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Highlights of South

  • Kochi 2N
  • Munnar 2N
  • Madurai 2 N
  • Thekkady 2N
  • Houseboat 1N
  • Marrari 2N
  • Tour Itinerary
  • South India
  • Indus Holidays Best Seller
Suitable for

Family/Groups

Duration

12 Nights 13 Days

Category

Temple/leisure

Package type

Customisable

The ‘Highlights of South’ tour will showcase the true diversity of South India and will give you an authentic cultural experience.This slow holiday will explore all shades of green of Kerala and also bring in the majestic temples and mansions of Tamil Nadu. With Art forms, cuisine,

Starting from

12000

/person

Experience Highlights

  • Festivals
  • Tea town
  • Backwaters
  • Experience the architectural marvel of the temple at Madurai and the trader homes of Chettinad
  • Unwind on a deserted beachside, exploring the fishermen villages, festivals and indulging yourself in the cuisine
  • Watch a demo of ancient martial art form Kalaripayattu and performing arts Kathakali by individuals devoted to the tradition
  • Stay on a beautiful eco-friendly houseboat as it traverses through the backwaters
  • Take a ride on a friendly jumbo or even do an elephant shower at Thekkady (optional)

A little Extra

Join Indus plus

Join Indus plus to enjoy all these benefits and more. Sounds good? More

For Indus guests

Free room upgrades at select stays

Booked by 136 travellers in 2021

Tour Summary

  • 13 Days
  • 6 Destinations
  • Short daily travel
  • Day 1 - Kochi i
  • Day 2 - Kochi - Fort Kochi
  • Day 3 - Kochi- Munnar
  • Day 4 - Explore Munnar
  • Day 5 - Munnar- Madurai
  • Day 6 - Day trip to chettinad
  • Day 7 - Madurai- Thekkady
  • Day 8 - Explore Thekkady
  • Day 9 - Thekkady- Alleppey
  • Day 10 - Alleppey- Marari
  • Day 11 - Explore Marari
  • Day 12 - Departure from Kochi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

  • Kochi On Arrival
  • Full Day
  • In Town

Nowhere else in India can you find such an intriguing mix: a 450-year-old synagogue, colourful street art, iconic fishing nets and gable-roofed victorian structures squeezed together with boho cafes. A tropical port city which sits astride a cluster of little islands, Kochi is far more than your gateway to Kerala.

  • On arrival, meet your Indus representative who will drive you to mainland Kochi. Fresh up at your hotel.
  • Laze around in the town’s arty cafes or hop on a local ferry to see the city skyline at sunset
  • As in important center for arts, Kochi is a standout place to witness an evening Kathakali show (Optional)
  • For dinner, try one of the exquisite seafood restaurants around and relax for the night

Stay at Kochi

Coral Isle

(See our stay selections)

Deluxe Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that Kochi was a natural harbour created by the massive floods of 1340? 

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Kochi

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 2

  • Explore Kochi
  • Full Day
  • In Town

Your tour really begins today by exploring the heritage sites of Fort Kochi. You can shop around for antiques and spices, learn the history of the land.

  • The day is to explore Fort Kochi and dig into Kochi’s colonial past by foot to explore heritage churches, landmarks and the well preserved Dutch Palace.
  • Stroll past shops selling antiques and spices to visit the beautiful Jewish synagogue
  • Walk by the sea to observe the still-in-use Chinese fishing nets and even try operating one
  • For dinner, try one of the cafes around and relax for the night

Stay at Kochi

Coral Isle

(See our stay selections)

Deluxe Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that Kochi was a natural harbour created by the massive floods of 1340? 

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Kochi

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 3

  • Kochi to Munnar
  • 4 hrs
  • 140 kms

More than an intimate hill town, Munnar is a mood, an aspiration rather. Carpets of emerald-green plantations in the world’s highest tea-growing regions, its vibrant hill culture and scenes of tranquil mornings with mist clinging to mountain tops together create one of Asia's most compelling destinations.

  • Morning, start a scenic drive uphill through spice towns and winding roads.
  • Enroute, visit a plantation village with farm tour or halt for traditional lunch (optional)
  • Stop to take a snap of amazing views at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls (seasonal)
  • Check-in to your hill resort by late afternoon and relax while connecting to the hills
  • Unwind at your resort tonight with inhouse activities and dinner.

Stay at Munnar

Lake View

(See our stay selections)

Premium Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that Munnar was once the summer capital of British and favourite among Government elites during colonial times.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Munnar

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 4

  • Explore Munnar
  • Full Day
  • In Town

Everyone’s Munnar can be different, so tune it your taste. First timers can choose between must see attractions and lesser travelled day excursions. Adventurous souls can wake early to beat crowds, go full day trekking or ride a bike around the hills. When energies start to flag, a good, steaming Munnar brew is never far away.

