Why Kochi & Madurai makes a great itinerary?
NH85 connects Kochi with Madurai Kochi to Madurai road distance is about 260km
Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India, this city is the heritage capital of the Tamil culture, traditions and lifestyle. Kochi on the other hand represents the cosmopolitan end of Kerala's laidback tourism landscape. In short , between these two cities, you'll experience the pleasant diversity of south India, in one go.
The highway, NH85 ,that connects Madurai with Kochi passes through one of the most spectacular geographies of India - the Western Ghats. You have plenty to explore on the way, places worth staying for many days. For example Munnar, the hill station nestled amid rolling tea gardens, is a great resort town midway on this 260km itinerary.
Kochi and Madurai are well connected by air with the rest of the country & also with international connections.You can be creative with your itinerary, as Madurai & Kochi as base to springboard to other nearby attractions.
[#road] Divide the itinerary into two parts : Kochi to Munnar and Munnar to Madurai.
If you want to extend, take the 88km detour to Kodai (Kodaikanal) . This is and exciting drive on the Ghat road sneaking around fringes of the Western Ghats.
[#airport] Fly into Kochi. Drive to Madurai. Fly out of Madurai.
Or you may do it in the reverse as well.
Popular tourism attractions and around Kochi with approximate distances