Kerala Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Kerala tour packages
- What people love about Kerala Tours
- Travel Kerala your way
- Best tour companies for Kerala tours
- Discover Kerala tours for every budget
- Kerala tours for every type of group
- Top Kerala travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Kerala
- Contact our Kerala travel experts
- What our customers ask about Kerala Tours & Trips
The best Kerala tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaKerala travel expert at TourRadar
Kerala Tour - 8 Days
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I learned many things about South Indian places we visited and had fun doing so.”
Duncan, traveled in December
Kerala's treasures await, from Fort Kochi's Chinese fishing nets to Munnar's tea plantations. Wildlife thrives at Periyar Sanctuary, while traditional houseboats glide through Alleppey's backwaters. The tour features the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, comfortable accommodations, and authentic local experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $3,078
63% Off- NZ$1,139You save $1,939
South India : Backwaters, Tea Plantations, Temples & Beach Stay W/Private Guide & Chauffer
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation was varied from good to excellent and the service and hospitality everywhere was incredible.”
John, traveled in January
Kerala's finest attractions range from Kochi's historic quarter to Munnar's tea estates. Wildlife viewing in Periyar Sanctuary, Alleppey's backwater cruises, and Marari's beaches pair with 4-star accommodations throughout.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady, Alleppey, Mararikulam Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $3,293
10% Off- NZ$2,963You save $329
Kerala's landscapes vary from Fort Kochi's historic sites to Munnar's tea estates. Tigers roam Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, while Kumarakom's backwaters and Marari beach offer tranquility. 12 nights in 3-star hotels plus one night in traditional houseboat included.
Duration 13 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Alleppey, Mararikulam Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $4,973
63% Off- NZ$1,840You save $3,133
Kerala unfolds over 11 days from Kochi's historic Dutch Palace to Munnar's tea estates. Four-star hotels and premium AC houseboats in Alleppey provide luxury stays. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kathakali performances, and Ayurvedic massages in Poovar create memorable experiences. Package includes 22 meals and English-speaking guide for approx. $150/day.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $2,798
10% Off- NZ$2,519You save $280
Exotic Kerala Tour (Coconut Holiday Of India)
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was an excellent experience with a well planned itinerary and excellent tour.”
Anu, traveled in August
Traditional houseboats float through Kerala's backwaters at Alleppey, while Eravikulam National Park in Munnar offers natural wonders. Wildlife spotting at Periyar Reserve adds excitement. Sagara Beach Resort in Kovalam provides comfort, complemented by Vembanad Lake cruises and visits to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram Age Range 2 to 85 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator World Travel Experiences From $2,729
65% Off- NZ$955You save $1,774
What people love about Kerala Tours
- Kerala Tour - 8 Days
Amazing trip with the comfortable accommodation. it was an great experience for me. South India part of India beautiful must visit destination.
- Exotic Kerala Tour (Coconut Holiday Of India)
On behalf of all my family who have just returned from our Holiday in India with your company. a HUGE THANK YOU FOR A GREAT HOLIDAY!!! Myself, my wife, daughters all had an AMAZING holiday thanks to the perfect organization from all the staff and representatives of World Travel Experiences !!! Your company have been truly brilliant in making sure we had the best time possible in India, we all really enjoyed our holiday and would like to thank you and all your staff for their help and support in making sure our holiday was so brilliant and enjoyable!!! In particular, we would like to pass on our very special thanks to your driver, he was very professional, helpful, supportive and is a real asset to your company, please do pass on our thanks to your driver for all his help and kindness during our holiday. We would also like to thank the guide, who was our guide in Cochin, He has amazing knowledge of the subjects he was taking us around, he is helpful, knowledgeable, supportive, patient and again a real asset to your company, We are more than happy to give support and recommendations to any other travellers who plan to book a Holiday with World Travel Experiences, we had a great time and thank you for all your help and support.
- Spice Trails of Kerala
Amazing tour guided by amazing people. What an awesome way to see kerela - would have been very difficult to do what we did without a tour guide
Travel Kerala your way
Our explorer tours in Kerala run 8-11 days and connect you deeply with local life. The routes blend Fort Kochi's colonial quarters with Munnar's tea estates and authentic village experiences. Our travelers often tell us how meaningful it is to observe daily routines along the backwaters. Many tours include hands-on experiences like cooking with families in Kumily and spotting birds at Thattekad sanctuary. The real highlight comes from our naturalist guides who know exactly where to find wildlife in Periyar - guests regularly spot wild elephants, otters and well over 200 bird species. We've balanced cultural visits with nature immersion, mixing nights in plantation homestays with time aboard traditional houseboats.
