Kerala Tour: Explore the Hills, Backwaters, Beaches & Culture of God’s Own Country

Kerala brings together some of the most diverse travel experiences in South India. Within one trip, you can wake up among the tea-covered hills of Munnar, explore the forests of Thekkady, cruise through the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey, walk along the cliffs of Varkala and finish your holiday beside the Arabian Sea.

Known as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala is a destination where nature, culture, food and slower-paced travel come together. Its combination of hill stations, wildlife, tropical beaches, waterways, traditional villages and historic towns makes it suitable for very different kinds of travellers.

A Kerala trip can be planned for a family holiday, honeymoon, couple getaway, group vacation or simply a few days away from a busy routine. The best itinerary depends not only on the places you want to visit, but also on your arrival airport, departure point, number of nights, travel pace and budget.

At Book My Choices, Kerala holidays can be customised around these requirements, including hotels, private transportation, sightseeing and selected activities.

Why Kerala Is Worth Exploring

One of the biggest advantages of travelling through Kerala is the variety of landscapes available within a relatively compact state.

A single holiday can take you through:

• Misty tea plantations and mountain roads in Munnar
• Forests, wildlife and spice plantations around Thekkady
• Coconut-lined canals and paddy fields in Alleppey
• Historic streets and waterfronts in Kochi
• Dramatic coastal cliffs at Varkala
• Beaches and seaside attractions around Kovalam
• Traditional Kerala food and cultural performances
• Ayurveda and wellness experiences
• Local markets, villages and regional attractions

This variety makes Kerala particularly useful for travellers who do not want a holiday focused on only one type of destination.

A well-planned route also matters. Spending too much time on the road can make a short Kerala holiday tiring, while leaving enough free time at each destination can make the same trip considerably more enjoyable.

Why Choose Book My Choices for a Kerala Tour?

A Kerala holiday involves more than simply booking a hotel in every destination. The sequence of places, road distances, sightseeing hours, vehicle arrangements and airport transfers can all affect the experience.

Book My Choices helps travellers create Kerala tour plans around their actual requirements instead of following one fixed itinerary.

Your package can be planned around:

• Travel dates
• Number of travellers
• Number of nights
• Arrival and departure locations
• Hotel category
• Private cab or vehicle requirements
• Sightseeing preferences
• Meal preferences
• Budget
• Family or honeymoon requirements
• Preferred travel pace

Depending on your itinerary, a Kerala holiday may include Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kochi, Varkala, Kovalam or other destinations.

Munnar – Tea Hills, Misty Roads & Mountain Views

For many travellers, Munnar is the natural starting point for a Kerala hill-station experience.

Located in Kerala's Idukki district at an elevation of roughly 1,600 metres, Munnar is surrounded by tea plantations, rolling hills, forests and valleys. The cooler climate and scenic mountain roads make it particularly popular with couples and families.

The journey itself is part of the experience. As you move towards Munnar, the landscape gradually changes from the warmer lowlands to green hills and tea estates.

Places to Visit in Munnar

Depending on your available time, a Munnar sightseeing plan can include:

• Mattupetty Dam – A scenic reservoir surrounded by hills
• Echo Point – A popular viewpoint beside the lake and surrounding greenery
• Kundala Lake – A peaceful stop with mountain scenery
• Tea plantations – One of the defining landscapes of Munnar
• Tea Museum – An opportunity to learn about the area's tea-growing history
• Photo Point – A popular location for photographs among the tea gardens
• Eravikulam National Park – Known for its mountain ecosystem and Nilgiri tahr

You do not necessarily need to visit every attraction in one day. A better plan is often to group nearby attractions together and leave enough time to enjoy the scenery.

For longer stays, additional viewpoints, waterfalls and nature experiences can be included depending on weather and road conditions.

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Munnar?

For a short Kerala itinerary, 2 nights in Munnar is a practical starting point. Travellers who prefer photography, nature, relaxed mornings or more extensive sightseeing may want additional time.

