When you hear the name “Kerala“, the first thing that might come to mind is the lush greenery, serene backwaters, vibrant culture and rich heritage. If you are one of those travellers, who wants to seek a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, then preparing a perfect Kerala Itinerary would soothe you. It is indeed a “God’s Own Country“. From the artistic houseboat cruises in Alleppey to the misty hill stations of Munnar and the colourful festivals that fill its calendar, Kerala offers a mesmerizing tapestry of landscapes, foods, and traditions that leave an ever-lasting impression on the minds of the travellers.
Bearing all the aforementioned facts in mind, we were pretty excited and, at the same time, thrilled to travel and experience this beautiful state. Yes, you have arrived at the right place, we will unveil a perfect Kerala itinerary for you all so that you can also plan on your own.
Let’s begin the perfect Kerala Itinerary with…….
Table of Contents
Best time for Planning Kerala Itinerary
There is no doubt that Kerala is a magical destination. Let’s answer this question by dividing it into three major seasons
- Peak Season: It starts in September, the onset of autumn, and ends in March, the end of Spring. During this time, humidity is bearable. This makes it perfect for indulging in a wide range of experiences that Kerala is renowned for.
- Off-Season: During the Summer Months, especially April and May, you will find few travellers on the road. You will be able to explore the attractions at your own pace.
- Monsoon Season: It rains heavily from June to August. For Ayurvedic wellness therapies, monsoon season is considered ideal.
Now that you have got an idea about the best time for you to visit, the next important thing that comes to our mind is….
Things to carry in your backpack
- Carry lightweight and breathable clothing
- Walking/hiking shoes. Preferably water resistant.
- Umbrella or rain jacket. (sometimes, the weather in Kerala is unpredictable)
- Sunscreen lotion with high SPF.
- Sunglasses.
- First aid kit with essential medicines.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Light snacks. (avoid chips on long journeys)
- Insects/mosquito repellant.
- ID proofs, medical insurance.
- Power bank.
- Travel map in case of low network coverage area.
- Light windcheater type if you plan to visit any hill stations such as Vegamon or Munnar.
Visa for Foreigners
Foreign travellers can apply for an Indian Visa through here. Check the visa requirements and the documents required from your country of travel.
Travel Insurance
Though travel insurance is not mandatory to enter India, it is highly recommended to get one as it provides coverage in case of unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, baggage loss, trip cancellation, etc.
There are many online options available to choose from. Most of them are pretty affordable. You can check out various options available online.
Things to keep in mind before you book your Stay
We have chosen our stay considering the below points. Also, these will be helpful for budget travellers.
- Seasonal Considerations: Determine the best time to visit based on your preferences and the experiences you seek.
- Location: Choose the right location based on your interests. For beach lovers, coastal areas like Kovalam and Varkala are ideal. Hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad offer a serenity amidst tea plantations and misty mountains. Backwater destinations like Alleppey and Kumarakom provide a unique experience.
- Accommodation Type: Kerala offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to homestays and eco-friendly lodges. Consider your budget, preferences for amenities, and the type of experience you want.
- Cultural Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with the local customs, traditions, and etiquette. Respect local culture, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and participate in cultural activities with an open mind.
- Booking Flexibility: Consider booking accommodations with flexible cancellation policies, especially during uncertain times or when travel plans may change. Read reviews and check ratings of hotels or homestays to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
If you are able to sort the above things, you will be able to locate your accommodation with ease. We are just a click away, if you need any help.
Food Options
From aromatic seafood dishes prepared with coconut and spices to flavorful vegetarian curries bursting with local ingredients, Kerala’s cuisine is a celebration of flavours and traditions. Must-try dishes include the iconic Kerala Fish Curry, served alongside fluffy appams or steamed rice.
For vegetarians, the creamy and tangy Avial, a mixture of vegetables cooked in coconut and yogurt, is a culinary delight. Don’t miss out Banana Chips, Pazham Pori (banana fritters), and crispy Vada served with spicy chutneys.
Kerala is also famous for its desserts like Payasam, a creamy rice pudding flavoured with jaggery or coconut milk, and the ultimate irresistible Unniyappam, fried dumplings made with ripe bananas and jaggery. These are some of the must try if you are in Kerala.
Local Transport
To make the most of the exploration, understanding the local transport options is key. Kerala offers a diverse array of transportation modes, each adding its own charm to the travel experience.
State transport buses that connect cities and towns, offering a glimpse into everyday life, to the iconic auto-rickshaws that can travel through the narrow lanes and bustling markets, providing a taste of local flavor, Kerala’s transport network is as vibrant as its scenery.
