Why visit Kerala
Kerala is one of India’s easiest holidays to love. In a single week you can wake up to tea estates in Munnar, look for elephants in Thekkady, spend a night on a houseboat in Alleppey and end on a beach in Kovalam or Varkala. Distances are short, roads are good and the food — appam with stew, Kerala sadya and fresh seafood — is reason enough to go.
Top places to visit in Kerala
- Munnar — rolling tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park (home of the Nilgiri tahr), Mattupetty Dam and Top Station viewpoint.
- Thekkady — Periyar Tiger Reserve, boat rides on Periyar Lake, spice plantation walks and Kathakali and Kalaripayattu shows.
- Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kumarakom — overnight houseboat cruises through palm-lined backwaters, canoe rides and village life.
- Fort Kochi — Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Jew Town and the Mattancherry Palace.
- Kovalam and Varkala — cliff-side beaches, Ayurveda resorts and sunset cafés.
- Wayanad — waterfalls, caves and plantation stays in the north.
Best time to visit Kerala
September to March is the best time, with pleasant weather for sightseeing and houseboats. December and January are peak months, so book early. The monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rain but lush green landscapes, lower prices and the traditional season for Ayurveda treatments. April and May are hot and humid on the coast but comfortable in Munnar.
How to reach Kerala
- By air: Kochi (COK) is the most convenient airport for Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey. Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) suits Kovalam and Varkala, and Kozhikode (CCJ) suits Wayanad. Direct flights connect Kochi with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
- By train: Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town are well connected to most Indian cities.
How many days do you need?
Five to six days covers Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey comfortably. Add two days for Kovalam or Varkala, or Fort Kochi, if you have a week.
Kerala tour packages
Kerala Backwaters & Hills – 5 Nights / 6 Days
Starting from ₹18,999 per person*
View details of Kerala Backwaters & Hills – 5 Nights / 6 Days*Indicative starting price per person on twin sharing, excluding flights/trains and GST. Final price depends on travel dates, hotel category and group size.
Kerala travel tips
- Book houseboats for one night — it is the highlight for most travellers, and a second night is usually less exciting.
- The Munnar–Thekkady road is winding; travellers prone to motion sickness should carry medication.
- Light cotton clothes work most of the year, but carry a light jacket for Munnar evenings.
Kerala FAQs
Is Kerala good for a honeymoon?
Yes. Munnar’s hill resorts, a private houseboat in Alleppey and a beach stay in Kovalam make Kerala one of India’s most popular honeymoon destinations.
Is a houseboat safe for families with children?
Yes. Houseboats move slowly through calm backwaters, and boats have railings and life jackets. Most cruises dock for the night, from about 5:30 PM.
Should I avoid Kerala in the monsoon?
Not necessarily. The monsoon is beautiful and good value, but heavy rain can disrupt sightseeing. Houseboats and Ayurveda resorts remain popular.
Plan your Kerala holiday
Tell us your dates and we will design a Kerala itinerary with the right mix of hills, backwaters and beaches.