Kerala – God’s Own Country – combines the tea hills of Munnar, the spice gardens and Periyar lake of Thekkady, the backwaters of Alleppey on a private houseboat and the beaches of Kovalam and Varkala.
A classic circuit starts at Kochi and ends at Kochi or Trivandrum, with a night on a houseboat as the highlight.
Kerala – Quick Facts
Capital
Thiruvananthapuram
Airports
Kochi (COK) · Trivandrum (TRV) · Kozhikode
Rail heads
Ernakulam · Alappuzha · Thiruvananthapuram
Best time
September – March
Ideal trip
5 – 8 days
Places to Visit in Kerala
Fort Kochi Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Jew Town and Kathakali.
Munnar Tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty and Top Station.
Thekkady Periyar lake boat ride, spice plantations and Kalaripayattu.
Alleppey Overnight houseboat cruise on the backwaters.
Kovalam Lighthouse beach and Ayurveda resorts.
Varkala Cliff-top beach north of Trivandrum.
Thiruvananthapuram Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Napier Museum.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
September – March: pleasant, dry – peak season
April – May: hot and humid on the coast, Munnar still cool
← Swipe on mobile to see the whole route → Distances and altitudes are approximate.
Kerala Travel Tips
Houseboats check in around noon and check out the next morning.
Eravikulam National Park closes for the Nilgiri tahr calving season (about February – March).
Carry light cotton clothes and a light jacket for Munnar nights.
Entrance & Permit Fees in Kerala 2026
Permits
No permit is needed in Kerala.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple has a strict dress code – dhoti for men, saree / long skirt for women.
🎟️ Entrance fees (per person, paid at the gate or online)
Place
🇮🇳 Indian
🌍 Foreigner
Chinese Fishing Nets
Free
Free
Mattancherry Palacemuseum · closed Fridays
approx. ₹5
approx. ₹100
Kathakali Showin the price calculator · make-up from 5 PM
approx. ₹500
approx. ₹500
Tea Museumclosed Mondays
approx. ₹125
approx. ₹125
Eravikulam National Parkchild ₹150 · camera ₹50 · incl. forest bus · closed Feb – Mar
approx. ₹200
approx. ₹500
Mattupetty Damspeed boat approx. ₹600 – 1,000 per boat
Free
Free
Periyar Lake Boat Rideincl. tiger reserve entry – in the price calculator · foreigners pay a higher park fee
approx. ₹450
approx. ₹450
Spice Plantation Thekkadyguided walk
approx. ₹300
approx. ₹300
Kalaripayattu Showin the price calculator
approx. ₹400
approx. ₹400
Houseboat Cruiseall meals on board
Included
Included
Padmanabhaswamy TempleHindus only · dhoti / saree dress code
Free
—
Napier Museumclosed Mondays
approx. ₹10
approx. ₹50
Fees as published for 2026 and can be revised by the authorities; "approx." rates are local / private and may differ. Children are usually free or half rate. Camera fees extra at some places.
Kerala Tour Packages 2026
Packages by Travel Himalayas that stay in Kerala – hotels and a private cab, with the complete price for your date on each page.
Pay Now opens our secure payment page (UPI, cards, net banking) – pay the advance we confirm on WhatsApp / phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Kerala?
Five nights cover Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and Kochi; seven nights add Kovalam.
Is a houseboat stay worth it?
Yes – an overnight houseboat with all meals is the highlight of Kerala; a day cruise is the shorter alternative.
What is the best time to visit Kerala?
September – March: pleasant, dry – peak season. April – May: hot and humid on the coast, Munnar still cool. June – August: monsoon – Ayurveda season, lush green, lower rates. August – September: Onam festival and snake-boat races.
How to reach Kerala?
By air – Kochi for Munnar / Alleppey; Trivandrum for Kovalam. By train – Ernakulam (Kochi), Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram. By road – Kochi is the usual start of a circuit by private cab.
How much does a Kerala tour cost?
Our Kerala packages start from about ₹12,500 per person (2 sharing) with hotels and a private cab – open a package for the complete price on your date.