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Grand South India Package – 9 Nights 10 Days 

USD 1600/2people

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the cultural heart of South India, where lush landscapes, sacred traditions, and ancient architecture come together in perfect harmony. The Kerala to Tamil Nadu Grand Heritage Tour connects the serene beauty of Kerala with the timeless spiritual legacy of Tamil Nadu, offering a richly layered travel experience across some of the region’s most iconic destinations.

Begin in the misty hills of Munnar, surrounded by rolling tea plantations and cool mountain air, before entering the wildlife-rich forests and spice gardens of Thekkady. Drift through the palm-lined backwaters of Alleppey, experiencing village life and tranquil canals that define Kerala’s charm. Continue south to Trivandrum and the relaxed beaches of Kovalam, where coastal scenery meets historic temples and cultural landmarks.

Cross into Tamil Nadu to witness the dramatic meeting of seas at Kanyakumari, a place of pilgrimage and breathtaking sunsets. Journey onward to the sacred island town of Rameswaram, celebrated for its revered Ramanathaswamy Temple and long temple corridors. Conclude in Madurai, one of India’s oldest living cities, home to the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple and a vibrant cultural heritage.

Designed with balanced pacing and seamless travel, this tour blends nature, spirituality, history, and coastal beauty. Ideal for culture enthusiasts, heritage travelers, and first-time visitors to South India, the Kerala to Tamil Nadu Grand Heritage Tour offers an immersive and meaningful exploration of landscapes, traditions, and living history that have shaped the soul of the region for centuries.

Itinerary and Price

Kerala to Tamil Nadu Grand Heritage Tour

9 Days / 8 Nights – Private Tour for 2 People

Day 1 – Kochi → Munnar

* Pickup from Kochi.

* Drive through the scenic Kerala countryside towards Munnar.

* En-route visit **Cheeyappara Waterfalls** and spice-growing areas.

* Afternoon arrival in Munnar.

* Visit a tea plantation and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

* Overnight in Munnar.

Day 2 – Munnar

* Full-day sightseeing around Munnar.

* Tea plantations and scenic viewpoints.

* Mattupetty Dam and Lake.

* Kundala Lake.

* Optional visit to an elephant experience centre.

* Relaxed evening in Munnar.

* Overnight in Munnar.

Day 3 – Munnar → Thekkady

* Drive through the spectacular mountain and forest landscape to Thekkady.

* Visit a spice plantation with an introduction to Kerala's cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and other spices.

* Explore the local market.

* Evening cultural programme such as **Kathakali or Kalaripayattu**, subject to availability.

* Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 4 – Thekkady → Alappuzha

* Morning departure for Alappuzha.

* Drive through rural Kerala and traditional villages.

* Afternoon **backwater cruise** through the palm-fringed canals and waterways.

* Opportunity to see paddy fields, fishing activities and village life.

* Overnight in Alappuzha.

Day 5 – Alappuzha → Trivandrum / Kovalam

* Drive south towards Trivandrum.

* Visit **Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple** area and selected heritage attractions in Trivandrum.

* Continue to Kovalam.

* Relax at Kovalam Beach.

* Overnight in Kovalam.

Day 6 – Kovalam → Kanyakumari

* Morning departure for Kanyakumari, crossing from Kerala into Tamil Nadu.

* Visit **Vivekananda Rock Memorial** and Thiruvalluvar Statue area, subject to ferry/weather conditions.

* Visit Kanyakumari Temple and Gandhi Mandapam.

* Enjoy the spectacular sunset where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet.

* Overnight in Kanyakumari.

Day 7 – Kanyakumari → Rameswaram

* Long but scenic drive across southern Tamil Nadu.

* Arrive in Rameswaram.

* Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its magnificent corridors and sacred pilgrimage traditions.

* Visit Agni Theertham and, time permitting, Pamban Bridge

* Overnight in Rameswaram.

Day 8 – Rameswaram → Madurai

* Morning visit to remaining attractions in Rameswaram.

* Drive to Madurai.

* Afternoon/evening exploration of Madurai.

* Visit **Meenakshi Amman Temple** and the surrounding historic quarter.

