11 Days 10 Nights Kerala Tour Itinerary from Kochi to Kochi Covering Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Varkala, Kovalam, Rameshwaram, Madurai & Cochin
Meet and Greet at Kochi, and Kochi Sightseeing
On arrival at Kochi Airport, our vehicle will pick you up as per your flight timing and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. After freshening up, proceed to Fort Kochi for sightseeing.
Sights to visit at Fort Kochi:
- Fort Kochi Beach – Free entry
- Chinese Fishing Nets – Approx. 30 minutes, Free entry
- St. Francis Church – Approx. 30 minutes, Free entry
- Indo-Portuguese Museum – INR 50 per couple (closed on Mondays)
- Mattancherry Palace / Dutch Palace – INR 50 per couple (closed on Fridays)
- Jewish Synagogue – Free entry (closed on Friday and Saturday)
- Jew Street – Popular street for shopping, Free entry
- Sunset Cruise on the Kochi Backwaters – Experience scenic sunset views (cost varies, approx. INR 800–1,500 per person)
It usually takes around 4–5 hours to cover these attractions. Later, visit a Cultural Center to enjoy traditional dance performances of Kerala (Approx. INR 1,000 per couple). After the cultural show, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Recommended Activities & Sights
Head to Munnar via Athirappilly
Munnar Extended Sightseeings
After breakfast at the hotel, head out for sightseeing in and around Munnar. Complete any remaining sights from the previous day before starting new activities.
Munnar Extended Sightseeing:
- Eravikulam National Park – Famous for Nilgiri Tahr and scenic landscapes, ideal for photography.
- Spice Garden – Explore local spices and plantations.
- Rajamalai (Eravikulam Hills) – Panoramic views and trekking opportunities.
Return to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay.
Recommended Activities & Sights
Head to Thekkady and Enjoy the Sights in Thekkady
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Munnar. Complete any remaining sightseeing if not already done. Depart for Thekkady. Munnar is approximately 90 km away from Thekkady, and it would take around 3–4 hours by road.
En route, visit the following attractions (optional stops depending on time):
- Spice plantations – Explore Kerala’s aromatic spice gardens and learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and more.
Upon arrival in Thekkady, check in to your hotel and rest briefly. Later, enjoy the following sightseeing and activities in Thekkady:
Thekkady Sightseeing & Activities:
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary / Periyar National Park – Jungle safari or boat cruise on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, bison, and other wildlife.
- Periyar Lake Boat Cruise – Scenic boat ride inside the sanctuary, spotting animals and birds along the lake. You can book the boat from Here. https://www.periyartigerreserve.org/program/boating
- Spice Garden Tour – Explore local spice gardens to see cultivation and processing.
- Elephant Rides – Optional elephant-back ride through forest trails.
- Kumily Market – Explore local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
- Cultural Shows – Attend Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performances in the evening (ticketed).
Note: Evening can be spent enjoying a leisurely walk around the hotel or local market.
Recommended Activities & Sights
Travel to Alleppey for an Houseboat Experience
After breakfast, complete any remaining sightseeing in Thekkady such as a spice garden visit, elephant ride, or boating at Periyar Lake (if not done earlier). Later, check out from the hotel and head towards Alleppey for a memorable houseboat experience. Alleppey is approximately 140 km from Thekkady, and it would take around 4 to 5 hours by road to reach. The drive offers scenic views of Kerala’s countryside, with spice plantations, rubber estates, and lush green paddy fields along the way.
Upon arrival in Alleppey, check in to your private houseboat by 2:00 PM and begin your tranquil cruise through the enchanting backwaters. Glide through narrow canals, lakes, and tiny hamlets while witnessing the calm village life of Kerala.
Your houseboat experience includes:
- Cruise through Vembanad Lake and scenic backwater canals
- Traditional Kerala meals freshly prepared on board (lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner)
- Sunset view from the open deck
- Comfortable stay with a private bedroom and attached washroom
Important Points to Remember:
- The boat remains anchored from 5:30 PM to 8:00 AM as per government rules.
