Kochi · Munnar · Backwaters · Periyar · Varkala
Kerala Tours — Backwaters, Ayurveda & Wildlife | Private
India's most verdant state — a private houseboat on the backwaters, tea estates in the mist-covered Western Ghats, wild elephant at dawn in Periyar and Ayurveda treatments that take you completely offline. No group buses, no fixed schedules.
Why Kerala
God's Own Country — and the most peaceful India itinerary
Kerala is consistently rated as the best state in India for tourism — highest literacy, best infrastructure, most welcoming to international visitors, and home to landscapes unlike anything else in the country. The 900 km of backwater canals, lagoons and lakes that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast are a world unto themselves: villages where nothing moves except by boat, kingfishers on overhanging coconut palms, and rice barges that have been fishing these waters for four centuries.
The Western Ghats — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — rise sharply from the coastal plains to over 2,000m, creating the cool hill stations and tea-covered slopes of Munnar. This biodiversity hotspot is home to wild elephants, tigers, leopards, Nilgiri tahr, giant squirrels and over 500 bird species. A private naturalist guide makes the difference between an impressive walk and a transformative one.
Kerala is also the birthplace of Ayurveda as a living medical practice, not a spa marketing concept. The physicians (vaidyas) here train for years and formulate treatments from plants grown on their own land. A genuine Ayurveda consultation followed by Panchakarma or a targeted oil treatment is an experience that travellers return to Kerala specifically to repeat.
For a premium-led itinerary, see Luxury India Journeys. For multi-region travel, the Private India Tours hub helps shape a Kerala route alongside another part of India.
Six Kerala experiences not to miss
Alleppey Backwaters
A private rice-barge houseboat on the Kerala backwaters — sleeping on the water, gliding past paddy fields, village temples and coconut groves. No other travellers on board, just you and a crew of two.
Munnar Tea Estates
Western Ghats hill station surrounded by 30,000 acres of tea. Guided estate walk, rolling green hills at 1,600m, wildlife at Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri tahr, leopard, elephant).
Ayurveda Retreats
Kerala is the home of authentic Ayurvedic medicine. We arrange consultations and treatment sessions at certified Keralan Ayurveda centres — from a single spa day to a full Panchakarma programme.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Bamboo-raft safari on Periyar Lake surrounded by thick jungle. Wild elephant herds come to the water's edge at dawn. Gaur (Indian bison), leopard, sloth bear and spectacular birdlife.
Kochi Fort & Spice Quarter
The old Dutch, Portuguese and Jewish quarter of Fort Kochi — Chinese fishing nets at sunrise, Mattancherry spice warehouses, Paradesi Synagogue, Kathakali dance performance at dusk.
Varkala & Kovalam Beaches
Kerala's most dramatic clifftop beach at Varkala, or the calmer Kovalam crescent bay. Ideal final 2 nights before flying from Thiruvananthapuram. Ayurveda beach massage available.
Sample itinerary
8-night Kerala classic — outline
Day 1
Kochi (Cochin)
Arrive Kochi International Airport. Fort Kochi walk: Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Jew Town spice market. Kathakali dance performance evening.
Day 2–3
Munnar
Drive into the Western Ghats. Tea estate tour and tasting. Eravikulam National Park for Nilgiri tahr. Sunset from Top Station viewpoint. Morning fog walk before departure.
Day 4
Thekkady / Periyar
Drive to Periyar Tiger Reserve. Bamboo-raft jungle safari on Periyar Lake — elephant, gaur, otter sightings. Spice plantation walk and cooking demonstration.
Day 5–6
Alleppey Backwaters
Board private rice-barge houseboat at Alleppey. Full day gliding through canals — lunch, dinner and breakfast on board, crew of two, no other passengers.
Day 7–8
Varkala or Kovalam
Drive south. Beach time, Ayurveda treatment, sunset cliffs at Varkala or a final Keralan seafood dinner overlooking the Arabian Sea. Transfer to Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
Fully customisable — pace, hotels and activities adjusted to your preferences. We do not run fixed-departure tours.
Indicative pricing
What does a Kerala tour cost?
Land only (private vehicle, guide, houseboat, hotels, entrance fees). International flights separate. 4-star and boutique hotel baseline, high season (Oct–Feb).
6 nights / 7 days
Kochi–Munnar–Alleppey–Kovalam · per person, 2 pax, land only
From (GBP)
£875
From (USD)
$1,100
From (INR)
₹95,000
8 nights / 9 days
Kochi–Munnar–Periyar–Alleppey–Varkala · per person, 2 pax, land only
From (GBP)
£1,150
From (USD)
$1,450
From (INR)
₹1,25,000
10 nights / 11 days
Full circuit + 2-night Ayurveda retreat · per person, 2 pax, land only
From (GBP)
£1,550
From (USD)
$1,950
From (INR)
₹1,68,000
Quick answer
How to plan a Kerala tour
How many days for Kerala?
