10-Day South India Nature and Culture Tour: Kochi, Athirappilly, Madurai, Munnar, Thekkady, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam, and Poovar

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Kochi, India on May 1, 2025

10:00am

Arrive at Kochi International Airport

Land in Kochi and check-in to your hotel to relax and refresh after your flight.
INR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Abad Plaza, Kochi

Stay at a highly rated vegetarian-friendly hotel with excellent amenities and central location.
INR3500, N/A

1:00pm

Lunch at Dal Roti - Kochi

Famous for North Indian vegetarian dishes, perfect for a fulfilling lunch.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Fort Kochi

Explore historical Fort Kochi area including streets, colonial architecture, and quaint shops. Open all day.
INR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening Walk at Marine Drive

Relax with a scenic stroll along the waterfront promenade.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House - Kochi

Enjoy simple and authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes at this iconic establishment. Open until 10pm.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 2: Waterfall Excursion

Athirappilly, Kerala on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Athirappilly Waterfalls

Drive about 70 km east from Kochi to the famous Athirappilly Waterfalls, Kerala’s largest waterfall.
INR1500 (taxi), 2h0m

9:30am

Visit Athirappilly Waterfalls

Enjoy natural beauty and photo opportunities; the falls are open from 8am to 6pm. Entry fee applies.
INR100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Green Valley, near Athirappilly

A vegetarian-friendly hotel restaurant offering Kerala dishes with local vegetables.
INR350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Kochi

Drive back to Kochi to prepare for next day’s travel.
INR1500 (taxi), 2h0m

4:00pm

Rest and Free Time in Kochi

Relax at your hotel or explore local markets for souvenirs.
INR0, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Abad Plaza vegetarian restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing vegetarian dinner conveniently at your hotel.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Cultural Madurai

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India on May 3, 2025

6:00am

Travel Kochi to Madurai by train or taxi

Journey approximately 4.5 hours, ideal to start early. Train departure times vary; taxi offers flexible timing.
INR700 (train), INR3000 (taxi), 4h30m

11:00am

Check-in at Hotel Sri Lakshmi, Madurai

A clean, vegetarian-friendly hotel with central location to major sights.
INR2500, N/A

12:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Renowned for authentic South Indian vegetarian breakfast and lunch fare.
INR200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this architectural marvel and major cultural site, open 5am-12:30pm and 4pm-9:30pm.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk around Puthu Mandapam Market

Shop for souvenirs and enjoy the bustling local atmosphere.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sree Sabarees, Madurai

A great spot for tasty vegetarian South Indian meals open till 10pm.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 4: Hill Station Munnar

Munnar, Kerala on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Travel Madurai to Munnar by taxi

A scenic drive of about 4 hours through tea estates and hills.
INR3500, 4h0m

12:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Sreekandam Munnar

Vegetarian-friendly hotel surrounded by nature, perfect for relaxing stays.
INR3000, N/A

1:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan, Munnar

A famous chain serving authentic vegetarian South Indian cuisine.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Tea Museum

Learn about tea production and history, open 9am-5pm.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Munnar Market

Explore local crafts and fresh produce.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Sreekandam Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed vegetarian dinner at your hotel.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 5: Nature and Relaxation

Munnar, Kerala on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a wholesome vegetarian breakfast offered by the hotel.
INR200, 1h0m

9:00am

Mattupetty Dam and Lake

Visit this beautiful dam and lake for boat rides and scenic views. Open 8am-5pm.
INR100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Popular vegetarian-friendly restaurant known for authentic Kerala dishes.
INR350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Eravikulam National Park

See mountain goats and enjoy amazing mountain vistas, open 7:30am-4pm.
INR120, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Enjoy rest and hotel amenities or a nature walk.
INR0, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel

Delicious vegetarian dinner at your hotel to end the day.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 6: Wildlife in Thekkady

Thekkady, Kerala on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Travel Munnar to Thekkady by taxi

A 3-hour drive through beautiful hill landscapes.
INR2500, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in at Greenwoods Resort, Thekkady

A well-rated vegetarian-friendly resort near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR3500, N/A

12:30pm

Lunch at Thekkady Café

Vegetarian dishes with local Kerala flavors, a cozy ambiance.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Explore wildlife by boat on Periyar Lake; open 7:00am - 5:30pm. A must-see for animal spotting.
INR200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Spice Plantation Tour

Learn about spices native to Kerala; tours typically run till early evening.
INR150, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Greenwoods Resort Restaurant

Enjoy fresh vegetarian meals in a tranquil setting.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 7: Beach and Relaxation

Varkala, Kerala on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Travel Thekkady to Varkala by taxi

A longer trip of about 5-6 hours to the coastal town famous for its cliff-side beaches.
INR4000, 6h0m

2:00pm

Check-in at Taj Garden Retreat & Ayurveda Spa, Varkala

A luxury vegetarian-friendly beach resort with spa facilities.
INR5000, N/A

2:30pm

Lunch at Café del Mar

Vegetarian-friendly café with ocean views located on Varkala cliff.
INR350, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax on Varkala Beach

Enjoy the scenic cliff views and beach vibes; open all day.
INR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hindu Café

A popular vegetarian-friendly restaurant known for local and fusion cuisine.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 8: City and Beach

Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam, Kerala on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Travel Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram

1-hour taxi ride to Kerala state capital.
INR1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore one of the richest and architecturally significant Hindu temples, open 4:30am to 12:30pm & 5pm to 8pm.
Free, but dress code enforced, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Napier Museum and Zoo

Museum with Kerala art and history exhibits, zoo adjacent. Open 10am to 5pm except Monday.
INR20, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House, Thiruvananthapuram

Iconic vegetarian eatery serving South Indian staples.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Travel to Kovalam Beach

Short 30-minute drive to famous beach with lighthouse and palm-lined shores.
INR500, 30m

3:00pm

Relax at Kovalam Lighthouse Beach

Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beachside cafes. Open all day.
INR0, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rasayana Retreat

Highly regarded vegetarian and ayurvedic cuisine offering organic and healthful options.
INR500, 1h0m

9:00pm

Overnight stay at Turtle on the Beach hotel, Kovalam

Charming hotel with excellent vegetarian dining options and beach access.
INR4500, N/A

Day 9: Coastal Serenity

Poovar, Kerala on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Kovalam to Poovar

Enjoy a 45-minute taxi ride to this serene coastal village and backwater destination.
INR800, 45m

9:00am

Backwater boat ride in Poovar

Take a relaxing traditional boat ride through lush mangroves and backwaters.
INR300, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Poovar Beach

Peaceful shoreline perfect for a quiet stroll or sunbathing.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Poovar Island Resort restaurant

Enjoy a fresh, vegetarian lunch in a resort setting.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Leisure at Resort and Sunset Viewing

Relax at your resort, enjoy nature and the beautiful sunset views.
INR0, Afternoon to evening

7:30pm

Dinner at the resort

A quiet vegetarian dinner alongside the beach to end the day.
INR400, 1h0m

Overnight

Stay in Poovar Island Resort

Comfortable vegetarian-friendly accommodation with scenic surroundings.
INR4500, N/A

Day 10: Return and Departure

Kochi, India on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Travel Poovar to Kochi Airport

Early morning taxi ride approximately 5 to 6 hours to catch your flight home.
INR4500, 6h0m

1:30pm

Arrive at Kochi International Airport

Complete check-in and security procedures to board your flight back home.
INR0, N/A