Kerala's cultural tours run 7-9 days and bring you right into the heart of local traditions. Our travelers often tell us how much they love sharing traditional Sadya lunches served on banana leaves with families in Kochi, discovering spice blending secrets from experts in Kumily and experiencing elaborate Kathakali performances where artists use detailed costumes and facial expressions to tell age-old tales. One well-crafted route combines cooking sessions in village homes with visits to active spice plantations, where you'll see the growing and harvesting of cardamom, pepper, vanilla and also cinnamon. The cultural journey through Fort Kochi takes you past historic spice warehouses, Portuguese churches and through the Jewish Quarter before heading to Thekkady's lush spice estates. Our guests particularly value their time with tea workers in Munnar's hills, learning cultivation methods that span generations. The houseboat stays offer natural glimpses into waterway life, as local crews navigate narrow canals with traditional bamboo poles while preparing fresh Kerala cuisine right on the water.
Select from our extensive range of 107 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Kerala with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Kerala. We have 85 adventures that vary from 3 days to 32 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, this is also the most popular time of the year.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Kerala tours
Both agencies get solid feedback from their India travelers, though in slightly different ways. Swastik India Journeys shines with their team - guides and drivers Rashid and Matthew earn special mentions from customers who appreciate their local knowledge and professionalism. The houseboats are a real highlight too, with travelers telling us they felt transported to a completely different world on the water. World Travel Experiences does well on the logistics side - their tours run smoothly and the details are handled nicely. Their driver NOUFEL stands out; quite a few travelers went out of their way to praise his helpful attitude and reliability. That said, it's worth noting that some guests mentioned differences between what was promised and what actually happened on their tours. While this wasn't a major issue, you'll want to carefully read through the day-by-day plan before booking. Both companies seem reliable overall for India travel, just with different strong points. Swastik excels at the experience and personal touches, while World Travel focuses on keeping everything organized and running well. The key is matching what matters most to you - whether that's having exceptional guides or knowing every detail is planned perfectly.
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Discover Kerala tours for every budget
Kerala's best value tours run 5-8 days and really deliver for budget travelers. You'll get a solid mix of highlights and local spots - exploring Fort Kochi's old quarter, walking through spice gardens in Thekkady and spending a night on traditional houseboats in Alleppey's backwaters. Our customers often mention their drivers who know those special hidden places that make a trip memorable. One route gets particularly good feedback for its tea plantation visits in Munnar where you learn about growing techniques and taste fresh tea right at the source. The hotels are comfortable and while they're not fancy, they're clean and well placed. Almost everyone tells us the houseboat night is their favorite part, with home-cooked Kerala meals and peaceful evenings anchored in quiet lagoons.
Kerala budget tours
Kerala tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
81 tours in KeralaExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Kerala. We have 81 adventures that vary from 3 days to 22 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
115 tours in KeralaKerala's small-group tours earn consistent praise from our travelers looking for personal experiences. An engaging 8-day route begins in Fort Kochi with cultural performances and wandering spice markets, before climbing up to Munnar's misty tea plantations. Groups make their way through Eravikulam National Park, where Nilgiri Tahr graze on steep slopes, and then venture into Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for bamboo rafting and close encounters with elephants. Our 7-day wildlife and culture journey gets travelers right into local life, as you join tea workers during harvest time, paddle out early for elephant and bird watching, and drift along backwaters aboard traditional houseboats. Local guides earn special mention from past guests, who appreciate how they share deep regional insights while maintaining an intimate group atmosphere. A specialized 5-day route weaves together cycling in historic districts, quiet kayaking through narrow canals, and walks through fragrant spice gardens with the freedom that small numbers provide. The accommodations mix heritage buildings, eco-friendly lodges and peaceful houseboats, where skilled chefs prepare local Kerala dishes for the group to enjoy together.
Private / Personalized
122 tours in KeralaFor a more personal approach, our private Kerala tours run 7-10 days with your own driver and local guides who set the pace just how you like it. Many travelers love the route that combines wildlife spotting at Eravikulam National Park (looking for Nilgiri Tahr) with hands-on spice plantation visits in Thekkady. Solo travelers tell us they feel completely at ease, with drivers who go out of their way to share local knowledge. There's a really well-designed route that includes time watching birds at Kumarakom sanctuary - you might see cormorants, herons and also kingfishers - before heading to your houseboat for the night. Our guests often mention how much they enjoy mixing cultural shows like Kathakali with quiet time in the tea estates and backwaters.
