Destination:

The Highlights of South India

Embark on an 8-day South India tour, starting and ending in Cochin. This journey through "God's Own Country" is designed to bring you closer to nature's untouched beauty and immerse you in the cultural essence of Kerala. Discover scenic landscapes, tranquil backwaters, captivating wildlife, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic healing traditions.

Tour Highlights

  1. Day 1: Kochi (Cochin)
    Stroll through local streets and explore the vibrant spice markets. Discover 400-year-old Jewish churches and connect with local fishermen, learning about their way of life in Kochi.
  2. Munnar:
    Take a refreshing walk through the lush tea fields of Munnar and enjoy the breathtaking views of the verdant hills and valleys.
  3. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
    Witness the diversity of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, antelopes, sambar deer, wild boars, monkeys, and an array of bird species. Explore the rich flora and fauna and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the sanctuary.
  4. Kumarakom Backwaters:
    Glide through the serene backwaters of Kumarakom, a sanctuary for a variety of species, from exotic plants to unique marine life, and unwind in this tranquil environment.
  5. Alleppey Houseboat Stay:
    Enjoy a night aboard a traditional houseboat, floating peacefully on the backwaters of Alleppey. Relax and savor this unique experience away from the city's hustle, surrounded by the calm beauty of the backwaters.

Come, experience South India's natural elegance and cultural warmth in a journey crafted to offer both adventure and relaxation.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Cochin and Transfer to Munnar

  1. Welcome to Kerala! After breakfast, you will explore the historical city of Cochin. Begin with visits to the famous St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, marvel at the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront, visit the 400-year-old Jewish Synagogue, and take in the exhibits at the Dutch Palace.
  2. After your city tour, you will be transferred to Munnar, a scenic drive covering approximately 135 kilometers (about 4.5 hours). Located at 1,800 feet above sea level, Munnar is known for its cool climate and lush landscapes, including India’s highest peak, Anamudi, standing at 2,695 meters.
  3. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a visit to the nearby tea estates, where you’ll witness the delicate process of tea harvesting and production. Spend the evening relaxing in the cool, refreshing atmosphere of Munnar.
  4. Overnight stay at the hotel in Munnar.
  5. Start Point: Main Entrance Gate, Kochi Airport, Alwaye, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
  6. Start Time: 06:00 - 23:00

 

Day 2: Exploring Munnar


  1. After a hearty breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Munnar. Start with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius), a rare mountain goat found only in this region. The park also offers stunning views of rolling hills and is an ideal place for spotting various flora and fauna native to the Western Ghats.
  2. Later, visit the Mattupetty Dam, known for its serene lake surrounded by lush green hills, which makes for a picturesque stop. You can enjoy a leisurely walk by the dam, taking in the beautiful scenery and perhaps even spotting elephants along the way.
  3. Overnight stay at the hotel in Munnar.
  4. Day 3: Munnar to Periyar
  5. After breakfast, depart for Periyar, a 4-hour journey covering approximately 120 km through scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's most renowned wildlife reserves, nestled in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats and spanning over 777 square kilometers.
  6. Explore this biodiverse sanctuary, home to a variety of species, including tigers, elephants, bison, antelope, sambars, and a wide range of birds. The lush greenery and tranquil environment make this a memorable experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
  7. Overnight stay at the hotel in Periyar.

 

Day 4: Periyar Exploration

  1. Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before heading to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a morning boat ride on Periyar Lake, surrounded by misty hills and lush greenery. As you glide through the serene waters, keep an eye out for wildlife along the shores, including elephants, wild dogs, otters, and various fish species. The lake attracts an array of birdlife such as herons, kingfishers, hornbills, and other waterbirds, making this a peaceful yet thrilling experience.
  2. In the afternoon, visit a local spice plantation to see where India’s famous spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon are grown. Enjoy the scents and flavors of this vibrant setting.
  3. Overnight stay at the hotel in Periyar.

 

Day 5: Periyar to Kumarakom

  1. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Periyar to Kumarakom (121 km, approx. 4.5 hours). Located near Kottayam, Kumarakom is celebrated for its tranquil backwaters and the renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the sanctuary, where you'll find a diverse array of bird species, including the striking Darter (or Snake Bird), Little Cormorant, Night Heron, Woodpecker, Crow Pheasant, and White-breasted Waterhen. During the migratory season from November to March, the sanctuary becomes home to even more exotic species.
  2. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

 

Day 6: Kumarakom - Houseboat


  1. Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting off for a unique experience on a traditional houseboat. Step aboard and enjoy a warm welcome as you start your journey through the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. As the houseboat glides along, you’ll witness stunning views of lush paddy fields, swaying palm trees, quaint villages, and fishermen at work, offering a glimpse into the serene countryside of Kerala.
  2. All meals — lunch, evening snacks, dinner, and breakfast the next morning — are freshly prepared on board by the boat crew, allowing you to savor authentic local flavors. After an enchanting day on the water, the boat will anchor for the night at a picturesque location, letting you drift into a peaceful sleep to the gentle sounds of the backwaters.
  3. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 7: Houseboat - Alleppey - Cochin

  1. After a final breakfast on the houseboat, you’ll disembark in Alleppey, famously known as the “Venice of the East” for its intricate network of narrow canals and inland waterways. Enjoy the last scenic views of this peaceful region before heading towards Cochin. The two-hour drive (approximately 70 km) will take you through Kerala’s picturesque landscapes, allowing for one last immersion in the state’s natural beauty.
  2. Upon arrival in Cochin, you’ll be dropped off at Kochi Airport to board your flight for your onward journey, marking the end of your memorable South India tour.
  3. End Point
  4. Main Entrance Gate Kochi Airport, Kochi Airport, Alwaye, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
  5. Available Timing: 06:00 - 23:00

Included


Accommodation

  1. Hotels: 3-star hotel accommodations on a Double or Twin sharing basis or Private single bed option, based on preference.
  2. Duration: 5 nights in comfortable hotels, with breakfast included each morning.
  3. Houseboat Stay: Enjoy 1 unique night aboard a traditional houseboat, complete with meals and the serene backdrop of Kerala’s scenic backwaters.
  4. Check-in/Check-out: Standard check-in and check-out times are at 12:00 PM.

 

Guide Services

  1. You will be accompanied by experienced English-speaking guides at all destinations, providing expert insights and enriching your journey with local knowledge and historical context.

 

Meals

  1. Breakfast: Included every day during the tour.
  2. Lunch & Dinner: Not included in the tour, unless specified.
  3. Houseboat: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included during your stay on the houseboat.
  4. Food Options Available:
  5. Vegetarian
  6. Vegan
  7. Halal
  8. Please inform Varanasi Excursion Pvt Ltd about your preferred food option in advance.

 

Transport

  1. 1-2 persons: Air-conditioned medium car (e.g., AC Swift or similar).
  2. 3-6 persons: Air-conditioned large car (e.g., Toyota Innova or similar).
  3. 7-10 persons: Air-conditioned mini-van (e.g., Tempo Traveler or similar).

All vehicles are air-conditioned and provided based on the number of travelers.

 




Excluded


Flights

  1. Domestic and international flights are not included in the tour package.
  2. You will need to book your own flights.
  3. Once you have booked the tour, our team will be happy to assist you with your flight bookings.

 

Insurance

  1. Insurance is not included in the tour package.

 


Additional Services

  1. Monument Entrance Fees are not included in the package and will be extra.
  2. Laundry bills, telephone bills, and other personal expenses are not included.
  3. Gratuities (Tips) are recommended and are not included in the package price.