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Destination Guide

Kerala Tour Packages & Travel Guide

Explore Kerala's backwaters, Munnar hills, Thekkady wildlife and beaches with MIT's customised packages. Get your personalised Kerala itinerary and quote today.

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Kerala — travel guide by Mysore International Travels

Kerala, nicknamed "God's Own Country", is India's most complete leisure destination - a compact state where palm-fringed backwaters, misty tea-covered hill stations, wildlife-rich forests and golden beaches all sit within a few hours' drive of one another. From gliding through Alleppey's canals on a traditional houseboat to waking up amid Munnar's tea gardens or spotting wild elephants on a Periyar boat safari, Kerala packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a relatively small, easy-to-travel state.

It's also India's most celebrated honeymoon destination, prized for candlelit houseboat dinners, hillside resorts and Ayurveda spa retreats, while just as easily working as a relaxed family holiday thanks to its wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantations, beaches and gentle pace of travel. Add in Fort Kochi's colonial charm, Kathakali performances, and the coastal beach towns of Kovalam and Varkala, and it's easy to see why Kerala keeps drawing travellers back.

As a South India-focused DMC, MIT designs customised Kerala itineraries for couples, families and groups - whether that's a classic Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey circuit, a beach-and-backwaters break, or a combined Kerala-Karnataka trip pairing Kerala with neighbouring Coorg or Wayanad. Get in touch and we'll put together a route and quote around your dates and interests.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the classic window for Kerala, with cool, dry weather that suits backwater cruises, beach days and hill-station sightseeing alike. Munnar and Wayanad stay pleasant almost year-round thanks to their altitude, with December and January turning genuinely cold at night (a light jacket helps). Many travellers also visit during the June-September monsoon for lush green landscapes, dramatic waterfalls and Ayurveda treatments that are traditionally considered most effective in the rainy season, though hill roads can see occasional delays.

Weather

Kerala has a tropical climate moderated by the Arabian Sea coastline and the Western Ghats. Broadly there are three seasons: a warm, humid summer (March-May) with temperatures often in the low-to-mid 30s°C on the coast; the southwest monsoon (June-September) bringing heavy, dependable rainfall across the state; and a pleasant winter (October-February) with mild days and cool evenings, especially in hill regions like Munnar and Wayanad where the mercury can dip into single digits at night in December-January.

Ideal Duration

5 to 7 days is the sweet spot for a first-time Kerala circuit covering Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady and the Alleppey/Kumarakom backwaters. A shorter 3-4 day trip works well if you're focusing on just Munnar plus a houseboat stay, while 8-10 days lets you comfortably add Kovalam or Varkala beach time and Wayanad's wildlife and trekking trails.

Budget

Kerala comfortably spans every travel budget - simple homestays and shared houseboats for backpackers, mid-range resorts and standard AC houseboats for most families, and luxury backwater resorts, premium heritage houseboats and Ayurveda retreat stays for those wanting an indulgent escape. Costs vary with season (peak Dec-Jan and Onam pull rates up), houseboat category, and hotel class, so it's best to share your travel dates and preferences with MIT for a customised quote and current rates rather than go by a fixed figure.

Must-see

Top attractions in Kerala

Alleppey (Alappuzha) Backwaters

Cruise the palm-fringed canals and paddy fields of Kuttanad aboard a traditional kettuvallam houseboat, Kerala's signature experience.

Munnar

Rolling tea plantations, misty hills and a cool climate make this Kerala's most-loved hill station, home to Eravikulam National Park and its Nilgiri tahr.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady

Take a boat safari on Periyar Lake for a chance to spot wild elephants, and walk through fragrant cardamom, pepper and cinnamon plantations nearby.

Fort Kochi

A charming old quarter of Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town, best explored on foot at an easy pace.

Kumarakom

A quieter backwater alternative to Alleppey on Vembanad Lake, known for its bird sanctuary and tranquil resort stays.

Wayanad

Kerala's wilder, greener hill district - Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak treks, a wildlife sanctuary and waterfalls tucked into misty forest.

Kovalam Beach

A crescent-shaped beach near Thiruvananthapuram with a lighthouse viewpoint, popular for its Ayurveda resorts and easygoing beach shacks.

Varkala

Dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, natural mineral springs, and the historic Janardanaswamy Temple close by.

Getting there

How to reach Kerala

By Air
Cochin International Airport (COK) near Kochi is Kerala's busiest gateway with wide domestic and international connectivity; Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode (Calicut) and Kannur international airports serve the state's south and north, letting you choose the airport nearest your itinerary's start point.
By Rail
Ernakulam Junction/Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram Central are major stations on the Southern Railway network, with direct trains connecting Kerala to Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and other key cities across India.
By Road
NH66 runs the scenic length of Kerala's coastline, while Munnar is reachable from the Mysore-Wayanad corridor (roughly 290-310 km, about 7 hours) or Kochi is around 550 km/10-11 hours from Bangalore - MIT arranges private car and coach transfers, including combined Kerala-Karnataka circuits via Coorg or Wayanad.
Make the most of it

Things to do

  • Spend at least one night on a traditional Kerala houseboat (kettuvallam) cruising the Alleppey or Kumarakom backwaters
  • Walk through Munnar's tea estates and stop at a tea museum to see how the leaf becomes your cup
  • Take a boat safari on Periyar Lake in Thekkady to look out for wild elephants and water birds
  • Explore Fort Kochi's Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace and the historic Jew Town lanes
  • Watch a live Kathakali or Kalaripayattu martial-arts performance in Kochi
  • Unwind on Kovalam or Varkala's beaches, or the quieter sands of Cherai and Marari
  • Trek to Chembra Peak or explore the prehistoric Edakkal Caves in Wayanad
  • Book an authentic Ayurveda massage or a longer wellness program at a certified centre
  • Tour a spice plantation near Thekkady and learn about cardamom, pepper and cinnamon farming
  • Day-trip to Athirappilly Falls, often called the 'Niagara of India', from Kochi or Thrissur
Where to stay

Hotels in Kerala

Kerala's range is exceptional and varies sharply by region: Munnar has tea-estate bungalows and valley-view resorts; Alleppey and Kumarakom offer houseboats and lakeside resorts; Thekkady has spice-plantation stays near Periyar; Kochi has heritage hotels in Fort Kochi; and Kovalam and Varkala have beachfront properties. An overnight houseboat is the classic Kerala inclusion and is best booked ahead for peak season. MIT sequences the stays so you aren't backtracking across the state, and books houseboats through operators we deal with directly rather than through last-minute jetty touts.

Where to eat

Restaurants & local food

Kerala cuisine is coconut-forward, spice-rich, and strongly regional: Malabar biryani and pathiri in the north, appam with stew and karimeen pollichathu in the backwaters, Syrian Christian and Nasrani dishes around Kottayam, and outstanding vegetarian sadya served on a banana leaf statewide. Seafood is excellent along the coast, and Fort Kochi has a lively café and fusion scene. Houseboat packages usually include all meals cooked onboard, often with fish bought that morning. Toddy shops serve some of the state's most distinctive food if you're up for it.

Before you go

Travel tips

  • Pack light cotton clothing for the coast and plains, plus a light jacket or shawl for cool Munnar and Wayanad evenings, especially December-January
  • Book houseboats and Munnar/Thekkady hotels well ahead during peak season (December-January) and around the Onam festival, when demand is highest
  • Carry mosquito repellent, particularly if you're visiting backwater villages or wildlife sanctuaries
  • Dress modestly at temples, and check ahead as some historic Kerala temples restrict entry for non-Hindus
  • Hill routes to Munnar and Wayanad involve winding ghat roads, so carry motion-sickness medication if needed
  • Build in a buffer day if travelling during the June-September monsoon, since heavy rain can occasionally slow hill road journeys
  • Cards and UPI are widely accepted in towns and resorts, but keep some cash handy for small backwater villages and local markets
  • Don't leave without trying an authentic Kerala sadya (banana-leaf vegetarian feast) and the coast's fresh seafood
Nearby

Nearby attractions

  • Coorg, Karnataka - coffee plantations and misty hills bordering Wayanad, easily combined into a South India hill-country circuit
  • Ooty, Tamil Nadu - the Nilgiris' best-known hill station, a natural add-on to a Munnar or Wayanad itinerary
  • Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu - another popular Western Ghats hill station within reach of a longer Kerala-Tamil Nadu trip
  • Mysore, Karnataka - MIT's home base, rich in palaces and heritage sites, and a common start/end point for Kerala road trips
  • Madurai, Tamil Nadu - home to the iconic Meenakshi Temple, reachable from Kerala's Thekkady/Munnar side
  • Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - a convenient gateway city linking Kerala's hill stations with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka circuits
FAQs

Kerala — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Kerala?
October to March is generally considered the best window, with cool, dry weather ideal for backwaters, beaches and hill stations. Munnar and Wayanad stay pleasant most of the year given their altitude.
How many days do I need for a Kerala trip?
5 to 7 days works well for a classic Kochi-Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey circuit. If you only want Munnar plus a houseboat stay, 3-4 days is enough, while 8-10 days lets you add beaches or Wayanad.
Is Kerala worth visiting during the monsoon?
Yes, many travellers love Kerala in the June-September monsoon for its lush greenery, full waterfalls and Ayurveda treatments, though you should keep some flexibility for possible rain-related delays on hill roads.
Munnar or Wayanad - which should I choose?
Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, cool climate and Eravikulam National Park, while Wayanad is wilder and greener, better suited to trekking, caves and wildlife spotting. Many itineraries combine both.
Where is the best place for a Kerala houseboat stay?
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is the classic backwater houseboat hub with the widest choice of boats, while Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake offers a quieter, resort-style alternative.
Is an overnight houseboat stay worth it, or is a day cruise enough?
An overnight stay is worth it if your schedule allows, since it lets you enjoy a backwater sunset and sunrise, but a shorter day cruise is a good option if you're tight on time.
Which airport should I fly into for Munnar or Alleppey?
Cochin International Airport (COK) near Kochi is the nearest major gateway to both, roughly 4 hours' drive to Munnar and about 1.5-2 hours to Alleppey.
How far is Kerala from Bangalore or Mysore by road?
Kochi is roughly 550 km from Bangalore (about 10-11 hours by road), while Munnar is closer to Mysore at around 290-310 km via the scenic Wayanad-Coimbatore route (about 7 hours).
Is Kerala a good honeymoon destination?
Yes, Kerala is widely regarded as one of India's top honeymoon destinations, thanks to its backwater houseboats, hill-station resorts, beaches and Ayurveda spa experiences.
Is Kerala suitable for a family holiday?
Absolutely - wildlife sanctuaries, boat rides, beaches and spice plantation tours give families and multi-generational groups plenty to enjoy together.
What's an ideal Kerala itinerary route?
A popular route runs Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey/Kumarakom - Kovalam or Varkala, starting and ending near Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram airport.
Do foreign travellers need a visa to visit Kerala?
Yes, international visitors need a valid Indian visa; India offers an e-Visa for many nationalities, so check eligibility on the official government portal before booking flights.
What is Kerala best known for?
Kerala, nicknamed 'God's Own Country', is best known for its backwaters and houseboats, tea and spice plantations, Ayurveda wellness traditions, beaches, Kathakali dance and rich wildlife.
How much does a Kerala tour package cost?
Costs depend on season, hotel and houseboat category, and group size, so there's no single fixed price - share your travel dates and preferences with MIT for a customised quote.
Is Kerala an expensive destination to travel?
Kerala offers everything from budget homestays to luxury backwater resorts, so it can suit most budgets; houseboats and premium hill resorts are usually the biggest cost drivers.
Which are the best beaches in Kerala?
Kovalam and Varkala in the south are the best known, while Cherai and Marari near Kochi and Alleppey offer quieter alternatives.
Can I definitely see elephants at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary?
A boat safari on Periyar Lake in Thekkady gives you a good chance of spotting wild elephants and birdlife, but sightings are never guaranteed since it's a natural forest reserve, not a zoo.
How long should an Ayurveda treatment in Kerala be?
Genuine rejuvenation programs typically run 7 to 21 days for full benefit, though shorter relaxation massages and spa sessions of a few days are also widely available.
When is the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race held?
It takes place annually in August on Punnamada Lake in Alleppey, as part of the Onam festival season, and is a spectacular sight if your dates align.
When does the Onam festival fall each year?
Onam, Kerala's harvest festival, usually falls in August or September depending on the Malayalam calendar, and features floral pookalam decorations, sadya feasts and boat races.
Do I need permits for trekking or wildlife visits in Wayanad?
Yes, entry to wildlife sanctuaries and some trek points like Chembra Peak requires permits or tickets from the forest department, often with a daily visitor cap, so it's best to plan and book ahead.
Is Kerala safe for solo and women travellers?
Kerala is generally considered one of India's safer states, with high literacy and well-developed tourism infrastructure, though usual travel precautions always apply.
What language do people speak in Kerala?
Malayalam is the official language, but English and Hindi are widely understood in hotels, resorts and tourist areas.
Can Kerala be combined with Coorg, Wayanad or Mysore in one trip?
Yes, Kerala's hill districts border Karnataka's Coorg and Wayanad region, making a combined Mysore-Coorg-Wayanad-Munnar circuit a popular and convenient itinerary.
How far is Munnar from Kochi airport?
Munnar is roughly 130 km from Cochin International Airport, about a 4-hour scenic drive through the ghats.
What is the best month for a backwater houseboat cruise?
October to February offer the most comfortable weather for a houseboat cruise, while the June-September monsoon brings lush scenery along with rain.
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