7-Day Southern India Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Southern India tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar

• Best of Southern India with Houseboat Stay

  Kerala's essence comes alive in this 6-day, 5-city adventure from historic Cochin to scenic Munnar. The Dutch Palace showcases cultural heritage, while Periyar National Park offers wildlife encounters and two nights aboard traditional houseboats in Alleppey's backwaters cost approx. $100 per day.

  

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  • Kochi (Cochin) India

    54 mi

  • Munnar India

    43 mi

  • Periyar National Park India

    9 mi

  • Thekkady India

    9 mi

  • Periyar National Park India

    55 mi

  • Alleppey India

    30 mi

  • Kochi (Cochin) India

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• 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 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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