12 Days 11 Nights Kerala Tour Itinerary from Kochi to Madurai Covering Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Varkala, Kovalam, Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram & Cochin

Our driver-cum-representative will pick you up from Kochi Airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Settle in and enjoy a comfortable stay at the hotel after your journey.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Begin your day in Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India, where you should check out after visiting the remaining sights. Ensure to complete these before departure:

• Vivekananda Rock Memorial
• Thiruvalluvar Statue
• Kanyakumari Beach

After checkout, embark on the approximately 310 km journey to Rameshwaram, which will take around 6.5 hours by road. This drive offers a glimpse of Tamil Nadu’s scenic countryside.

Upon arrival in Rameshwaram, explore these notable attractions:

• Ramanathaswamy Temple – A magnificent temple famous for its long corridors and sacred water tanks.
• Agni Theertham – A holy beach where pilgrims take ritual baths.
• Gandhamadhana Parvatham – The highest point in Rameshwaram offering panoramic views and a temple on top.
• Dhanushkodi Beach – A serene beach known for its scenic beauty and ghost town ruins.

Conclude your day with a peaceful evening at the beach or a local market stroll before resting at your accommodation in Rameshwaram.