Western Ghats Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(8,680 reviews)- Choose from 100+ Western Ghats tours
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Table of contents
- The best Western Ghats tour packages
- What people love about Western Ghats Tours
- Travel Western Ghats your way
- Best tour companies for Western Ghats tours
- Western Ghats tours for every type of group
- Top Western Ghats travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Western Ghats
- Contact our Western Ghats travel experts
- What our customers ask about Western Ghats Tours & Trips
The best Western Ghats tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaWestern Ghats travel expert at TourRadar
Kerala Tour - 8 Days
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The organization was smooth, and it made the whole experience even more enjoyable and stress-free.”
Todd, traveled in October
The Western Ghats unfold from Munnar's emerald tea estates to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary's dense forests. Visitors trek through spice plantations, spot wildlife in their natural habitat, and immerse in the region's rich biodiversity. Accommodations include comfortable 3-star hotels.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $3,139
60% Off- NZ$1,256You save $1,884
South India 16 Days Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful trip, we felt we were in good hands. The hotels were of a very good standard and all the inclusions were as advertised.”
Andrew, traveled in May
Dramatic landscapes unfold from Ooty's Doddabetta Peak to Munnar's tea estates in the Western Ghats. Mountain vistas, wildlife sanctuaries, and scenic waterfalls complement stays in comfortable 3-star accommodations.
Duration 16 days Destinations Bangalore, Mysuru, Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park, Ooty, Munnar, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Alleppey, KumarakomSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $10,045
70% Off- NZ$3,013You save $7,031
Duration 9 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Kumarakom, Kovalam Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,540
30% Off- NZ$1,778You save $762
Best of Southern India with Houseboat Stay
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was our first trip to southern india and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip.”
Amanda, traveled in February
High in the Western Ghats, Munnar's aromatic tea estates and paragliding opportunities await. Tribal villages near Periyar National Park, native wildlife during lake boat rides, and traditional Kerala architecture create lasting memories. Stays at 3-star hotels and authentic houseboat accommodations included.
Duration 6 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Swastik India Journeys From
30% Off- NZ$971
Trip to God's Own Country
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was an excellent trip. The trip was overall one of the best experiences of my life.”
Hinata, traveled in July
The majestic Western Ghats showcase Munnar's tea estates at 1,800m elevation and Eravikulam National Park, home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary spans 777 sq km, where boat safaris reveal elephants and exotic birds. 3-star hotels with exceptional 4.8/5 rating and traditional houseboat cruises on Kerala's backwaters provided.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Kumarakom, Alleppey Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Swastik India Journeys From
30% Off- NZ$1,310
What people love about Western Ghats Tours
- Kerala Tour - 8 Days
Wonderful trip to South India part of India. Houseboat trip is amazing. All the hotels were good selection for the trip. thanks for the wonderful services.
- South India 16 Days Tour
We had a wonderful trip, we felt we were in good hands. Our driver Nishad was with us for the entire trip and ensured we had an answer for any question we should have and were always looked after. There was one issue with one of the hotels we were booked at and the issue was resolved quickly and with no inconvenience to ourselves other then waiting in the lobby for a short period. Again Nishad was there to ensure we were looked after. The hotels were of a very good standard and all the inclusions were as advertised. Very happy would book with them again, no problem.
- Best of Southern India with Houseboat Stay
The tour was very well organised. Accommodations were excellent with spacious rooms. My driver Rashid was very professional and made me feel comfortable during the tour. Staying at the houseboat was a totally different experience. All in all this is the best tour to experience southern India in a short time.
Travel Western Ghats your way
For explorers seeking authentic Kerala experiences, our most popular 8-day tours take you deep into the Western Ghats' natural and cultural fabric. Our travelers particularly love the mix of Fort Kochi's heritage walks and traditional Kathakali performances with active days in the hills. You'll watch tea production from leaf to cup in Munnar's estates, navigate the bamboo rafts through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and drift along Alleppey's backwaters on houseboats. German and English-speaking customers consistently highlight the excellent local drivers who share deep regional knowledge, though some mention hotels can be hit-or-miss. These tours work well for those who want to combine wildlife spotting, cultural immersion and also relaxed cruising through Kerala's waterways.