Munnar can then be connected by road with Thekkady, creating a natural transition from Kerala's tea-covered hills to its forests and spice-growing areas.

Thekkady – Wildlife, Forests & Spice Plantations

After Munnar, many travellers continue towards Thekkady, in the Idukki region.

Thekkady is best known for the Periyar landscape, where forests, waterways and wildlife create a very different atmosphere from the tea plantations of Munnar.

The area around Thekkady and Kumily is also associated with spice plantations, local markets and traditional cultural experiences.

Things to Do in Thekkady

Depending on availability and your interests, your itinerary can include:

• Periyar Lake experiences
• Periyar Tiger Reserve activities
• Spice plantation visits
• Kumily market
• Nature and forest experiences
• Traditional Kerala cultural programmes
• Local food experiences
• Selected elephant-related activities where responsibly operated and available

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so a forest experience should not be planned around seeing a particular animal. The landscape, waterways and biodiversity are an important part of the destination even when sightings are limited.

For couples and families, Thekkady can also provide a useful balance between sightseeing and outdoor experiences.

Alleppey – Discover Kerala's Famous Backwaters

No first-time Kerala itinerary feels complete without experiencing the Alappuzha backwaters.

Alappuzha, commonly known as Alleppey, is famous for its interconnected waterways, coconut palms, paddy fields, traditional villages and houseboats.

A backwater cruise gives travellers an opportunity to see a quieter side of Kerala. Instead of moving between conventional tourist attractions, you spend time watching everyday life unfold along the waterways.

Alleppey Houseboat Experience

A traditional Kerala houseboat can be included as an overnight experience, although it is not essential.

Travellers who prefer a conventional hotel can stay on land and choose a shorter backwater cruise instead.

A backwater experience may include:

• Traditional houseboat cruising
• Coconut-lined canals
• Paddy fields
• Village landscapes
• Local Kerala cuisine
• Sunset views
• Slow-paced sightseeing

For couples, Alleppey can provide a more relaxed section of the itinerary after the road travel and sightseeing of Munnar and Thekkady.

Varkala – Beach, Cliffs & a Relaxed Coastal Atmosphere

If you want to add a beach destination to your Kerala holiday, Varkala offers something different from a conventional beach resort.

Varkala is particularly known for its dramatic coastal cliff, beach below the cliff and relaxed atmosphere. The surrounding area also has religious and cultural attractions.

Places to Visit in Varkala

• Varkala Beach
• Varkala Cliff
• Janardhana Swamy Temple
• Sivagiri Mutt
• Papanasam Beach area
• Local shops and cafés around the cliff

Varkala works particularly well for travellers who want some unstructured time during their holiday. Rather than filling the entire day with sightseeing, you can leave room for a beach walk, café visit or sunset.

It can be added after Alleppey when creating a route through southern Kerala.

Kovalam – A Classic Kerala Beach Destination

Located close to Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is another popular choice for a beach-focused Kerala itinerary.

The destination is known for its coastal setting, beaches and lighthouse, making it convenient for travellers whose trip begins or ends around Thiruvananthapuram.

Places to Explore Around Kovalam

• Lighthouse Beach
• Hawa Beach
• Samudra Beach
• Kovalam Lighthouse
• Vizhinjam area

Kovalam can work particularly well as the final stop of a Kerala holiday. Instead of finishing the trip with another busy sightseeing day, travellers can spend their last evening near the coast before heading to the airport.

Kochi – History, Culture & Modern Kerala

Kochi is one of the most useful entry and exit points for a Kerala tour because of its airport connectivity and its location in central Kerala.

But Kochi is more than a transit point.

The city's historic areas reflect Kerala's connections with different trading communities and cultures. Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are particularly interesting for travellers who enjoy architecture, history, markets and waterfront areas.