- Deluxe Houseboat: AC runs 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM in the bedroom only.
- Premium/Luxury Houseboat: AC runs 24×7 (only one unit active at a time).
- The crew includes a chef, oarsman, and cabin assistant to make your stay comfortable.
Relax in the serenity of the backwaters and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in the houseboat.
Recommended Activities & Sights
Head to Varkala From Alleppey Via Jatayu
The total distance from Alleppey to Varkala is approximately 90 km, with an estimated travel time of around 2.5 hours. Today, you will travel via the fascinating Jatayu Earth Center, which lies roughly halfway.
En route, visit the following at Jatayu Earth Center:
- Jatayu Sculpture Park – Home to the world’s largest bird sculpture, representing the mythical bird Jatayu from the Ramayana.
- Adventure Activities – Try rock climbing, rappelling, and ziplining amidst scenic hills.
After exploring Jatayu Earth Center, continue your journey to Varkala, a coastal town famed for its dramatic cliffs and pristine beach.
Upon arrival in Varkala, explore these key attractions:
- Varkala Beach – Known for its stunning cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, perfect for sunset views and beach walks.
- Janardanaswamy Temple – An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, showcasing traditional Kerala architecture.
- Cliffside Cafés and Shops – Relax at vibrant cafés perched on the cliffs and browse local handicrafts.
Conclude your day by checking into your hotel in Varkala and enjoying the serene beach atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after your journey.
Recommended Activities & Sights
Varkala to Kovalam
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Varkala. Complete any remaining sightseeing in Varkala before departure. The distance between Varkala and Kovalam is approximately 55 km, taking around 1.5–2 hours by road.
Enjoy a scenic drive through coastal Kerala, passing beautiful beaches, coconut groves, and serene backwaters as you head towards Kovalam, one of India’s most famous beach destinations.
Arrive in Kovalam, known for its crescent-shaped beaches, lighthouse views, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Check in to your hotel and proceed for sightseeing based on available time.
Kovalam Sightseeings:
- Lighthouse Beach: Famous beach with a towering lighthouse offering panoramic views (access by steps).
- Hawa Beach (Eve’s Beach): Calm beach ideal for sunbathing and leisurely walks.
- Samudra Beach: Quiet and less crowded beach perfect for evening relaxation.
- Vizhinjam Harbour: Colorful fishing harbor offering excellent photo stops.
- Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium: Small aquarium showcasing marine species.
Note: Sightseeing in Kovalam will be covered based on available time across your stay. Evening at Lighthouse Beach is highly recommended for sunset views.
Recommended Activities & Sights
Leisure Day at Kovalam
Head to Rameshwaram From Kovalam
Recommended Activities & Sights
Rameshwaram Sightseeing And Head To Madurai
Start your day early with a hotel checkout in Rameshwaram. Before you depart, complete any remaining sightseeing in this spiritual island town, known for its religious significance and coastal beauty.
After completing your Rameshwaram visit, embark on your journey to Madurai, situated approximately 170 km away, which takes around 4 hours by road.
Upon arrival in Madurai, check into your hotel and prepare to explore this vibrant city known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu.
Must-visit attractions in Madurai:
- Meenakshi Amman Temple – A sprawling temple complex famous for its stunning Dravidian architecture and intricate sculptures.
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal – A 17th-century palace showcasing splendid Indo-Saracenic architecture.
- Gandhi Memorial Museum – Exhibits related to India’s freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi’s life.
Conclude your day with a walk along the bustling streets near the temple, enjoying local cuisine and vibrant night markets for souvenirs and snacks.
Recommended Activities & Sights
Fly Back From Madurai To Hometown
Start your day in Madurai with a relaxed morning, giving yourself ample time to pack and prepare for your journey back home. Madurai Airport is approximately 12 km from the city center, which takes around 30 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Before heading to the airport, make sure that you have visited the sights.
Proceed to Madurai Airport for your flight back to your hometown.
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