Family-friendly itineraries across South India

As long-time explorers across India, we can vouch for the fact that there are a few things better than a family vacation in South India! We’ve got excellent memories of going on epic road trips in the South. Inspired by those childhood holidays, we’ve put together some great family-friendly itineraries across South India for you!

Guest Shawna Brashears & family welcomed with coconuts at the houseboat

Mumbai – Goa – Mysore – Kerala

Start in Mumbai, with its British-era architecture, energetic buzz and amazing food. This city offers you a wealth of historic heritage to explore. It is a great jump-off point to destinations across West and South India. But hold your horses, there is much more to come as we move to Goa to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere.

Enjoy Goa’s various water adventure sports, lounge on the beach and visit its churches and colourful old Portuguese district. Then, head southward, with a quick stop at Mysore to enjoy its rich history. It also has a great zoo! If you can handle spice, you should try the famous Mysore masala dosa, filled with potatoes and spicy chutney. Continue to Hampi, a town of ancient ruins and plenty of outdoor activities, all wrapped up in a happy, hippie vibe. This is especially fun with slightly older children who might enjoy the treks, or even give bouldering a shot!

Wrap your family vacation in South India up by relaxing amid the backwaters in Alleppey, Kerala. You can try a bit of yoga, get an ayurvedic massage (or three!) and dine on the freshest seafood as you live on a houseboat, and we can help you find activities that’ll keep your little ones engaged too, from learning traditional fishing methods to climbing a coconut tree, or spice plantation walks if that’s more their speed.

See Also: Know the Perfect Time to Visit Kerala

Want to plan a family holiday in South India? Get in touch, we’ll do all the work for you!

Enjoy the miles of coastline India offers, from relaxing to bustling with life

Chennai – Pondicherry – Munnar 

Start your holiday off in Chennai, exploring the capital of Tamil Nadu. Growing upon its deep-set cultural identity is a buzzing tech hub. It makes for an easy entrance into the route, with its hustle and bustle. And then, move on to a uniquely blended culture in the erstwhile French territory of Pondicherry. It’s become a haven for peace-seekers that set up artsy cafes and organic goods stores amid its colourful bylanes, and is close to the Auroville commune! You can also go on mini temple tours in South India if you want, by visiting Thanjavur and Madurai, two incredible temple towns in Tamil Nadu.

Your family trip to South India will get more laidback as you move ahead to Munnar in Kerala, where you can visit the famous tea farms and enjoy the traditional delicacies of Kerala in this beautiful hill station. It’s a great place to kick back and relax, soaking in the foggy evenings and taking in the rolling hills. Then, cut across to the coast and the sun again, and ride a houseboat down the backwaters from Alleppey. Kochi is the perfect last stop for this trip, quaint, colourful and with just enough chaos to make it interesting, but not overwhelming.

We can plan your next family holiday in South India for you – get in touch!

Immaculate conception church in Pondicherry (Photo Credit – Aleksandr Zykov)

Bangalore – Mysore – Bandipur – Wayanad

This is our pick if you’re looking for an active outdoorsy family holiday in South India. This trail has wildlife parks and lush green forests, mixed in with a bit of culture and history – perfect with slightly older children!

Start off in Bangalore, and head South to explore the amazing, vast gardens and palace in Mysore. If you’ve got younger kids, don’t miss the zoo here! From there you can take a road trip to South India and visit the Bandipur National Tiger Reserve. The forestland spreads over into the Wayanad Wildlife Reserve in Kerala. You will find plenty of chances to encounter the wild in this dense and shadowy forest area. Spot elephants playing near the Kabini River, birds soaring overhead, and, if you’re lucky, tigers out on the prowl amid the undergrowth.

This region has some amazing local homes to stay in, too, so you get a taste of the local culture and cuisine while you immerse yourself in nature all day.

Read on: Exploring the Cost of Travel in India

Mysore Palace, India (Photo Credit – Keith Cuddeback)

Go on an outdoorsy family holiday in South India – we’ll help you figure out the details! Get in touch!