Top Kerala travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our quick 3-day Kerala tours work in two distinct ways. The backwater options from Alleppey put you right on a traditional rice boat for two nights, where local crews navigate narrow canals using bamboo poles - there's something special about dining under the stars while the chef prepares fresh Kerala dishes right on board. Up in the hills, Munnar tours take you through the Tata Tea Museum and also Mattupetty Dam, with plenty of time to wander the tea plantations. These short tours fit nicely with broader India travels, as our guests often add them to Golden Triangle routes or Mumbai visits.
The 7-day Kerala routes begin in Kochi, where you'll explore historic quarters filled with Chinese fishing nets and old spice warehouses. From there it's up to Munnar's tea country for 2-3 days - you'll visit plantations and spot wildlife at Eravikulam National Park. Our travelers really enjoy touring the spice plantations in Thekkady before taking boat safaris on Periyar Lake, where elephants often come down to drink. The tours wrap up with a night on an Alleppey houseboat, and our guests keep telling us how much they love the fresh seafood curries the onboard chefs prepare. Our drivers make such a difference too, sharing local knowledge and finding perfect spots to stop along the way.
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Ten days in Kerala lets you properly settle into each place you visit. Starting from either Calicut or Kochi, you'll have extended time in the hill stations and also beach stays in Kovalam or Marari. There's a nice mix of activity and downtime - you can join tea workers harvesting leaves in Munnar, look for tigers in Periyar and relax with traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Many guests tell us how much they enjoy the special touches, like feeding elephants at rescue centers and watching evening ceremonies at Guruvayur Temple. Having those extra days means you can really get to know the villages, markets and also backwater communities without rushing.
Demographics
Solo travelers tell us they feel right at home on our 4-7 day Kerala tours, with drivers and guides providing just the right level of attention. They love exploring Fort Kochi's historic lanes and spice markets at their own pace. One route nicely pairs evening Kathakali performances with peaceful mornings in Munnar's tea estates. The overnight houseboat stays work perfectly for solo guests - there's time to relax on deck watching waterway life while enjoying fresh Kerala cooking. We build in flexibility too; you might spend extra time photographing at Periyar Lake or talking with tea pickers up in Munnar's hills.
Our 7-9 day Kerala routes for couples blend active days with quiet moments together. Many start in historic Fort Kochi before heading to Munnar's misty tea country for walks through endless green slopes. One particularly nice route includes early morning boat rides on Periyar Lake spotting elephants and birds, then wandering through fragrant spice gardens. The houseboats provide perfect romantic evenings - watching the sun set from deck in quiet lagoons, enjoying candle-lit dinners of fresh seafood and local specialties. Couples appreciate how we mix cultural experiences like Kathakali shows with peaceful time alone.
Young travelers go for our 5-8 day active Kerala routes that pack in varied experiences. Many start cycling Fort Kochi's historic quarter before hiking Munnar's Western Ghats trails. Popular combinations include wildlife watching in Periyar - with chances to spot tigers, elephants and wild dogs - plus bamboo rafting adventures. The houseboat stays offer perfect downtime, though many opt for routes with kayaking options in the backwaters. Our guides know just where to find authentic local experiences, from joining cooking demos to discovering sunset spots away from the crowds.
Our 8-10 day Kerala tours for senior travelers focus on comfort and good pacing. Routes typically begin in Kochi's historic areas, exploring Dutch and Portuguese influences at sites like Mattancherry Palace. Many choose itineraries with gentle tea estate walks in Munnar and cultural shows in Thekkady. The drivers really make a difference - they know the smoothest roads and best photo stops. One route that works well includes bird watching at Kumarakom sanctuary - home to cormorants, herons and kingfishers - followed by relaxed houseboat days watching village life along the waterways.
Our family tours in Kerala run 4-5 days at an easy pace that works well for parents and kids alike. The routes mix wildlife watching at Eravikulam National Park, where tracking Nilgiri Tahr mountain goats becomes a fun family game, with interactive stops at tea museums. Kids really get into the spice plantation visits, learning about Kerala's cardamom and pepper heritage hands-on. The houseboat stays are always a hit - families spend hours watching village scenes unfold along the backwaters and seeing those distinctive Chinese fishing nets in action. Our drivers know exactly when to add short walks or tea breaks, keeping everyone's energy up throughout the day.
- Solo Travelers141 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples12 tours
- Seniors (50+)53 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Kerala
- Summer 2025
Summer tours work around Kerala's warmth with early starts and relaxed afternoons. Our groups explore Fort Kochi's heritage areas in the cooler morning hours, then visit the spice markets when their aromas are strongest. A popular summer route includes Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where early boat rides give you the best chance to spot animals. Many visitors pick tours with stays in Munnar, where the higher elevation keeps things comfortable. The backwater trips work well year-round - our guests often mention how much they enjoy the cooling breezes while cruising Alleppey's waterways.
