7-Day Southern India Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Southern India tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Kerala Itinerary, incl. Munnar and Kumarakom

  Colonial heritage meets natural wonders in this 7-day tour visiting Kochi's historic sites, Munnar's 1800m-high tea estates, Periyar's vast wildlife sanctuary, and Kerala's famous backwaters via traditional houseboats.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cochin to Munnar

    Start your trip in Fort Kochi seeing the Chinese fishing nets and St. Francis Church in the early morning before it gets hot. Take the 4.5-hour drive to Munnar before 11 AM to avoid afternoon fog in the mountains. A recent visitor noted: "The drive to Munnar offers stunning views of tea plantations, but bring motion sickness pills if you're sensitive to curves."

    
  • Day 2

    Munnar Hill Station

    Head to Eravikulam National Park when it opens at 7:30 AM to see the rare Nilgiri Tahr mountain goats without the crowds. The 1.5-mile walking trail gets slippery from morning dew so good hiking shoes are important. Book your afternoon tea plantation tours through your hotel instead of street vendors. Pack warm clothes as it gets quite cold after sunset.

    
  • Day 3

    Munnar to Periyar

    The drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary takes about four hours. Plan to arrive for the 3:30 PM boat safari when wildlife gathers near the lake. One visitor shared: "The afternoon boat ride offered amazing elephant sightings right by the water's edge." Book your boat tickets online before you arrive since they sell out quickly.

    
  • Day 4

    Periyar National Park

    The best wildlife viewing is between 6:30-9:30 AM. You can take both boat safaris and guided walks to see the park from different angles. In the afternoon learn about cardamom and pepper growing at a spice plantation. Remember insect repellent as mosquitos are common in the forest.

    
  • Day 5

    Periyar to Kumarakom

    Take the 4.5-hour drive to reach Kumarakom's backwaters. Visit the bird sanctuary in late afternoon when birds return for the night. The best bird watching is from November to March. Stay close to Kumarakom lake for an easy start to your houseboat trip tomorrow.

    
  • Day 6

    Kumarakom Houseboat

    Get on your traditional kettuvallam houseboat at noon. A recent guest said: "The peaceful backwater cruise was the highlight - watching village life from the deck while enjoying Kerala cuisine. But book AC rooms as nights can get hot and humid." The boat stops for the night around 6 PM.

    
  • Day 7

    Alleppey to Cochin

    Leave the houseboat by 9:30 AM in Alleppey. The 2-hour drive to Cochin should be early to avoid traffic. Most international flights leave in the evening so you'll have time for shopping in the afternoon.

    

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• 7 Days in Kerala, incl. Kochi and Varkala

  The rich tapestry of Southern India unfolds over 7 days through Kochi's historic Jewish Quarter, Alleppey's tranquil backwaters, Kollam's fishing harbor, and Varkala's beaches. Watch traditional Kathakali performances and rest in local homestays while touring Kerala's diverse landscapes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Kochi

    Start your Kerala adventure in the historic port city of Kochi. Get out early to explore Fort Kochi's seaside promenade before it gets too hot. "The walk through the bustling streets with Chinese fishing nets against the sunset was incredible," one visitor told us. Book your hotel in Fort Kochi instead of central Ernakulam. It's easier to walk around and has much more character.

    
  • Day 2

    Kochi to Alleppey (1.5 hours)

    Walk through Fort Kochi's heritage zone in the morning. Visit the 400-year-old synagogue (closed Fridays/Saturdays) and St. Francis Church. Take the short drive to Alleppey and stay at a local homestay in the backwaters. Pack a small bag since many homestays have narrow staircases. In the afternoon, walk through the village to see daily life up close.

    
  • Day 3

    Alleppey to Kollam

    Take the public ferry through the backwaters early in the morning. It's cheaper than tourist boats and gives you a more local experience. The bus ride to Kollam takes about 2 hours along the coast. Make sure to visit Thangassery Lighthouse before 5:30 PM for great views. Pick a hotel near Kollam Beach to be close to the fishing harbor.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Kollam to Varkala (5-6 hours)

    Get a private transfer to Varkala along the beautiful coastal road. Stay somewhere near Varkala Cliff between Black Beach and Papanasam Beach. You'll find the best restaurants and ocean views here. One traveler recommended: "The walk through the rice fields near Varkala was amazing. Go early morning before the heat sets in." Use day 5 to explore Varkala's beaches and cliffs. Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple in the morning when it's peaceful. Be careful on the cliff path during monsoon season (June-August). Want an Ayurvedic treatment? Book at least a day ahead. Good practitioners get busy.

    
  • Day 6

    Varkala to Kochi (3.5-4 hours by train)

    Take the morning train back to Kochi. Book an AC chair car for comfort. Your evening is perfect for watching a Kathakali dance show. Ask your hotel to book it since the theater locations change. End your day at one of Fort Kochi's excellent seafood restaurants.

    
  • Day 7

    Kochi Departure

    Going to Kochi International Airport? Add an extra 30 minutes to the usual 1-hour drive from Fort Kochi because of morning traffic. If you have a later flight, visit Mattancherry for last-minute shopping. You'll find great spices and textiles.

    

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• 7 Day Kerala Itinerary, incl. Munnar and Alleppey

  Kerala's diverse landscapes unfold across 455 km in this 7-day adventure. The route includes Kochi's Dutch Palace, Munnar's tea estates at 1600m elevation, Periyar Wildlife Reserve, and cruising on Vembanad Lake.

  

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  • Day 1

    Kochi

    Start your Kerala adventure by landing at Cochin International Airport in the morning. Head to Fort Kochi's historic district before the heat peaks. Plan to see the Chinese fishing nets around 5:30 PM when the sunset creates perfect photo opportunities. A traveler's tip: "The Kathakali dance performance was mesmerizing, but arrive 30 minutes early to watch the performers apply their intricate makeup."

    
  • Days 2-3

    Munnar

    Start the 4-hour drive to Munnar early since mountain roads get foggy after 2 PM. The scenic route passes through cardamom plantations and waterfalls. Bring motion sickness medication if needed for the winding roads. Stay near MG Road to be close to local markets. Visit the tea estates before 11 AM when visibility is best. Remember that Eravikulam National Park closes during mountain goat breeding season in January and February.

    
  • Day 4

    Periyar Wildlife Reserve

    Plan for a 4-hour drive covering 160km. Take the afternoon boat safari on Periyar Lake when animals come to drink. While tigers are rare, you'll likely see elephants and deer. Wear neutral colors and pack binoculars.

    
  • Day 5

    Kumarakom

    Start with a morning spice plantation tour before the 3.5-hour drive to Kumarakom. Visit the Bird Sanctuary at dawn but bring mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves. You can take rice boat cruises from the jetty near the sanctuary. Ask for a lake-facing room at your resort to enjoy beautiful sunrises.

    
  • Day 6

    Alleppey Backwaters

    Get on your houseboat by 11 AM for a full day exploring the backwaters. Boats must anchor by sunset according to local rules. Pack light since space is limited. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Having traditional Kerala meals served on banana leaves while cruising the peaceful backwaters was unforgettable."

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Kochi

    The drive from Alleppey to Cochin airport takes about 1.5 hours. Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic in Kochi. Many visitors continue their India trip with flights to Mumbai or Delhi.

    

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