The Ultimate 2-Week South India Itinerary: Kerala, Hampi, Mysore & Goa

Many travellers imagine India as chaotic cities, honking traffic, and overwhelming crowds, but South India couldn’t be more different. This part of the country is calm, quiet, and surprisingly easy for foreign tourists to explore. It offers a stunning variety of experiences in one trip: misty tea hills, lush jungles, serene backwaters, walkable historic cities, magnificent temples, palaces that rival anything in Europe, dramatic Flintstone-like rocky landscapes, and paradise beaches perfect for winding down.

This South India itinerary is designed for a two-week journey, but it can easily stretch to three weeks or more if you prefer a slower pace with extra time to soak in the scenery. From our own travels, we fell in love with every stop on this route, and we want to use our experience to help you plan a trip that’s just as rewarding, memorable, and enjoyable.

Whether it’s your first visit to India or your fifth, South India offers a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the journey.

Why South India is the Best Choice for First-Time Visitors to India

For first-time visitors, South India offers a gentler introduction to the country compared with the often chaotic North. The region is calmer, less crowded, and far easier to navigate, with walkable cities and towns where getting around doesn’t feel stressful.

Many destinations, like Munnar, boast moderate, manageable weather and clean, green surroundings, a welcome contrast to the heat, dust, and major pollution increasingly common in northern cities like Delhi and Agra. 

It’s also a more approachable environment for women travelling alone or in small groups, with a generally friendly, welcoming local culture. 

This combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and low-stress travel makes South India a perfect first stop for exploring India.

How Much Time Do You Need for This South India Itinerary?

This South India itinerary works well for two weeks, covering Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi, Hampi, Mysore, and Goa, so you can feel like you’ve covered the main destinations in one trip, but still leave you wanting to come back to see where else you can explore.

If you prefer a slower pace, you can stretch it to three weeks or more, giving extra time for backwater cruises, exploring tea plantations, or relaxing on beaches.

Each destination deserves at least 2-3 days to soak in the sights, culture, and local experiences without feeling rushed.

Planning 14-21 days gives you the perfect balance of sightseeing, adventure, and downtime.

Best Time to Visit South India 

The best time to visit is November to March, when the weather is cooler and drier. This makes sightseeing, backwaters, and relaxing much more enjoyable.

Avoid the monsoon season from June to September, when heavy rains can disrupt travel. October may still see showers in some areas.

Hampi gets very hot from March onwards, so mornings and evenings are best for exploring if you are there then.

Diwali, Christmas and December in general are the busiest times, so plan ahead if you want fewer crowds and better prices.

We went in February and found the weather perfect for exploring the entirety of this South India itinerary. We had no rain at all, beautiful sunsets, and it was never too warm for sightseeing.

South India Itinerary Route Overview

• Munnar (2 days) – Explore misty tea hills, plantations, and cool hill stations.
  
• Alleppey (2 days) – Cruise the serene backwaters on a houseboat.
  
• Fort Kochi (2 days) – Wander charming streets, colonial architecture, and local cafes.
  
• Hampi (2 days) – Discover dramatic rocky landscapes, ancient temples, and ruins.
  
• Mysore (1 day) – Visit palaces, gardens, and enjoy a walkable city experience.
  
• Goa (5 days) – Relax on paradise beaches, soak up the sun, and enjoy vibrant local culture.
  

This was the route we did, and it keeps travel days manageable and balances nature, culture, and relaxation. Ideal for 2-week trips, or stretch to 3+ weeks for a slower pace.

How to Get Around In South India

To get from place to place is easy. In Kerala, you can hire a driver for the entire week. This gives you peace of mind when you arrive, and means you can be driven around all the key stops in Munnar without needing taxis.

Kochi to Hampi is the most complex leg, but it’s still pretty easy. Take an afternoon flight from Kochi to Bangalore and then jump on an overnight train to Hampi.

From Hampi to Mysore and then on to Goa are more overnight trains. We love overnight trains in India because they save us a night’s accommodation cost and give us maximum sightseeing time when we arrive early in the morning. 

See our guide on how to book Indian trains as a foreign tourist to help ease any worries you may have.

