The short answer
Most Kerala holidays combine four things: Fort Kochi, the tea hills of Munnar or the spice country of Thekkady, a night or two on the backwaters, and a few days on the beach. Ten to fourteen nights between October and March is the sweet spot for a first visit.
What does a Kerala holiday usually include?
Kerala is a narrow state on India's south western coast. Travel here is mostly about four types of place, and a good holiday picks from each.
Fort Kochi
The old port town, with colonial streets, Chinese fishing nets, spice warehouses and good small hotels. Most trips start here because Cochin International Airport is close by.
The hills
Munnar for rolling tea estates and cool air, Thekkady for spice gardens and Periyar Tiger Reserve, Wayanad in the north for forest and quiet.
The backwaters
A network of lakes, rivers and canals around Alleppey and Kumarakom. Stay on a houseboat or in a lakeside hotel.
The beaches
Marari for a quiet fishing village feel, Varkala for clifftop views, Kovalam for a livelier resort.
How long should a Kerala holiday be?
Ten nights covers Kochi, the hills, the backwaters and a beach without rushing. Seven nights works if you drop one region. Fourteen nights or more lets you add Wayanad, Tamil Nadu or a proper Ayurveda stay.
| Trip length | Suggested route |
|---|---|
| 7 nights | Fort Kochi, backwaters, beach |
| 10 nights | Fort Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, backwaters, beach |
| 14 nights | As above plus Wayanad or Tamil Nadu temple towns |
When should you go?
October to March is dry and warm, and the most popular time. The monsoon from June to September is green, quieter and the traditional season for Ayurveda. April and May are hot on the coast but fine in the hills.
Local tipChristmas, New Year and the Onam festival weeks book up first. If you want those dates, start planning six to nine months ahead.
How do you get to Kerala from the UK?
Most travellers fly into Cochin (COK) or Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), usually with one change in the Gulf or a major Indian city. British passport holders need a visa, and the e-Tourist visa is the simplest option.
Before you flySee our guide to the India visa for UK citizens before you book flights.
Package or tailor made?
A set package is fine if its dates and hotels suit you. Most of our clients prefer a tailor made trip, built around their dates, budget and pace, with a private driver throughout. Our sample tours are a starting point, not a fixed menu.
Our Kerala expert
Based in Cochin
Our Kerala office has been planning trips from Cochin for 20 years. This guide reflects what we tell travellers who call us.
Ready to plan your Kerala trip?
These sample trips show how the pieces fit together. We can change any of them.
Frequently asked questions
Ten to fourteen nights is ideal for a first visit. Seven nights is enough for Kochi, the backwaters and a beach.
November to February has the most reliable weather. February and March are quieter than the Christmas peak.
Yes. British citizens need an Indian visa. Most apply online for an e-Tourist visa through the official Government of India website.
