's-eye view of the Blue Mountains. Enjoy some local homemade chocolates in the evening. Altitude: 2,240m.
Descent to the Plains: Ooty to Coimbatore (90km) 411m
Enjoy a final mountain breakfast before we drive down to Coimbatore (90km). On the way, we'll stop at the Isha Yoga Centre to see the giant Adiyogi statue. Reach Coimbatore and check into your hotel. Spend your last evening relaxing or doing some local shopping for cotton clothes. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group. Altitude: 411m.
Heading Home: Coimbatore Departure 411m
After breakfast, we'll take you to the Coimbatore airport or railway station for your journey home. Your 12-day journey across South India ends here, leaving you with many stories to tell. Tip: Buy some local cotton sarees or fabric from Coimbatore before you leave! Altitude: 411m.
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Key Attractions
Tea & Coffee Walks
Enjoy a walk through the tea gardens of Munnar and coffee farms of Coorg to see how they are grown.
Toy Train Ride
Take a scenic ride on the world-famous toy train through the Nilgiri mountains.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- 11 Nights stay in good hotels and hill resorts
- A night on a private luxury houseboat in Alleppey
- Daily breakfast and local dinners at the hotels
- Private AC SUV for all your transfers and sightseeing
- Help with toy train slots and palace entries
- All toll, parking, and driver charges included
What's Excluded
- Airfare or Train tickets to Kochi or from Coimbatore
- Entry fees at parks, palaces, and museums
- Lunch and snacks throughout the trip
- GST (5%)
- Personal expenses like shopping or tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated Package Pricing
Budget Plan
Comfortable 3-star stays & shared transfers.
Standard Plan
Premium 4-star hotels & private AC sedan.
Luxury Plan
Handpicked 5-star resorts & luxury SUV.
Note: Final pricing depends on your travel dates, group size, and specific hotel choices. Every itinerary is 100% customizable to fit your exact budget.
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Read Full StoryPopular Departures for Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, Mysore, Coorg & Ooty
Planning your journey from a major hub? Explore curated logistics, flight-synchronized pickups, and regional special offers for Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, Mysore, Coorg & Ooty from these cities:
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Many travelers combine Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, Mysore, Coorg & Ooty with these nearby destinations for a more complete experience:
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