Kochi to Madurai Temples & Backwaters
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Start in Kochi and finish in Madurai on this 8 day South India escape, blending backwaters, wildlife and temple splendour. Explore Fort Kochi’s colonial lanes, the Dutch Palace, the synagogue and those iconic Chinese fishing nets – and catch a colourful Kathakali performance. Drift through Alleppey’s palm lined canals on a private houseboat – sunset on the sundeck is a treat. In Thekkady, cruise Periyar Lake in search of elephants and birdlife, then wander fragrant spice plantations and see Kalaripayattu in action. Continue to cool Munnar for tea estates and misty viewpoints. Conclude in Madurai with the ornate Meenakshi Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
KochiEnds
MaduraiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
$2,520.00
$1,367.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
Kochi
Cochin
Kochi (Cochin)
Alleppey
Alappuzha
Thekkady
Munnar
Ramakkalmedu
Madurai
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Kochi
Arrive at Kochi (Cochin). On landing, our representative will meet you for assistance and transfer to your hotel for check in. Later, we set out on a city tour of Kochi – the historic Gateway to South India – set between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Centuries of Dutch, Portuguese and British presence sit alongside Kerala traditions, reflected in the city’s architecture and daily life. We visit Fort Kochi and St Francis Church – linked to Vasco da Gama – then continue to the Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Dutch Palace. Along the seafront, we stop to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets that line the shore.
If you wish, you can opt for a boat trip such as a backwater canal tour or a sunset cruise. In the evening, we enjoy a Kathakali dance performance – Kerala’s classical theatre known for elaborate costumes, expressive makeup and striking masks. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Kochi to Alleppey & Houseboat Stay
After breakfast in Kochi, we drive 60 km – approximately 1 hour 20 minutes – to Alleppey and transfer to the jetty to board your houseboat for a backwaters cruise. We sail through palm–fringed canals past paddy fields and neat village hamlets, with chances to see traditional Chinese fishing nets, flocks of ducks and plenty of birdlife. You can try your hand at fishing from the houseboat, and later watch the sunset from the sun deck. Your houseboat has generated electricity, a sitting–cum–dining area, a separate bedroom with attached English toilet, a sun deck and a fully equipped kitchen with a Chef and Driver. Lunch, dinner and overnight on board.
Day 3 - Alleppey to Thekkady
After breakfast, we disembark the houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Thekkady – around 130 km, taking approximately 3 hours by road. On arrival we check in to the hotel, and the afternoon is free for you to relax. In the evening we visit the Mudra Cultural Centre to watch performances of Kathakali, Kerala’s classical dance‑drama, and Kalaripayyattu, one of India’s oldest martial arts. You can also observe the artists’ elaborate preparations before they take the stage, offering a clear insight into the region’s performing traditions. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Periyar National Park Boat Ride
After breakfast at the hotel we visit Periyar National Park for a boat ride on the lake, a relaxed way to look for wildlife in tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. The reserve is home to elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers and wild boar, as well as snakes including cobras, vipers, kraits and many non poisonous species. Birdlife is abundant – you may spot grey jungle fowl, Malabar grey hornbills, woodpeckers and bulbuls. Afterwards we take a spice plantation tour to see cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. If you wish, you can stop at the local market to pick up fragrant spices. Overnight at the hotel back in Thekkady.
Day 5 - Thekkady to Munnar
After breakfast we drive from Thekkady to Munnar (about 110 kilometres – around 2 hours), stopping en route at Ramakkalmedu. The name refers to footprints on the rock that local tradition links to Rama from the Ramayana. Ramakkalmedu is known for its hill scenery and wide views across villages in neighbouring Tamil Nadu to the east of the Western Ghats, as well as a tall, pillar-like rocky outcrop of about 300 metres facing east. It is among the windiest places in Asia and hosts a government-run wind farm. Nearby features include Frog Rock, Turtle Rock and Kerala’s highest twin statue, Kuravan and Kurathi. We then continue to Munnar and check in at the hotel. Once a summer retreat for British administrators, Munnar is characterised by its cool climate, tea estates, hills, lakes and forested slopes. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 6 - Mattupetty, Pothamedu & Devikalum
After breakfast, we visit Mattupetty – the cattle village – to see the Swiss Livestock Project, a specialised dairy farm where over a hundred breeds of high yielding cattle are reared. Visitors are permitted into three of the eleven cattle sheds. We then continue to Pothamedu, a major plantation hub, for panoramic views of tea, coffee and cardamom estates and the surrounding hills; the area is well suited to trekking and long mountain walks if you wish to stretch your legs.
Later, we visit Devikulam, known for its scenic setting and unique flora and fauna. At its centre lies Sita Devi Lake, noted for mineral water, with facilities for trout fishing and adventure sports available if you wish to try them. We return to the hotel in Munnar for an overnight stay.
Day 7 - Munnar to Madurai
After breakfast, we drive 160 km – around 3 hours – from Munnar to Madurai and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon we begin a city tour at the Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple, one of India’s largest temple complexes built between the 16th and 18th centuries, noted for its estimated 33 million sculptures, continuous ceremonies and lively market corridors. We then visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple before continuing to Tirumal Nayak’s Palace, a highly decorative monument with an enormous roofed arcade supported by 48–foot-high stone pillars. In the evening we return to the Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple to attend the aarti – a Hindu prayer ceremony – and witness its rituals and ceremonies before heading back to the hotel for the night.
Day 8 - Madurai
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to Madurai airport according to your flight schedule for your onward journey.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
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Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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