The Kerala & Tamil Nadu Highlights Tour – 12 Days / 11 Nights is a beautifully curated journey that blends India’s lush hill stations, iconic temples, golden beaches and world-famous backwaters into one unforgettable experience. This itinerary covers the finest destinations of both states, allowing travellers to enjoy the misty landscapes of Munnar, wildlife-rich Thekkady, romantic Alleppey houseboats, spiritual towns like Rameswaram and Madurai, the coastal beauty of Kanyakumari, and the ancient wonders of Mahabalipuram. Perfect for families, couples and culture seekers, this tour offers a complete South India experience with Troper Tours’ superior comfort, safety and expert guidance.
Upon arrival at Cochin Airport, you’ll be warmly met by our staff. After settling in the hotel, commence your heritage tour,beginning at Fort Kochi with its iconic Chinese fishing nets going through the adorable Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church ending up wandering down quaint colonial streets. Passing through spice markets and down the old waterfront lanes, savour these reminders of the past. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the harbor road or relax at a cafe before setting out for overnight stay in Cochin.
After breakfast leave for Munnar driving through crooked mountain roads surrounded by tea estates, verdant valleys, and waterfalls. Be sure to take photos at Cheeyappara and Valara if you like scenic shots. Further upward you get more stunning scenes; misty mists floating on hills and high villages beside gorgeous flower fields. This evening, relax in our hill resort, pay a late visit to some nearby viewpoint or take the most scenic stroll in tranquil surroundings possible. Spent night at Munnar.
You should begin your day in Eravikulam National Park in order to see the Nilgiri Tahr. You can also take in some stunning high-altitude views. Next, head to the Tea Museum to learn all about Kerala’s tea history. Then it’s on Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Here you can see wonderful lakes as well as look out from scenic points or even take a boat ride on them at Echo Point! Finally, round off a busy day with some shopping in local markets for tea, chocolate and spices before retiring to your peaceful resort hotel or lodge room.
Depart for Thekkady after breakfast, enjoying scenic forest routes and mountain landscapes on the way. After checking into your resort, visit a spice plantation to learn about Kerala’s famous spices such as cardamom, pepper and cloves. Optional activities include martial arts shows, elephant experiences or cultural performances. Spend the evening relaxing in the cool forest atmosphere before your overnight stay in Thekkady.
From the shore of Periyar Lake, enjoy a peaceful morning boat trip. Here is a chance to sight wildlife at the water’s edge. After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, and board your private luxury houseboat. Cruise gently along the backwaters lined with coconut trees and bordered by rice paddies and small village clusters. Once you’re returned to your boat, relax on deck and receive in-room dining from the kitchen serving freshly prepared meals typical to Kerala. Overnight at Houseboat in Alleppey.
After debarking the boat house, the next stop is Trivandrum, capital of Kerala. Check in at your hotel and visit major attractions like Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Palace, and local beaches. Appreciate the city’s tranquil atmosphere mixed with cultural richness. At the end of the day, wander around looking for souvenirs and handicrafts or simply have a rest in your hotel. Spend the night in Trivandrum.
Keen on driving to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India — where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean all meet up? You’ll have to visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, and Kumari Amman Temple. At Kuravakkarai adjacent to Cape Comorin enjoy the astonishing sunset from this view-point. The golden rays of sundown are soon disappearing enshrouded in waves that now spread upwards into a dark sky This is the gateway to “Return Journey.”aiu Just now make sure to pay a visit any local market before going back Chichester.”Liu xuan said, “I got up earlier today because of old times’ sake.” For tomorrow’s night in Kanyakumari you will accompany me on my return trip behind a desk.
After breakfast, drive to Rameswaram, one of India’s holiest pilgrimage destinations. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple known for its long corridors and sacred theerthams. Explore Agni Theertham Beach, Pamban Bridge, and the ghost town of Dhanushkodi where the sea meets the sand. Enjoy coastal views and local cultural experiences before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Rameswaram.
After breakfast, move along to Madurai sightseeing Meenakshi Amman Temple with its colored towers that grace look like a princess, ancient hall grace with thousands of columns tapering down on both sides and all throughout spiritual sense in atmosphere Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, bustling local markets offering textiles and handicrafts everywhere that you look around The highlight is to join in the evening temple night ceremony, enjoy this unforgettable cultural experience Interruption back to Madurai overnight.