Select from our extensive range of 53 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Western Ghats with our expert guides leading the way.
The Western Ghats cultural immersion spans 7-8 rewarding days through Kerala's distinctive regions. We start in Fort Kochi, where travelers join local cooking sessions, watch traditional Kathakali shows, and explore the vibrant spice bazaars. Moving through Munnar's tea plantations, you'll work alongside tea pickers learning time-honored production techniques, while Thekkady opens doors to active spice farms and meaningful encounters with local families. Our German-speaking guests often highlight the overnight houseboat experience in Alleppey, where they observe village life unfold naturally along the waterways. While accommodation standards can vary, our local drivers earn consistent appreciation for their deep cultural knowledge and their skill at finding authentic performances away from the main tourist paths. The cultural circuit suits independent travelers particularly well, as it provides organized transport and lodging while leaving space to connect with local communities - from hands-on cooking classes to visits at rural temples and artisan workshops.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Western Ghats. We have 43 adventures that vary from 3 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Western Ghats tours
Based on the feedback we've gathered, Swastik India Journeys and Gets Holidays both offer solid tour experiences in India, though they have different strengths. Swastik India Journeys really delivers on the logistics - their tours run like clockwork with comfortable transport and quality places to stay. Our travelers particularly mention loving their houseboat stays, which give you a different perspective on Indian life. The guides know their stuff and help make sense of all the history and culture you're seeing. Gets Holidays takes a more personalized approach. They're good at tweaking tours to match what you want to see and do, and they stay in touch while you're traveling to make sure everything's going well. Their drivers Suneer and Shaikm get lots of positive comments - they're friendly, professional and share interesting details about places as you travel. It's worth noting that one Gets Holidays customer wasn't happy when their tour didn't follow the planned route. This points to something important: you'll want to double-check all the details of your itinerary before setting off and make sure you understand exactly what's included and what might change. Both companies are solid choices, but I'd lean toward Swastik if you want everything planned out perfectly, and Gets Holidays if you're looking for something more customized where you can shape the experience.
View operators
Western Ghats tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
50 tours in Western GhatsExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Western Ghats. We have 50 adventures that vary from 3 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
65 tours in Western GhatsThese sought-after Western Ghats tours stretch across 8 engaging days from Fort Kochi, where German and English-speaking travelers connect with knowledgeable local drivers who bring regional stories to life. Moving through Munnar's verdant tea estates, you'll walk between neat rows of plants, learn traditional production methods and then head to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for authentic bamboo rafting experiences. Small groups have the advantage of accessing intimate local experiences - joining families for cooking sessions, watching mesmerizing Kathakali dancers and drifting through quiet backwater villages on traditional houseboats. While covering essential stops like Mattancherry Palace, bustling spice markets and ancient temples, these intimate groups can explore hidden corners that larger tours simply can't reach. Our travelers appreciate the thoughtful balance of guided activities and independent time, though they mention hotel standards do vary between locations. For those seeking deeper cultural immersion, 11-day alternatives include extended stays in tea country, heritage site visits and also more time connecting with local communities.
Private / Personalized
50 tours in Western GhatsOur private Western Ghats tours offer complete flexibility with dedicated guides and drivers throughout the journey. These customizable itineraries let you explore at your own pace, from Fort Kochi's spice markets to Munnar's misty highlands and Thekkady's wildlife sanctuaries. Solo female travelers particularly value our reliable drivers who prioritize safety and comfort while sharing local insights. The tours include unique experiences like spice plantation visits, traditional cooking demonstrations and also cultural performances. Reviews highlight the excellent communication from our team and the ability to modify activities based on personal interests.