Places to Visit in Kochi

• Fort Kochi
• Chinese fishing nets
• St. Francis Church
• Mattancherry Palace
• Jew Town
• Local markets
• Waterfront areas

If your flight arrives at Cochin International Airport, Kochi can be incorporated at the beginning or end of the itinerary depending on your travel route.

For example, one route can begin with Kochi and continue towards Munnar, while another can finish around Kochi after exploring the backwaters.

Kerala Culture & Experiences to Add to Your Trip

Kerala is not only about sightseeing. Some of the most memorable parts of the trip can come from experiences connected to local culture.

Depending on the destination and availability, travellers can explore:

• Traditional Kerala cuisine
• Kathakali performances
• Kalaripayattu shows
• Spice plantations
• Village experiences
• Local markets
• Ayurveda and wellness experiences
• Traditional houseboats
• Tea plantations
• Regional festivals and cultural events

Availability can vary by season and location, so activities are best selected according to the actual travel dates.

Popular Kerala Tour Itineraries

There is no single Kerala itinerary that works for everyone. The ideal route depends on where you arrive, where you depart and how much time you have.

Here are some practical starting points.

4 Nights / 5 Days – Kerala Highlights

Cochin → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Cochin

This is suitable for travellers with limited time who want to experience Kerala's major landscape types.

You get:

Hills → Forests → Backwaters

Because the schedule is short, sightseeing should be kept realistic rather than trying to cover every attraction.

5 Nights / 6 Days – Classic Kerala Experience

Cochin → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Cochin

With an additional night, travellers can slow down the itinerary and spend more time at Munnar, Thekkady or Alleppey rather than continuously changing hotels.

A beach destination can also be considered if the arrival and departure points allow a practical route.

6 Nights / 7 Days – Hills, Wildlife, Backwaters & Beach

Cochin → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Varkala → Trivandrum

This route introduces four different Kerala experiences:

Mountain landscapes → Wildlife & forests → Backwaters → Arabian Sea coast

It is particularly useful for travellers who want more variety than the classic Munnar–Thekkady–Alleppey route.

7 Nights / 8 Days – Extended Kerala Holiday

Cochin → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Varkala → Kovalam → Trivandrum

This longer itinerary gives more room for both sightseeing and relaxation.

However, Varkala and Kovalam do not always need to be included together. Depending on your interests, one beach destination can be given more time instead of trying to cover both quickly.

Book My Choices can adjust the route and number of nights according to your arrival airport, departure airport, preferred destinations and travel pace.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

Kerala can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes with the season.

October to February

These months are generally popular for sightseeing because of the more comfortable conditions across many tourist areas.

They are suitable for travellers planning a combination of hill stations, sightseeing, backwaters and beaches.

March to May

The warmer months can be hotter, particularly in the coastal and lowland areas. Hill destinations such as Munnar can provide a different climate from the plains.

Travellers visiting during this period should plan outdoor sightseeing around comfortable hours where possible.

June to September

The southwest monsoon brings substantial rainfall to Kerala.

For some travellers, this is part of Kerala's appeal: the landscape becomes intensely green and the rainy atmosphere gives the backwaters and hills a different character.

However, rainfall can affect outdoor activities, road travel and sightseeing plans. Checking conditions closer to the travel date is important.

The best month for your Kerala trip ultimately depends on whether your priority is sightseeing, beaches, greenery, wellness, photography or simply a quiet holiday.

Kerala Food You Should Try

A Kerala holiday is also a food journey.

Depending on where you travel, you can find everything from traditional vegetarian meals to seafood and regional meat dishes.

Some foods worth trying include:

• Kerala Sadya
• Appam with stew
• Puttu with kadala curry
• Kerala-style fish curry
• Vegetable and non-vegetarian curries
• Fresh seafood
• Banana chips
• Payasam

A traditional Sadya served on a banana leaf can be one of the most memorable food experiences of a Kerala trip.

