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 Days Tour to Kerala

  Kerala's treasures stretch across 623 kilometers in this week-long adventure. Two nights in Munnar, wildlife spotting at Periyar Sanctuary, traditional houseboat stay in Alleppey, and coastal vistas from Kovalam to Kanyakumari await.

  

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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

    57 mi

  • Thekkady India

    57 mi

  • Alleppey India

    81 mi

  • Thiruvananthapuram India

    48 mi

  • Kanyakumari India

    48 mi

  • Thiruvananthapuram India

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