Family Favourite
Overview
Kerala is often called "God's Own Country" — and its diversity backs that claim. In a single trip, you can cruise palm-fringed backwaters on a houseboat, hike through misty tea estates in Munnar, spot elephants in Periyar, and wind down at a beach in Varkala or Kovalam. The state's cuisine, Ayurvedic traditions, and classical arts make it one of India's most culturally layered travel experiences.
Best Time to Visit
Sep–Nov
Post-monsoon lush, ideal weather, fewer crowds
Dec–Feb
Peak season — festivals, Onam (Sep), great weather
Mar
Pre-summer, still pleasant, good beach time
Jun–Aug
Monsoon — heavy rains but backwaters are beautiful
Apr–May
Hot and humid, shoulder season, Ayurveda season starts
Top Highlights
- Alleppey (Alappuzha) backwater houseboat cruise
- Munnar tea estate walks at dawn
- Periyar Tiger Reserve boat safari
- Varkala Cliff — dramatic beach with cafes
- Kochi Fort — Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets
- Kathakali performance and Kalaripayattu demonstration
- Wayanad waterfalls and wildlife
- Thrissur Pooram (April–May)
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Kochi + Fort Kochi Walk
Arrive Kochi. Fort Kochi walk — Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace, Jew Town. Evening Kathakali show.
Day 2
Drive to Munnar
4-hour scenic drive. Tea estate walk. Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr). Sunset over tea hills.
Day 3
Munnar — Mattupetty & Top Station
Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake. Top Station (highest point in Munnar). Local spice market.
Day 4
Periyar (Thekkady)
3-hour drive. Afternoon boat safari on Periyar Lake. Spice plantation tour. Night walk available.
Day 5
Alleppey — Houseboat Check-In
Drive to Alleppey (2 hrs). Board houseboat at noon. 24-hour backwater cruise. Kerala meals onboard.
Day 6
Houseboat Disembark + Varkala or Kovalam
Check out morning. Drive to Varkala Cliff or Kovalam Beach. Beach evening.
Day 7
Beach Leisure + Departure
Morning Ayurvedic massage. Afternoon transfer to Trivandrum Airport or drive to Kochi.
* Sample itinerary. Customised based on your dates, group size, and preferences.
Available Packages
Practical Information
Getting There
Kochi (COK) is the primary gateway. Trivandrum (TRV) for southern Kerala. Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore.
Getting Around
Private cab is recommended — public transport is slow. Houseboats pick up directly at Alleppey jetty. Trains connect major towns.
Where to Stay
Munnar: tea estate resorts. Alleppey: houseboat (1 night minimum). Varkala: cliff-top guesthouses. Budget to luxury options available.
Budget Tips
A houseboat overnight starts at ₹8,000/couple. Non-AC versions are cheaper. September is 30% cheaper than December. Book houseboats directly.
Weather
Best: Oct–Mar (25–32°C, low humidity). Munnar is cooler (15–22°C). Monsoon (Jun–Sep) brings heavy rain but green landscapes.
Good to Know
Carry modest clothing for temple visits. Mosquito repellent essential in backwaters. Sea is rough at Kovalam in monsoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — houseboat evenings, hill station sunsets, and Ayurvedic spas make it one of India's most romantic destinations.
Highly recommended for at least one night. The experience of gliding through backwater villages at dusk is unlike anything else in India.
Periyar Tiger Reserve (Thekkady) offers boat safaris where elephants, bison, and deer are regularly spotted. Wayanad is great for birds.
Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Kovalam is the classic circuit. 7 nights minimum for this route.
