10-Day South India Nature and City Exploration: Kochi to Kerala and Tamil Nadu Highlights

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Kochi, India on May 1, 2025

10:00am

Arrive at Kochi Airport

Land at Kochi Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Fort Kochi Cafe

Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Fort Kochi Cafe, known for fresh local vegetarian ingredients and peaceful ambiance.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Fort Kochi

Take a relaxed walking tour of Fort Kochi to see Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and historic colonial buildings, open all day.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Dal Roti

Sample North Indian vegetarian dishes at Dal Roti, a highly recommended spot perfect after a day of traveling.
INR600, 1h0m

8:00pm

Overnight stay at Malabar House

Check-in to Malabar House, a boutique heritage hotel offering comfort and local charm.
INR5000, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Waterfall Adventure

Athirappilly, India on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a fresh, vegetarian breakfast included at Malabar House prior to departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Athirappilly Waterfalls

Drive approximately 1.5 hours to reach Athirappilly Waterfalls, the largest waterfall in Kerala.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Athirappilly Waterfalls

Explore the breathtaking Athirappilly Falls; the area is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Ideal for nature lovers and photography.
INR100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at a local vegetarian restaurant

Stop at a local vegetarian spot near the falls offering Kerala traditional meals like Kerala Sadya.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Kochi

Travel back to Kochi to catch evening transport to Madurai.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Travel to Madurai by evening train or private transfer

Journey from Kochi to Madurai by train or car, approximately 5-6 hours. Overnight journey recommended.
INR800, 5h0m

9:00pm

Dinner on train or light meal prior to departure

Pack or enjoy a light vegetarian dinner before your night journey to Madurai.
INR300, 0h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Exploration

Madurai, India on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Arrive in Madurai and hotel check-in

Check into a centrally located hotel like Heritage Madurai offering comfortable stays.
INR3500, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a freshly prepared vegetarian breakfast in the hotel to start your day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Spend the morning exploring the iconic Meenakshi Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture; temple open 5:00am-12:30pm and 4:00pm-10:00pm.
INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy delicious traditional South Indian vegetarian dishes like idlis, dosas, and sambar at this popular local restaurant.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Visit the historical Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, open 9:00am-5:00pm, to admire stunning architecture and palace grounds.
INR50, 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll in Gandhi Memorial Museum

Explore exhibits detailing India’s freedom struggle; open 9:00am-5:30pm.
INR60, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sree Mahalakshmi Bhavan

Dine on traditional vegetarian meals featuring rich South Indian flavors in a clean and friendly setting.
INR350, 1h0m

8:00pm

Overnight at Heritage Madurai Hotel

Relax and recharge at your hotel in Madurai.
INR3500, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Tea Gardens & Scenic Hills

Munnar, India on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out hotel

Enjoy fresh vegetarian breakfast before heading to Munnar.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel Madurai to Munnar

Drive approximately 4-5 hours through scenic routes to reach the hill station Munnar famous for tea plantations.
CURRENCY0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sri Krishna Inn, Munnar

Have a wholesome vegetarian lunch serving local Kerala cuisine including appam, vegetable curries, and chutneys.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Check-in and relax at Wind Munnar by Leisure Hotels

Check into Wind Munnar, a quiet hotel situated near tea gardens, ideal for relaxation.
INR4000, Overnight

4:00pm

Visit Tata Tea Museum

Explore the history of tea cultivation and processing. Open 9:00am-4:30pm; arrive early to explore fully.
INR50, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy a variety of vegetarian dishes with local ingredients at the hotel’s peaceful restaurant.
INR500, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nature & Wildlife

Munnar, India on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a healthy vegetarian breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Explore this famous park to see Nilgiri Tahr and beautiful landscapes. Open 7:30am-4:30pm with entry fee.
INR120, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kerala vegetarian food including dosas, appams, and vegetable stews.
INR350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Mattupetty Dam and Lake

