Start your South India adventure by landing in Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka. In the morning, visit Cubbon Park, a lush green space in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll. In the afternoon, explore the wonders of science and technology at the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum. As the evening approaches, head to the famous M.G. Road for shopping and delicious street food.
Cubbon Park: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum: Entrance fee: INR 50 per person, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
M.G. Road: Cost depends on shopping and food choices, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Bengaluru is Brahmin's Coffee Bar, known for their filter coffee and traditional South Indian dishes like idli and vada. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 100 per person.
For lunch, head to Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR), a legendary eatery famous for their delicious vegetarian thali and dosas. The average cost for a meal at MTR is about Rs. 200 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner at Nagarjuna, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Andhra-style cuisine. Their flavorful biryanis and spicy curries are a must-try. The average cost for a meal at Nagarjuna is about Rs. 400 per person.
Friday, August 11: Mysuru
On day 2, take a day trip to Mysuru, known for its magnificent palaces and vibrant culture. In the morning, explore the grandeur of Mysuru Palace, a remarkable architectural masterpiece. Afterward, visit the Chamundi Hills to witness the stunning panorama of the city. In the evening, take a stroll through the bustling Devaraja Market, where you can find an array of spices, silk, and traditional handicrafts.
Mysuru Palace: Entrance fee: INR 200 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Chamundi Hills: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Devaraja Market: Cost depends on shopping choices, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Sri Rama Lodge and Restaurant offers traditional South Indian breakfast dishes, including dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Gufha Restaurant serves a delicious lunch spread of North Indian and South Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Oyster Bay at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is a fine dining restaurant specializing in seafood and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Saturday, August 12: Coorg
Embark on a scenic journey to Coorg, also known as the "Scotland of India". In the morning, visit the breathtaking Abbey Falls, surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, explore the Dubare Elephant Camp and have an unforgettable experience with elephants. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the coffee plantations and indulge in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Abbey Falls: Entrance fee: INR 15 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Dubare Elephant Camp: Entrance fee: INR 30 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Coffee plantation walk: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Coorg Canteen - Start your day with a delicious traditional South Indian breakfast at Coorg Canteen. Indulge in popular dishes like idli, vada, and dosa. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: Raintree Restaurant - Enjoy a delectable lunch at Raintree Restaurant, known for its diverse menu and warm ambiance. From Indian to Chinese and Continental, they offer something for everyone. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Dinner: East End Restaurant - Round off your day with a flavorful dinner at East End Restaurant. They specialize in South Indian delicacies and also offer a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Sunday, August 13: Wayanad
Head to Wayanad, a picturesque hill station in Kerala, renowned for its tea and spice plantations. In the morning, visit the Edakkal Caves, ancient rock formations with fascinating carvings. Afterward, explore the scenic beauty of Soochipara Falls. In the evening, take a guided tour of a tea plantation and enjoy a cup of refreshing tea.
Edakkal Caves: Entrance fee: INR 20 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Soochipara Falls: Entrance fee: INR 50 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Tea plantation tour: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at ClayHut Village Restaurant, located near Wayanad. They offer a wide range of South Indian dishes, including idli, dosa, and appam. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Green Gates Hotel Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their flavorful fish curry or vegetable biryani. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at The Willow Tree Restaurant, offering a fusion of Indian and international flavors. Their mouthwatering seafood platter and grilled chicken are highly recommended. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Monday, August 14: Ooty
Travel to Ooty, a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu known for its beautiful gardens and scenic landscapes. In the morning, visit the Government Botanical Garden, home to a vast collection of exotic plants and flowers. Afterward, take a peaceful boat ride on Ooty Lake. In the evening, explore the bustling commercial street, Charing Cross, and indulge in some shopping.
Government Botanical Garden: Entrance fee: INR 30 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Ooty Lake: Boat ride fee: INR 200 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Charing Cross: Cost depends on shopping choices, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Kalimarkai Tiffin Stall: Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Kalimarkai Tiffin Stall, known for its crispy dosas and fluffy idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Sidewalk Café: For a satisfying lunch, head to Sidewalk Café, a popular eatery serving a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Maharaja Restaurant: Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Maharaja Restaurant, known for its authentic Indian dishes and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, August 15: Kodaikanal
Make your way to Kodaikanal, a hill station known for its serene lakes and mist-covered mountains. In the morning, visit the enchanting Coaker's Walk, a picturesque promenade offering panoramic views. Afterward, explore the beauty of Bryant Park, filled with colorful flowers and well-manicured lawns. In the evening, take a relaxing boat ride on the tranquil Kodaikanal Lake.
Coaker's Walk: Entrance fee: INR 30 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Bryant Park: Entrance fee: INR 30 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Kodaikanal Lake: Boat ride fee: INR 125 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Avo's Café: Start your day at Avo's Café, a charming breakfast spot that offers a variety of fresh and healthy options. From avocado toast to smoothie bowls, there's something for everyone. The average cost for a meal at Avo's Café is about ₹300 per person.
Tava Restaurant: For a flavorful and authentic South Indian lunch, head to Tava Restaurant. This cozy eatery serves delicious dosas, idlis, and other local delicacies. The average cost for a meal at Tava Restaurant is about ₹200 per person.
Cloud Street: End your day with a memorable dinner experience at Cloud Street. Known for its beautiful rooftop ambiance and fusion cuisine, this restaurant offers a unique blend of Indian and international flavors. The average cost for a meal at Cloud Street is about ₹600 per person.
Wednesday, August 16: Chennai
Conclude your South India journey in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. In the morning, visit the historic Fort St. George, housing the St. Mary's Church and a museum. Afterward, explore the vibrant Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. In the evening, experience the local culture by watching a traditional dance or music performance.
Fort St. George: Entrance fee: INR 50 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Marina Beach: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Traditional dance/music performance: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Ananda Bhavan: A popular vegetarian restaurant in Chennai that offers a wide variety of South Indian breakfast dishes such as idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 100 per person.
Murugan Idli Shop: Known for its fluffy and soft idlis, this restaurant is a must-visit for lunch in Chennai. They also serve delicious dosas and other South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
Peshawri: Indulge in sumptuous North Indian cuisine at Peshawri. This restaurant is famous for its tandoori dishes and delectable kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 1000 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For some off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, consider visiting the quiet hill station of Yercaud, known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Another hidden gem is Mahabalipuram, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site temples and rock-cut caves. These destinations offer a unique blend of tranquility and cultural exploration.