* Evening opportunity to experience the temple's traditional rituals.

* Overnight in Madurai.

Day 9 – Madurai Heritage Tour & Departure

Morning sightseeing in Madurai.

* Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum or other selected attractions depending on departure time.

Transfer to Madurai Airport/Railway Station for onward journey.

Estimated Cost for 2 People

Quote is for a private tour with dedicated AC vehicle and professional guide.

Cost Calculation

Private AC vehicle – 9 days, including driver, fuel, tolls & parking ₹65,000

Professional guide – ₹8,500 × 9 days ₹76,500

Total Tour Cost for 2 people ₹1,41,500

Approx. per person ₹70,750

Approx. in USD* US$1,510

Approx. per person US$755

Using an approximate exchange rate of ₹94 = US$1. The actual USD equivalent will vary with the exchange rate at the time of quotation.

Recommended Cost of the tour

For an overseas client, we would suggest quoting approximately:

US$1,550–1,600 for 2 people-

Inclusions

* Private air-conditioned vehicle for the entire tour.

* Professional English-speaking tourist guide.

* Driver and driver's expenses.

* Fuel, tolls and parking charges.

* Pickup from Kochi and drop-off at Madurai.

* Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.

* Assistance throughout the tour.

Exclusions

* Accommodation.

* Meals and beverages.

* Entrance fees to monuments, museums and attractions.

* Houseboat/backwater cruise charges.

* Kanyakumari ferry tickets.

* Kathakali/Kalaripayattu show tickets.

* Elephant experience/spice plantation fees, if applicable.

* Personal expenses and shopping.

* Tips and gratuities.

* Travel insurance.

* Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions.

A small adjustment we recommend

For two mature travellers, I would actually make this a 10-day / 9-night itinerary rather than 9 days, particularly because Thekkady–Alappuzha, Alappuzha–Kovalam, and Kanyakumari–Rameswaram involve substantial driving. It would make the tour much more relaxed and commercially attractive as a premium private heritage journey.

If you choose 10 days, the guide component becomes ₹85,000, and with an estimated vehicle cost of about ₹70,000, the total would be approximately ₹1,55,000 (about US$1,650) for two people excluding hotels and attraction tickets.

Cochin – Munnar – Madurai – Thanjavur

Itinerary and Price.

.US$800–830/2 people

Cochin – Munnar – Madurai – Thanjavur

4 Days / 3 Nights – Private Tour for 2 People

This 4-day private journey combines the colonial heritage of Cochin, the spectacular tea country of Munnar, the temple traditions of Madurai, and the magnificent Chola architecture of Thanjavur.

Day 1 – Cochin → Munnar

Pickup from Cochin in the morning.

Drive through the scenic countryside towards Munnar.

En-route visit Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls.

Stop at a spice plantation/market, subject to timing.

Arrive in Munnar and check in.

Visit a tea plantation and selected viewpoints.

Overnight in Munnar.

Day 2 – Munnar → Madurai

Morning sightseeing in Munnar.

Visit tea plantations, Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake.

Continue to Madurai through the Western Ghats.

Arrive in Madurai in the evening.

Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple and experience the atmosphere of the historic temple quarter.

Overnight in Madurai.

Day 3 – Madurai → Thanjavur

Morning visit to Thirumalai Nayak Palace and other selected heritage sites.

Drive towards Thanjavur through the Tamil Nadu countryside.

En-route, if time permits, visit Trichy and the Rock Fort area.

Arrive in Thanjavur.

Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage monument and masterpiece of Chola architecture.

Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 4 – Thanjavur Heritage → Departure

Morning visit to Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery.

Explore the traditional cultural heritage of the Thanjavur region.

Depending on the onward journey, optional visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram or Darasuram can be considered.

Transfer to the agreed departure point, such as Trichy Airport/Railway Station or another destination.

Estimated Cost for 2 People.

Private Tour – Transport + Professional Guide

Component Estimated Cost

Private AC vehicle for 4 days, including driver, fuel, tolls & parking ₹38,000

Professional guide – ₹8,500 × 4 days = ₹34,000

Total for 2 people ₹72,000

Per person ₹36,000

Approx. USD equivalent  US$765

Suggested  Price

We would quote around ₹75,000–₹78,000 / US$800–830 for 2 people for the transport and guide package. This gives you some room for operational variations.

