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Kerala holidays and tours
Spices, sunsets and sleepy backwaters
The state of Kerala clings to India’s south-west coast. It’s one of the lushest places to visit in India thanks to its tropical climate, while its unique cultural heritage attracts those in search of a spiritual awakening.
Along Kerala’s eastern edge, you’ll find the mountains of the Western Ghats, planted with tea, coffee and spices including cardamom, cloves, nutmeg and black pepper (once known as ‘black gold’ for its coveted status and high price tag). Venture west and you’ll come first to the backwaters – an incredible network of palm-fringed lakes, rivers and canals. Best explored by boat, it’s a place to slow down, unwind and take in the beauty of nature. Continue on and the toffee-coloured beaches of the Malabar Coast appear. Here, you’ll discover Ayurvedic spas and some of the best seafood curry you’ll ever taste.
A holiday in Kerala isn’t just about the scenery, though. Embrace its cities and you’ll discover a rich history – in Kochi alone, you’ll find Portuguese, British, Dutch, Arab and Chinese influences. As for culture, you can watch performances of ancient martial arts, dance forms and theatrical storytelling, giving you a glimpse into the Kerala of old.
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Highlights of a holiday to Kerala
Kerala holidays give you a chance to explore a calmer, quieter side of India. From serene backwaters to spice plantations, here’s what you can look forward to on a holiday in Kerala.
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Sprawling across almost a thousand kilometres, Kerala’s backwaters stretch from Kochi in the north down to Kollam in the south – a mazy network of canals, channels, lagoons and lakes, edged by palm trees and paddy fields. The best way to explore is by boat, preferably a traditional coir-and-wood houseboat known as a kettuvallam. Day trips allow you to gently float along the waterways, keeping watch for wildlife and taking in scenes of local life as you pass small villages and thatched huts; an overnight excursion takes you deeper into the backwaters, and gives you more opportunity to meet locals and try some of the delicious Keralan cuisine often served on the boats.
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Key Kerala travel information
Kerala is in the south-west of India, with a coastline bordering the Arabian Sea (known as the Malabar Coast). It borders Karnataka to the north and Tamil Nadu to the east.
Kerala is just under 40,000 square kilometres. It’s the 14th smallest of India’s 36 states and union territories.
Yes, you can fly directly from the UK to Kerala – flights arrive into the city of Kochi.
If you’re travelling on a UK passport, you will need a visa to visit India. Our partners at CIBT have an accurate tool to help you easily check requirements, which you can find at cibtvisas.com/health-requirements. In addition, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s travel advice also contains information on entry requirements.
Between one and two weeks is a good amount of time to spend on your Kerala holidays – it gives you time to explore Kochi and the backwaters, and to spend a few days up in the hills enjoying the cooler temperatures and incredible landscapes. Our Kerala tour packages are 11 days (Serene Kerala) and 12 days (Classic Kerala) long, while our longer Southern India tours spend just under a week here. If you’re adding Kerala at the end of a tour to another part of India (the Golden Triangle, for example), 3-4 days will give you time to unwind and enjoy the beaches and backwaters.
October to February is the dry season, and probably the best time for a holiday in Kerala. Avoid the summer months, as the monsoon rains can be heavy and the humidity uncomfortable. March to May is warmer, but a great time for spotting elephants; September can still be a little wet, but the scenery is beautifully green after the summer rains. The mountains are always cooler than the coast, so they can be a lovely escape when the weather gets hot.
The main monsoon season (the Southwest Monsoon) arrives in June and lingers for the summer, finishing in early September. The Northeast Monsoon season is October-November, but this generally brings less rain than the Southwest Monsoon – this can be a great time for Kerala holidays, with lush green landscapes and replenished waterfalls.
Kochi is usually the starting point for Kerala tours. Other popular points include the area around Periyar National Park (for wildlife), the backwaters (for houseboat cruises and village visits), and the spice and tea plantations up in the mountains around Munnar.
Lightweight cottons and linens are ideal for coping with Kerala’s warm, humid climate. In general, unless you’re on the beach or by the pool, it’s best to avoid strappy tops, short skirts and shorts, and any revealing clothing. T-shirts, cropped trousers, longer shorts and skirts past the knee are all fine. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable, particularly in more rural areas where the ground can be rough and uneven.
When visiting temples or places of worship, you’ll usually be required to cover your shoulders, chest and knees (so no shorts, unless they’re long enough to reach past your knees). In some cases, you’ll be asked to cover your head – a light pashmina or shawl will be fine for this. Shoes that slip on and off easily are handy, as you’ll often be asked to remove them.
The time zone in Kerala is GMT+5.5. It will be 5.5 hours ahead of the UK, except during BST (British Summer Time), when it will be 4.5 hours ahead.
Kerala is considered a safe region, but still be aware of yourself and your belongings when travelling. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing valuable jewellery, and use your hotel safe if you have one. Our Kerala tour packages include services of a tour manager, who will accompany the group and ensure everyone is comfortable with where they’re going and what they’re doing.
No, malaria is a low risk so there’s no requirement to take anti-malarial medication before your holiday in Kerala. For more information and the most up-to-date travel health advice, use the NHS Fit For Travel website.
Kerala’s official language is Malayalam. English is widely spoken, especially in cities and tourist areas.
Kerala is made up of 14 districts, including Thiruvananthapuram (the state’s capital), Alappuzha and Kottayam (where you’ll find the backwaters), Idukki (home to hill stations including Munnar) and Ernakulam (where Kochi is located).
Only 5* hotels are permitted to serve alcohol in Kerala. You can buy alcohol from off-licenses to drink in your room – note that Sundays are ‘dry days’, so you won’t be able to buy alcohol at all. There are occasionally other dry days relating to local festivals or events – if you’re travelling on one of our Kerala package holidays, your tour manager will be able to let you know when these are.
While the Kerala backwaters were once home to saltwater crocodiles, there aren't believed to be any remaining now. Mugger crocodiles (also known as marsh crocodiles) can be found in other areas of the state, but not the backwaters.
Yes, you can spot Bengal tigers in Kerala – the Periyar Tiger Reserve near Thekkady is one of the best places to do so.
Are there good beaches in Kerala?
You’ll find some of India’s loveliest beaches in Kerala. Kovalam, in the south of the state, is home to some of the liveliest stretches of sand. For a quieter beach experience on your Kerala holidays, try the little fishing resort of Mararikulam, with its biscuit-coloured sands and backdrop of tall palm trees.
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