Backwaters to Temples Heritage Tour

Backwaters to Temples Heritage Tour (7 Nights / 8 Days)

Experience the best of South India on this 8-day journey from Cochin to Madurai. Cruise Alleppey’s tranquil backwaters, relax on Kovalam’s sun-kissed beaches, and explore sacred temples in Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, and Madurai. A perfect blend of nature, spirituality, and heritage awaits on this unforgettable coastal and cultural adventure.

Itinerary Details

Day 01: Cochin – Alleppey (Houseboat Experience)

Arrive in Cochin and proceed to Alleppey to board a traditional houseboat. Spend the day cruising through the serene backwaters lined with swaying palms and quaint villages. Enjoy onboard meals—lunch, evening snacks, and dinner—prepared with local flavors. Relax and soak in the calm atmosphere.

Note: Houseboat check-in at 12:00 PM, cruise till 5:00 PM, anchored overnight. Cruise resumes at 8:00 AM till 9:00 AM. A/C operational from 9:00 PM–6:00 AM.

Distance: Cochin to Alleppey – 60 km / 1.5 hrs

Day 02: Alleppey – Kovalam

After breakfast and a short morning cruise, disembark from the houseboat and head to Kovalam. The scenic drive offers views of Kerala’s coastal beauty. On arrival, check in and relax by the golden shores of Kovalam’s famous beaches—Lighthouse Beach, Howah Beach, and Ashoka Beach.

Distance: Alleppey to Kovalam – 165 km / 4.5 hrs

Day 03: Trivandrum Excursion

After breakfast, proceed to explore Trivandrum. Visit the Padmanabha Swami Temple, Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Palace, Art Gallery, and more. Return to Kovalam by evening to relax at the beach.

Distance: Kovalam to Trivandrum – 25 km / 30 mins one way

Day 04: Kovalam – Kanyakumari

Start your day with a sunrise at the beach. After breakfast, travel to Kanyakumari, en route visiting the historic Padmanabhapuram Palace. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Later, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and witness the sunset at the southernmost tip of India.

Distance: Kovalam to Kanyakumari – 90 km / 2 hrs

Day 05: Kanyakumari – Rameswaram

After breakfast, drive to Rameswaram. Stop at Thiruchendur Murugan Temple en route. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Visit the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and enjoy a scenic walk on the Pamban Bridge.

Distance: Kanyakumari to Rameswaram – 320 km / 7 hrs

Day 06: Rameswaram – Madurai

Begin with a holy dip at Agni Theertham, visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi, and Gandhamadana Parvatham. After sightseeing, depart for Madurai. On arrival, check in and rest.

Distance: Rameswaram to Madurai – 180 km / 4.5 hrs

Day 07: Madurai Sightseeing

Explore the highlights of Madurai—Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Museum, and more. Dive into the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Day 08: Departure from Madurai

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Depending on your flight/train schedule, enjoy some leisure time or local shopping before transferring to the station/airport for your return journey.