6–7 nights covers the essential circuit (Kochi, Munnar tea highlands, Alleppey houseboat, Kovalam beach). 8–9 nights adds Thekkady wildlife on Periyar Lake. 10–12 nights allows a proper 2-night Ayurveda retreat without compressing the route.
What is the houseboat experience actually like?
A private rice-barge houseboat (kettuvallam) for one night in the Alleppey backwaters — sleeping on the water, your own crew and cook, no engine noise after mooring at dusk. Not a luxury vessel; a comfortable traditional craft with a genuinely different atmosphere.
Wellness or sightseeing — which?
Kerala supports both, but not in the same short trip. A meaningful Ayurveda programme needs 2+ nights at a dedicated retreat — which requires 10+ nights total to avoid compressing the rest. Shorter trips should focus on landscapes, backwaters and tea country.
When to visit?
October to May for most international visitors. Kerala's monsoon (June–August) is heavy — some find it atmospheric, most prefer dry-season travel. The hill stations (Munnar) are pleasant even in lighter monsoon weeks.
Arrival and departure airports?
Arrive into Kochi (COK) — the main international gateway. The route runs south to finish at Thiruvananthapuram (TRV). Some itineraries loop back to Kochi if you need the same airport. Chennai or Madurai work for South India combinations.
Natural extension beyond Kerala?
Kerala + Tamil Nadu (Madurai temples, Chettinad food culture) is the classic South India combination — adds 3–4 nights and avoids flying south twice. We route it as Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Madurai → Chettinad → Rameswaram.
Planning your trip
How many days do I need for the Kerala backwaters and hill country?
6–7 nights (essential Kerala): Kochi arrival (1 night) → Munnar tea highlands (2 nights) → Alleppey houseboat (1 night) → Kovalam beach (2 nights) → fly from Thiruvananthapuram. Covers the three signature experiences without overextending.
8–9 nights (classic circuit): Add Thekkady/Periyar (1–2 nights) between Munnar and Alleppey. This gives you wildlife (bamboo-raft jungle safari on Periyar Lake) and the spice plantation belt. The added travel day is worth it.
10–12 nights (full programme): Add 2 nights of an Ayurveda wellness programme at a dedicated retreat — either in Periyar or in the coastal area near Varkala. The longer retreat format works best with 10+ nights so it doesn't compress the rest of the route.
Houseboat vs resort: A private rice-barge houseboat (kettuvallam) is the classic choice for one night — sleeping on the water, no engine noise after mooring, your own chef. For couples wanting more privacy and amenities, a Kumarakom lakeside resort is an alternative. We recommend the houseboat for at least one night; the experience is unlike anything else.
Arrival and departure airports: Kochi International Airport (COK) is the main arrival point. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) is the standard exit point at the south end of the route. Some itineraries use Calicut (CCJ) in the north instead if you're starting there.
Kerala + Tamil Nadu extension
Kerala pairs naturally with Tamil Nadu for a 12–14 night South India journey — Kochi and Munnar from the Kerala side, then the Madurai temple corridor and Chettinad into Tamil Nadu. We call this the South India Heritage & Coast route. The combination avoids backtracking and gives breadth without needing to fly south twice.
Featured Kerala packages
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Kerala Wellness & Backwaters
Most popularClassic circuit — Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Alleppey houseboat, beach
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Boutique lodge programme with premium Ayurveda retreat tier
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Kerala?
October to February is peak season — clear skies, cool temperatures (24–32°C), and the backwaters at their most serene. December and January are ideal for combining beaches with wildlife. The monsoon (June–August) turns Kerala impossibly green and dramatically beautiful — and Ayurveda practitioners consider it the best time for treatments. Avoid March–May (hot and humid) unless you're specifically targeting a monsoon Ayurveda retreat.
What is the houseboat experience like?
A traditional Kerala kettuvallam (rice barge) has been converted into a luxury floating home — typically 1–3 bedrooms, a sundeck, a living area and a kitchen where a private chef cooks fresh Keralan fish curry for every meal. The boat is moored at a quiet spot on the lake at night (engines off, generators cut — just frogs and stars). It's one of the most peaceful nights' sleep in India.
Is Kerala safe for solo women travellers?
Kerala consistently ranks as one of India's safest states for solo travellers, including women. The literacy rate is the highest in India, tourist infrastructure is well-developed, and our private guide accompanies you throughout. We also have female guides available on request.
Can I combine Kerala with the Golden Triangle?
Yes — a classic 14-night India itinerary combines Delhi, Agra, Jaipur (7 nights) with a flight south to Kochi for Kerala (7 nights). Our Grand India First Journey does exactly this. It's a logical combination: north India for history and architecture, south India for nature and coast.
Plan your Kerala tour
Tell us your dates, travel style and whether you want Ayurveda, wildlife, beaches or all three. We'll return a custom Kerala itinerary with boutique lodge options and indicative pricing — free of charge, no obligation.