Travel guide · India
Kerala: what to see and when to go
Kerala is India's green south-western coast, with palm-fringed backwaters, tea-covered hills, spice plantations and Ayurvedic retreats. It is relaxed and lush, and famous for its seafood curries and kathakali dance-dramas.
What to see and do in Kerala
The Alleppey backwaters
A night on a traditional houseboat, gliding through canals and villages.
Munnar
Tea plantations rolling over hills at around 1,600 m.
Fort Kochi
Chinese fishing nets, colonial churches and the spice shops of Jew Town.
Periyar
Spice gardens and a wildlife reserve around a mountain lake.
Varkala
A clifftop beach lined with cafés above the Arabian Sea.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Dec – Feb.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 11 hr | ≈ €560 · See flights |
| New York | 18 hr | ≈ €720 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 19 hr, 45 min | ≈ €760 · See flights |
| Dubai | 4 hr, 15 min | ≈ €250 · See flights |
| Singapore | 4 hr, 45 min | ≈ €280 · See flights |
| Sydney | 12 hr, 30 min | ≈ €590 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €700 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- India
- Currency
- Indian Rupee
- Good for
- calm · nature · food · sea · culture
- How long to stay
- 6–9 days
- Where to stay
- Fort Kochi, a houseboat on the backwaters, Munnar and a beach at Varkala or Marari.Find a place to stay in Kerala
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Kerala, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €560 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Kerala (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- CarPick it up at the airport (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Kerala and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Dec – Feb. Average highs range from 28° in June to 32° in March.
How many days do you need in Kerala?
6 to 9 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Kerala cost?
Accommodation runs at around €50 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €700 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 11 hr.
Where should you stay in Kerala?
Fort Kochi, a houseboat on the backwaters, Munnar and a beach at Varkala or Marari.