Travellers with vegetarian, non-vegetarian or other dietary preferences can also factor food preferences into their hotel and restaurant choices.

How to Plan a Kerala Tour Without Making It Too Busy

One of the biggest mistakes on a Kerala holiday is trying to visit too many places in too little time.

Kerala's destinations may look close together on a map, but mountain roads, traffic, sightseeing stops and transfers can make journeys longer than expected.

A better approach is to divide the holiday into experience days and travel days.

For example:

Munnar: Focus on hill scenery and tea plantations.

Munnar → Thekkady: Treat this primarily as a transfer day with selected stops if time permits.

Thekkady: Focus on forests, wildlife and spice experiences.

Thekkady → Alleppey: Travel to the backwaters and slow down.

Alleppey: Give yourself time to enjoy the waterways rather than immediately moving to another destination.

Beach destination: Keep some free time for the coast instead of filling every hour with sightseeing.

Before booking, consider:

• Arrival and departure times
• Number of nights
• Travel distances
• Vehicle type
• Hotel category
• Meal preferences
• Sightseeing priorities
• Seasonal weather
• Family requirements
• Couple or honeymoon requirements
• Budget
• Amount of free time you want

The goal should not be to collect the maximum number of attractions. The goal is to return home feeling that you actually experienced Kerala.

Kerala Tour Packages for Families, Couples & Honeymooners

Different travellers can require very different Kerala itineraries.

Kerala Family Tour

Families may prefer comfortable hotels, private transportation, manageable sightseeing days and fewer long transfers.

Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey make a popular combination, with a beach destination added when the trip duration allows it.

Kerala Honeymoon Package

Couples may prefer scenic hotels, private transfers, houseboat experiences, tea plantations, sunset views and more relaxed schedules.

Munnar and Alleppey can be combined with Varkala or Kovalam for a mix of hills, backwaters and beaches.

Kerala Couple Getaway

For a shorter holiday, it may make more sense to focus on two or three destinations rather than attempting to cover the entire state.

Kerala Group Tour

Groups may need larger vehicles, room configurations, coordinated transfers and a sightseeing schedule that works for everyone.

Book My Choices can structure the itinerary around the size and requirements of the group.

Why Book My Choices for Kerala Tour Packages?

A customised Kerala holiday can be planned around the practical details that matter to you.

You can enquire based on:

• Travel dates
• Number of travellers
• Budget
• Hotel preference
• Vehicle requirement
• Pickup and drop location
• Number of nights
• Meal preferences
• Sightseeing interests
• Family requirements
• Honeymoon requirements
• Preferred destinations

Whether you are searching for a Kerala tour package, Kerala honeymoon package, family Kerala holiday, couple trip, group tour or customised Kerala itinerary, the route can be designed around your requirements.

Instead of adding destinations simply to make an itinerary look longer, the focus can be on creating a practical combination of sightseeing, accommodation, transportation and free time.

Plan Your Kerala Holiday with Book My Choices

From the tea-covered hills of Munnar to the forests of Thekkady, peaceful waterways of Alleppey, historic streets of Kochi and beaches of Varkala and Kovalam, Kerala offers an unusually diverse travel experience within one state.

You can spend your mornings surrounded by mountains, cruise through backwaters in the afternoon and finish another day watching the sunset beside the Arabian Sea.

Whether you have 4 nights or 8 nights, your Kerala itinerary does not need to include every destination. A thoughtfully planned route can give you enough time to travel comfortably, explore the important sights and still have moments to simply enjoy where you are.

Book My Choices can help organise your Kerala holiday around your travel dates, number of travellers, preferred hotels, transportation requirements, sightseeing interests and budget.

Ready to Plan Your Kerala Trip?

Tell us your travel dates, number of travellers, preferred hotel category, pickup/drop location and approximate budget, and build your Kerala holiday around the experiences you actually want.

Book My Choices – Plan your Kerala holiday with a practical itinerary, comfortable stays and reliable travel arrangements.