Price Includes

Private air-conditioned vehicle for the entire itinerary.

Professional English-speaking guide.

Driver and driver's expenses.

Fuel, tolls and parking.

Kochi pickup.

Transportation between Kochi, Munnar, Madurai and Thanjavur.

Sightseeing according to the itinerary.

Price Excludes

Hotels and accommodation.

Meals and beverages.

Entrance fees to monuments and museums.

Camera/video charges where applicable.

Any optional activities.

Travel insurance.

Personal expenses and shopping.

Tips and gratuities.

Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions.

Important: This is a fairly intensive 4-day itinerary because Munnar → Madurai and Madurai → Thanjavur involve significant driving. For international clients, I would market it as a “Private South India Highlights Tour” and clearly mention that it is designed for travellers who are comfortable with some longer road journeys.

Experience three of Kerala's most distinctive landscapes in one relaxed private journey—from the historic charm of Kochi to the misty tea plantations of Munnar and the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey.

USD US $ 530/2people

Day 1 – Kochi → Munnar

Pickup from Kochi in the morning.

Scenic drive through the Western Ghats.

En-route visit Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls.

Visit a spice plantation or local spice-growing area.

Arrive in Munnar and check in.

Visit a tea plantation and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Munnar.

Day 2 – Munnar Sightseeing

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full-day sightseeing around Munnar.

Visit Mattupetty Dam and Lake.

Drive through the beautiful tea-growing landscapes.

Visit Kundala Lake and enjoy the scenic mountain environment.

Visit selected viewpoints and tea estates.

Optional visit to an elephant interaction centre, subject to availability.

Return to Munnar.

Overnight in Munnar.

Day 3 – Munnar → Alleppey → Kochi

Early morning departure for Alleppey.

Drive through Kerala's countryside and paddy fields.

Enjoy a private backwater cruise through the canals and waterways of Alleppey, experiencing traditional village life, coconut palms, fishing and paddy cultivation.

Traditional Kerala lunch can be arranged on board, if required.

After the cruise, continue to Kochi.

Tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel, airport or cruise terminal.

Estimated Cost for 2 People

Transport + Professional Guide

Component Cost

Private AC vehicle – 3 days, including fuel, driver, tolls & parking ₹30,000

Professional guide – ₹5,000 × 3 days ₹15,000

Total Tour Cost for 2 people ₹45,000

Cost per person ₹22,500

Approx. USD equivalent* US$480

Recommended Price

For you , we would suggest quoting approximately ₹48,000–₹50,000 (US$510–530) for 2 people for the transport and guide package.

Inclusions

Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.

Professional English-speaking guide.

Driver and driver's expenses.

Fuel, tolls and parking.

Kochi pickup and return transfer.

Munnar sightseeing.

Alleppey backwater excursion arrangement.

Assistance throughout the tour.

Exclusions

Accommodation in Munnar.

Meals and beverages.

Houseboat/private boat cruise charges, if not specifically included in the quotation.

Entrance fees to attractions.

Optional activities.

Travel insurance.

Personal expenses and shopping.

Tips and gratuities.

Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions.

Note: If the Alleppey backwater cruise and traditional Kerala lunch are to be included in the package price, we would recommend adding approximately ₹8,000–₹10,000 for a private country boat/shikara-style cruise with lunch, making the overall package approximately ₹55,000–₹60,000 for two people.

16-Day South India Coastal Explorer

16-DAY SOUTH INDIA COASTAL EXPLORER

USD 2850/2people

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Karaikal – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Kanyakumari – Trivandrum – Alleppey – Marari – Cochin

A leisurely 16-day private and exclusive journey for 2 travellers, combining South India’s temples, UNESCO heritage, colonial towns, beaches, cultural experiences and the serene Kerala backwaters.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Chennai: Arrival & Marina Beach

Arrival in Chennai and private transfer to the hotel. Later, enjoy a relaxed visit to Marina Beach and nearby city highlights.

Day 2 – Chennai: Temples & Heritage

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai Government Museum and other important city landmarks. Evening at leisure.

Day 3 – Mahabalipuram

Drive to Mahabalipuram. Explore the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna's Penance and the coastal heritage area. Enjoy some time by the beach.

Day 4 – Pondicherry: French Heritage

Proceed to Pondicherry. Explore the French Quarter, White Town, Promenade, churches and colonial streets.

Day 5 – Pondicherry: Auroville & Leisure

Visit Auroville and experience its unique international community and surroundings. Afternoon/evening free for leisure.

Day 6 – Karaikal: Coastal Tamil Nadu

Drive towards Karaikal and explore this historic coastal town, including its religious and cultural attractions. Overnight in the region.

Day 7 – Tanjore (Thanjavur)

Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur Palace and the Royal Palace Art Gallery. Continue to Tanjore for overnight stay.

Day 8 – Trichy: Temples & Heritage

Drive to Trichy. Visit Rock Fort Temple, followed by selected heritage attractions in the city.

Day 9 – Trichy: Srirangam / Leisure

A relaxed day. Optional visit to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of India's most important temple complexes. Alternatively, enjoy a free day in Trichy.

Day 10 – Madurai

Proceed to Madurai. Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, historic streets and other city highlights. In the evening, experience the traditional Meenakshi Temple night ceremony.

Day 11 – Kanyakumari

Drive to India's southernmost tip. Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Thiruvalluvar statue area and enjoy the spectacular sunset.

Day 12 – Kanyakumari: Relax & Explore

A leisurely day to explore Kanyakumari, visit local attractions and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Day 13 – Trivandrum

Drive to Thiruvananthapuram. Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum and other selected heritage attractions.

Day 14 – Alleppey: Kerala Backwaters

Proceed to Alleppey. Enjoy a traditional Kerala backwater experience, with the option of a private houseboat cruise. Overnight in Alleppey.

Day 15 – Marari Beach

Transfer to Marari for a relaxed beach day. Time for the beach, village surroundings and optional Ayurveda/wellness experience.

Day 16 – Cochin: Fort Kochi & Departure

Drive to Cochin. Explore Fort Kochi, including the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, historic streets and colonial heritage. Transfer to the airport/railway station/cruise terminal for departure.

Cost for 2 Travellers

The calculation below follows the ₹8,500 per day guide rate for the two-person private group.

Cost Component Calculation Amount

Private AC vehicle & chauffeur Approx. ₹7,000/day × 16 days ₹1,12,000

Professional English-speaking guide ₹8,500/day × 16 days ₹1,36,000

Total Transport + Guide ₹2,48,000

Per person ₹2,48,000 ÷ 2 ₹1,24,000

Approximate cost in USD

Total for 2 people: approximately US $ 2,850

Per person: approximately  US $1,425

Package Includes

Private air-conditioned vehicle for the entire 16-day itinerary

Experienced chauffeur

Professional guide @ ₹8,500 per day

Guide services for sightseeing throughout the tour

Fuel, driver charges and normal vehicle expenses

Intercity transportation from Chennai to Cochin

Pickup in Chennai and departure transfer in Cochin

Not Included

Hotel accommodation

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Monument/temple entrance fees

Elephant/boat/other activity charges

Houseboat cruise and overnight houseboat accommodation in Alleppey

Ayurveda treatments

Personal expenses and shopping

Tips and gratuities

Any expenses arising from changes to the itinerary

Recommended Package Price

For quoting to the client, I would present it simply as:

16-Day Private South India Coastal Explorer – ₹2,48,000 for 2 people

Approx. US$2,850 for the complete transport + guide component.

This is a leisurely-paced itinerary, particularly suitable for mature travellers, with two nights each in selected destinations to avoid making the journey excessively rushed.

Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod – 18 Days / 17 Nights

For two senior travellers.

US $ 3,207 for 2 people

We would recommend 18 days rather than trying to cover Kerala in 12–14 days. This allows a relaxed pace with shorter sightseeing sessions, more two-night stays, and time for nature, culture and backwaters without constantly packing and unpacking.

