8 days tour

Cochin - Alleppey - Periyar - Munnar - Madurai - Kanyakumari - Trivandrum

 

 

This small state that is surrounded by water and subtropical mountains is often the travelers’ favorites. This can be explained by its gorgeous mountain landscapes, spice and tea plantations, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, beautiful tropical beaches, and canoe rides on quiet backwaters canals. The cities are small, the gastronomy is fresh and tasty, the hospitality kind and caring.

 

 

Day 1 :     COCHIN airport - FORT COCHIN  40 km - 1 h 30

Your driver will be waiting for you upon arrival at Cochin International Airport and will take you to your hotel.

Explore the historic quarters of the city, including visits to:

• Paradesi Synagogue

• Santa Cruz Basilica

• St. Francis Church

• Ernakulam Folklore Museum

• Mattancherry Palace

• Hill Palace Museum

In the late afternoon, head to the waterfront to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets in action — a must-see at sunset.

Dinner by the sea to end the day.

Overnight in Fort Cochin.

 

Day 2 :    FORT COCHIN - ALLEPPEY       55 km - 1 h 30

Morning in Fort Cochin – Transfer to Alleppey (for 12:00 PM)

Spend the morning exploring more of Fort Cochin, then transfer to Alleppey in time to board your private houseboat at noon.

To discover the intricate network of canals weaving between land and sea, we offer you an unforgettable night aboard a houseboat, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 AM the next morning.

Cruise through the peaceful backwaters and spend the night anchored on Lake Vembanad.

Your private boat experience includes:

• Cruise

• Lunch, dinner, and breakfast onboard

• Overnight stay on the houseboat

Overnight on the houseboat.

 

Day 3 :    ALLEPPEY - PERIYAR      130 km - 4  h

Disembark from the houseboat at 9:00 AM.

On the way to Periyar, stop for a visit to a spice plantation, where you'll learn about the aromatic herbs and spices that make Kerala's cuisine so unique.

In the afternoon, enjoy an activity in Periyar National Park.

To end the day, choose between:

• A cooking class with a local family, for a hands-on cultural experience

• Or a Kalaripayattu performance, the traditional martial art of Kerala

Overnight in Periyar.

 

Day 4 :     PERIYAR - MUNNAR   90 km - 3 h

Periyar National Park - Website: https://www.periyartigerreserve.org

In the morning, take part in one of the many activities offered in the park, such as:

• Nature Walk or Green Walk

• Bamboo Rafting (half-day recommended)

• Bird Song Trail

• Border Hiking (a more challenging trek)

• Boating Safari

Afternoon transfer to Munnar

Located at an altitude of 1,524 meters, Munnar is a charming mountain town nestled in the heart of South India's most spectacular landscapes. It’s the peaceful side of Kerala — a place for rejuvenation and hiking.

Visit a tea factory, where you can follow the entire traditional process of making orthodox tea, including the crafting of black, green, and white teas.

In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance, a captivating blend of dance and theater that is unique to Kerala.

Overnight in Munnar.

 

Day 5 :    MUNNAR

We work with a well-known and highly experienced local guide in Munnar who will help you discover the region’s rich flora and fauna. A guide is required for treks through the tea plantations, and we offer two options:

• 12 km trek – Half-day from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM

• 24 km trek – Full day from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM

After your trek, take time to explore the beautiful surroundings of Munnar, with breathtaking viewpoints scattered throughout the region.

You may also have the rare chance to spot wild elephants in Anakulam — a 1.5-hour scenic drive leads you to this remote location where elephants, roaming freely, often come to drink at dusk. It requires patience and a bit of luck, but the experience can be magical.

Overnight in Munnar

 

Day 6 :    MUNNAR - MADURAI   160 km - 4 h

Early morning departure for Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest cities in South India.

Highlights of the day include:

• Visit to the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a splendid example of Indo-Saracenic architecture

• A stop at the Gandhi Museum, offering insight into India’s path to independence

• Exploration of the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, one of the most stunning temples in South India

The temple features four towering gopurams (gateways), covered in hundreds of vibrantly colored sculptures that depict the divine stories of the gods.

In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to witness a sacred temple ceremony, where an image of Shiva is carried in a procession to join Meenakshi in her sanctum — a powerful and symbolic ritual of union.

Overnight in Madurai.

 

Day 7 :     MADURAI - KANYAKUMARI  240 km - 4 h

 Kanyakumari, the southernmost town in India, is the meeting point of three seas: the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.

Take a ferry ride to reach the Vivekananda Memorial, dedicated to the Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902). This memorial stands on a rock 500 meters offshore, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Just nearby, you’ll find the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue, an imposing 40.5-meter high sculpture of the great Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. The statue honors his masterpiece, the Thirukkuṟaḷ.

You may also visit the Bhagavathy Kumari Temple or take a leisurely walk along the coastline to enjoy the views and browse the stalls of local street vendors.

Overnight in Kanyakumari.

 

Day 8 :     KANYAKUMARI - TRIVANDRUM   90 km - 2 h 30

Transfer to Trivandrum for Your Return Flight.

 

Travel Time: The average speed on roads in India is around 45-50 km/h. Travel times are given as estimates and may vary due to factors beyond our control (traffic, weather conditions, type of vehicle, roadworks, etc.).