Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
South India has some of the most diverse landscapes, taking travellers through coastal highways, winding mountain roads and historic towns. Well-maintained highways and plenty of places to explore make these road trips in south India enjoyable. Each route offers a mix of culture, nature and adventure, with options for your stops at tea plantations, ancient temples or beaches. A road trip through South India is a great way to experience the region at your own pace and with your desired company.
10 Best Road Trips In South India
Here are the top road trips in South India, offering scenic drives through coastal routes, lush forests and historic towns:
1. Chennai To Munnar Via Pondicherry
Photo: Nabanita Sinha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This road trip begins in Chennai, a busy metropolis with modern and traditional influences. From there, the journey moves to Pondicherry, known for its French colonial architecture and coastal views. Tiruchirapalli offers a chance to explore the historic Rockfort Temple, followed by a stop in Dindigul, home to an old fort with a rich past. The trip ends in Munnar, where tea plantations stretch across rolling hills. This makes for one of the most exciting road trips in South India.
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 – 6 days
Distance Covered: Approximately 600 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather
2. Bangalore To Ooty Via Mysore
Photo: Arunvrparavur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Embark on a scenic drive from Bangalore to Ooty, passing through Mysore and the lush forests of Bandipur National Park. Stop in Mysore to visit the grand Mysore Palace and explore its busy markets filled with local crafts and food. Drive onward through Bandipur and Mudumalai National Parks, where you might catch glimpses of elephants and deer. Once in Ooty, visit the lakes and ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway for a classic hill station experience.
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 days
Distance Covered: Approximately 280 km
Best Time To Visit: July to September for greenery or November to March for cool weather
3. Hyderabad To Araku Valley Via Visakhapatnam
Photo: Mrithunjayan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The road trip from Hyderabad to Araku takes travellers through city life, coastal views, and hilly landscapes. Start in Hyderabad, exploring its historic sites and bustling markets before heading to Visakhapatnam. Stop at R.K. Beach for a walk along the shore and visit the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum. Drive onward to Borra Caves, known for their impressive rock formations. Finally, reach Araku Valley, where coffee plantations stretch across the hills, and waterfalls provide a refreshing break from the city’s fast pace.
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 – 6 days
Distance Covered: Approximately 730 km
Best Time To Visit: November to February for comfortable weather
4. Kochi To Kanyakumari
Photo: DileepKS69 / Wikimedia Commons
This coastal journey blends history, culture, and scenic landscapes, connecting Kerala’s backwaters with Tamil Nadu’s coastal heritage. Begin in Kochi, where the Chinese fishing nets and Fort Kochi’s historic streets offer a glimpse into the past. Head to Alleppey for a houseboat ride through the backwaters, passing villages and coconut groves. The trip ends in Kanyakumari, displaying one of the best road trips in South India. Here, the meeting point of three seas and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial make for a memorable stop.
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 days
Distance Covered: Approximately 300 km
Best Time To Visit: October to February for a comfortable coastal experience
5. Bangalore To Coorg
Photo: Piyush Tripathi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The road trip from Bang alore to Coorg starts in Mysore, where you can visit the grand Mysore Palace before continuing toward Nagarhole National Park. Here there’s a chance to spot wildlife like elephants and deer. As you approach Coorg, the landscape shifts to rolling hills covered in coffee plantations. Visitors can hike through forest trails or simply enjoy the slower pace of life in this well-known coffee-growing region. This makes it one of the most famous road trips in South India.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Distance Covered: Approximately 260 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for cool weather and lush greenery
6. Chennai To Yelagiri
Photo: Prof tpms / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Yelagiri is a great hill station to explore for a short break from Chennai. This is one of the top road trips in South India as it takes you past Vellore. Here you can stop to visit its historic fort and temples before continuing toward the hills. Yelagiri offers opportunities for trekking, paragliding and boating at Punganur Lake. You can also try adventure sports while enjoying the local culture and laid-back atmosphere.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Distance Covered: Approximately 230 km
Best Time To Visit: November to February for cool and comfortable weather
7. Kochi To Munnar
Photo: IM3847 / Wikimedia Commons
The road trip from Kochi to Munnar takes you through a landscape filled with spice plantations, waterfalls, and tea estates. A stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls allows you to stretch your legs before continuing toward Munnar. As you drive higher, the air becomes cooler, and tea plantations spread across the hills, creating a peaceful atmosphere. This makes this one of the most popular road trips in South India to take with friends and family.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Distance Covered: Approximately 130 km
Best Time To Visit: September to March for pleasant weather and blooming tea gardens
8. Mangalore To Gokarna
Photo: Bhawyad / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A coastal road trip from Mangalore to Gokarna offers a mix of beach views, cultural landmarks, and local flavours. Drive along Karnataka’s shoreline, stopping at Udupi to visit its well-known temples and enjoy the coastal cuisine. Take a break at Malpe Beach, where you can watch the waves and explore nearby islands. As you reach Gokarna, the relaxed atmosphere and quiet beaches provide a change of pace. This makes this one of the most spiritual road trips in south India.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Distance Covered: Approximately 230 km
Best Time To Visit: October to February for the best beach weather
9. Madurai To Rameswaram
Photo: IM3847 / Wikimedia Commons
This drive from Madurai to Rameswaram offers a mix of cultural heritage and coastal landscapes. Start by visiting the Meenakshi Temple, known for its detailed carvings and rich history. As you continue toward Rameswaram, drive across the Pamban Bridge, an engineering marvel that connects the mainland to the island. Once in Rameswaram, explore its well-known temples, visit Dhanushkodi’s ruins, and spend time along the quiet shores. The journey offers a chance to experience both history and spirituality along the way.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Distance Covered: Approximately 170 km
Best Time To Visit: October to April for a comfortable pilgrimage
10. Pondicherry To Chidambaram
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This road trip from Pondicherry to Chidambaram begins with a stroll through the French-inspired streets of Pondicherry. This is before heading toward Chidambaram, a town known for its ancient temples. The route winds through peaceful coastal roads, passing small villages and open fields. Along the way, visit Auroville for its unique community experience, take a boat ride through the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest. You can also explore the Nataraja Temple, an important site for devotees and history enthusiasts.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Distance Covered: Approximately 65 km
Best Time To Visit: November to February for pleasant weather
Road trips in South India are more than just a journey. They are an opportunity to experience the region’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage. Well-connected roads make travelling easy and enjoyable, turning every trip into a memorable experience. Plan your adventure with TripXL and discover the best road trips in South India, filled with new sights, experiences and stories.
Cover Photo: Victor Lu / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
