Kerala, The God's Own Country," is a tropical paradise nestled along India's southwestern Coast. With its emerald backwaters, mist-covered hills, aromatic spice plantations, coconut trees, and beautiful beaches, Kerala offers travelers an experience that engages all senses. This small state packs in remarkable diversity—from the serene canals of Alleppey to the wild elephants of Periyar, and from the cultural richness of Kochi to the pristine beaches of Varkala. Here's everything you need to know about Kerala tourism including why visit Kerala, when to visit Kerala, Best Kerala Tour Packages and more.
Why Visit Kerala?
Kerala stands apart from other Indian destinations with its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural depth. Here's why this southern gem should be your next travel destination:
Natural Paradise: Kerala's landscape is a breathtaking tapestry of dense forests, shimmering backwaters, and golden beaches. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, cradle spice gardens, tea plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries, creating microclimates that harbor extraordinary biodiversity.
Cultural Richness: Kerala boasts one of India's highest literacy rates and a cultural heritage stretching back thousands of years. The state's unique art forms—like Kathakali dance performances, Kalaripayattu (an ancient martial art), and traditional art forms—offer windows into its storied past.
Ayurvedic Traditions: Long before wellness tourism became trendy, Kerala had perfected the art of healing through Ayurveda. The region's climate and abundant medicinal plants make it the perfect place to experience authentic Ayurvedic treatments that balance mind, body, and spirit.
Culinary Delights: Kerala cuisine is a flavorful journey featuring coconut-infused curries, fresh seafoods like Karimeen, and aromatic spices. From appam with stew, puttu and kadala curry to the elaborate sadhya feast served on banana leaves, the food alone is worth the trip to Kerala.
Warm Hospitality: Keralites are known for their genuine warmth and hospitality. The state's tourism infrastructure masterfully blends comfort with authenticity, allowing visitors to experience local life without sacrificing convenience.
Places To Visit In Kerala
Kerala's diverse landscapes offer something for every traveler. Here are some must-visit destinations in Kerala:
Alleppey (Alappuzha): Often called the "The Venice of the East," Alleppey is famous for its intricate network of backwaters. Drifting along these tranquil canals on a traditional houseboat (kettuvallam) offers an unparalleled experience—watching local life unfold along the shores while kingfishers and egrets fly overhead. Browse our top Alappuzha Tour Packages now!
Munnar: This hill station, surrounded by rolling tea plantations, provides a cool retreat from tropical heat. The verdant landscape, often shrouded in morning mist, creates a magical atmosphere perfect for nature walks and wildlife spotting. The Eravikulam National Park nearby is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Other top attrations in Munnar include Kannan Devan Tea Museum, Kundala Dam, Echo Point, Top Station, Botanical Garden, Vattavada,Mattupetty Dam etc. Browse our top Munnar Trip Package now!
Thekkady: Home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady combines wildlife experiences with spice plantation tours. A boat ride on Periyar Lake offers chances to spot elephants, deer, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat. Browse our top Thekkady Tour Packages and find the best sightseeing at Thekkady!
Kochi (Cochin): This historic port city showcases Kerala's multicultural heritage through its architecture and customs. The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry, and Portuguese-built Pallipuram Fort tell stories of the region's rich trading history. Find the best kerala tour packages from kochi!
Wayanad: A biodiversity hotspot nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Ancient cave paintings at Edakkal Caves, cascading Soochipara Falls, and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary make this highland district a traveler's delight. Find the best Wayanad Trip Packages!
Kovalam: This crescent-shaped beach destination offers the perfect balance of relaxation and activity. The lighthouse beach provides panoramic views, while numerous Ayurvedic centers offer rejuvenating treatments. The gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and water sports. Find the best Kovalam Tour Packages!
Varkala: Unlike Kovalam's gentle shores, Varkala features dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. This beach town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spirituality (centered around the ancient Janardana Swami Temple), and a laid-back atmosphere that attracts yoga enthusiasts. Find the best Varkala Tour Packages!
Best Time To Visit Kerala
Kerala's tropical monsoon climate creates distinct seasons, each offering a different experience. The best time to visit Kerala largely depends on your preferences and what you want to experience.
October to February (Peak Season): With comfortable temperatures (22-32°C/72-90°F) and minimal rainfall, winter provides ideal conditions for exploring Kerala. The clear skies and moderate humidity make outdoor activities pleasant, though popular destinations can be crowded.
March to May (Summer): Temperatures rise to 30-35°C (86-95°F), with higher humidity along the coast. This is an excellent time for highland destinations like Munnar and Wayanad, where the elevation provides relief from the heat. Summer also brings numerous colorful temple festivals.
June to September (Monsoon): While heavy rainfall might seem deterring, the monsoon transforms Kerala into a lush paradise. This "green season" offers special experiences—from watching rejuvenated waterfalls to enjoying Ayurvedic treatments (considered most effective during this time). Accommodations offer significant discounts, and popular sites are less crowded.
The shoulder months—September and March—often provide the perfect balance of good weather and smaller crowds.
Things To Do In Kerala
Beyond sightseeing, Kerala offers enriching experiences that connect travelers with local culture and nature:
Houseboat Stay: Spending at least one night on a traditional houseboat in the backwaters provides an intimate glimpse into Kerala's aquatic lifestyle. Watch the sunset paint the waters golden while your onboard chef prepares fresh, local cuisine.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Experience authentic Ayurvedic therapies ranging from rejuvenating massages to more intensive wellness programs. Kerala's traditional practitioners use locally sourced herbs and oils following centuries-old techniques.
