Kerala
Backwaters, tea-covered hills and a slow, green coastline — one of India’s easiest places to travel at an unhurried pace.
- Best time to visit
- October – March
- Suggested duration
- 5 – 8 days
- Main airports
- Kochi · Thiruvananthapuram
- Good for
- Families · Couples · Slow travel
Overview
Kerala runs along India’s south-western coast, between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. In a single week you can move from cool tea hills to spice plantations, spend a night drifting on the backwaters and finish on a quiet beach.
Distances are short but roads through the hills are slow, so a good Kerala itinerary is about choosing fewer places and giving each one enough time.
Travel highlights
Munnar
Rolling tea estates, cool air and viewpoints over the Western Ghats; Eravikulam National Park is nearby (subject to seasonal closures).
Thekkady
Spice plantations and the forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve, with boat rides and guided nature walks.
Alleppey & Kumarakom
Overnight houseboat cruises through palm-lined canals and across Vembanad Lake.
Fort Kochi
Chinese fishing nets, colonial-era streets, cafés and evening Kathakali performances.
Varkala & Kovalam
Cliff-top and beach stays in the south, ideal for ending a trip slowly.
Wayanad
Forested hills, waterfalls and plantation stays in the north — quieter and cooler, good for a longer trip.
A suggested 7-day route
A starting point we can adjust to your pace, season and interests.
- Day 1
Kochi
Arrive and explore Fort Kochi on foot; optional evening cultural performance.
- Days 2–3
Munnar
Drive into the hills; tea estates, viewpoints and easy walks.
- Day 4
Thekkady
Spice plantation visit and time around Periyar.
- Day 5
Alleppey
Board a houseboat for an overnight cruise on the backwaters.
- Days 6–7
Varkala or Kochi
Beach time in the south, or a relaxed last day in Kochi before departure.
Practical information
- Getting there
- Kochi (COK) and Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) are the main airports, with Kozhikode (CCJ) in the north. Kochi suits most itineraries.
- Weather
- October to March is generally pleasant. The monsoon (roughly June to September) brings heavy rain and lush scenery; some activities may be limited.
- Getting around
- Private car with driver is the most comfortable option. Hill roads are winding, so allow extra time between Munnar, Thekkady and the coast.
- Local etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples and religious sites. Some temples restrict entry for non-Hindus — check before visiting.
- Busy periods
- Christmas–New Year and the Onam festival season see high demand for houseboats and hill stays. Plan early for these dates.
