My friend and I are flying to India in mid-January and plan to stay in North India for 40 days, our itinerary for North India is set and most of the required bookings are already done. After 40 days we are flying to South India and want to do a coastline tour starting from Kochi to Rameshwaram (Via Kanyakumari), can anybody help us to prepare our itinerary? We have checked some websites and found many must not miss places on the way from Kochi to Rameshwaram but we want to know from the community: are there any places which we should definitely avoid, or any routers which we should not take? Has anyone here stayed in elevated tree houses and how safe are those? Waiting for your response, thanks for all your help MK
Itinerary for South India Coastline Tour: Kochi to Rameshwaram (via Kanyakumari) Here's a possible itinerary for your South India coastline tour, keeping in mind your 40-day North India trip and the places you mentioned: Days 1-2: Kochi Explore Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and the Jewish Synagogue. Visit the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum. Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum, India Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali dance performance, India Take a boat ride in the scenic Kerala backwaters. Days 3-4: Alleppey Stay in a traditional houseboat and explore the backwaters. Visit the Kuttanad village and learn about paddy cultivation. Go for a swim in Marari Beach. Days 5-6: Kovalam Relax on the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. Try Ayurvedic massages and treatments. Visit the Vellayani Lake and enjoy the scenic beauty. Day 7: Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) Witness the sunrise and sunset at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue. Days 8-9: Madurai Explore the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Gandhi Museum and learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Enjoy a performance of Tamil folk dances. Days 10-11: Rameshwaram Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in India. Take a dip in the holy waters of Dhanushkodi Teertham. Visit the Pamban Bridge, the second longest bridge in India. Places to avoid: While there are no specific places to avoid on this route, it's important to be cautious during peak season and monsoons, as some areas might get crowded or experience landslides. Route: The recommended route is to take the National Highway 66 (NH66) along the coast. This route is well-maintained and offers scenic views. However, be aware of potential traffic during peak season. Elevated Tree Houses: Staying in elevated tree houses can be a unique and exciting experience. However, it's important to choose a reputable provider that prioritizes safety. Make sure the treehouse is built with sturdy materials and has proper safety measures in place, such as railings and emergency exits. Additional Tips: Make your accommodation bookings in advance, especially during peak season. Hire a local driver or guide if you're unfamiliar with the area. Pack light, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exploring beaches, temples, and other tourist attractions. Be mindful of the local culture and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Carry basic medicines and stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customize it based on your interests and preferences. You can also add more days to your trip to explore other places along the coast, such as Kannur, Poovar, and Dhanushkodi.
