Scenic South‑India Road Trip: Pune → Alleppey → Thengady → Kovalam → Munnar → Pandharpur → Pune

Day 1: Pune – Alleppey (Drive & Houseboat)

Morning: Depart Pune early and embark on the 1,200 km highway journey, stopping for breakfast at Solapur and refueling in Satara. The drive offers views of the Western Ghats as you head south.

Afternoon: Cross into Kerala and arrive at Alleppey by late afternoon. Check‑in to a traditional houseboat and enjoy a fresh Kerala lunch onboard.

Evening: Cruise the backwaters at sunset, spotting mangroves, villages and waterbirds, then relax with a dinner of Kerala specialties on the deck.

Book a Hotel

Day 2: Alleppey – Thengady (Backwaters & Hill Country)

Morning: Explore the serene Alleppey backwaters on a short canoe ride, watching daily life unfold on the waterways.

Afternoon: Begin the drive to Thengady (near Wayanad), crossing the picturesque Periyar River** and enjoying a lunch stop at Kodambakkam.

Evening: Arrive in Thengady, settle into a homestay, and take a twilight walk through coffee plantations and spice gardens.

Book a Hotel

Day 3: Thengady – Kovalam (Coastal Arrival)

Morning: Depart Thengady early, traveling through the verdant hills of Wayanad and stopping at the historic Edakkal Caves.

Afternoon: Continue the drive to the coastal town of Kovalam, checking in to a beachfront resort and enjoying a seaside lunch.

Evening: Stroll along Kovalam Lighthouse Beach, watch the sunset, and dine on fresh seafood at a beachfront café.

Book a Hotel

Day 4: Kovalam (Relaxation & Exploration)

Morning: Relax on Shankumugham Beach, try yoga by the sea, and sip coconut water.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Kovalam Lighthouse for panoramic views, then explore the nearby Veli Tourist Village boat rides.

Evening: Enjoy a cultural show of traditional Kerala dance at the resort, followed by a candle‑lit dinner.

Book a Hotel

Day 5: Kovalam – Munnar (Tea‑Garden Journey)

Morning: Start early for the scenic drive to Munnar, crossing the Western Ghats and stopping at the Cheeyappara Waterfalls.

Afternoon: Arrive in Munnar, check into a hill‑top lodge, and have lunch overlooking the rolling tea plantations.

Evening: Take a guided walk through the Tea Museum and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea at sunset.

Book a Hotel

Day 6: Munnar – Pandharpur (Pilgrimage)

Morning: Depart Munnar and drive north through Coimbatore, stopping for a quick snack and fuel.

Afternoon: Reach Pandharpur and check into a local guesthouse. Visit the famed Vitthal Temple for an afternoon darshan.

Evening: Attend the evening aarti at the temple, experience the devotional atmosphere, and enjoy a simple Maharashtrian dinner.

Book a Hotel

Day 7: Pandharpur – Pune (Return)

Morning: Take a final early‑morning visit to the Vitthal Temple for a peaceful blessing before departure.

Afternoon: Drive back to Pune, stopping for lunch in Solapur and stretching at the historic Gadhinglaj Fort.

Evening: Arrive in Pune by dusk, unwind and reflect on the diverse landscapes and cultural highlights of the trip.

Book a Hotel

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Alleppey Backwaters Cruise – 3 hrs, ₹1,200 per person
  • Thengady Coffee Plantation Walk – 2 hrs, ₹500 per person
  • Edakkal Caves – 1.5 hrs, ₹300 per person
  • Kovalam Lighthouse Beach – 2 hrs, Free
  • Kovalam Lighthouse – 1 hr, ₹150 per person
  • Cheeyappara Waterfalls – 1 hr, Free
  • Munnar Tea Museum – 2 hrs, ₹200 per person
  • Vitthal Temple (Pandharpur) Darshan – 2 hrs, Free
  • Fuel & Highway Tolls (round trip) – 7 days, approx. ₹12,000
  • Accommodation (mid‑range, 6 nights) – approx. ₹9,000 per night total = ₹54,000
  • Meals (average ₹600 per day per person) – 7 days = ₹4,200
  • Houseboat (Night 1) – 8 hrs, ₹4,500 per person
  • Total Estimated Cost₹86,850

Tips

If you wish to extend the journey, add a day in Munnar to explore Eravikulam National Park or a night in Alleppey for a full backwater experience. To shorten the trip, skip Thengady and travel directly from Alleppey to Kovalam, saving roughly two travel days while still enjoying the coastal highlights.

0