South India Itinerary Cost: Real Prices for Trips, Transport, and Stays

Planning a trip to South India, the culturally rich region covering Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, known for its temples, backwaters, hill stations, and vibrant food scene doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune. Many travelers assume it’s expensive because of the beaches and luxury resorts, but the truth is, you can explore South India on a tight budget—or splurge wisely—depending on how you structure your itinerary, a planned sequence of destinations and activities over a set number of days. The real cost isn’t about luxury hotels or private tours. It’s about how you move, where you eat, and what you choose to see.

Let’s break it down. A typical 7-day South India itinerary, a common route including Mysore, Hampi, Kochi, and Alleppey, often blending history, nature, and relaxation costs between ₹15,000 and ₹40,000 per person, depending on your style. Budget travelers stick to guesthouses, local buses, and street food—think ₹500 a day for food, ₹800 for a clean basic room, and ₹200 for a 50km bus ride. Mid-range travelers swap buses for private drivers (₹2,500–₹4,000/day) and stay in boutique hotels (₹3,000–₹6,000/night). Luxury seekers book houseboats on the backwaters, a network of lagoons and canals in Kerala, famous for serene boat rides and traditional village life that cost ₹10,000+ per night, and fly between cities like Cochin and Mysore. The biggest surprise? Entry fees to temples and heritage sites are usually under ₹100 for Indians and ₹300–₹500 for foreigners. You’re not paying for the sight—you’re paying for the guide, the transport, and the comfort.

Transport is where most budgets get blown. Trains are cheap and reliable—AC three-tier from Kochi to Mysore runs ₹1,200. But if you want flexibility, hiring a driver with a car for a full week costs ₹3,500–₹5,000, including fuel and tolls. Skip the rental cars unless you’re confident driving in Indian traffic. Food? A meal at a local eatery costs ₹100–₹150. A nice restaurant? ₹400–₹800. And yes, you can eat safely—just stick to hot, freshly cooked food and bottled water. The real value? You can spend a full day in Hampi’s ruins, a boat ride through the backwaters, and a night in a treehouse in Coorg—all for less than $50 if you’re smart.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, tested breakdowns of South India trips. No guesses. No fluff. Just what people actually spent on transport, stays, food, and activities—and how they made it work. Whether you’re planning a solo backpacker route, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, you’ll see exactly how the pieces fit together. No one tells you how much a train ticket to Ooty costs until you’re standing at the station. We do.