South India Trip Cost Calculator
Trip Details
How It Works
Accommodation
Based on hotel/guesthouse categories
Transportation
Local and inter-city travel
Food & Drink
Street food to restaurants
Activities
Temples, wildlife parks, tours
Estimated Total Cost
USD Equivalent
Cost Breakdown
When you start mapping out a vacation in the south of the subcontinent, the biggest question is usually - how much will it actually cost? The answer isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all; it depends on where you go, how you move, where you stay, and what you eat. Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step breakdown that lets you estimate a realistic budget for a 7‑ to 14‑day adventure across Kerala, TamilNadu, Karnataka and AndhraPradesh.
Understanding the Region
South India is a geographical zone that includes the states of Kerala, TamilNadu, Karnataka, AndhraPradesh and the union territory of Lakshadweep. It is known for its backwaters, hill stations, historic temples and vibrant cuisine.
Each state offers a different price tier. Kerala’s eco‑lodges and houseboats tend to sit in the mid‑range, while coastal TamilNadu beaches can be surprisingly cheap if you opt for guesthouses. Karnataka’s tech hubs push prices up in urban areas, but the mountain towns of Coorg and Chikmagalur stay budget‑friendly. AndhraPradesh’s coastal stretch is still emerging as a tourist hotspot, meaning you can snag good deals on rooms and meals.
Key Cost Drivers
Breaking the total expense into its core components makes budgeting easier. The main buckets are:
- Accommodation - from dormitory‑style hostels to mid‑range hotels.
- Transportation - inter‑state trains, state buses, rental scooters and occasional flights.
- Food & Drink - street stalls, family‑run restaurants, and occasional fine‑dining.
- Sightseeing & Activities - temple entry fees, wildlife parks, boat rides, and guided tours.
- Miscellaneous - visas, travel insurance, souvenirs and internet.
All prices are quoted in Indian Rupee (INR), the official currency of the region.
Average Daily Expenses (2025)
| Category | Budget (INR) | Mid‑Range (INR) | Luxury (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 800‑1,200 | 1,500‑3,000 | 4,500‑8,000 |
| Food & Drink | 300‑500 | 600‑1,200 | 1,500‑3,000 |
| Local Transport | 200‑400 | 500‑1,000 | 1,200‑2,500 |
| Activities & Entry Fees | 150‑300 | 350‑800 | 1,000‑2,500 |
| Miscellaneous | 100‑200 | 250‑500 | 600‑1,200 |
| Total per day | 1,550‑2,600 | 3,200‑6,500 | 8,900‑16,700 |
These figures are averages based on data collected from backpacker forums, local tour operators and recent traveler expense logs (2024‑2025). Prices can swing higher in peak season (December‑January, summer holidays) and lower during the monsoon months (June‑September).
Putting It All Together: Sample Itineraries
South India trip cost can be illustrated with three realistic itineraries. All assume a solo traveler, but you can scale the numbers up or down for couples or families.
1. Budget Backpacker - 10 Days
- Days 1‑3: Kochi (Kerala) - stay in a dorm hostel (₹900/night), explore Fort Kochi on foot, eat at local stalls (₹350/day).
- Days 4‑5: Munnar (Kerala) - budget guesthouse (₹1,100/night), rent a scooter (₹300/day) to trek tea plantations.
- Days 6‑7: Madurai (TamilNadu) - budget hotel (₹1,000/night), visit Meenakshi Temple (entry free), local dosas for meals.
- Days 8‑10: Hampi (Karnataka) - budget bungalow (₹1,200/night), bicycle rent (₹150/day) to roam ruins, occasional guide (₹300).
Estimated total: ₹23,500‑₹27,800 (≈$285‑$340 USD). This includes a one‑way train from Kochi to Madurai (₹650) and a return bus from Hampi to Bangalore for the flight home (₹900).
2. Mid‑Range Comfort - 12 Days
- Days 1‑2: Bengaluru (Karnataka) - 4‑star hotel (₹3,200/night), coffee shop breakfasts.
