India · India
Kerala
Backwaters, hill stations, and the Malabar coast.
Ideal length
8–11 days
Bespoke from
₹1.6L / pax
Time zone
GMT +5:30
Visa
Domestic
Featured packages
Featured packages for Kerala.
The Place
Slow down to the rhythm of the kettuvallam. Two nights on a private houseboat through the Alleppey backwaters, tea-tasting in Munnar's emerald hills, and a finishing stretch in colonial Fort Kochi.
Language
Malayalam, English
Plug
Type D/M · 230V
Tipping
10% in restaurants; ₹200/day for drivers
Tap water
Bottled only
Best time
October to March
Getting there
Fly into Kochi (COK)
Currency
INR
Why we go
Three reasons Kerala stays on our atlas.
When to go
Signature experiences
The reasons you came for, and a few you didn't.
SignaturePrivate houseboat overnight
A single-cabin kettuvallam through the Alleppey channels, chef on board, kingfishers in the trees.
HeritageMunnar tea-estate stay
A colonial planter's bungalow at 1,800 m, fireplaces, breakfast on the lawn.
CultureKathakali backstage
An hour watching the makeup, an hour watching the performance, the most theatrical art form in India.
WildlifePeriyar walking safari
A guided forest walk in the Western Ghats with chances of elephants and gaur.
Field notes
Small things that change the trip.
Practical Kerala knowledge from people who keep going back.
- 01
Two nights on a houseboat is enough; one is rushed, three is too many.
- 02
Munnar can be cold at night, pack a fleece even in March.
- 03
The monsoon (June–September) is actually a beautiful time for Ayurveda retreats.
- 04
Kochi is best done on foot, the heritage zone is small and walkable.
- 05
Avoid travel during local elections (April–May), strikes are common.
Questions
What we get asked about Kerala.
Pair this with
Trips we often run alongside.
Begin
Plan your Kerala journey.
From the journal