mountain in munnar

South India Grand Tour: From Misty Hills to Sacred Shores & Backwater Bliss

Journey Through Kochi- Munnar - Thekkady - Madurai- Rameshwaram -Kanyakumari - Kovalam -Alleppey

DAY 1
Kochi to Munnar (130 km / ~4 hrs)
Upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will begin your scenic 130 km ascent toward the mist-covered hills of Munnar, a journey of approximately 4 hours that transitions from coastal plains to lush tea plantations. Along the way, enjoy refreshing pitstops at the cascading Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls, which offer spectacular roadside views and the perfect introduction to Kerala’s natural beauty. After navigating the winding ghat roads, you will check into your hotel to unwind and soak in the cool mountain air, concluding your first day with a relaxing overnight stay amidst the serene greenery of Munnar.

DAY 2
Munnar Sightseeing
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Munnar starting with a visit to Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and panoramic valley views. Your day continues with the serene waters of Mattupetty Dam, the playful acoustics of Echo Point, and an insightful tour of the Tea Museum to learn the secrets of Kerala’s world-famous brews before returning for another peaceful night in Munnar.

Day 3
Munnar to Thekkady (90 km / ~3 hrs)
Leave the tea gardens behind for the spice-scented air of Thekkady, a 3-hour drive that brings you to the heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Immerse yourself in the wilderness with a boat safari on Periyar Lake or choose from optional cultural experiences like a Spice Plantation tour, a traditional Kathakali dance performance, or a high-energy Kalaripayattu (martial arts) show, followed by an overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 4
Thekkady to Madurai (140 km / ~3.5 hrs)
Following breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive south to Athirapally, home to Kerala’s most majestic cascade. Often called the "Niagara of India," the 80-foot-high Athirapally Waterfalls offer a breathtaking display of raw power and natural beauty amidst the Sholayar forest range. After spending time at the falls and capturing stunning photographs, you will check into your resort nearby to enjoy the tranquil sounds of the forest for an overnight stay.

Day 5
Madurai to Rameshwaram (170 km / ~4 hrs)
Travel toward the coast to the sacred island of Rameshwaram, crossing the iconic Pamban Bridge which offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. This spiritual day includes a visit to the magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple, a holy dip at Agni Theertham, and a stop at the APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial to honor India’s "Missile Man," concluding with an overnight stay on the island.

Day 6
Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari (310 km / ~6.5 hrs)
Embark on a scenic 6.5-hour coastal drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India where three seas meet. Arrive in time to witness a breathtaking sunset at Triveni Sangam, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean converge, followed by an overnight stay at this unique land’s end destination.

Day 7
Kanyakumari to Kovalam (90 km / ~2.5 hrs)
Start your morning with a ferry ride to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue, standing majestically amidst the waves. Afterward, drive 2.5 hours back into Kerala to reach Kovalam, where you can spend the evening relaxing on its world-famous crescent beaches and enjoying the rhythmic sounds of the Arabian Sea during your overnight stay.

Day 8
Kovalam & Trivandrum Sightseeing
Dedicate your day to exploring the capital city, Trivandrum, located just a short drive from Kovalam. Visit the legendary Padmanabhaswamy Temple (the world’s richest temple), explore the Indo-Saracenic architecture of the Napier Museum, and stroll through the Zoo before returning to the shores of Kovalam for a final relaxing night by the beach.

Day 9
Kovalam to Alleppey (160 km / ~4 hrs)
Head north for a 4-hour drive to the "Venice of the East," Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s intricate network of backwaters. Board a traditional Houseboat for a cruise through emerald lagoons and palm-fringed canals, observing local village life and enjoying authentic Keralan cuisine on board, before spending a magical night floating on the backwaters or at a waterfront resort.

Day 10
Alleppey to Kochi Airport (85 km / ~2 hrs)
On your final day, enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive back to Kochi International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you can fit in some last-minute souvenir shopping for spices or handicrafts before checking in for your departure, carrying home unforgettable memories of South India’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

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inclusions

Pick up and Drop
O1 Double Rooms.
07 Nights stay at above mentioned Hotels.
01 night stay at Premium Houseboat.
All Breakfast &dinner at Hotels.
All transfers and sightseeing by A/C Innova CrystaAs per the itinerary Blocked. additional per km Rs 32/-
Driver bata, Toll, parking, and all applicable taxes for vehicle included in the cost.
Including GST 5%

exclusions

Airfare, Temples & Monument / Garden entrance fee,
Tips, Laundry, Beverages & Miscellaneous Exp.
Any optional Tour, Safari Tickets
Special Programme.
Any item except from the above itinerary.

notes

All the above rates are Nett & Non commissionable
Rooms and rates are subject to availability at the time of booking
Rates are subject to change without any prior notice depending on the availability at the time of booking.
Early check in, late checkout and room preferences are strictly subject with the hotel at the time of check in and we cannot guarantee the same; we can only put in a request at the time of booking
Rates are not applicable during exhibitions, conventions and special events. Surcharges shall apply and shall be determined at the time of booking
Standard check in time is at 1400 hours & check out time is 1200 hours
No refund shall be made for underutilized services
No rooms blocked. Any change in the number of Pax or travel date rates would change
Christmas ,New Year Supplimentory and Gala Dinner charges will be applicable at Hotel.

Commonly Used Question

What is the best time of year to take this tour?

The ideal window is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant across all three zones: the misty hills of Munnar, the tropical humidity of the Tamil Nadu plains (Madurai/Rameshwaram), and the coastal heat of Kovalam and Alleppey.

How do I manage the long drive from Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari?

This is the longest leg of your trip (approx. 6.5 hours). It is best to start by 8:00 AM to reach Kanyakumari by late afternoon. This ensures you have time to settle in before the spectacular sunset at the Triveni Sangam.

Are there any entry requirements for Eravikulam National Park (Munnar)?

The park often requires online pre-booking, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues for the forest department shuttles. Note that the park usually closes for a few weeks in early spring (Feb–March) for the Nilgiri Tahr calving season.

What is the mobile connectivity like on this route?

Absolutely. Beyond the Periyar boat safari, you can add soft trekking, bamboo rafting, or elephant interactions. It is best to decide these on Day 3 morning so your driver can help secure timings for the evening Kathakali or Kalaripayattu shows.

Are ATMs and digital payments widely available?

Digital payments (UPI, Credit/Debit cards) are accepted in most hotels and larger shops in Kochi, Munnar, and Madurai. However, carry sufficient cash for entry tickets to smaller monuments, tips, and local markets in Rameshwaram or rural Alleppey.

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