Top Western Ghats travel itineraries to fit your plans
For a quick taste of the Western Ghats, our 3-day tours zero in on specific areas. The Cochin to Munnar route mixes culture with mountain views - you'll catch traditional Kathakali shows in Fort Kochi before heading up to walk through Munnar's tea estates and learn the tea story at the Tata Museum. If you're interested in temples and beaches, try our Kovalam-Trivandrum tour with stops at the elaborate Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and time to relax by the sea. From Coimbatore, we'll take you to the peaceful Isha Yoga Centre, up to Marudamalai Temple and our guests love that they can add nature walks or cultural shows as they like.
A week in Kerala lets you properly sink into the region's variety. Our popular 7-day trips start from Cochin and wind through hills and backwaters. You'll learn about spice growing in Thekkady, look for wildlife in Periyar National Park and float along Vembanad Lake in traditional houseboats. Our German guests particularly enjoy getting involved with local life - they join family cooking sessions and watch martial arts shows. The drivers really make these trips special with their local stories and knowledge, though some travelers mention they'd like more time watching wildlife.
Ten days in the Western Ghats gives you time to mix active outdoor time with wellness experiences. Our full routes combine forest walks in Wayanad's wildlife areas, visits to old temples and peaceful backwater cruises. You'll see the impressive Banasura Sagar earth dam, spend time with elephants at Guruvayur's camp and explore Munnar's tea gardens. Many guests finish their trip with Ayurvedic treatments in Kovalam - it's a nice way to balance out all the exploring with some proper relaxation.
Demographics
Our Western Ghats tours work really well for solo travelers - the 7-day Kerala route is especially popular with independent explorers who want a good mix of guided activities and free time. Women traveling alone often tell us they appreciate having reliable drivers and well-planned routes that let them focus on the experience. You'll spend time with expert guides in Fort Kochi learning about the heritage, walk through Munnar's sprawling tea estates and drift along Alleppey's backwaters on traditional houseboats. What makes this tour special is how it balances structure with flexibility - there's always support when you need it, but plenty of space to follow your interests. The local connections really shine through shared meals with families, authentic cultural shows and also guided walks in working spice plantations.
For couples, our multi-day Kerala journeys hit all the right notes by mixing cultural discoveries with quiet moments together. Starting in old Cochin, you'll catch the harbor sunset with those distinctive fishing nets and get private viewings of Kathakali performances. Up in the hills, there's time to wander Munnar's tea gardens hand in hand, pick up local cooking skills and stay in hotels we've chosen for their mountain views. The overnight houseboat experience tends to be a highlight - just the two of you floating through the backwaters, watching daily village life pass by. We've woven in nice touches throughout: visits to fragrant spice gardens, meals in family homes and also cultural experiences away from the tourist crowds.
Young adults looking for active exploration will discover a fantastic mix of routes through Kerala's mountains and backwaters. The 8-day tours weave Fort Kochi's cultural experiences together with authentic, hands-on activities in Munnar's tea country. The tours combine bamboo rafting through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, walks between tea plantations and also peaceful drifts on traditional houseboats along Alleppey's waterways. Active travelers can opt for dedicated cycling tours covering 35-80km daily through the Western Ghats, where morning rides through misty highlands blend with afternoon cultural immersion like cooking classes, village visits and spice plantation walks. Our German and English-speaking guests often mention how much they appreciate the local drivers, who share deep regional knowledge while giving groups the freedom to adjust activities. These tours work particularly well for younger travelers because they combine structured activities with space for spontaneous discoveries, letting each group shape their Kerala experience.
Our Kerala tours really suit senior travelers because they move at a comfortable pace while diving deep into local culture. We've structured these routes thoughtfully - you'll explore Fort Kochi's colonial streets, take easy walks in Munnar's tea country and enjoy peaceful boat rides on Periyar Lake. The local guides are great at reading the group and adjusting the tempo, plus we've picked hotels that blend comfort with real Kerala character. You'll get hands-on with cooking demos, see authentic performances and also take relaxed cruises through the backwaters. What works particularly well is how the tour mixes guided activities with free time - you can explore independently knowing there's solid transport and local backup whenever needed.
