The South India Explorer – Hills, Temples & Beaches itinerary is a richly crafted journey that blends nature, culture, spirituality and coastal bliss across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This 12-day experience takes you from Cochin’s colonial heritage lanes to the misty tea gardens of Munnar, the wildlife forests of Thekkady, the ancient temples of Madurai and Rameswaram, and the iconic seafront of Kanyakumari. Completing the circuit in Trivandrum and Kovalam, the tour is designed to offer families, couples and international travellers a smooth, safe, and deeply enriching South India holiday with Troper Tours’ signature care and expertise.
Arrive at Cochin Airport where our representative greets you warmly before escorting you to your hotel. After freshening up, begin a relaxed sightseeing tour covering Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets and the vibrant spice markets. Enjoy the blend of Portuguese, Dutch and Indian history at your own pace. Spend your evening by the waterfront before heading back for an overnight stay in Cochin.
After breakfast, drive to Munnar through winding roads lined with tea plantations, forested valleys and mist-covered mountains. En route, stop at Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls for refreshing photo opportunities. Arrive in Munnar and check into your resort overlooking the tea gardens. The evening is free to relax, enjoy the cool weather or take a short walk to nearby viewpoints. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Start your day with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the Nilgiri Tahr and sweeping hill views. Continue to the Tea Museum to learn about Kerala’s tea history. Later, explore Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake and Pothamedu Viewpoint. Enjoy scenic stops, boating opportunities and market visits for tea, spices and handmade chocolates. Return to your resort for a peaceful evening in Munnar.
After breakfast, travel to Thekkady through a picturesque route filled with cardamom estates and rolling hills. Check into your resort and enjoy a guided spice plantation tour to learn about pepper, cloves and cinnamon cultivation. Optional activities include martial arts shows, elephant experiences or cultural performances. Spend the evening relaxing in the forest setting before your overnight stay in Thekkady.
Begin your morning with a serene boat ride on Periyar Lake, a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. Spot birds, elephants or deer along the forest-lined shores. After breakfast, you may explore optional activities such as bamboo rafting, nature walks or jeep safaris for a deeper wilderness experience. Return to your resort and relax with Ayurvedic massages or leisure time. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Drive to Madurai, one of India’s oldest living cities. After checking into your hotel, visit the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple, admired for its artistic towers and vibrant atmosphere. Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, local craft markets and traditional sweet shops. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing temple night ceremony, offering a unique cultural insight. Overnight stay in Madurai.
After breakfast, proceed to Rameswaram, crossing the scenic Pamban Bridge with its stunning ocean views. Visit the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple, known for its long corridors and sacred water tanks. Spend time at Agni Theertham and later visit Dhanushkodi Beach, a dramatic meeting point of land and sea. Return to your hotel for a peaceful evening stay in Rameswaram.
Depart Rameswaram and drive to Kanyakumari, where three seas meet. Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue and the Devi Kanyakumari Temple. Enjoy the stunning sunset from the seashore, one of the destination’s most cherished experiences. Explore local shops selling seashell crafts and traditional souvenirs before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.
After witnessing the sunrise (optional), drive toward Trivandrum for city sightseeing. Explore Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace and Napier Museum. Continue to Kovalam, check into your beach resort and relax by the golden coastline. Enjoy the calm waves, Ayurvedic massages or a romantic beachfront dinner. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Spend the morning relaxing on Lighthouse Beach or Hawa Beach. Later, head for a scenic boat ride through Poovar backwaters, where golden sand meets calm waters and lush mangroves. Enjoy leisure activities, sunset views and beach shacks before returning to your resort. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Explore Trivandrum’s cultural and historical attractions including the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple (if not visited earlier), Science & Technology Museum, Kanakakunnu Palace or local markets. This day allows you to experience the city deeply at your own pace. Return to Kovalam for a relaxing evening. Overnight stay.
After breakfast, check out from your resort. If time allows, enjoy last-minute shopping or a final beach stroll. Our Troper Tours representative will drop you at Trivandrum Airport for your onward journey. We farewell you with cherished memories of South India’s hills, temples and beaches — a journey crafted with care by Troper Tours.
The South India Explorer tour stands out because it combines a perfect mix of hill stations, wildlife, ancient temples and relaxing beach destinations, offering a well-balanced experience across two culturally rich states. Unlike shorter regional programs, this itinerary moves at a comfortable pace, giving travelers ample time to enjoy Munnar’s landscapes, Thekkady’s wildlife, Madurai’s spiritual charm, Rameswaram’s coastal history and Kovalam’s beaches while benefiting from Troper Tours’ personalized service and curated planning expertise.
Yes, this itinerary is thoughtfully designed for families, senior citizens and first-time visitors to South India. The driving durations are well-managed, hotels are selected for comfort and accessibility, and sightseeing includes a mix of light activities and relaxed exploration. Troper Tours also provides experienced drivers, 24/7 support, and flexible adjustments during the journey to ensure every traveller, regardless of age, feels safe, supported and engaged throughout the tour.
Most activities involve light walking around heritage sites, viewpoints and temples, making it manageable for travellers of most fitness levels. Wildlife safaris, tea gardens and beaches include optional walks that can be skipped if preferred. Troper Tours ensures the pace remains comfortable, with adequate breaks, accessible sightseeing options and vehicle support always close by. If guests have mobility needs, the itinerary can be customized further for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Absolutely. This itinerary can be upgraded with luxury resorts in Munnar, Thekkady and Kovalam, private houseboats in Alleppey (if added), premium vehicle options, romantic experiences and personalized sightseeing. Honeymooners can enjoy candlelight dinners, spa sessions and scenic photo stops, while luxury travellers can choose boutique heritage stays and curated cultural tours. Troper Tours specializes in tailoring Kerala and Tamil Nadu journeys to match comfort, preferences and travel style perfectly.
The ideal seasons for this itinerary are October–March when the weather is pleasant across both states, offering misty hill station mornings and comfortable coastal evenings. However, April–September still works well for travellers who enjoy quieter destinations, refreshing monsoon landscapes and lower hotel rates. Troper Tours helps you pick the best travel window depending on your expectations — whether you prefer vibrant festivals, clear skies, or off-season serenity.
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.
Accommodation for 11 nights in carefully selected hotels across Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Madurai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari and Trivandrum.
Daily breakfast at all hotels and traditional South Indian meals where included.
Private AC vehicle with a professional English-speaking chauffeur for the entire journey.
Sightseeing as per itinerary: waterfalls, tea gardens, national parks, temples, beaches and city landmarks.
Tea Museum entry in Munnar and guided spice plantation walk in Thekkady.
Wildlife boating at Periyar Lake (subject to availability).
Assistance at airports, railway stations and hotels during check-in and check-out.
24×7 dedicated tour support from the Troper Tours ground team.
All applicable taxes, tolls, parking fees and driver allowances.
View – Kerala & Tamil Nadu Highlights Tour – 12 Days / 11 Nights
Airfare or train tickets
Lunch & dinner unless specified
Optional activities like jeep safari or cultural shows
Personal expenses & shopping
Early check-in / late check-out charges
Camera/video fees
Travel insurance