14-Day Extended Kerala Tour Package

– Hills, Heritage & Backwaters

Private Journey through Munnar Tea Hills, Madurai, Periyar Wildlife, Kumarakom Backwaters and Marari Beach

Kerala is best experienced slowly, through misty mountain roads, ancient temples, spice-scented forests, peaceful backwaters and quiet beaches. This Extended Kerala Tour Package is a carefully paced 14-day private journey through Kerala and Tamil Nadu for travellers who want to go beyond the usual highlights. It begins in the historic port city of Cochin (Kochi), climbs into the tea-covered hills of Munnar, and crosses into Tamil Nadu to see the Meenakshi Temple and bazaars of Madurai. You then return to Kerala for the forests and spice plantations of Thekkady (Periyar) and the lakeside calm of Kumarakom, before ending with a relaxed beach stay at Marari.

Rather than rushing between sights, the journey combines scenic drives through the Western Ghats, tea plantations, wildlife experiences at Periyar, backwater stays in Kumarakom and unhurried evenings on the Arabian Sea coast. With a private chauffeur-driven vehicle, flexible pacing and carefully selected stays, it suits couples, families and honeymooners from the UK, US, Europe and Australia who want a comfortable, immersive Kerala holiday. If you would prefer a hills-only trip, see our 10-day Kerala Mountain Tour, or explore more Kerala tour packages.

Extended Kerala Tour Package Itinerary

This extended journey is designed for travellers who prefer a deeper, slower exploration of South India. The route combines Kerala's mist-covered tea hills, Tamil Nadu's ancient temple heritage, wildlife landscapes, peaceful backwaters and a final beach retreat on the Arabian Sea, with comfortable stays and balanced driving distances throughout.

• Day 1: Arrival in Cochin – Welcome to Kerala
  Arrive at Cochin International Airport, where your private driver welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. The evening is kept relaxed after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a waterfront walk near the Chinese fishing nets or explore the cafés and heritage atmosphere of Fort Kochi.
• Day 2: Cochin Heritage Sightseeing & Cultural Experiences
  After breakfast, explore the historic areas of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Visit St Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, the spice markets and colonial streets that reflect Kochi's centuries-old trading history. In the evening, enjoy an optional Kathakali performance or a relaxed waterfront dinner.
• Day 3: Cochin to Munnar – Scenic Western Ghats Journey (Approx. 4.5–5 Hours)
  After breakfast, begin the drive to Munnar. The landscape changes from coastal plains to rolling hills, waterfalls, spice plantations and tea-covered valleys. Enjoy scenic stops along the way before arriving in Munnar, where cool mountain air and peaceful surroundings await.
• Day 4: Munnar Tea Hills & Mountain Experiences
  Explore Munnar's highlights, including tea plantations, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, panoramic viewpoints and Eravikulam National Park when it is open. Spend the day on photography, tea experiences and quiet moments among the misty valleys.
• Day 5: Munnar to Madurai – Kerala Hills to Tamil Heritage (Approx. 4–5 Hours)
  After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of South India's oldest cultural cities. The journey passes through mountain roads and countryside before reaching Tamil Nadu's historic heartland. In the evening, experience the lively atmosphere around the Meenakshi Temple area.
• Day 6: Madurai Heritage Exploration
  Discover Madurai's cultural heritage with a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple (modest dress is required), traditional markets, palace architecture and streets filled with South Indian flavours. The city is a vivid contrast to Kerala's natural landscapes and an introduction to Tamil Nadu's ancient traditions.
• Day 7: Madurai to Thekkady – Spice Hills & Wildlife Landscapes (Approx. 3–4 Hours)
  After breakfast, return to Kerala through scenic countryside and mountain roads. Arrive in Thekkady, close to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where forests, spice plantations and a cooler hill climate create a completely different atmosphere.
• Day 8: Periyar Wildlife & Spice Plantation Experience
  Enjoy a morning boat ride on Periyar Lake inside the wildlife sanctuary. Depending on the season, elephants, deer and birdlife may be seen near the forest edges. Later, visit a spice plantation to learn how Kerala's cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and cloves are grown.
• Day 9: Thekkady to Kumarakom – Enter Kerala's Backwaters (Approx. 4 Hours)
  Continue to Kumarakom through rubber plantations, villages and quiet countryside roads. Arrive at your lakeside resort near Vembanad Lake and enjoy a relaxed evening amid tranquil backwater scenery.
• Day 10: Kumarakom Backwaters & Village Experiences
  Explore Kerala's backwaters on a private boat trip along canals and waterways. Watch traditional village life, fishing, coconut-lined shores and birdlife at the slow rhythm of Kumarakom.
• Day 11: Kumarakom Leisure Day – Lakeside Relaxation
  Enjoy a peaceful day at your resort, with optional cycling, village walks, birdwatching, Ayurveda treatments or a half-day backwater cruise. This extra night lets you experience Kumarakom without rushing.
• Day 12: Kumarakom to Marari Beach – Coastal Kerala Retreat (Approx. 1.5 Hours)
  After breakfast, drive to Marari Beach, one of Kerala's most peaceful coastal destinations. Check in to your beach resort and enjoy the golden sands, fishing villages and Arabian Sea sunsets.
• Day 13: Marari Beach Leisure & Coastal Experiences
  Spend the day at your own pace. Relax on the beach, explore nearby fishing villages, enjoy fresh seafood or simply unwind at your resort surrounded by tropical greenery.
• Day 14: Marari to Cochin Departure (Approx. 2 Hours)
  After breakfast, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey. Your Extended Kerala Tour ends with memories of mountain landscapes, heritage cities, wildlife forests, quiet backwaters and Kerala's coastline.

