About a Kerala trip
"God's Own Country" combines misty tea plantations, spice-scented forests, calm backwaters and palm-lined beaches in a compact loop that is easy to cover by road.
The most popular route starts and ends at Kochi: up to Munnar for the hills, Thekkady for Periyar and spice gardens, and Alleppey or Kumarakom for a night on a houseboat.
Day-wise Kerala itinerary (6 days)
Day 1: Arrive Kochi
Fort Kochi walk, Chinese fishing nets and a Kathakali performance.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
Drive about 130 km (4 hrs) past Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls.
Day 3: Munnar sightseeing
Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady
Drive about 90 km; spice plantation tour and evening cultural show.
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey
Drive about 140 km and board a houseboat for an overnight backwater cruise.
Day 6: Departure
Check out from the houseboat and drive about 55 km to Kochi for departure.
Top places to visit in Kerala
- Fort KochiChinese fishing nets, colonial streets, St. Francis Church and Jew Town.
- Munnar tea gardensRolling tea estates, Eravikulam National Park and Mattupetty Dam.
- Periyar, ThekkadyBoat ride on Periyar Lake, spice plantation tours and Kathakali shows.
- Alleppey backwatersOvernight houseboat cruise with Kerala meals cooked on board.
- Varkala / KovalamCliff and beach towns if you want to add a beach extension.
Best time to visit & how to reach
Best time: September to March.
How to reach: Cochin International Airport (Kochi) is the main gateway, with flights from all major cities. Ernakulam Junction is the main railway station.
Kerala travel tips
- Monsoon (June–August) is lush and cheaper but rainy — good for Ayurveda.
- Book houseboats with a trusted operator and check AC timings.
- Carry light cottons plus a light jacket for Munnar evenings.
- Try appam with stew, Kerala sadya and karimeen fry.
Kerala trip FAQs
How many days do I need for Kerala?
5 to 6 days covers Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey. Add 2 days for Varkala or Kovalam beaches.
Is Kerala good for a honeymoon?
Yes — tea hill resorts in Munnar and a private houseboat in Alleppey make it one of India's top honeymoon destinations.
When is the best time to visit Kerala?
September to March. December–January is peak season with the best weather.
Should I choose Alleppey or Kumarakom?
Alleppey has more houseboat options; Kumarakom is quieter with luxury lake resorts.