Madurai - Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Kumarakom - Thekkady - Munnar - Local - Flyback frm Kochi

On arrival at Madurai Airport, meet and greet our representative who will assist with your transfer and sightseeing. Madurai is known for its ancient temples, vibrant streets, and rich Tamil heritage.

Madurai Sightseeings:

• Meenakshi Amman Temple: Iconic Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar.
• Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal: Historic palace known for its grand pillars and courtyard.
• Gandhi Memorial Museum: Museum showcasing Mahatma Gandhi’s life and India’s freedom journey.
• Koodal Azhagar Temple: Prominent Vishnu temple known for its intricate architecture.
• Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: Large temple tank famous for its Float Festival.
• Local Market: Explore shops around the temple for brass items, fabrics, and handicrafts.

Note: Sightseeing in Madurai will be covered based on your arrival time and temple timings. Meenakshi Temple typically closes in the afternoon (12 PM–4 PM), so plan visits accordingly.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kanyakumari. Before leaving, make sure to complete any pending sightseeing in Kanyakumari. Begin your journey towards Kovalam, one of Kerala’s most scenic beach destinations. The distance between Kanyakumari and Kovalam is approximately 90 km, and the journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road.

En route, visit the following attraction:

• Poovar Island – A peaceful backwater paradise where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea. Enjoy a beautiful backwater cruise through mangroves, golden sand beaches, and quiet lagoons.

Upon arrival in Kovalam, check in to your hotel and proceed to explore the major sights.

Sightseeing in Kovalam:

• Lighthouse Beach – The most famous beach in Kovalam, known for its towering red lighthouse and stunning panoramic views.
• Hawa Beach (Eve’s Beach) – A quieter beach ideal for relaxation and short walks along the coastline.
• Samudra Beach – A serene, less crowded beach known for its rocky shoreline and peaceful ambience.
• Kovalam Art Gallery – Displays traditional Kerala art, sculptures, and contemporary paintings.

Checklist for the day:

• Check out from the hotel in Kovalam and complete any remaining sightseeing there.
• Travel from Kovalam to Kumarakom (approx. distance and travel time).
• Identify and visit interesting enroute stops.
• Arrive in Kumarakom and explore key attractions.
• Settle into accommodation in Kumarakom for the evening.

Begin your day by checking out from your hotel in Kovalam. If you haven’t yet, take some time to enjoy the remaining sights in Kovalam, such as the famous Kovalam Beach, known for its crescent-shaped shoreline and golden sands, and the Lighthouse Beach offering panoramic views from its iconic lighthouse.

Afterwards, embark on your journey to Kumarakom, which is approximately 160 km away and takes around 4 hours by road via NH66. The route is scenic, passing through lush Kerala countryside and quaint villages.

En route sightseeing:

• Varkala Cliff: A stunning cliffside beach town with dramatic views of the Arabian Sea and quaint cafes.
• Alleppey Backwaters: Famous for its tranquil canals and houseboat cruises, a perfect spot for a quick visit or photo stop.

Continue your journey and arrive in Kumarakom, a serene backwater village nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake. After checking into your hotel or resort, explore these local attractions:

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A haven for bird watchers, home to migratory birds and diverse species amidst mangroves and lagoons.
• Vembanad Lake: The largest lake in Kerala, ideal for boating and observing traditional village life along the shores.
• Pathiramanal Island: A small, picturesque island known for its rich biodiversity and peaceful ambiance.

Spend your evening relaxing by the lake or enjoy a traditional Kerala meal at your accommodation. This day offers a perfect blend of beaches, backwaters, and nature, making your journey from Kovalam to Kumarakom both refreshing and memorable.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kumarakom. Before departing, ensure that any remaining sightseeing in Kumarakom is completed, as no sights will be revisited.

After completing sightseeing, begin your journey towards Thekkady. The distance between Kumarakom and Thekkady is approximately 125 km, and it would take around 4 to 5 hours to reach by road.

Sightseeing in Thekkady:

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Famous tiger reserve known for elephants, birdlife, and forest biodiversity.
• Periyar Lake Boat Safari – Boat ride offering chances to spot wildlife along the lake banks (subject to ticket availability).
• Spice Plantation Visit – Guided walk through cardamom, pepper, clove, and cinnamon plantations.
• Elephant Junction (Optional) – Interact with elephants through bathing and short rides (subject to ethical guidelines).
• Thekkady Town / Kumily Market – Local market for spices, handmade chocolates, and souvenirs.
• Cultural Show (Optional) – Kathakali or Kalaripayattu martial arts performance in the evening.

Return to your hotel in Thekkady for an overnight stay.

Mandatory Closing Note:

Any sightseeing will be visited only once during the entire travel even if it is mentioned multiple times in the itinerary. In addition, no alternative sights or compensation will be arranged for the same.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Thekkady. Before departure, complete any remaining sightseeing you may have missed.

Start your drive to Munnar, which is approximately 110 km away and takes around 4–5 hours by road.

En route, you can visit the following authentic attractions:

• Cheeyappara Waterfalls – A seven-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery
• Valara Waterfalls – Scenic cascade ideal for photography
• Tea Plantations near Munnar – Stop briefly to admire the rolling hills and lush estates

Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is free for leisure — you may stroll through the local markets or enjoy the hotel facilities.

After breakfast at Munnar hotel, we would start the sights of Munnar.

Munnar Sightseeing (You can spread these sights over your stay depending available time. No sights will be visited twice):
 

• Eravikulam National Park- Famous as the premier sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and blooming of the Neelakurinji flowers.
• Tea Plantations – Explore the sprawling tea estates and learn about tea processing.
• Mattupetty Dam – Popular for boating and panoramic views of the hills.
• Echo Point – Famous for natural echo phenomenon and picturesque surroundings.
• Attukal Waterfalls – Serene waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
• Kundala Lake & Dam – Pedal boating and tranquil scenery.
• Pothamedu Viewpoint – Scenic viewpoints ideal for photography and short walks.
• Tea Museum – Learn about tea processing (optional).
• Kathakali / Punarjani Traditional Village – Cultural performance showcasing Kerala traditions (optional).
• Rose Garden – Stroll among vibrant flowers and take photos.

Start your day early in Munnar, ensuring you check out from your hotel after visiting any remaining sights. Munnar is famed for its lush tea gardens and serene landscapes, so take a morning stroll or visit any nearby highlights you may have missed before departure.

Travel from Munnar to Kochi

The drive from Munnar to Kochi covers approximately 130 km and takes around 4 hours. This scenic journey descends from the hills of Munnar to the coastal city of Kochi.

En Route Sightseeing

• Cheeyappara Waterfalls – A stunning seven-step waterfall perfect for a quick photo stop.
• Valara Waterfalls – Another beautiful waterfall with lush greenery offering a refreshing break.

Arrival and Sightseeing in Kochi

Upon arrival in Kochi, explore the city’s cultural and historic highlights before heading to the airport.

• Fort Kochi – Explore colonial architecture, quaint streets, and vibrant cafés.
• Chinese Fishing Nets – Iconic fishing nets that provide excellent photo opportunities along the waterfront.
• Jew Town and Mattancherry Palace – Discover historic spice markets and the Dutch Palace with its beautiful murals.
• St. Francis Church – Visit India’s oldest European church, rich in history.

Evening: Drop at Kochi Airport

After sightseeing, proceed to Kochi Airport for your onward journey. This concludes your single-day itinerary from Munnar to Kochi with a smooth and scenic travel experience.