Scenic South India Road Trip: Hyderabad to Pondicherry, Munnar, Kochi, Alleppey, Mysuru, and Back

Day 1: Drive to Pondicherry

Hyderabad to Pondicherry, India on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Chennai Express Dhaba, Hyderabad

Start your trip with a traditional South Indian breakfast featuring idli and dosa at this popular local spot before departure.
INR200, 1h

8:00am

Drive Hyderabad to Pondicherry

Embark on a 6.5-hour scenic drive covering approximately 570 km along NH44 and NH32 with stops for breaks and meals.
Fuel and tolls approx INR2500, 6h30m

2:30pm

Check-in Hotel Le Dupleix

Rest and freshen up in this charming heritage hotel located in the French Quarter of Pondicherry.
INR4000, 1h

3:30pm

Relax Walk on Pondicherry Promenade

Take an easy stroll along the seaside promenade enjoying views of the Bay of Bengal and colonial architecture.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Surguru

Savor authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes in a cozy ambiance, known for thalis and dosas.
INR500, 1h

Day 2: Explore Pondicherry

Pondicherry, India on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café des Arts

Enjoy a French-inspired breakfast with pastries and coffee in a quaint café setting.
INR400, 1h

9:00am

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Explore this spiritual community and learn about its philosophy; peaceful meditation areas and a small museum.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore French Quarter

Walk through charming streets with colonial architecture, art galleries, and boutiques.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Taste fusion Indian cuisine in a beautiful heritage villa setting.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Auroville

Drive 12 km to Auroville, an experimental township; visit the Matrimandir viewing point (note: entry inside requires prior booking).
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Café

Experience beachfront dining at this iconic 24-hour café serving delicious seafood and beverages.
INR800, 1h

Day 3: Pondicherry to Munnar

Pondicherry to Munnar, India on May 26, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for the long journey ahead with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

7:30am

Drive to Munnar

Start the approximately 7-hour drive of around 430 km reaching the hill station by afternoon; multiple breaks recommended to avoid fatigue.
Fuel and tolls approx INR2000, 7h

3:00pm

Check-in to Tea County Munnar by CGH Earth

Relax in this scenic resort surrounded by tea plantations.
INR5500, 30m

4:00pm

Visit Tea Museum

Open till 6 PM; learn about tea processing and history in Munnar, with guided tours available.
INR150, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Try local Kerala cuisine including appam and stew in this popular food spot.
INR500, 1h

Day 4: Explore Munnar

Munnar, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with views of rolling tea gardens.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Eravikulam National Park

Open 7 AM to 4 PM; famous for Nilgiri Tahr and panoramic hill views. Permit required at entrance.
INR300, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan Munnar

Savor South Indian vegetarian dishes in a clean and comfortable setting.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point

Enjoy boating and scenic views just 13 km from Munnar town.
Boating INR150, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at hotel

Unwind with a tea-tasting session or spa treatment at your resort.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Rapsy

Return for flavorful Kerala dishes in a cozy ambiance.
INR500, 1h

Day 5: Munnar to Kochi

Munnar to Kochi, India on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Munnar to Kochi

Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours drive covering 130 km through scenic Western Ghats scenery.
Fuel approx INR1000, 5h

1:00pm

Check-in to Forte Kochi Hotel

Stay in a beautifully restored colonial hotel in historic Fort Kochi.
INR6000, 30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Kashi Art Café

Enjoy fresh, organic food and coffee in a vibrant artistic atmosphere in Fort Kochi.
INR600, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Fort Kochi

Visit Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and Dutch Palace; open until evening.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dal Roti

Sample North Indian and Mughlai dishes in a charming courtyard setting.
INR700, 1h

Day 6: Alleppey Houseboat

Kochi to Alleppey, India on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast at hotel before heading to Alleppey.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive Kochi to Alleppey

About 1.5-hour drive to Alleppey town for backwater houseboat experience.
Fuel approx INR300, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in Houseboat

Board your private or shared traditional Kettuvallam houseboat to explore Alleppey backwaters.
INR6000 per day approx, 8h

12:00pm

Lunch onboard

Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala meals while cruising through picturesque canals and lagoons.
Included, 1h

6:00pm

Disembark and drive back to Kochi

Return to Kochi for overnight stay.
Fuel approx INR300, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Pai Dosa

Casual dining with a variety of crispy dosas and South Indian snacks.
INR300, 1h

Day 7: Kochi to Mysuru

Kochi to Mysuru, India on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for the long drive ahead.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive Kochi to Mysuru

A long but scenic approximately 6.5-hour drive (about 290 km) via NH275 through Western Ghats and Bangalore outskirts.
Fuel approx INR1500, 6h30m

3:00pm

Check-in Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore

Comfortable stay in the heart of Mysuru city.
INR4500, 30m

4:00pm

Visit Mysore Palace

Open until 5:30 PM; explore the stunning architectural marvel and royal history museum.
INR70, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mylari

Sample the famous Mysore dosas in this popular local restaurant.
INR250, 1h

Day 8: Explore Mysuru

Mysuru, India on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a mix of Indian and continental breakfast options at the hotel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Chamundi Hill

Drive up to see Chamundeshwari Temple and panoramic views of Mysuru, open early till evening.
INR20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Old House

Relish delicious European and Indian dishes in a cozy café famed for its ambiance.
INR800, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit St. Philomena’s Cathedral and Jaganmohan Palace

Explore Mysuru's gothic heritage and art museum, open till 5 PM.
INR100, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Leisure at Brindavan Gardens

Enjoy the musical fountain show (timing varies seasonally, best to check) and garden walk, about 30 minutes from the city.
INR50, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Vinayaka Mylari

Taste authentic Mysuru cuisine and more dosas at this local hotspot.
INR300, 1h

Day 9: Mysuru to Hyderabad

Mysuru to Hyderabad, India on June 1, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Eat breakfast early to start your long drive to Hyderabad comfortably.
Included, 1h

7:30am

Drive Mysuru to Hyderabad

Around 8-hour drive (about 570 km) via NH44; make frequent stops to rest and refresh.
Fuel and tolls approx INR2800, 8h

4:00pm

Arrive in Hyderabad

End of memorable road trip journey with plenty of stories and photos from South India's best spots.
Free, N/A