Scooty or Bike Rental Options are also available in most cities. For those seeking convenience and comfort, taxis and app-based ride-sharing services (Ola, Uber and Rapido) are readily available, ensuring seamless travel across urban areas. For more detailed analysis do read our blogs for enhanced understanding about the place and the transport.
To truly immerse in Kerala’s natural beauty, don’t miss the enchanting ferry rides and houseboat cruises through the serene backwaters and the newly launched Water Metro Services.
Budget Breakup for the Trip
The following is the breakup for budget travellers:
1. Kochi:
- Budget Accommodation: ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 per night (guesthouses or homestays)
- Food and Dining: ₹700 – ₹1,000 per day (local eateries and street food)
- Transportation: ₹300 – ₹600 per day (local buses or auto-rickshaws)
- Sightseeing and Activities: ₹700 – ₹1,500 per day (entry fees, guided tours)
2. Munnar:
- Budget Accommodation: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per night (homestays or budget hotels)
- Food and Dining: ₹700 – ₹1,000 per day (local restaurants and cafes)
- Transportation: ₹700 – ₹1,000 per day (shared taxis or buses)
- Sightseeing and Activities: ₹700 – ₹1,500 per day (national park entry, trekking fees)
3. Thekkady:
- Budget Accommodation: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per night (guesthouses or budget hotels)
- Food and Dining: ₹700 – ₹1,000 per day (local restaurants)
- Transportation: ₹700 – ₹1,000 per day (local buses or shared cabs)
- Sightseeing and Activities: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per day (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary entry, boat rides)
4. Alappuzha (Alleppey):
- Budget Accommodation: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per night (guesthouses or budget hotels)
- Food and Dining: ₹700 – ₹1,000 per day (local seafood and traditional meals)
- Transportation: ₹300 – ₹600 per day (local ferries or auto-rickshaws)
- Sightseeing and Activities: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per day (backwater cruises, village tours)
5. Kollam:
- Budget Accommodation: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per night (homestays or budget hotels)
- Food and Dining: ₹700 – ₹1,000 per day ((local restaurants)
- Transportation: ₹300 – ₹600 per day (local buses or cycle rickshaws)
- Sightseeing and Activities: ₹700 – ₹1,500 per day (beach visits, Ashtamudi Lake)
6. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum):
- Budget Accommodation: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night (guesthouses or budget hotels)
- Food and Dining: ₹700 – ₹1,000 per day (local restaurants)
- Transportation: ₹300 – ₹600 per day (local buses or auto-rickshaws)
- Sightseeing and Activities: ₹700 – ₹1,500 per day (museums, temples, and gardens)
Total Estimated Budget Range in case you plan to stay for a night stay in each location: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000. The price reduces if you are planning in a group.
As we took this trip through our partner travel site Suruby, it cost us 25000/- INR per person inclusive of food, accommodation, transfer, and local sightseeing for 11 days and 10 nights (including the train journey dates). We visited in December 2023. Also, the cost may vary depending on the season. Visit their website to know more details. In case you plan to visit on your own, you can also look at the above cost breakup.
Places we visited during our Trip
1. Kochi
Plan a Perfect Trip to Kochi in 2024 With These Insider Facts
2. Munnar
Plan a Perfect Trip to Munnar in 2024 With These Insider Facts
3. Thekkady
Plan a Perfect Trip to Thekkady in 2024 With These Insider Facts
4. Kerala Backwaters (Alleppey to Kollam)
Explore Kerala Backwaters in 2024 With These Insider Facts.
5. Thiruvananthapuram
Plan a Perfect Gateway to Thiruvananthapuram in 2024 With These Insider Facts.
What kind of help are we going to provide?
Let us inform you that we prepare itineraries not only for anywhere in India but also for Asia. We have been travelling since we were toddlers. So here in our blogs and stories, we will give you a glimpse of our journey and help you plan your trip.
Read about our Uzbekistan blogs.
Read about our Kazakhstan blogs.
Read about our Singapore blogs.
Read about our Vietnam blogs.
Read about our Cambodia blogs.
Read about our Bali blogs.
Read about our Kuala Lumpur blog series.
Read about our Sri Lanka blogs.
Read about our Nepal blogs.
Read about our Char Dham blogs.
Read about our Ladakh blogs.
Read about our day trip to Hyderabad.
Read about our Madhya Pradesh blogs.
Read about our Andaman and Nicobar blogs.
Do follow our Instagram handle @mindfulllofvacations and watch for the next destination story of a new place. For any query related to any trip, drop a mail at @mitkau007@gmail.com.
by mitkau