Cochin to Madurai the Backwater, Tea Estate & Temple Tour

Day 1: Arrive Cochin

Upon arrival at Cochin Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After refreshing, begin the city tour of Cochin, a historic port city known for its colonial influences and diverse culture. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), and the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town. Walk through the charming streets reflecting Portuguese and Dutch heritage. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance showcasing Kerala’s classical storytelling art. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 2: Cochin – Alleppey (Backwater Experience)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Alleppey covering approx. 55 kms / 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, proceed to the boat jetty and board your private houseboat. Begin a relaxing cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, passing through lush green paddy fields, coconut groves, and village settlements. Enjoy freshly prepared traditional meals onboard while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Experience the unique lifestyle of backwater communities and the calm beauty of the waterways. Overnight on board the houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 3: Alleppey – Thekkady

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Thekkady covering approx. 140 kms / 4 hours. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Thekkady is known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the evening, visit a cultural center to witness Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s traditional martial art form, followed by a Kathakali performance. These experiences provide insight into Kerala’s rich performing arts and traditions. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 4: Thekkady Sightseeing (Periyar Wildlife & Spice Plantation)

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you may spot elephants, deer, and various bird species along the banks of the sanctuary. Continue with a guided spice plantation tour to learn about the cultivation of spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. The aromatic environment and educational insights make this a unique experience. Later, visit the local market to explore spices and handicrafts. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 5: Thekkady – Munnar

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Munnar covering approx. 95 kms / 3–4 hours. Enjoy a scenic journey through hills, waterfalls, and tea plantations. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Later, visit the Tea Museum to understand the history and processing of tea in the region. Enjoy a tea tasting session and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding plantations. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 6: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the sightseeing tour of Munnar. Visit Mattupetty Dam and the nearby dairy farm, followed by Pothamedu Viewpoint offering panoramic views of tea, coffee, and spice plantations. Continue to Devikulam, known for its tranquil lake and scenic surroundings. Enjoy leisurely walks amidst tea gardens and experience the cool, refreshing climate of the hill station. The day offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxation. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 7: Munnar – Madurai

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Madurai covering approx. 160 kms / 4–5 hours. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Later, begin the city tour of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. Visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its towering gopurams and intricate carvings. Continue to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture. In the evening, witness the temple ceremony and explore the bustling local markets. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 8: Madurai Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Madurai Airport for your onward journey. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short walk or last-minute shopping. Your tour concludes with unforgettable memories of South India’s backwaters, tea estates, wildlife, and temple heritage.

• Meet and greet assistance on arrival and departure
• 6 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• 1 night stay on private houseboat in Alleppey with all meals included
• Daily breakfast at all hotels
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, sightseeing, and intercity travel
• English-speaking local guides during sightseeing as per itinerary
• Monument entrance fees and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary
• 1-time shared boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with naturalist
• Cultural experiences including Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle throughout the journey
• All toll taxes, parking charges, driver allowances, and government taxes

Hotels are used or similar for 7 nights accommodations 

Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 nights
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

• Any domestic or international flight tickets
• Meals other than those mentioned in inclusions
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, beverages, telephone, and shopping
• Camera or video charges at monuments or parks
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance and medical expenses
• Any increase in taxes, fuel surcharge, or entrance fees
• Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions