Kerala, India · Travel guide
Kerala travel guide
God's Own Country: backwaters, misty tea hills and a spice-scented coast.
- Best time
- Sep - Mar
- A day, mid-range
- ₹6,000-10,000 per person
- Getting there
- Air · Train
- Ready-made trips
- 1 itinerary
A narrow strip between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Kerala packs in palm-lined backwaters, tea and cardamom hills, wildlife reserves and beaches into a state you can cross by car in a few hours.
Its history as a spice-trading coast shows in Fort Kochi's Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese churches and the old Jewish quarter, and in a cuisine built on coconut, pepper and seafood.
When to go
Best time to visit Kerala
September to March is ideal. The June-August monsoon is heavy but popular for Ayurvedic treatments.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Best
- Apr: Good
- May: Good
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Good
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Best
- Dec: Best
- Sep - MarDry and pleasant, best for backwaters and hills
- Apr - MayHot and humid on the coast; hills are cool
- Jun - AugHeavy monsoon; lush and quiet, ideal for Ayurveda
Getting there
How to reach Kerala
- Air
- Kochi (COK) and Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) are the main airports, with Kozhikode in the north.
- Train
- Good rail links along the coast; Ernakulam is the hub for Kochi.
- Getting around
- A car with driver is the easiest way to link Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Kerala
Fort Kochi
Heritage homestays and boutique hotels in walkable colonial streets.
Munnar
Hillside resorts among tea estates, cool all year.
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Overnight houseboats or lakeside homestays on the backwaters.
Varkala
Clifftop guesthouses above the beach, good for a relaxed finish.
What to see
Top things to do in Kerala
- 01
Alleppey backwaters
A network of canals and lakes best seen from a kettuvallam houseboat.
Book overnight houseboats with a private deck and AC at night.
Open in Maps - 02
Munnar tea gardens
Rolling tea estates at 1,600 m with a working tea museum.
Go early before the mist and tour buses.
Open in Maps - 03
Eravikulam National Park
Grasslands home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr.
Closed for the calving season around February-March.
Open in Maps - 04
Fort Kochi Chinese fishing nets
Cantilevered nets on the waterfront, worked by teams of fishermen.
Sunset is the best time to watch.
Open in Maps - 05
Mattancherry and Jew Town
The Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue and antique shops.
The synagogue closes on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Open in Maps - 06
Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady
Boat safaris on Periyar Lake and spice-plantation walks.
Take the first boat of the day for the best wildlife.
Open in Maps - 07
Varkala Cliff
Red laterite cliffs above a beach, lined with cafés.
Stay on the North Cliff for sunsets.
Open in Maps
What to eat
What to eat in Kerala
Kerala sadya
A banana-leaf feast of 20+ vegetarian dishes, served at Onam.
Karimeen pollichathu
Pearl-spot fish marinated and grilled in banana leaf.
Appam and stew
Lacy rice pancakes with a mild coconut-milk stew.
Malabar parotta and beef fry
Flaky layered bread with spiced fried beef.
What it costs
Kerala trip cost per day
Backpacker
₹2,000-3,500
per person, per day
Homestays, buses, local meals
Mid-range
₹6,000-10,000
per person, per day
Resorts, a private car, houseboat night
Comfort
₹18,000+
per person, per day
Luxury resorts and premium houseboats
- Hire a driver for the hills; Munnar's roads are narrow and winding.
- Carry a light rain jacket even outside the monsoon.
- Check houseboat licences and ask what's included before you pay.
Good questions
Kerala travel FAQs
How many days do you need in Kerala?
Five days covers Kochi, Munnar and Alleppey; seven adds Thekkady and Varkala.
Is a houseboat worth it?
Yes. An overnight houseboat is the signature Kerala experience; day cruises are a cheaper alternative.
When is the best time for Kerala backwaters?
September to March, when the weather is dry and the water calm.
Is Kerala good for families?
Very: short drives, gentle activities, wildlife boat rides and child-friendly resorts.