12 Days Kerala & Madurai Tour Itinerary – Backwaters, Tea Hills & Culture

Experience the best of Kerala and Tamil Nadu on this 12-day South India itinerary covering Cochin, Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady (Periyar), Alleppey Backwaters, and Marari Beach. This journey blends colonial heritage, tea plantations, wildlife, cultural experiences, and relaxing beach time.

Perfect for travelers looking for Kerala backwaters houseboats, tea plantation trekking, wildlife adventures, and cultural temple visits.

Day 1 – Arrival in Cochin (Kochi)

Arrive at Cochin International Airport, the gateway to Kerala. Our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

After check-in (from 14:00 hrs), the rest of the day is free to relax or explore the nearby area.

Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 2 – Fort Cochin Sightseeing

Discover the historic charm of Fort Kochi, one of the most culturally rich areas of Kerala.

Highlights include:

• Walking through colonial streets with art galleries and boutiques

• Visiting the famous Chinese Fishing Nets

• Bicycle rickshaw ride through the old town

• Traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening

Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 3 – Cochin to Munnar (Tea Plantation Hills)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar, Kerala’s most famous hill station.

Enjoy a scenic journey through:

• Rolling tea plantations

• Mountain landscapes

• Waterfalls and viewpoints

Visit a tea plantation and enjoy a tea tasting experience.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 4 – Munnar Trekking Experience

Enjoy a full-day guided trekking experience in Munnar.

Walk through:

• Tea plantations

• Forest trails

• Mountain valleys

This trek offers stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats and is perfect for nature lovers.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 5 – Munnar to Madurai

Start the morning with an exciting jeep ride in Munnar followed by a short sunrise trek to a scenic viewpoint.

Later, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India.

Check in to the hotel and relax.

Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 6 – Madurai Temple & City Tour

Explore the vibrant city of Madurai, famous for its ancient temples and bustling markets.

Highlights include:

• Visit to the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple

• Bicycle rickshaw ride through the old city

• Exploring colorful markets and street food

• Evening Meenakshi Temple night ceremony

Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 7 – Madurai to Periyar (Thekkady)

Drive through scenic hills and spice plantations to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

In the evening, enjoy a private cooking class with a local chef, followed by a traditional Kerala dinner.

Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 8 – Periyar Wildlife & Nature Experience

Experience nature and wildlife in Periyar National Park.

Activities include:

• Bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake

• Guided forest walk with expert naturalists

• Opportunity to spot elephants, birds, and wildlife

Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 9 – Periyar to Alleppey Backwaters

Drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), known as the Venice of the East.

Board a private deluxe houseboat and cruise through the famous Kerala backwaters, passing villages, coconut groves, and rice fields.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset from the houseboat deck.

Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 10 & 11 – Relax at Marari Beach

Transfer to Marari Beach, one of Kerala’s most peaceful coastal destinations.

Spend your days:

• Relaxing on the beach

• Exploring the local fishing village

• Enjoying spa and yoga sessions

Overnight stay in Mararikulam.

Day 12 – Departure from Cochin

After breakfast, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight.

Your unforgettable Kerala backwaters, tea hills, and cultural journey comes to an end.

Inclusion

1. All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an individual Air Conditioned vehicle with.
2. Driver Accommodation
3. Fuel,Toll, Tax and Parking
4. All currently applicable taxes

Exclusion

1. Any kind of personal expenses such as monument Fees, laundry, telephone bills and alcoholic beverages. Camera fees (still or movie).
2. Anything not specified in the itinerary
3. Entrance charges to places of interest & monuments.

Special Note for Your Information:-

1. Accommodation in Double Rooms on twin sharing basis.
2. Hotels, train & flight reservations are subject to availability.
3. Fares / rates are subject to change.
4. Euro, British Ponds and Dollars easily exchangeable in India.
5. Any other service that has not been specified and you want to add, please let us know.
6. If any above hotel is sold-out then other similar level hotel is guaranteed.
7. During travel if you want to change any hotel, you have to inform us 7 days prior.
8. We are not responsible for any political demonstration, Natural calamity, Traffic jams etc.
9. We are not responsible for any flight or train cancellation or no show at the last moment. In such situation the compensation and dealings will be between you and the concerning company, we are not obliged to play role as mediator.
10. Elephant ride in Jaipur is subject to availability of elephant.
11. Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.
12. Red Fort (Delhi) is closed on Monday.

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