Kerala tour package
Kerala tour packages combine hill stations, wildlife reserves, backwaters, and beaches, typically starting and ending in Kochi (COK) or Thiruvananthapuram (TRV). Below is a complete overview of standard itineraries, estimated pricing, inclusions, and frequently asked questions.
1. Popular Kerala Tour Itineraries
A. Hills & Backwaters Escape (4 Days / 3 Nights)
- Route: Kochi ➔ Munnar (2N) ➔ Alappuzha Houseboat (1N) ➔ Kochi
- Highlights: Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls, Munnar tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and an overnight private houseboat cruise in Alappuzha.
B. Classic Kerala Circuit (6 Days / 5 Nights)
- Route: Kochi ➔ Munnar (2N) ➔ Thekkady (1N) ➔ Alappuzha / Kumarakom (1N) ➔ Kochi (1N)
- Highlights: Munnar sightseeing, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat safari and spice plantation tour in Thekkady, Vembanad Lake houseboat or backwater resort stay, and Fort Kochi heritage walk (Chinese Fishing Nets, Dutch Palace, Jew Town).
C. Complete Kerala with Beaches (8 Days / 7 Nights)
- Route: Kochi ➔ Munnar (2N) ➔ Thekkady (1N) ➔ Alappuzha (1N) ➔ Kovalam / Varkala (2N) ➔ Thiruvananthapuram (1N)
- Highlights: Combines mountains, wildlife, and backwaters with coastal relaxation at Kovalam Beach or Varkala Cliff, plus sightseeing in Thiruvananthapuram (Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum).
2. Estimated Package Pricing (Per Person, Twin-Sharing)
| Package Tier | Accommodation & Transport | 4–5 Days | 6–7 Days | 8–10 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 2/3-star hotels, standard Sedan, Deluxe Houseboat | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Mid-Range | 3/4-star resorts, Sedan/SUV, Premium Private Houseboat | ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹28,000 – ₹42,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹55,000 |
| Luxury | 5-star resorts, Innova Crysta, Luxury Houseboat | ₹40,000 – ₹55,000 | ₹55,000 – ₹75,000 | ₹75,000 – ₹1,10,000+ |
(Note: Prices vary depending on travel season, with peak rates applying between December 20 and January 5.)
3. Standard Inclusions & Exclusions
- Typically Included:
- Airport or railway station pickup and drop-off.
- Private air-conditioned chauffeur-driven vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing.
- Hotel/resort accommodation with daily breakfast.
- All meals (lunch, evening tea/snacks, dinner, and breakfast) during the overnight Alappuzha houseboat stay.
- Fuel, highway tolls, parking fees, and driver allowance.
- Typically Excluded:
- Flight or train tickets.
- Monument, national park, and museum entry fees.
- Boating tickets at Periyar Lake or Mattupetty Dam, and cultural show tickets (Kathakali/Kalaripayattu).
- Lunches and dinners at hotels (unless booked on MAP/AP meal plans).
- Answer: October to March is the peak and most comfortable season, featuring cool hill-station weather and pleasant backwater breezes (18°C–32°C). June to September is the monsoon season—ideal for lush greenery, lower off-season tariffs, and Ayurvedic wellness treatments.
- Answer: Standard houseboat check-in is at 12:00 PM and check-out is at 9:00 AM the next morning. The boat cruises through the canals and Vembanad Lake until around 5:30 PM, after which it anchors for the night (as required by Kerala Port and Maritime safety regulations), resuming a short morning cruise after breakfast.
- Answer: Cochin International Airport (COK) is the best hub for 3-to-6-day itineraries covering Munnar, Thekkady, and Alappuzha. If your itinerary includes southern beaches like Kovalam or Varkala, arriving at Kochi (COK) and departing from Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) (or vice versa) saves 5–6 hours of return driving.
- Answer: In Deluxe houseboats, bedroom A/C typically operates only at night (9:00 PM to 6:00 AM). In Premium and Luxury category houseboats, full-time A/C is provided in both the bedrooms and the living/dining lounge.
- Answer: 5 Nights / 6 Days is the most popular duration, giving you enough time to comfortably cover Munnar (2 nights), Thekkady (1 night), Alappuzha (1 night), and Kochi (1 night) without spending excessive hours on the road.