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- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn shows Kerala at its greenest, and our tours make the most of the post-monsoon landscape. Walking through Thekkady's renewed spice gardens and seeing tea plantations in rich autumn colors are particular favorites among our guests. One well-planned route includes Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary visits when migratory birds start arriving in November. Another popular autumn option mixes cultural sites in Kochi with beach time in Kovalam. The backwater cruises really shine this season - our travelers often tell us how much they enjoy watching the sun set over calm waters while eating fresh Kerala dishes.
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- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Kerala offers ideal exploration conditions with clear visibility and comfortable temperatures. Our winter tours typically run between 5-14 days, mixing cultural visits with nature experiences. The morning light at Munnar's tea fields is particularly good for photos, and our travelers often mention this as a highlight. A really popular route starts in Kochi with an evening of traditional Kathakali performances before heading to Thekkady's spice gardens - you'll get hands-on experience with cardamom, pepper, vanilla and other local spices. Wildlife watching at Periyar Lake is excellent this time of year; our groups regularly spot elephants, wild boar and lots of different birds. The houseboats in Alleppey make cozy overnight stops, and our guests love the peaceful atmosphere and authentic Kerala dishes served right on board.
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- Spring 2026
Spring sees pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor activities in Kerala. Our travelers particularly enjoy morning walks through Munnar's tea estates, often combining these with visits to spot Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park. One of our most requested spring routes pairs bamboo rafting adventures in Periyar with local cultural shows in Thekkady. Many guests choose tours that include time at Mattupetty Dam and afternoon visits to working spice farms. The traditional houseboats remain a favorite - you'll see daily village life along the backwaters while eating fresh local food prepared in the boat's kitchen.
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Contact our Kerala travel experts
Alex
Expert in Kerala at TourRadar
Alex is one of our seasoned Kerala Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Kerala tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Kerala Tours & Trips
How can I best experience Kerala's famous backwaters?
You'll love Kerala's network of peaceful canals lakes and lagoons - it's really something special. The best way to soak it all in is on a traditional houseboat called a Kettuvallam they're made from bamboo and coir and give you this amazing rustic yet comfortable experience. If you're looking for something specific the "Backwaters of Kerala" tour (ID 143839) lets you stay on a houseboat in Alleppey and check out those iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin. Want to get more active? Try kayaking or canoeing through the narrow canals you'll get really close to local life that way. There's this great "Kerala Cycling Holidays" tour (ID 155263) where you can canoe through Kumarakom's quiet backwater lanes and see how rural communities live.
Where should I go in Kerala for both nature and culture?
Head to Munnar - it's this gorgeous hill station in the Western Ghats where you'll find endless tea plantations rolling hills and waterfalls. You can spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park and learn all about tea making at the Tata Tea Museum. The "Women Special Kerala Tour" (ID 187614) takes you on scenic drives to waterfalls and includes that museum visit. Then there's Thekkady home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can tour spice plantations and take boat rides on Periyar Lake - keep your eyes peeled for elephants deer and all sorts of birds. Want to try spotting tigers? The "Kerala Tour - 8 Days" (ID 186599) includes that possibility at Periyar.
What local food should I try in Kerala and where can I find the best dishes?
Kerala's food is incredible - you've got to try a "Sadya" it's this amazing traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. Look out for "Karimeen Pollichathu" too it's fish wrapped in banana leaf and baked with loads of flavor. For breakfast try "Appam" with stew or "Puttu and Kadala Curry" - it's a steamed rice cake with chickpea curry that'll keep you going all morning. The best places to find authentic versions are local restaurants and homestays. If you're interested in cooking there's this great tour "A Taste of Southern India" (ID 234747) where you can learn to make dosas in Ernakulam.
Which hidden gems in Kerala should I consider visiting?
You might not have heard of Wayanad but this northern hill station has India's largest earth dam Banasura Sagar and the fascinating Pazhassi Raja Tomb and Museum. The "Kerala 10 Days Tour" (ID 187732) includes that impressive dam visit. Then there's Vagamon with its peaceful meadows and pine forests perfect if you want to escape the crowds. Birdwatchers should definitely check out Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake you'll see tons of migratory birds there. The "Kerala Cycling Holidays" tour (ID 155263) lets you stay in Kumarakom and visit the Bird Sanctuary. These spots are perfect if you want to experience Kerala away from the usual tourist track.