Varkala • Cochin • Kumarakom • Thekkady • Madurai
Kerala is renowned for its profusion of spices and the rich diversity and beauty of its scenery. Starting from Trivandrum, the state capital, this journey visits the historic port city of Cochin, the enchanting backwaters of Kumarakom, and continues into the Cardamom Hills at Thekkady, before ending at the colourful temple city of Madurai. Along the way, discover sun-soaked beaches, spice plantations, wildlife-rich lakes, and centuries of maritime and temple heritage.
Relax on the beach at Varkala, ideal for sunbathing and unwinding
Explore Fort Cochin, first settled by the Portuguese in 1500, and see the iconic Chinese fishing nets
Optional evening of Kathakali, one of Kerala's most vivid classical dance forms, at a local theatre
Sunset cruise through the inland waterways and lake at Kumarakom
Drive through rice paddies and tea plantations into the Cardamom Hills of Thekkady
Boat ride at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to herds of elephants, over 3,000 species of birds and lake wildlife
Optional visit to a spice plantation in Thekkady
Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, an outstanding example of Vijayanagar temple architecture
Follow the journey day by day and discover what each destination has to offer.
Arrive into Trivandrum, then proceed to Varkala, where you will be based for the next couple of days. You could spend the rest of the day at the beach, which is wonderful for sunbathing and unwinding.
Today, drive from Varkala to Cochin, where you stay for two nights. Set in a charming maze of lagoons and watercourses just off the Arabian Sea, Cochin was the first European city on Indian soil, settled by the Portuguese in the year 1500.
Today, visit the sights of Fort Cochin and see the huge fishing nets – the ancient way of catching fish. Kerala is the home of Indian classical dance, and this evening you may choose to enjoy one of its most vivid forms, Kathakali, at a local theatre.
After breakfast, travel to Kumarakom, perched on the edge of narrow canals, where ways of life have remained unchanged for centuries. In the afternoon, take a country boat on a sunset cruise through the inland waterways and on to the lake.
This morning, drive to Thekkady, where you will stay for two nights. Thekkady is nestled in the Cardamom Hills, reached through rice paddies and tea plantations. In the afternoon, you may visit a spice plantation.
Early in the morning, enjoy a boat ride at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its herds of elephants, more than 3,000 species of birds and lake wildlife. In the afternoon, you may wish to take a walk through the town of Thekkady and shop for spices.
Today, drive from Thekkady to Madurai, where you will be booked for one night. In the afternoon, visit the famous Meenakshi Temple, an outstanding example of Vijayanagar temple architecture.
This morning, you depart Madurai for your onward journey.
Beach Exploration
Fort Cochin, Chinese Fishing Net
Sunset Cruise through the Backwaters
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride, Tea Plantations
Meenakshi Temple
| City | Nights | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varkala | 01 | Taj Garden Retreat | Taj Garden Retreat | Taj Garden Retreat |
| Cochin | 02 | Gokulam Park Plaza | Trident | Le Meridien |
| Kumarakom | 01 | Waterscapes | Taj Garden Retreat | Taj Garden Retreat |
| Thekkady | 02 | Cardamom County | Cardamom County | Taj Garden Retreat |
| Madurai | 01 | Sangam | Madhura Park Inn | Sangam / Madhura Park Inn |
Accommodation on twin-sharing basis at the hotels mentioned
Buffet breakfast as per the itinerary
All arrival and departure transfers, sightseeing and round trip by air-conditioned car
One boat ride at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady
Sunset cruise at Kumarakom
All applicable taxes
Any meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions
Any airfare or train fare
Porterage at airports and hotels, tips, insurance, wine, mineral water, telephone charges, guide charges, entrance fees, and all items of a personal nature
Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Any increase in exchange rates, taxes, or fuel costs leading to an increase in surface transportation and land arrangements
Distances & Drive Times
| Route | Distance (km) | Approx. Drive Time |
| Trivandrum – Varkala | 55 | 1.5 hrs |
| Varkala – Cochin | 155 | 3 hrs |
| Cochin – Kumarakom | 90 | 2 hrs |
| Kumarakom – Thekkady | 65 | 1.5 hrs |
| Thekkady – Madurai | 135 | 3.5 hrs |
Meals Included
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