Solo Travelers81 tours- Couples7 tours
- Seniors (50+)31 tours
Best time to visit Western Ghats
- Summer 2025
Summer in the Western Ghats needs smart planning and our routes focus on higher spots like Munnar where the altitude keeps things cooler. When the sun's strongest, you'll learn traditional cooking in Fort Kochi or see how spices are processed in Thekkady. We spend extra time in hill stations, mixing tea estate visits with easy nature walks. Our drivers really make a difference this season - they know exactly which spots work best at different times of day to keep everyone comfortable.
- popular 82 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Post-monsoon autumn creates ideal conditions for exploring the Western Ghats. The refreshed landscape sets the scene for varied activities - you'll walk through Kochi's heritage areas, tour Munnar's tea estates and also watch wildlife in Periyar. The calm backwaters are perfect for kayaking and visiting villages. Morning hikes through spice plantations pair nicely with cultural activities later in the day, and our travelers consistently tell us they love this balanced approach.
- 83 tours
- 84 tours
- popular 85 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings out the best of Western Ghats tours from December through February, when cooler temperatures make exploring really comfortable. Starting in Kochi, you'll wander through busy spice markets and catch traditional Kathakali shows where performers tell stories through precise movements and facial expressions. The crisp winter air makes walking through Munnar's tea plantations particularly pleasant. Our groups regularly spot wild elephants and plenty of birds in Periyar National Park during these months. The tour wraps up nicely with a houseboat cruise through the backwaters - the cool evening air is perfect for watching local life unfold along the shoreline.
- popular 84 tours
- 81 tours
- 83 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring opens up fantastic cycling possibilities in the Western Ghats from March to May. Our bike routes cover anywhere from 35 to 80km daily, winding through tea estates and spice gardens. You'll cycle in the mornings and spend afternoons getting to know local culture - joining cooking classes and walking through villages. It's peak tea picking season and our travelers often share meals with Kerala families, which adds a really personal touch. Some routes include kayaking on the Periyar River and hikes in the cardamom hills, though we get started early to avoid the midday warmth.
- popular 82 tours
- 77 tours
- 73 tours
Contact our Western Ghats travel experts
Anita
Expert in Western Ghats at TourRadar
Anita is one of our seasoned Western Ghats Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Western Ghats tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Western Ghats Tours & Trips
What Makes These Mountains So Special?
The Western Ghats are pretty incredible running 1,600 km along India's west coast and they're actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's one of those places that's just packed with unique wildlife you won't find anywhere else on Earth and it really shapes India's monsoon patterns which is pretty crucial for the whole region. When you look at the numbers it's mind-blowing - we're talking over 5,000 flowering plant species 139 different mammals 508 bird species and 179 types of amphibians with loads of them completely unique to this area.
Can Anyone Trek Here or Is It Just for Experts?
The great thing about the Western Ghats is it works for pretty much everyone. If you're really into hiking you can tackle Anamudi which is the highest peak in South India but there's also plenty of easy-going walks through tea plantations and spice gardens. They've got proper marked trails for different skill levels so you'll definitely find something that suits you. Take the Letchmi Hills trail in Munnar it's a nice 5-hour trek through tea plantations going up to 1,950 meters perfect for a day out.
What Else Can You Do Besides Trekking?
There's loads to do beyond the trails here. You can cruise through Kerala's backwaters on a houseboat watching village life go by spot wildlife in Periyar National Park or check out the tea-making process at the Tata Tea Museum. The beaches at Kovalam are great for relaxing too. Look at tours like the 8-day "Kerala Tour" where you can visit tea estates and Eravikulam National Park or try the "Backwaters of Kerala" tour where you actually stay on a traditional houseboat - it's a really nice way to see different sides of the region.