  • Wake up to a magical golden hour sunrise and take a misty plantation walk.
  • After breakfast, wander a few kilometres out to Eravikulam National Park (Half day tour).
  • Get on one of the govt operated mini buses which routes around Anamudi, the highest peak south of Himalayas.
  • Hike along high altitude grasslands which offers amazing views of the mountain ridges accompanied by the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
  • Afternoon, visit the Tea museum, where you could explore artefacts from colonial times besides witnessing the tea processing procedure.
  • As the day unfolds, take a few snaps at Photo-point before heading to Mattupetty dam (opt for speed boat rides here).
  • Amongst the tea valley is Echo point, where you can hear your voice resounding through the hills.
  • Also cover Elephant arrival spot and the more scenic Kundala Lake.
  • Return to your resort late evening after shopping at Munnar’s local market

Stay at Munnar

Lake View

(See our stay selections)

Premium Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that Munnar was once the summer capital of British and favourite among Government elites during colonial times.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Munnar

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 5

  • Munnar to Madurai
  • 4.5 hrs
  • 180 kms

This morning head to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Madurai. An ancient centre of Tamil Knowledge, centre of power of many dynasties and the seat of divinity from time immemorial, The main attraction here is Meeakshi temple, the abode of fish eyed Goddess. The imposing 15-acre temple complex ornate by gateway towers with exquisitely multi-coloured images of gods, demons and mythical figures is an architectural marvel.

  • Start with the famous Meenakshi temple, which is an architectural marvel.
  • Enter through the busy eastern entrance (a lot of craft shops here) and move on to see the 1000 pillar hall (Ayiramkal mandapam) sculpted with life size ornamented figures.
  • After Darshan, spend time at the massive temple tank and leave the temple through the hall with magnificently painted ceilings.
  • Consider visiting the famous Tirumala Nayak Palace, the 17th century palace of Tirumalai Nayak.
  • Also spend time at the Gandhi museum which presents detailed accounts of the Indian freedom struggle and has rare Gandhi memorabilia.
  • Relax for the night at your hotel.

 

Stay at Madurai

Star Residency

(See our stay selections)

Executive Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Madurai is particularly famous for cotton fabric, hand-woven silk, bronze work and stone carvings.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Madurai

View more tips

    If you are interested in seeing Indian temple rituals, then don't miss the night ceremony here. The bronze of lord Shiva is brought on a chariot to his wife Meenakshi's bed chamber amidst much chanting, drums, horns and gathering of devotees. An absolute must-see!

    Hand loom textiles can be purchased from Puthu Mandapam. Kumaran Silks and Alankar Textiles are famous for sarees. To buy handicrafts, Government Poompuhar Handicrafts Shop , Khadi Gramayog Bhavan and Cottage Arts Emporium are the best places in Madurai.

Activity Add-ons

Day 6

  • Day trip to Chettinad
  • 2.5 hrs
  • 90 kms

Enjoy a lovely breakfast at your hotel and by 9 am we begin our journey to Karaikudi/chettinad the land of mansions. This full day excursion to Chettinadu will take you to many of the beautiful traders bungalows, sample the famous cuisine and see handmade tile making

  • On arrival at Chettinad and enjoy a Chettinad style lunch in the ambience of your one of the trader mansions.
  • This is where you will hear the fascinating story of the Naatukottaichettiars (a business community), how they built their townships and mansions and also the secrets of their famous cuisine.
  • Explore the mansions of Chettinad.
  • Made from Burma teak, Spanish roof tiles, Italian floor tiles & Belgian mirrors there is much to see in the PeriyaVeedu and its surrounding palaces.
  • Explore a couple of them to understand the history of Chettinad.
  • Discover the art of tile making at Athangudi.
  • The Athangudi design on tiles is of a bygone era but they still grace the floors of most chettiar mansions.
  • These tiles are totally handmade using local soil and natural colour to get geometric patterns.
  • Return to your hotel at Madurai and relax for the night

Stay at Madurai

Star Residency

(See our stay selections)

Executive Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Every village in Chettinad has a few stately mansions built in the late 19th century with material sourced from around the world.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Chettinad

View more tips

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 7

  • Madurai to Thekkady
  • 3.5 hrs
  • 150 kms

Sheltered in the tranquil spice hub of Periyar is one of India’s best managed wildlife reserves (home to 40 odd hard-to-spot tigers) and a 25-sq-km artificial lake perfect for a scenic spotting cruise. Dig deeper into the range of activities, perhaps trek with a tribal villager or go rafting to see Periyar’s real jungle magic unravel.

  • This morning, drive through a landscape of cardamom plantations, grasslands and tea gardens to the forests of Thekkady
  • Halt at a Spice plantation, learn from an expert about cultivation and the healing power of spices (Optional)
  • Enjoy a scenic Lake cruise inside the thickly forested Periyar reserve to spot wildlife by the water edge
  • Evening, visit a local theatre to see warriors showcase Kalaripayattu, a 3000 year old Keralan martial art (Optional)
  • Shop around the spice town tonight, enjoy dinner and relax at your resort

Stay at Thekkady

Spices Lap

(See our stay selections)

Heritage Deluxe Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that the 100-year-old lake, surrounded by Periyar wild-life sanctuary is artificial?

