From Cochin to Madurai

Suggested duration 10 days
Starting from
Santhi's photo
Santhi

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This journey through Southern India begins and ends in Bangalore, accessible via often more direct and economical international flights. From the capital of Karnataka, you'll explore Kerala and Tamil Nadu, discovering beaches, backwaters, plantations, and majestic temples.

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Your Itinerary

Your tour program

A captivating journey through Southern India, from the historic port of Fort Kochi to the majestic temple of Madurai. Discover the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, the lush tea plantations of Munnar, the rich biodiversity of Thekkady, and the fascinating culture of the Tamil region—all while enjoying authentic experiences and a millennia-old cultural heritage.

Arrival in Fort Kochi

Warm welcome at Cochin Airport after your connecting flight from Bangalore. Transfer to Fort Kochi, a former colonial trading post with a rich historical past blending Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Explore this charming port city at your own pace. Stroll through its picturesque streets, admire the colonial architecture, and soak in the unique atmosphere of a place where history is palpable at every turn.

Airport (BLR)
1h
Airport (COK)
1h 15m
Fort Cochin
Airport (BLR)
2h 15m
Fort Cochin

Fort Kochi Heritage

In the morning, enjoy a guided tour in French of Fort Kochi’s historical heritage: St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church), the Portuguese Museum tracing colonial history, the Dutch Palace with its mural paintings, the famous Chinese fishing nets, and the old Jewish Quarter with its synagogue. In the afternoon, visit the Folklore Museum, home to numerous cultural treasures. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali performance, the emblematic dance-theater of Kerala.

Journey to Mararikulam

This morning, depart for Mararikulam, a peaceful coastal village renowned for its golden sandy beach lined with palm trees. Check in at your seaside accommodation. Free afternoon to relax on the beach, enjoy the serene setting, or explore the surroundings. Mararikulam offers an authentic atmosphere, far from the crowds—perfect for immersing yourself in Kerala’s laid-back way of life.

Fort Cochin
1h 15m
Marari

Backwaters Cruise

Free morning to enjoy Marari Beach. In late morning, board a traditional houseboat for an unforgettable cruise through the backwaters, a spectacular network of lagoons, lakes, and canals fringed with coconut trees. Glide past picturesque villages and lush rice paddies while observing traditional life along the water. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay on your private houseboat—an authentic and peaceful experience amid nature.

Marari
40m
Pallathuruthy

Ayurveda and Journey to Kuttikkanam

Hop off after breakfast on board. In the morning, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage, a relaxing practice rooted in India’s 5,000-year-old medicinal tradition. Lunch with a local family offers a taste of authentic Kerala cuisine in a warm setting. Afterward, depart for Kuttikkanam, a mountainous region famed for its lush landscapes.

Pallathuruthy
2h 30m
Kuttikkanam

Mountain Biking Adventure

Today, embark on a mountain biking excursion from Kuttikkanam, riding through lush plantations and the verdant hills of the Western Ghats. Take in breathtaking views of this mountainous region, perched between 900 and 1,100 meters above sea level. Return to your accommodation for an afternoon rest. In the evening, witness a Kalaripayattu performance, Kerala’s traditional martial art, renowned for its grace, power, and ancient legacy.

Spices and Journey to Munnar

Start the day with a Kerala cooking class followed by a communal lunch. In the afternoon, depart for Munnar, a hill station famed for its rolling landscapes and tea plantations. En route, stop at a spice plantation (cardamom, pepper, vanilla) and visit the Lockhart Tea Museum, which traces the history of tea cultivation in the region. Overnight in Munnar.

Kuttikkanam
45m
Thekkady
3h
Munnar
Kuttikkanam
3h 45m
Munnar

Munnar’s Tea Plantations

A day dedicated to exploring Munnar’s stunning landscapes. Guided hike through verdant hills blanketed in endless tea plantations. Pass through remote villages nestled among crops of tea, coffee, cardamom, and black pepper. Discover the unique flora of this high-altitude region (1,600 meters). In the late afternoon, visit Munnar’s local market to shop for spices and other regional specialties.

Journey to Madurai

Depart for Madurai, one of South India’s oldest cities and the cradle of Tamil culture. En route, stop at an artisanal brick factory. Take a guided tour of Tirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century masterpiece blending Dravidian and Islamic styles. Then explore the Meenakshi Temple and its 12 colorful gopurams (towering gateways). In the evening, witness sacred rituals dedicated to Shiva and Parvati.

Munnar
4h
Madurai

Madurai and Departure

Early morning visit to Madurai’s flower market, where vendors bustle at dawn amid a whirlwind of colors and fragrances—a visual and olfactory feast. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then visit the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, the iconic site where the father of Indian independence renounced Western attire for the traditional dhoti. Stroll through the city’s lively market before transferring to Madurai Airport for your departure flight.

Madurai
30m
Airport (IXM)
1h 15m
Aéroport (BLR)
Madurai
1h 45m
Aéroport (BLR)

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Pricing & conditions

From per person

9 nights · international flights not included

Tailor-made tour

The price is set according to your departure dates, the length of your stay and the number of travellers.

  • Choose your own departure date.
  • Best season: from October to March.
  • Solo travellers: contact us for a tailored price.
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All prices shown are based on the best rate available to date and are subject to change at the time of booking, depending on availability, exchange-rate fluctuations or government taxes.

THIS INCLUDES:

  • 24/7 English-speaking assistance during your stay
  • Accommodation in standard double (or twin) room with breakfast included
  • Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver
  • Entry fees to sites and monuments as well as, more generally, costs related to mentioned activities
  • A English-speaking tour guide for any group of 4 people or more, otherwise occasional English-speaking guides at stages requiring them

THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • International flights and related taxes
  • Visa fees
  • All lunches and dinners (except those mentioned)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses: drinks, phone calls, tips, etc.
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