Days 1-2: Munnar – Tea Plantations & Mountains

Why Visit Munnar

Munnar is the perfect place to begin your South India trip. Nestled in the Western Ghats, this hill station is calm, cooler than the plains, and easy to explore. Misty tea hills, rolling landscapes, and fresh mountain air make it a relaxing introduction to India.

What to Do in Munnar

• Take a walk or short hike around Lakshmi Tea Estate to enjoy lush plantations.
• Drive along Lockhart Gap Road for some of the best panoramic views of the hills.
• Visit the Lockhart Tea Factory to see traditional tea processing.
• Watch a Kalaripayattu performance, Kerala’s martial arts, for a taste of local culture.

Where to Stay In Munnar

• Panoramic Getaway – We stayed here. The stunning mountain views, a great pool, and delicious food make this a top choice. 

For more tips, see our full Munnar travel guide for detailed itineraries, photos, and more advice for your stay.

Days 3-4: Alleppey – Life on the Kerala Backwaters

Why Visit Alleppey

Alleppey is famous for its serene backwaters, a network of canals, rivers, and lagoons winding through lush greenery. It’s the best place to experience this unique part of Kerala, offering calm waters and traditional village life. Many travellers choose either a backwater resort or a stay on a houseboat, but we tried both and thought it was the perfect way to experience everything.

What to Do in Alleppey

• Cruise the backwaters in a private houseboat, complete with your own driver and chef.
• Enjoy freshly cooked local meals on board, including fried fish, curries, and Keralan specialities.
• Take a small boat trip to explore hidden canals and quiet villages.
• Relax at a backwater resort and try Ayurvedic massages for a true Kerala experience.

Where to Stay in Alleppey

• Sterling Lake Palace – Spacious rooms, a pool, and Ayurvedic treatments make this a top choice for resort stays.
• Private Houseboat – One night on a houseboat was the highlight of our Kerala trip, offering a peaceful, immersive experience with personal service. We stayed on a boat called Why Not?

For more tips and detailed itineraries, see our full Alleppey travel guide.

Days 5-6: Fort Kochi – History and Cafés

Why Visit Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is one of the most walkable cities in India, almost rivalled only by Udaipur. Its calm streets, colourful colonial buildings, and relaxed vibe make it a perfect stop after the hills and backwaters.

What to Do in Fort Kochi

• Explore historic churches, Jew Town, and Mattancherry Palace.
• Watch the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront.
• Wander through streets lined with vibrant colonial buildings.
• Spend time in bohemian-style cafes, popular with digital nomads, soaking in the atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Fort Kochi

• Secret Garden Hotel – Our favourite stay in all of India, it felt like a real-life Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Relax by the pool, surrounded by greenery and peacocks, with a calm, peaceful vibe. The owner was incredibly helpful and welcoming, giving us great tips for our 2 days and making it hard to leave even after a few nights.

For more tips and detailed itineraries, see our full Fort Kochi travel guide.

Days 7-8: Hampi – Ruins, Temples and Landscapes

Why Visit Hampi

Hampi is where the “discover yourself in India” feeling really hits. The landscape is surreal, almost Jurassic or Flintstone-like, with huge boulders, ancient ruins, and temples everywhere. Located in the state of Karntaka, it feels so different to Kerala. It still retains its relaxed, hippie vibe, making it feel like another world entirely.

What to Do in Hampi

• Visit the Virupaksha temple, it’s incredible, and feels so special, we visited twice!
• See the Stone Chariot and other 600-year-old ruins, exploring incredible architecture.
• Watch sunsets, some of the best in all of India, from various viewpoints.
• Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site‘s ruins and rocky landscapes, spotting playful monkeys along the way.
• Relax in chill hippie cafes, soaking in the calm and creative energy of the town.

Where to Stay in Hampi

• Mango Tree Homestay – A lovely, peaceful stay with breakfast in the garden surrounded by colourful plants and flowers. We felt at home here and were introduced to an auto driver who took us around all of Hampi’s sights.

For more tips and detailed itineraries, see our full Hampi travel guide.

Day 9: Mysore – Palaces, Markets and Calm City Life

Why Visit Mysore

Mysore is perfect for a day trip in this South India itinerary between Hampi and Mysore, or even if you travel from nearby Bangalore. The relatively calm city is walkable and feels effortlessly luxurious, making it an easy and rewarding stop without needing to stay overnight. Luggage can be stored safely at the station, so you can explore stress-free.