This itinerary suits travellers who want a balanced South India experience combining nature, culture, wildlife, wellness and beach relaxation. It can be customised with boutique plantation stays, private guides, Ayurveda programmes and extra nights wherever you would like to slow down.

*Driving times are approximate and may vary with traffic, weather, road conditions and the season.

Inclusions – Extended Kerala Tour Package

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur across Kerala and Tamil Nadu
• 13 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels, resorts and premium stays in Cochin, Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady, Kumarakom and Marari Beach
• Daily breakfast throughout the tour, with regional South Indian and international options depending on the hotel
• Private boat trip through the Kumarakom backwaters, canals and villages, as per the itinerary
• Periyar Lake boat ride and spice plantation visit in Thekkady, as per the itinerary
• All intercity transfers, sightseeing drives and local excursions listed in the itinerary
• All fuel charges, toll taxes, parking fees, interstate permits and driver allowances
• Personal assistance on arrival and departure, at hotel check-ins and throughout the journey

Optional extras such as a half-day Kumarakom backwater cruise, Ayurveda programmes, private guides, cultural performances, cooking experiences, plantation walks and resort upgrades can be arranged to suit your interests.

Tour Customisation Options – Extended Kerala Tour

• Upgrade to luxury plantation resorts in Munnar, heritage hotels in Madurai, premium lake resorts or beachfront properties in Marari
• Swap a Kumarakom resort night for an overnight houseboat on the backwaters
• Add Ayurveda therapies, yoga sessions or wellness programmes during your coastal stay
• Extend your stay in Munnar, Kumarakom or Marari for a slower, more immersive pace
• Add spice walks, village visits, Kathakali performances, cooking sessions or sunset cruises
• Arrange private guides in English, Spanish, French, German or other languages
• Adjust the itinerary for honeymooners, families, senior travellers, photographers or wellness-focused holidays
• Prefer hills only? See our 10-day Kerala Mountain Tour or more Kerala tour packages

Best Time to Visit – Extended Kerala Tour

• October – March: The best season for Munnar's hills, Madurai's temples, Thekkady's wildlife, the Kumarakom backwaters and Marari's beaches, with pleasant weather
• April – June: Warmer months with quieter resorts and cool hill stays in Munnar and Thekkady. Madurai can be very hot at this time
• July – September: The Kerala monsoon turns the hills and backwaters lush and green, which suits nature lovers, photographers and Ayurveda stays. Expect heavy showers and possible road delays

Eravikulam National Park usually closes for a few weeks in early spring for the calving season, so we check opening dates when planning your Munnar day.

FAQs – Extended Kerala Tour

How many days are ideal for an Extended Kerala Tour?
A 14-day journey gives you time to enjoy Kerala and nearby Madurai at a relaxed pace, combining hills, heritage, wildlife, backwaters and beaches without rushing.

Is a houseboat stay included in this itinerary?
No. This version uses a comfortable resort in Kumarakom for three nights, with a private backwater boat trip on Day 10 and an optional half-day cruise. If you would like an overnight houseboat, we can arrange it in place of a resort night.

Why does a Kerala tour include Madurai?
Madurai is one of South India's oldest cities, and its Meenakshi Amman Temple and bazaars give a vivid cultural contrast to Kerala's hills and backwaters. It also breaks the long journey between Munnar and Thekkady. If you prefer to stay in Kerala throughout, we can replace it with extra nights in the hills.

Is this tour suitable for families and senior travellers?
Yes. The itinerary has balanced driving distances, longer stays and flexible sightseeing, which suits couples, families and senior travellers. Some drives take around 4 to 5 hours, and we can add extra nights to shorten them.

Is this a good Kerala tour for honeymooners?
Yes. Misty tea hills, a quiet lakeside resort and a final stay by the sea make it a relaxed choice for couples, and romantic dinners or special celebrations can be arranged.

When is the best time for an Extended Kerala Tour?
October to March has the most comfortable weather across all six destinations. The monsoon months (July to September) are lush but wetter, and Madurai is very hot from April to June.

Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. Hotels, pace, experiences, sightseeing and the number of nights in each place can be adjusted to your interests, comfort level and travel style.

Why Choose Premium India Tours

• Carefully designed Kerala journeys combining scenic landscapes, cultural experiences and relaxed travel
• Hand-picked hotels, plantation stays, lakeside resorts and beachfront properties
• Comfortable chauffeur-driven travel with flexibility throughout the journey
• Practical planning based on seasons, roads and traveller comfort
• Transparent pricing, personalised assistance and dedicated support from planning to departure
• Jaipur-based travel specialists with local expertise since 2010