7-Day Itinerary for Kerala and Tamil Nadu in October 2023

1. Day 1: Cochin
   30 minutes (22.4 km) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Fort Kochi and explore its famous Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours (130 km) from Cochin

   In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and culture of tea in the region. In the afternoon, take a walk in the tea plantations and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. In the evening, relax in your hotel and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3.5 hours (95 km) from Munnar

   In the morning, take a boat ride in Periyar National Park to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the various spices grown in the region. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kerala meal.

4. Day 4: Madurai
   3 hours (152 km) from Thekkady

   In the morning, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple and witness the impressive Dravidian architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and learn about the history of the Madurai Nayak dynasty. In the evening, roam around the local markets and try some street food.

5. Day 5: Thanjavur
   4 hours (200 km) from Madurai

   In the morning, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at its intricate carvings and architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery and learn about the history of the Chola dynasty. In the evening, attend a classical music or dance performance.

6. Day 6: Pondicherry
   4 hours (230 km) from Thanjavur

   In the morning, visit the Aurobindo Ashram and explore its beautiful gardens and quiet spaces. In the afternoon, stroll along the Promenade Beach and enjoy the French colonial architecture. In the evening, visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple and witness the evening aarti.

7. Day 7: Chennai
   2.5 hours (150 km) from Pondicherry

   In the morning, visit Fort St. George and the Government Museum to learn about the history of Chennai. In the afternoon, visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple and explore the bustling Mylapore neighborhood. In the evening, watch a movie at the iconic Albert Theatre.

Recommendations

You can visit the hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu for a day trip. You can also take a backwater cruise in Alleppey, Kerala, for a relaxing day out. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, especially the seafood and dosas. To maximize your fun, hire a local guide to learn more about the culture and history of the places you visit.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, INR 5)
• Jewish Synagogue (1 hour, INR 10)
• Ferry ride to Fort Kochi (30 minutes, INR 4)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 120)
• Boat ride in Periyar National Park (2 hours, INR 500)
• Spice plantation visit (1 hour, INR 100)
• Meenakshi Amman Temple (2 hours, INR 50)
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace (1 hour, INR 10)
• Brihadeeswarar Temple (2 hours, INR 50)
• Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery (1 hour, INR 50)
• Aurobindo Ashram (1 hour, Free)
• Promenade Beach (1 hour, Free)
• Manakula Vinayagar Temple (30 minutes, Free)
• Fort St. George (1 hour, INR 10)
• Government Museum (2 hours, INR 15)
• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Albert Theatre (3 hours, INR 100)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,144

Check hotel and flight prices here.