Kerala Tourism itself suggests around 14 days for a broad selection of the state's major destinations, while its official destination list includes attractions ranging from Varkala, Thenmala and Kumarakom to Munnar, Thekkady, Kochi, Wayanad, Kannur and Bekal.

Route

Thiruvananthapuram → Kovalam → Varkala → Kollam → Kumarakom/Alappuzha → Thekkady → Munnar → Kochi → Athirappilly → Guruvayur → Kozhikode → Wayanad → Kannur → Kasaragod

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Thiruvananthapuram

Arrival and hotel check-in.

A gentle introduction to Kerala with a visit to Kanakakkunnu Palace, the surrounding gardens and a relaxed city drive.

Overnight: Thiruvananthapuram

Day 2 – Thiruvananthapuram & Kovalam

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum and the heritage area around the city.

Later drive to Kovalam and enjoy the beach at a leisurely pace.

Overnight: Kovalam

Day 3 – Kovalam → Varkala

Morning at leisure. Drive north to Varkala.

Visit the famous Varkala Cliff, Janardhana Swamy Temple and enjoy sunset overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Overnight: Varkala

Day 4 – Varkala → Kollam → Ashtamudi

Drive towards Kollam.

Enjoy a gentle Ashtamudi backwater experience, with an optional short country-boat cruise rather than a long, tiring excursion.

Overnight: Kollam

Day 5 – Kollam → Alappuzha/Kumarakom

Drive through Kerala's backwater country.

Visit Kuttanad, with its paddy fields, canals and village landscapes. Continue to Kumarakom or Alappuzha.

Overnight: Kumarakom/Alappuzha

Day 6 – Kerala Backwater Experience

A relaxed day devoted to the backwaters.

Options include:

Private houseboat cruise

Traditional country boat

Village walk

Paddy-field visit

Local Kerala lunch

This is deliberately kept as a slow day. Kerala Tourism specifically highlights houseboat cruises as a major way of experiencing the villages, paddy fields and backwater landscape.

Overnight: Kumarakom/Alappuzha

Day 7 – Kumarakom → Thekkady

Drive towards the Western Ghats and Thekkady/Periyar.

Visit a spice plantation and enjoy the scenery of the Cardamom Hills.

Optional: a gentle lake cruise in Periyar, subject to availability.

Overnight: Thekkady

Day 8 – Thekkady: Wildlife & Nature

A full nature day without strenuous trekking.

Possible activities:

Periyar lake cruise

Elephant/wildlife observation

Spice plantation

Tribal or village experience

Nature interpretation centre

For senior travellers, I would avoid demanding jungle trekking and concentrate on vehicle/boat-based experiences.

Overnight: Thekkady

Day 9 – Thekkady → Munnar

Scenic drive through the Western Ghats to Munnar.

Stop at waterfalls and viewpoints along the way. Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Munnar

Day 10 – Munnar: Tea & Mountains

Explore the tea country at a relaxed pace.

Visit:

Tea plantations

Tea-processing/factory experience

Mattupetty Dam

Tea garden viewpoints

Optional short nature walk

Munnar is one of Kerala's principal hill destinations, while tea plantations and mountain scenery are among its defining attractions.

Overnight: Munnar

Day 11 – Munnar → Kochi

Morning leisure in Munnar, followed by the drive to Kochi.

On arrival, check into the hotel and relax.

Overnight: Kochi

Day 12 – Kochi Heritage

Explore the historic heart of Kochi:

Fort Kochi

Chinese Fishing Nets

St. Francis Church

Santa Cruz Basilica

Mattancherry Palace

Jewish Town

Paradesi Synagogue area

Local spice/antique markets

Evening option: Kathakali performance.

Overnight: Kochi

Day 13 – Kochi → Athirappilly

Excursion to Athirappilly Waterfalls, travelling through the lush countryside.

Include Vazhachal if the travellers are comfortable.

Return to Kochi or stay near Athirappilly depending on energy levels.

Overnight: Kochi

Day 14 – Kochi → Guruvayur → Kozhikode

Travel north.

Visit Guruvayur and, where appropriate, experience the temple surroundings and traditional Kerala culture.

Continue towards Kozhikode.

Overnight: Kozhikode

Day 15 – Kozhikode

Explore historic Kozhikode:

Kappad Beach

Beypore

SM Street

Traditional markets

Local Malabar cuisine

Kappad, Beypore and Kozhikode's cultural heritage make this a valuable addition to a Kerala-wide itinerary.

Overnight: Kozhikode

Day 16 – Kozhikode → Wayanad

Drive into the Western Ghats to Wayanad.

Visit selected attractions according to mobility:

Pookode Lake

Tea/coffee plantation

Viewpoints

Waterfalls

Overnight: Wayanad

Day 17 – Wayanad → Kannur

Morning visit to a carefully selected Wayanad attraction. I would not include Edakkal Caves for elderly travellers unless they are comfortable with substantial steps.

Proceed to Kannur.

Visit St. Angelo Fort and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Overnight: Kannur

Day 18 – Kannur → Kasaragod

Explore Kannur's cultural heritage and beaches, with an optional Theyyam experience if the season and performance schedule permit.

Continue to Kasaragod and visit Bekal Fort, dramatically situated beside the Arabian Sea.

Tour ends in Kasaragod.

Bekal is particularly appropriate as the grand finale: Kerala Tourism lists Bekal among the major northern attractions and includes it in its Green Carpet destination programme.

Cost for 2 Travellers

Estimated Transport + Guide Cost

Component  Calculation  Cost

Private AC vehicle with chauffeur ₹7,000 × 18 days ₹1,26,000

Professional guide  ₹8,500 × 18 days  ₹1,53,000

Total  ₹2,79,000

Per person   ₹1,39,500

Total: approximately US $ 3,207 for 2 people

Approximately US $ 1,604 per person

We would actually quote ₹2,85,000 for transport + guide to give a small buffer for parking, tolls, driver accommodation/allowances and minor itinerary variations.

What is Included

Private air-conditioned vehicle exclusively for 2 travellers

Professional English-speaking guide

Guide fee: ₹8,500/day

Chauffeur

Fuel

Interstate/intercity transportation

Toll charges and normal parking

Airport/railway-station pickup and drop-off

Sightseeing as per itinerary

Assistance throughout the journey

Flexible stops for photographs and refreshments

Not Included

Hotels and accommodation

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Monument and museum entrance fees

Houseboat charges

Periyar boat tickets

Wildlife activities

Ayurveda treatments

Kathakali/Theyyam performance tickets

Personal expenses

Tips and gratuities

Why we recommend 18 days

For elderly travellers, the objective should be "experience Kerala", not "tick off Kerala." Kerala Tourism notes that many of the state's destinations are relatively close together, but the combination of beaches, backwaters, hills, wildlife, heritage and northern Kerala still warrants sufficient time.

I would also structure the tour around maximum 5–6 hours of driving on most travel days, sightseeing mainly in the morning and late afternoon, and two-night stays at Kovalam/Varkala, Kumarakom/Alappuzha, Thekkady, Munnar and Wayanad. This makes the programme considerably more comfortable for travellers in their 60s–70s.

For a premium Excel India Tours product, I would title it:

“18-Day Kerala Grand Explorer – From the Arabian Sea to the Western Ghats”

Beaches • Backwaters • Tea Hills • Wildlife • Heritage • Villages • Malabar Coast • Bekal

Kochi · Munnar · Thekkady · Alleppey

8 Days / 7 Nights – Private Tour for 2 People

USD* US $ 935

Route: Kochi (3 nights) → Munnar (2 nights) → Thekkady (1 night) → Alleppey Houseboat (1 night) → Kochi

Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver

Guide: English-speaking professional guide during sightseeing

Day 1 – Arrival in Kochi | Relax & Unwind

Arrival in Kochi around noon.

Private transfer to your hotel.

Afternoon completely free to rest and recover from the journey.

Optional short evening visit to Marine Drive if you feel comfortable.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Kochi

Day 2 – Kochi Heritage & Jewish Town

A leisurely full-day exploration of Kochi's most important heritage areas.

Chinese Fishing Nets

St. Francis Church

Santa Cruz Basilica

Mattancherry and Dutch Palace

Jewish Town

Paradesi Synagogue

Local spice and handicraft shops

Tripunithura Hill Palace can be omitted to avoid unnecessary driving and walking.

There will be plenty of time for coffee, lunch and browsing the local shops.

Overnight: Kochi

Day 3 – Kochi → Munnar | Scenic Mountain Journey

Breakfast and departure around 9:00 AM.

Relaxed drive towards Munnar.

Stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls.

Visit a spice plantation or simply enjoy the countryside.

Several scenic stops along the way.

Arrive in Munnar and check in.

Afternoon/evening free to enjoy the hotel or resort.

As this falls around Christmas, the hotel may have a compulsory Christmas Eve gala dinner, payable directly to the hotel.

Overnight: Munnar

Day 4 – Munnar | Tea & Mountain Experience

Rather than attempting all the attractions listed in the original programme, keep this day relaxed.

Morning visit to a tea plantation.

Visit Munnar Tea Museum.

Scenic drive through the tea estates.

Mattupetty Dam.

Kundala Lake.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Evening free to relax.

Eravikulam National Park can be added if the travellers particularly want to see the Nilgiri tahr, but I would not make it compulsory because it can involve additional walking and waiting.

Overnight: Munnar

Day 5 – Munnar → Thekkady | Spice & Nature

Breakfast and relaxed departure.

Scenic drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady.

Check in at the hotel.

Afternoon visit to a spice plantation, with an introduction to cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and other Kerala spices.

Evening at leisure.

For a relaxed programme, I would not include the Periyar Lake boat cruise as a compulsory activity. It can be added if the travellers are interested and tickets are available.

Optional evening Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance can also be arranged.

Overnight: Thekkady

Day 6 – Thekkady → Alleppey Houseboat

Breakfast and leisurely drive to Alleppey.

Board a private houseboat around noon.

Traditional Kerala lunch served on board.

Cruise through the tranquil backwaters.

Enjoy views of paddy fields, coconut palms, villages and traditional homes.

Tea/snacks during the cruise.

Boat anchors in the evening.

Dinner on board.

Overnight: Private Houseboat

Day 7 – Alleppey → Kochi | Backwaters to City

Morning cruise and breakfast on board.

Check out around 9:00 AM.

Optional short visit to Alleppey Beach or Marari Beach.

Continue to Kochi.

Check in at the hotel.

Afternoon free for relaxation or shopping.

Overnight: Kochi

Day 8 – Departure from Kochi

Relaxed morning at the hotel.

Private transfer to Kochi Airport/Railway Station according to departure schedule.

Tour concludes.

Estimated Cost for 2 People

Since this is a private, relaxed tour, I would calculate the transport and guide separately from accommodation and the houseboat.

Service Estimated Cost

Private A/C vehicle – 8 days ₹58,000

Professional English-speaking guide – 6 sightseeing days × ₹5,000 ₹30,000

Driver allowance/expenses, fuel, tolls & parking Included in vehicle cost

Transport + Guide Total ₹88,000

Per person ₹44,000

Approx. USD* US$935

Recommended quotation

For an international client, we would suggest quoting:

₹90,000–₹95,000 / approximately US$960–1,010 for 2 people

for the private vehicle + driver + professional guide.

This is a good price point for a personalised, senior-friendly/relaxed private holiday.

If You Want an All-Inclusive Package

We could offer a second quotation including:

7 nights accommodation with breakfast

Private A/C vehicle

Driver

Professional guide

Private overnight houseboat

Houseboat lunch, dinner and breakfast

Airport transfers

For a comfortable 4-star/mid-to-upper-range hotel standard, I would provisionally budget approximately ₹1.60–1.90 lakh for 2 people, depending heavily on the Christmas/New Year hotel and houseboat rates.

Not included

Monument and museum entrance fees

Periyar boat tickets

Eravikulam National Park tickets

Kathakali/Kalaripayattu tickets

Optional activities

Christmas gala dinner

Lunches and dinners in hotels/restaurants

Personal expenses

Tips and gratuities

My recommendation: For travellers, keep Day 2, Day 4 and Day 6 as the main experience days and deliberately leave free time on the other days. That will make the programme feel like a holiday rather than a sightseeing checklist.