- Days 3‑5: Coorg (Karnataka) - boutique resort (₹4,500/night), guided coffee plantation tour (₹1,200).
- Days 6‑8: Alleppey (Kerala) - houseboat experience (₹6,800/night inclusive of meals).
- Days 9‑10: Chennai (TamilNadu) - mid‑range hotel (₹2,800/night), museum tickets (₹250).
- Days 11‑12: Pondicherry - beachfront boutique (₹3,200/night), bike rental (₹300/day).
Estimated total: ₹71,200‑₹78,500 (≈$860‑$950 USD). Transportation includes a domestic flight Bengaluru→Cochin (₹4,500) and a train Chennai→Pondicherry (₹350).
3. Luxury Escape - 14 Days
- Days 1‑3: Kochi - heritage hotel (₹8,000/night), private yacht day cruise (₹12,000).
- Days 4‑6: Munnar - 5‑star resort (₹9,500/night), guided trekking with photographer (₹5,500).
- Days 7‑9: Chennai - sea‑view suite (₹7,000/night), private culinary class (₹4,000).
- Days 10‑12: Hampi - luxe boutique (₹6,800/night), hot‑air balloon ride over ruins (₹15,000).
- Days 13‑14: Goa (via Bangalore) - beachfront villa (₹10,000/night), spa package (₹8,000).
Estimated total: ₹252,000‑₹275,000 (≈$3,050‑$3,340 USD). Includes two domestic flights (Kochi→Chennai, Bangalore→Goa) at roughly ₹6,000 each.
Tips to Trim the Bill
- Travel off‑peak. Prices for accommodation and flights dip 20‑30% during the monsoon.
- Use state-run buses for inter‑city moves; they’re safe and cost as low as ₹150‑₹300 per 200km.
- Book hostels with shared kitchens - you can cook breakfast and save ₹200‑₹400 daily.
- Eat where locals eat. Street food stalls in Kerala and TamilNadu serve meals under ₹200 without compromising taste.
- Leverage rail passes. The South Indian Rail Pass (valid for 5 days of travel) costs about ₹2,200 and can replace multiple single tickets.
Potential Hidden Costs
Even when you’ve planned every major line item, a few unexpected expenses can pop up:
- Seasonal festivals - you might need to pay extra for accommodation near popular temples.
- ATM fees - many banks charge ₹30‑₹50 per withdrawal; plan larger cash pulls.
- Travel insurance - a 14‑day policy for a solo traveler averages ₹1,200‑₹1,800.
- Visa on arrival (for certain nationalities) - INR2,000 processing fee.
Quick Takeaways
- Budget solo travel: ₹1,600‑₹2,500 per day.
- Mid‑range comfort: ₹3,200‑₹6,500 per day.
- Luxury experience: ₹9,000‑₹17,000 per day.
- Peak season can add 20‑30% to all categories.
- Off‑peak travel, state buses, and street food cut costs dramatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to travel between states in South India?
State‑run buses are the most economical option. A 200km journey typically costs between ₹150 and ₹300 and takes a few hours. For longer distances, the South Indian Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on most trains for a flat fee of about ₹2,200.
How much should I budget for food if I want to try local dishes?
Street stalls and family restaurants serve a full meal for ₹150‑₹350. If you stick to these spots, expect to spend around ₹300‑₹500 per day. Upscale restaurants will push that number to ₹1,500‑₹3,000 per day.
Are there any hidden fees for visiting temples?
Most major temples charge a nominal entry fee (₹20‑₹50). However, special festivals may require a donation or an extra ticket for restricted areas, which can add ₹200‑₹500 on those days.
What currency exchange rate should I use for budgeting?
As of October2025, 1USD ≈₹83. Use a 5‑10% buffer to cover fluctuations and ATM fees.
Is travel insurance worth the cost for a short South India trip?
Yes. A 14‑day policy covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation and lost baggage typically costs ₹1,200‑₹1,800. It can save thousands if something goes wrong.