Navigate and come to Trichy, visit Srirangam Temple–one of India s largest temple complexes.And get a panoramic view of the city from Rockfort Temple.Remember to see a coracle (a kind of small boat) at Amma Mandapam. You can also witness the Siva effigies carved during the Vijayanagar period.In Tanjore go explore Brihadeeswarar Temple, a superb Chola architectural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site.Upon leaving search down all those winding alleyways and with it time to return you will check in for your overnight retreat at a hotel in Tanjore.
After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, famous for its UNESCO sites like Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas and the beautiful Shore Temple overlooking the sea. Explore the ancient carvings and rock-cut architecture that highlight Pallava craftsmanship. Later, continue to Chennai, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Chennai.
After breakfast, transfer to Chennai Airport. If time permits, enjoy a short city tour or last-minute shopping. Reflect on your journey through Kerala and Tamil Nadu’s best destinations—from scenic hills and wildlife to grand temples and serene beaches. Troper Tours bids you farewell, hoping your South India experience remains a cherished memory.
Yes, this itinerary is perfect for first-time travellers because it covers all major attractions of both states in a balanced, comfortable manner. You experience Kerala’s backwaters, hill stations and wildlife spots along with Tamil Nadu’s iconic temples, heritage sites and beaches. The pacing is ideal, the drives are manageable, and the sightseeing mix ensures travellers of all ages enjoy a smooth and memorable introduction to South India.
Travellers stay in carefully selected premium hotels, boutique resorts and a deluxe houseboat in Alleppey. Each property is chosen for cleanliness, comfort, safety and proximity to key attractions. Hill stations like Munnar and wildlife areas like Thekkady include scenic resorts, while cities such as Madurai, Chennai and Trivandrum feature well-reviewed hotels with modern comforts. Upgrades to luxury stays are available upon request for a more indulgent experience.
Temple visits are included because many destinations—like Madurai, Rameswaram and Trichy—are culturally significant. However, the tour is equally enjoyable for non-religious travellers as the focus extends to art, architecture, history and cultural storytelling. Guests can choose to participate fully, partially or skip certain visits, and our team adjusts timings to ensure comfort and interest levels are respected for all travellers.
The Kerala portion includes tea estate walks in Munnar, a visit to Eravikulam National Park, scenic viewpoints, a spice plantation tour in Thekkady, Periyar Lake boating and a deluxe Alleppey houseboat cruise with onboard meals. These experiences highlight Kerala’s natural beauty, wildlife, and traditional lifestyle. Guests also enjoy cultural programs, scenic drives and opportunities to taste authentic Kerala cuisine throughout the journey.
This itinerary is designed to be comfortable for travellers of all ages. Most sightseeing involves light walking, and long drives include breaks for refreshments and photography. Hill stations and wildlife areas may include gentle walks, while temple visits could involve short stair climbs. Our chauffeur ensures a relaxed pace, and the schedule avoids early mornings or late nights unless guests prefer otherwise. It’s a well-balanced, easy-to-complete journey for families, seniors and couples.
Our prices vary based on season, dates, group size and custom add‑ons. Every quote is tailored for your exact travel plan.
This page shows a sample itinerary to give you a clear idea of the route, inclusions and timings. Every itinerary is fully customisable to match your dates, hotel preferences and interests. Once you share your travel details we will prepare a personalised itinerary and an itemised quote.
11 nights stay in premium hotels & resorts
Daily breakfast and all meals on the houseboat
Private AC vehicle with experienced chauffeur
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Tea estate walk & Tea Museum entry
Spice plantation tour in Thekkady
Periyar boating tickets (subject to availability)
Kathakali or cultural show in Kerala
Toll, parking, driver allowance, fuel charges
24/7 travel assistance by Troper Tours team
Airfare, train, or bus tickets
Lunch & dinner except houseboat meals
Entry tickets not mentioned in inclusions
Personal expenses, shopping & optional activities
Early check-in or late check-out
Travel insurance & medical expenses
Camera/video charges at monuments