Visit this popular picnic spot to enjoy boating (open 9:00am-6:00pm) and tea gardens around.
INR100, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Spend the late afternoon enjoying hotel amenities or strolling nearby tea estates.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Relax with a quiet dinner featuring freshly prepared vegetarian dishes.
INR450, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Wildlife Sanctuary

Thekkady, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Have an early vegetarian breakfast before departing to Thekkady.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel Munnar to Thekkady

Travel approximately 3-4 hours to reach Thekkady, home of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
CURRENCY0, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan Thekkady

Enjoy popular South Indian vegetarian meals and snacks from this trusted chain.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Check-in at Cardamom County Resort

Relax in this comfortable eco-friendly resort featuring great views and hospitality.
INR4500, Overnight

3:00pm

Boat Safari on Periyar Lake

Take a 2-hour boat ride inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for chances to spot elephants, bison, and birds. Operating hours 9:30am-4:00pm.
INR250, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy a peaceful dinner with a variety of vegetarian cuisine options available.
INR400, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Beach Relaxation

Varkala, India on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Enjoy breakfast

Have an energizing vegetarian breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel Thekkady to Varkala

Drive approximately 5-6 hours from Thekkady to Varkala, a scenic beach town on Kerala’s coast.
CURRENCY0, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Clafouti Restaurant

Enjoy light vegetarian meals including fresh salads, sandwiches, and desserts in a cliffside setting.
INR350, 1h0m

3:30pm

Check-in to Hindustan Beach Retreat

Relax at your hotel just steps from the beach, perfect for a tranquil stay.
INR4500, Overnight

4:30pm

Visit Varkala Beach and Cliffside

Spend the afternoon walking along the cliff, relaxing at the beach, and admiring the Arabian Sea sunset.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Coffee Temple

Savor various vegetarian dishes with local spices and good coffee in a lively atmosphere.
INR400, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: City & Beach

Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a nutritious vegetarian breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram

Drive about 1 hour to Kerala’s capital city, Thiruvananthapuram.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

See the famous temple noted for its architecture and religious significance; open 3:30am-12:00pm and 5:00pm-8:00pm (Non-Hindus can view exterior).
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Napier Museum and Zoo

Explore art, archaeology and natural history collections with gardens and a zoo. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.
INR30, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

A legendary vegetarian eatery serving Kerala style meals at affordable prices.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Kovalam Beach

Short 30-minute drive to Kovalam, famous for its crescent-shaped beaches.
CURRENCY0, 0h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Kovalam Beach

Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or beachfront walk at Kovalam’s Lighthouse Beach; open all day.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Check-in to The Leela Kovalam

Stay at this luxury cliff-top resort with stunning sunset views and excellent service.
INR12000, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy a variety of vegetarian dishes with Kerala and international influences at the hotel’s fine dining.
INR1200, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Beach & Backwaters

Poovar, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a vegetarian breakfast overlooking the sea.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel Kovalam to Poovar

Short 1-hour drive to Poovar, known for its backwaters and serene beach experience.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

10:00am

Backwater Boat Cruise

Take a 2-hour boat ride along the backwaters of Poovar, surrounded by nature and small villages.
INR300, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Golden Sand Beach Resort

Enjoy fresh vegetarian dishes with coastal flavors in a relaxing resort setting.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Poovar Beach Leisure

Relax by the beach or explore nearby mangrove areas until late afternoon.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Return to Thiruvananthapuram

Drive approximately 1.5 hours back to Thiruvananthapuram for overnight.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel SP Grand Days

Taste comforting vegetarian dishes at this popular hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.
INR400, 1h0m

8:30pm

Overnight at SP Grand Days Hotel

Rest up after the day’s adventures.
INR4000, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure

Kochi, India on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Have a light vegetarian breakfast before traveling to Kochi.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi by car or train

Travel approximately 6 hours back to Kochi for your departure flight.
CURRENCY0, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch en route or at Kochi

Take a vegetarian lunch break during the journey or upon arrival in Kochi.
INR300, 1h0m

5:00pm

Arrive Kochi Airport and flight home

Arrive at Kochi Airport to catch your homebound flight.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability