Short private trip · Tamil Nadu to Kerala
Madurai, Thekkady, Munnar & Kochi
A recommended 5-night open-jaw private journey from Madurai to Kochi: the temple city, across the Western Ghats into Kerala’s spice and tea hills, and the old port of Kochi for the flight home. 4-night and 6-night variations can be planned.
Duration
Recommended 5 nights (4 or 6 possible)
Route
Madurai → Kochi (open-jaw)
Pace
Two nights at Munnar; drives of about 4 hours
Best months
October to March
Journey overview
From the temple city to the coast
This short journey crosses from Tamil Nadu into Kerala in five nights: Madurai and the Meenakshi temple, the climb over the Western Ghats to Thekkady, two nights in the Munnar tea hills and a last night in Fort Kochi. It starts at one airport and ends at another, so there is no return drive.
It suits travellers finishing a Tamil Nadu itinerary, anyone flying into Madurai, and families with a few days who want something of both states. It is shorter and more focused than Temples & Backwaters, which covers the whole route from Chennai in 14 nights.
Route summary
- Madurai — 1 night
- Thekkady — 1 night in the spice hills
- Munnar — 2 nights in the tea hills
- Fort Kochi — 1 night, then Kochi airport
Madurai to Thekkady is approximately 4 hours, Thekkady to Munnar 3.5–4 hours and Munnar to Fort Kochi 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Who it suits
Who this journey suits
A bridge between the two states for travellers with limited time. It suits:
- International travellers finishing a Tamil Nadu journey at Madurai
- Travellers flying into Madurai who want to end in Kerala
- Guests adding four to seven days of Kerala to a longer trip
- NRIs and families with a few days for both states
- Couples who want temples, hills and the coast in one short trip
Highlights
Madurai, Thekkady, Munnar & Kochi highlights
Madurai
The Meenakshi temple from its public areas, ideally in the evening and again in the morning, and the Tirumalai Nayak Palace. Access and photography rules vary by temple and can change.
Across the Ghats
The state-crossing drive from the plains of Tamil Nadu up to Thekkady and the spice hills around Periyar.
Munnar and Fort Kochi
Two nights in the tea estates, then Kochi’s fishing nets and old quarter before the flight home.
Day by day
Day by day: recommended 5-night plan
Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic and stops. Every day can be adjusted to your flights and pace.
Day 1 · Arrive Madurai
Your chauffeur meets you at Madurai airport (approximately 30 minutes from the centre), or at your hotel if you are continuing from a Tamil Nadu journey. The Tirumalai Nayak Palace in the afternoon, then the Meenakshi temple from its public areas in the evening. Access and photography rules vary by temple and can change. See Madurai.
Overnight: Madurai
Day 2 · Madurai to Thekkady: into Kerala
A second, quieter visit to the temple early if you wish, then west across the plains and up the Western Ghats to Thekkady (approximately 4 hours). A spice plantation walk in the late afternoon is optional. See Thekkady.
Overnight: Thekkady
Day 3 · Thekkady to Munnar
An early boat ride or guided nature walk in the Periyar reserve if you wish (subject to availability, reserve rules, operating conditions and seasonal factors), then approximately 3.5–4 hours through cardamom and tea country to Munnar. See Munnar.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 4 · Munnar
A full day in the hills: a tea estate walk, the tea museum and the viewpoints, at your own pace. Eravikulam National Park typically closes during the Nilgiri tahr calving season; exact closure dates are announced by the Kerala Forest Department.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 5 · Munnar to Fort Kochi
Down from the hills to the coast (approximately 4–5 hours with stops). A late-afternoon walk past the Chinese fishing nets and through the old quarter. See Kochi.
Overnight: Fort Kochi
Day 6 · Depart Kochi
Mattancherry in the morning if your flight allows, then the transfer to Cochin International Airport (approximately 1–1.5 hours).
End of journey
Duration options
Shorter or longer versions
The recommended plan is 5 nights. 4-night and 6-night variations can be planned without overfilling the route.
4 nights
Without the Kochi night
The same route as far as Munnar, then straight to Cochin International Airport (approximately 3.5–4 hours) for a late-afternoon or evening flight. Madurai stays at one night; we do not shorten it further.
6 nights
Backwaters or more hills
Either a night on the backwaters at Alleppey or Kumarakom after Munnar (approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic, stops and the exact hotel or houseboat boarding point) before Fort Kochi, or a third night at Munnar. A houseboat is optional. Boarding is generally scheduled around midday, subject to the operator, so departure from Munnar is planned around the confirmed boarding window, and a later arrival may reduce cruising time. Boat category, cruise length, meals and other inclusions are as stated in your quotation.
Vehicle options
Choose a vehicle for your group
Every journey is private, with your own chauffeur-driven vehicle throughout. We suggest a category based on the size of your party and how much you are carrying.
Sedan
A comfortable choice for couples and small families travelling light.
SUV / Innova-type
More space and a higher seat for families and small groups.
Urbania / Tempo Traveller
For larger families and small groups who want to travel together.
Minibus / coach
For bigger groups, celebrations and multi-family trips.
Vehicles are booked by category; the exact model or similar is confirmed subject to availability. Compare categories on our fleet page, or see car and coach rentals with driver if you only need transport.
Hotel options
Hotels are optional
Choose the arrangement that suits you. Both follow the same route and pace.
Vehicle and driver only
You book your own accommodation, and we plan the route, timings and daily driving around where you are staying.
Vehicle, driver and hotels
We suggest places to stay based on comfort level, location, budget and availability, and include them in one quotation.
Make it yours
Flexibility and customisation
Use this plan as a starting point. Common changes include:
- Two nights in Madurai if you arrive late or want more time at the temple
- Running the route in reverse, from Kochi to Madurai
- Adding or removing nights at any stop
- Swapping a stop for one that better suits your interests
- Adding airport transfers at either end of your trip
- Continuing to other parts of India, with ground services arranged through vetted partners
Private guides can be arranged for selected heritage, cultural and city visits.
Senior & family pacing
Travelling with seniors or young children
We can plan slower mornings, shorter driving days, fewer stops and an extra night where it helps. Tell us about any mobility needs when you enquire so we can suggest suitable stays and visits.
Most travel days have one drive of about four hours on hill roads, broken by stops. For seniors and young children we plan later starts where practical, keep temple visits short, reduce sightseeing on travel days, and suggest the 6-night version with an extra night at Munnar.
Inclusions & exclusions
What your quotation covers
Inclusions and exclusions are confirmed in your quotation based on the selected route, vehicle, hotel option and travel plan.
Your quotation sets out:
- The vehicle category and driver arrangements
- Whether hotels are included and, if so, their comfort level and locations
- Your day-by-day route and timings
- Any guides, entry tickets or activities you ask us to arrange
Pricing & payment
Pricing depends on route, vehicle category, dates and travel requirements, so every booking starts with a tailored quote. A booking is confirmed once the required advance payment is received and South Zone Holidays issues confirmation in accordance with the agreed quotation and service availability. The advance amount and balance terms are stated on your quotation. We accept international credit and debit cards, bank transfer and UPI.
5% GST applicable. GST invoice available.
FAQ
Questions about Madurai, Thekkady, Munnar & Kochi
24/7 Guest Support
English-Speaking Drivers
Airport Meet & Greet
Private Guides on Request
Senior-Friendly Planning
Plan this journey
Plan your Madurai, Thekkady, Munnar & Kochi journey
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and anything you would like to change. We will reply with a suggested plan and a tailored quote.
Temples & Backwaters
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Kerala Classic
10 nights from Kochi: Fort Kochi, Munnar tea country, Thekkady, the backwaters by resort and houseboat, and Marari beach.
Tamil Nadu Temple Trail
12 nights from Chennai to Madurai: Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, the Chola temples, Chettinad and Madurai.
Planning a South India Trip or Need a Vehicle?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you want to go. We reply with a clear plan and quotation — no obligation.