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Thekkady

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 8

  • Explore Thekkady
  • Full Day
  • In Town

Today you will have some of the best wild life experiences on offer in Periyar. A nature walk by the lake side, an elephant safari, shopping and evening seeing tribal art (if interested)

  • Early morning consider a nature walk in the reserve
  • Dawn is an excellent time to view exotic wildlife with your trained tribal guide in the periyar reserve. Walk through the safe path and spot wildlife along the way. Head back to your resort for a late breakfast
  • Experience Kalaripayattu: One of the oldest fighting systems in existence (optional)
  • Unwind at your resort today evening with inhouse activities and dinner.

Stay At Thekkady

Spices Lap

(See our stay selections)

Heritage Deluxe Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that the 100-year-old lake, surrounded by Periyar wild-life sanctuary is artificial?

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Thekkady

View more tips

Day Itinerary Options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 9

  • Thekkady to Alleppey
  • 3.5 hrs
  • 140 kms

To glide along backwater canals by day and to sleep under a sky full of stars, a houseboat cruise is pure enchantment! Your private boat, setup as a home on a traditional rice barge, takes you on a journey to discover a water-world brimming with experiences that last a lifetime.

  • Morning, take a short drive through vibrant villages to board your ‘Kettuvallom’
  • Your cruise will take you through splendid waterways giving you sights of homes on the backwaters, shops, the people and their villages.
  • Stop to enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch freshly prepared by the chef on your boat
  • Afternoon, drift by canals fringed with endless paddy fields while you socialise with your crew. Watch backwater life unfold from your boat deck.
  • Your houseboat will be anchored near a village by early evening, Stroll around to interact with locals, go fishing and witness a spectacular sunset.
  • Relax after dinner on the boat experiencing the gentle lapping of water, night sky and balmy breeze.

Stay in Houseboat

Houseboat

(See our stay selections)

Deluxe

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know Kettuvallams were once used to ship agricultural produce from homes by backwaters to market in nearby towns.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Alleppey

View more tips

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 10

  • Alleppey to Marari
  • 30 min
  • 20 kms

The sleepy fishing hamlet of Marari is getting increasingly popular for its white-gold beaches, a rare showcase of eco-diversity and some gorgeous seafront stays. Feel the local pulse with early morning fish auctions, festive temple visits, village explorations and walks through sandy backlanes to near-deserted sands.

  • Get on-road, past mini backwaters and paddy fields to beachside Marari
  • Settle into the relaxed pace of life here and unwind at your resort
  • Late afternoon, treat yourself at the inhouse ayurveda spa (Optional)
  • Enjoy aimless walks on the near-empty beach, explore the village or go cycling around (Check activities)
  • Relish your dinner based on local cuisine and relax for the night.

Stay at Marari

Abad Turtle Beach

(See our stay selections)

Beach Cottage

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Marari has more of a sleepy fishing village feel than a vibrant, activity packed beach destination.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Marari

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 11 - Day 12

  • Explore Marari
  • Full Day
  • In Town

Today is set aside for you to explore marari and pursue activities of your interest. There are quite a few in-house activities like yoga or ayurveda. The outdoor options include temple tours and village tours among others.

  • Kick start your day with a relaxed breakfast.
  • Choose a couple of activities of your interest and enjoy a slow holiday
  • Enjoy an aimless walk on a near empty beach as you watch the waves change colour
  • Taking a stroll through the village around the resort will be a fascinating experience. You can watch the process of coir making and pick up some coir handicrafts too.
  • Meander the sleepy lanes of your fishing village and try a tipple at one of the local toddy shops.
  • Learn to cook with spices or pamper yourself with an ayurveda massage.
  • Relax after a quiet dinner at your resort.

Stay at Marari

Abad Turtle Beach

(See our stay selections)

Beach Cottage

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Marari has more of a sleepy fishing village feel than a vibrant, activity packed beach destination.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Marari

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 13

  • Departure From Kochi
  • 2.50 hrs
  • 60 kms

Today is the last day of your tour. Enjoy a splendid breakfast on your resort and get prepared for onward journey

  • Consider shopping for some fresh spices or traditional Kerala sarees.
  • Bid farewell to god’s own country with memories to last for a life time.
  • Drop back at Airport/Rail station in the afternoon.

Departure from Kochi

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that Kochi was a natural harbour created by the massive floods of 1340? 

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Kochi

View more tips

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Offers & Packages

Liked this itinerary? Let us have a friendly chat to find out how we can help

  • Kochi 2N
  • Munnar 2N
  • Madurai 2 N
  • Thekkady 2N
  • Houseboat 1N
  • Marrari 2N

12 Nights Economy Package

Starting From

30000 / person

These are indicative Rates (per person). Subject to variation based on choice of stay, group size, activities, dates, routes, transportation and other price hikes.

12 Nights Deluxe Package

Starting From

35000 / person

These are indicative Rates (per person). Subject to variation based on choice of stay, group size, activities, dates, routes, transportation and other price hikes.

12 Nights Luxury Package

Starting From

45000 / person

These are indicative Rates (per person). Subject to variation based on choice of stay, group size, activities, dates, routes, transportation and other price hikes.

12 Nights Premium Package

Starting From

54000 / person

These are indicative Rates (per person). Subject to variation based on choice of stay, group size, activities, dates, routes, transportation and other price hikes.