South India 10-Day Itinerary 2026 — Tamil Nadu & Kerala Highlights
South India serves up temples, hill stations, backwaters, beaches, and incredible food. This 10-day itinerary loops through Tamil Nadu and Kerala — Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Madurai, Munnar, Alleppey, and Kochi — for a rich first taste of the south.
Best time to go
October to March is ideal across the south. Hill stations are pleasant most of the year; the coast is hot in summer.
Day-by-day plan
- Day 1 — Chennai: Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, museums.
- Day 2 — Mahabalipuram: UNESCO shore temples and rock carvings.
- Day 3 — Pondicherry: French Quarter detour (optional).
- Day 4–5 — Madurai: The magnificent Meenakshi Temple.
- Day 6–7 — Munnar: Tea estates and viewpoints.
- Day 8 — Alleppey: Backwater houseboat overnight.
- Day 9–10 — Kochi: Fort Kochi, Chinese nets, Kathakali; depart.
Getting around & tips
- Mix trains (good network) with a car-with-driver for hills and backwaters.
- Dress modestly at temples; some have dress codes and photography limits.
- Don’t miss the banana-leaf sadya and filter coffee.
- Mid-range cost: ~₹30,000–50,000 per person excluding flights.
FAQs
Is 10 days enough for South India? Yes for a Tamil Nadu + Kerala highlights loop; extend for Karnataka or the coast.