Wildlife Safaris: Explore Kerala's biodiversity through safaris in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The Periyar Tiger Reserve offers boat safaris, while Silent Valley National Park appeals to serious trekkers and bird watchers.
Cultural Performances: Attend a Kathakali performance—this classical dance-drama combines elaborate makeup, expressive gestures, and mythological stories. The Kalaripayattu martial art demonstrations showcase Kerala's ancient combat tradition with breathtaking athleticism.
Spice Plantation Tours: Learn about the spices that once drew traders from across the world to Kerala's shores. Walking through cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon plantations offers aromatic insights into the region's agricultural heritage.
Tea Museum Visit: In Munnar, explore the Tea Museum to understand the history and process behind your morning cup. The surrounding plantations offer guided tours where you can watch tea pluckers at work.
How To Reach Kerala
Kerala is well-connected to major Indian cities and international destinations:
By Air: Three international airports serve Kerala—Cochin International Airport (central Kerala), Trivandrum International Airport (south), and Calicut International Airport (north).
By Train: Kerala has an extensive railway network with major stations at Trivandrum, Ernakulam (Kochi), Kozhikode, and Kannur. Premium trains like the Rajdhani Express and Kerala Express connect the state to metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
By Road: Well-maintained national highways connect Kerala to neighboring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Long-distance bus services, both government-operated and private, offer economical travel options with varying comfort levels.
Internal Transportation: Within Kerala, options include:
- State-run KSRTC buses connecting major towns and villages
- Private taxis and app-based ride services in urban areas
- Auto rickshaws for short distances
- Ferries for crossing backwaters and reaching islands
- Car rentals for self-drive experiences
Popular Kerala Tour Packages
Our curated Kerala tour packages help travelers experience Kerala's highlights with convenience and local expertise:
Destination-Specific Packages
Munnar Tour Packages (3-4 Days): Immerse yourself in emerald tea plantations, visit the Eravikulam National Park to spot the Nilgiri Tahr, explore the Mattupetty Dam, and enjoy the cool climate of this picturesque hill station. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers seeking misty mountain vistas.
Thekkady Tour Packages (2-3 Days): Center your Kerala adventure around the Periyar Tiger Reserve with boat safaris on the lake, guided jungle walks, bamboo rafting experiences, and visits to nearby spice gardens. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Alleppey Tour Packages (2-3 Days): Experience the heart of Kerala's backwaters with traditional houseboat cruises, village life explorations, canoeing through narrow canals, and fresh seafood feasts prepared on board. The quintessential Kerala backwater experience.
Kumarakom Tour Packages (2-3 Days): Enjoy the serenity of this bird sanctuary destination with premium lakeside resorts, bird watching excursions, village life experiences, and Ayurvedic treatments in a tranquil setting away from urban bustle.
Kovalam Tour Packages (2-4 Days): Relax on this famous beach destination with lighthouse beach visits, water sports activities, sunrise yoga sessions, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatments overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Kanyakumari Tour Packages (1-2 Days): Extend your Kerala journey to India's southernmost tip where three oceans meet, with visits to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, stunning sunrise and sunset views, and the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue.
Wayanad Tour Packages (3-4 Days): Explore this highland district's wildlife sanctuaries, ancient cave formations at Edakkal, bamboo rafting on Vythiri's waters, and coffee plantation tours. Perfect for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts.
Cochin (Kochi) Tour Packages (2-3 Days): Discover the cultural melting pot of Kerala with Jewish Synagogue visits, Chinese fishing net demonstrations, Fort Kochi heritage walks, and evening Kathakali performances showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
Athirappilly Tour Packages (1-2 Days): Experience "The Niagara of India" with views of the magnificent Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls, jungle treks in the surrounding forests, and visits to tribal villages in this unspoiled natural haven.
Varkala Tour Packages (2-3 Days): Enjoy this unique cliff-side beach destination with sunrise yoga sessions, paragliding adventures, visits to the 2,000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple, and relaxation on the secluded Papanasam Beach.
Trivandrum Tour Packages (2-3 Days): Explore Kerala's capital with visits to the stunning Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kuthira Malika Palace, and day trips to nearby beaches like Shanghumugham and Kovalam.
Cherai Tour Packages (1-2 Days): Discover this perfect blend of beach and backwaters where you can enjoy dolphin spotting excursions, local fishing village experiences, fresh seafood cuisine, and uncrowded golden beaches.
Combination Packages
Kerala Backwater Bliss (5 Days): Perfect for first-time visitors, this package focuses on Kerala's famous backwaters with stays in Cochin, Alleppey, and Kumarakom. Highlights include a houseboat cruise, village experiences, and cultural performances.
Kerala Family Adventure (7 Days): Designed with children in mind, this package balances educational experiences with fun activities across Cochin, Athirappilly, Munnar, and Alleppey. Highlights include elephant encounters, waterfall visits, boat rides, cultural workshops, and beach time.
Kerala Honeymoon Special (6 Days): Romantic experiences define this package across Munnar, Kumarakom, and Kovalam—featuring private houseboat cruises, candlelight dinners on the beach, couple's spa treatments, and scenic accommodations in treehouses or lakeside villas.
Kerala's perfect blend of natural splendor, rich culture, and warm hospitality creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking adventure in misty mountains, relaxation on golden beaches, or cultural immersion in historic towns, God's Own Country welcomes you with experiences that touch the soul. Plan your Kerala holiday today and discover why travelers return to this tropical paradise again and again.
