10-Day Family-Friendly South India Itinerary

1. Day 1: Bangalore Palace
   20 minutes (7.5 km) from Kempegowda International Airport

   Explore the stunning Bangalore Palace, a mix of Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture, and learn about the royal family who owned it.

2. Day 2: Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
   20 minutes (5.6 km) from Bangalore Palace

   Enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautiful Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, home to a variety of exotic plants and trees.

3. Day 3: Mysore Palace
   2 hours 30 minutes (141 km) from Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

   Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace adorned with intricate carvings, stained glass, and beautiful paintings.

4. Day 4: Brindavan Gardens
   20 minutes (5.5 km) from Mysore Palace

   Take a boat ride and enjoy the vibrant colors of the flowers and fountains at the Brindavan Gardens at sunset.

5. Day 5: Coonoor
   4 hours 30 minutes (156 km) from Brindavan Gardens

   Relax in the verdant hills of Coonoor, enjoy home-made chocolates, and take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. Day 6: Ooty Lake
   1 hour (20.8 km) from Coonoor

   Spend a peaceful day by the picturesque Ooty Lake, surrounded by eucalyptus trees and stunning views of the hills.

7. Day 7: St. Francis Church
   3 hours 20 minutes (100 km) from Ooty Lake

   Visit the historic St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, with beautiful stained glass windows and a tranquil atmosphere.

8. Day 8: Cherai Beach
   1 hour 20 minutes (32 km) from St. Francis Church

   Relax on the golden sands and enjoy the fresh seafood at Cherai Beach, a family-friendly destination with calm waters and stunning sunsets.

9. Day 9: Mattancherry Palace
   45 minutes (11 km) from Cherai Beach

   Explore the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, with its beautiful murals and exhibits of the Kochi royal family’s history.

10. Day 10: Fort Kochi Beach
    15 minutes (4.5 km) from Mattancherry Palace

    End your trip with a relaxing day at Fort Kochi Beach, and take a stroll along the coast to see the famous Chinese fishing nets and Portuguese churches.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Bangalore Palace (1-2 hours, INR 230 per person)
• Lalbagh Botanical Gardens (1-3 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Mysore Palace (2-3 hours, INR 250 per person)
• Brindavan Gardens (1-2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Coonoor (1-2 days, INR 10-15 per person for the train ride on Nilgiri Mountain Railway)
• Ooty Lake (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• St. Francis Church (1 hour, free admission)
• Cherai Beach (1-2 hours, free admission)
• Mattancherry Palace (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Fort Kochi Beach (1-2 hours, free admission)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 580 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the famous Hampi ruins or the majestic Athirapally Falls. If you have less time, skip Coonoor and spend an extra day in Bangalore or Kochi exploring their bustling markets and cultural attractions.