What to Do In Mysore

• Visit the Mysore Palace, a stunning example of grandeur and luxury that feels like stepping into another era. It was our favourite of the many we visited in India, along with Jaipur’s City Palace.
• Explore the Devaraja Market, a feast for the senses with vibrant colours, flowers, spices, and perfumes.
• Try the famous Mysore Dosa at Original Vinayaka Mylari – rich, buttery, and absolutely delicious.
• Walk around the streets to soak in the city’s elegant, serene vibe and admire the colonial architecture.

For more tips and a detailed guide, see our full Mysore day trip guide.

Days 10-14+: Goa – Beaches, Food and Relaxation

Why Visit Goa

Goa is our favourite and most visited place in India. Since our first visit three years ago, we’ve returned four times, so we’ve seen the best beaches, hidden gems, and authentic local experiences. It’s a unique mix of lively party scenes, laid-back paradise beaches, fresh seafood, and rich Goan culture.

What to Do in Goa

• North Goa is lively, with a local Indian crowd and a vibrant nightlife. It’s perfect for watersports, beach parties, and exploring the energetic beach towns.
• Vagator Beach is the centre of the Psytrance party scene and has some of the best food shacks we’ve found in India. Don’t miss Darling’s Lane, a cool Indian pub street we loved for evening drinks and live music.
• South Goa is calmer, ideal for relaxing, enjoying sun-drenched beaches, and sampling fresh Goan seafood with a local Kingfisher beer.
• Palolem Beach is stunning and slightly busier than other southern beaches, with a charming market area behind the beach for souvenirs and handicrafts.
• Patnem Beach is quieter, attracts a more European crowd, and is perfect for calm morning walks, afternoons at beach shacks and cafes, and a sunset seafood dinner.

Where to Stay in Goa

• Palolem – Pacific Sunset View: perched on a small private beach, quieter than the main stretch, we fell in love with the incredible restaurant views and attentive staff.
• North Goa – 3102BCE: a Vedic-style resort with thoughtful amenities, massages, and a calming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring.

We’ve explored both the busy and quieter sides of Goa multiple times, so these recommendations come from our firsthand experience.

What to Eat on a South India Trip (Kerala, Karnataka & Goa)

South India is a paradise for food lovers, with each region offering unique flavours and dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s what to try on this itinerary:

What to Eat in Kerala

• Sadhya – traditional feast of rice, curries, pickles, and payasam. Best in Munnar.
• Banana leaf fish meals – especially in Alleppey, fresh and bursting with local spices.
• Meen Moilee – creamy coconut-based fish curry in Kochi. Perfect with steamed rice or appams.

See our full Kerala food guide for more recommendations.

What to Eat in Hampi

• South Indian thalis – delicious and filling, great for lunch after exploring ruins.
• Fresh lassis or mango drinks – refreshing and perfect for the hot, rocky landscape.
• Chill cafés – try snacks and coffee while taking in the hippie-vibe sunsets.

What to Eat in Goa

• Tandoori kingfish – fresh and smoky, best on the beach.
• Pork sausage fry with Goan poi bread – traditional, flavourful, and hearty.
• Xacuti fish or chicken curry – rich, aromatic, and deeply Goan, for us, it is better than the more famous vindaloo.
• Pair meals with a cold Goan beer, like Kingfisher, for the perfect tropical combo.

Exploring South India through its food is just as rewarding as its landscapes. From great restaurants to cafes and beach shacks, every meal is a chance to taste the region’s incredible diversity.

FAQs for 2 weeks in South India

Final Thoughts: Why South India Is So Special

South India surprises first-time visitors with its calm, welcoming pace and incredible variety. From misty tea hills in Munnar to serene backwaters in Alleppey, bustling yet walkable streets in Kochi, otherworldly landscapes in Hampi, luxurious palaces in Mysore, and paradise beaches in Goa, it has something for everyone.

We’ve travelled extensively across India, and this region consistently stands out for its ease of travel, safety, and diversity of experiences. The people are warm, the food is fresh and unforgettable, and every stop feels immersive without being overwhelming.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, relaxation, or a mix of all three, South India offers a perfect introduction to the country. Using our experiences, tips, and recommendations, you can explore confidently and enjoy a journey that’s as rewarding, memorable, and enriching as ours.