• Duration 9 Days
  • Last Updated 06 Sep 2026
  • Price From $1,199 / person

Perfect South India Tour (9 days, Madurai to Kochi)

This nine-day South India tour crosses a line most trips skip: from the temple heat of Tamil Nadu to the green calm of Kerala. You begin beneath the painted towers of Madurai's Meenakshi temple, climb into the spice and tea hills at Munnar and Thekkady, and finish drifting through the Alleppey backwaters. Two very different sides of the south in one journey, and because it is all private, the day the temples wear you out is the day you can just watch the water go by instead.


Route: Madurai - Munnar - Thekkedy - Alleppy - Kochi.

What's included

  • A private air-conditioned car with your own driver for the whole trip
  • An experienced, English-speaking chauffeur who knows the routes
  • Handpicked hotels matched to your comfort level and budget
  • Licensed local guides at the main monuments
  • All road travel, fuel, tolls and parking
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Support by phone and WhatsApp throughout your trip

Not included

  • International flights to and from India
  • Your India visa
  • Monument entry fees, which we can add to your quote
  • Lunches and dinners, unless the itinerary says otherwise
  • Personal spending and tips for your driver and guides

Good to know. Every trip is private to your party and never shared with a group. You can change the pace, stops and hotels while you travel, and we tailor the route and length to your dates. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send an itemised quote, with no obligation, usually within 24 hours.

Upon your arrival in Madurai, you'll be warmly greeted by our representative from Driver India Private Tours. After a brief introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to relax and freshen up after your journey. In the evening, you can explore the local markets and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Madurai.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, get ready for a full day of sightseeing in Madurai. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture with its intricately carved gopurams (towers) and vibrant sculptures. Explore the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a grand structure built in the 17th century with a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian architectural styles. In the evening, you can witness the awe-inspiring Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple.

After breakfast, depart from Madurai and embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. Enjoy the changing landscapes along the way, as you ascend into the cool and refreshing hills of Munnar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings.

Wake up to the fresh mountain air and lush greenery of Munnar. After breakfast, explore the breathtaking attractions of this hill station. Visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and enjoy a scenic drive through the park. Next, discover the Mattupetty Dam and the picturesque Echo Point. Don't miss the aromatic and colorful tea gardens where you can learn about the tea-making process.

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Bid farewell to Munnar as you head to Thekkady, a wildlife haven known for its Periyar Tiger Reserve. The scenic drive will take you through spice plantations and serene landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and later enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you may spot various wildlife species like elephants, deer, and birds.

After breakfast, depart for Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East" for its intricate network of canals, backwaters, and lagoons. Upon reaching Alleppey, check into a traditional houseboat, and embark on a backwater cruise. Drift along the tranquil waters, passing by lush green paddy fields and picturesque villages. Enjoy a delicious Kerala-style meal on the houseboat.

Bid farewell to the serene backwaters as you travel to Kochi, a charming coastal city with a rich cultural heritage. Check into your hotel and rest for a while. Later, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial-era buildings, Chinese fishing nets, and the iconic St. Francis Church. In the evening, you can enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.

After breakfast, continue your Kochi exploration. Visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its beautiful murals and exhibits. Explore the Jewish Synagogue, one of the oldest in the Commonwealth, with its stunning architecture and historical significance. Take a stroll through the bustling spice markets and shop for souvenirs.

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On the final day of your tour, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your departure schedule, you can spend some time exploring more of Kochi or simply relax until it's time to transfer to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

It begins in Madurai, home of the Meenakshi temple, and finishes in Kochi. That makes it a natural pairing of Tamil Nadu temple culture with the hills and backwaters of Kerala in one trip.

The Meenakshi Amman temple, with its towers covered in thousands of painted figures, is the main draw, along with the old bazaars around it. It is one of the great living temples of South India and a strong place to begin.

Yes. You start in Tamil Nadu at Madurai, then cross into Kerala for Munnar, Thekkady and the Alleppey backwaters, ending in Kochi. Two very different states in nine days, linked by your own car and driver.

Yes. The Treasures of South India Tour is private to your party. You travel in your own car with your own driver, and there are no fixed group departures.

The Treasures of South India Tour runs over 9 Days. We can shorten or extend it to fit your travel dates.

Yes. We plan every trip one to one and adjust the route, pace, stops and hotels to suit you. You can change the plan while you are travelling too.

Pricing for the Treasures of South India Tour starts from around $1,199 per person and varies with your dates, group size, vehicle and hotels. Share your dates for an exact quote.

Yes. Our chauffeur-guides speak English and know the routes, stops and local logistics.

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