What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear Kerala? Maybe it is the calm backwaters, beaches lined with coconut trees, the smell of spices in the air, or those beautifully decorated temples with towering structures. Kerala has a little bit of everything, which is exactly why planning a proper Kerala itinerary before your trip can make a big difference. Be it a 4 day, 5 day, 6 day or a week-long trip, having the best itinerary for Kerala will only help make your experience more memorable.
Kerala: A Brief History
Kerala’s history is as rich and diverse as its landscapes. The state was a hub for traders from around the world. Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Arabs and later European powers all came to the region, largely because of its valuable spices such as black pepper and cardamom.
Kerala’s spice trade goes back centuries, with ancient ports such as Muziris and Kollam playing an important role in trade and cultural exchange. Kerala Tourism notes that traders from different parts of the world travelled to the Malabar Coast for its spices.
The region was also closely associated with the Chera rulers, with the Cheras holding considerable influence in Kerala’s history. The later political history of the region included the Perumals, the kingdoms of Malabar, Cochin and Travancore, among others.
Malayalam gradually developed as the dominant language of the region and is today the official language of Kerala. Kerala’s unique cultural blend was shaped by its interactions with various civilizations. This is one of the reasons why Hindu temples, Christian churches, and Muslim mosques can be found across the state, often not very far from each other.
The state has a diverse population with Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities forming major parts of Kerala’s population, along with several other communities and cultural groups.
Best Time To Visit Kerala
Before you pack your bags, you must know which season is the best for you to visit this beautiful state. The best time to visit Kerala for pleasant weather is generally between November and February. Kerala Tourism also lists November to February as the peak season, when the weather is more comfortable for sightseeing, although popular places can be busier and accommodation prices can be higher.
The winter months are particularly good for exploring places such as Munnar, Thekkady and the backwaters. It can get quite hot and humid from March onwards, especially in the coastal and midland areas.
If you want to experience Kerala’s monsoon, you can visit from June onwards, but be prepared for heavy rainfall. Kerala actually experiences two rainy periods, the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon, with October and November also seeing rainfall.
Monsoon can be beautiful in Kerala, especially if you like lush greenery and quieter travel, but heavy rain can affect outdoor activities and travel plans.
How To Reach Kerala?
Kerala is well connected by air, rail and road, making it relatively easy to include in a South India trip. The state has international airports at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur, with flights connecting Kerala to several Indian cities as well as international destinations.
Besides flying, the state has an extensive railway network connecting major towns and cities. Important railway stations include Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kollam, Kannur, Kottayam and several others.
If you are interested in a Kerala road trip, you’d be happy to know that the state is connected to neighboring states through a network of national and state highways. Road connections make it possible to travel into Kerala from cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Mumbai, although the journey times can be long.
One thing to remember if you are using older travel guides is that the national highway numbers have changed over the years. The old NH17 and NH47 references commonly found in older Kerala itineraries have largely been replaced by the newer numbering system, including NH66, which runs along Kerala’s western side.
Travelers often start their Kerala itinerary from Kochi and then make their way towards Munnar and the backwaters before heading further south.
Places To Visit In Kerala
Kochi
Kochi or Cochin stands as one of the most important port cities in India, serving as an important trade hub for centuries. Here, you can explore Fort Kochi, observe the iconic Chinese fishing nets, stroll through the old streets, visit Mattancherry and see beautifully constructed churches, synagogues, temples and other historic buildings.
The city is also one of the easiest places to begin a Kerala trip because of its airport and railway connections.
Days recommended: 1 to 3 days
Thiruvananthapuram
The state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, is known for its historic architecture, beaches, museums and temples. While you are here, do not miss out on the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. You can also explore the Napier Museum, Kuthira Malika Palace and nearby Kovalam.
Days recommended: 1 to 2 days
Alleppey
Up next is a town that will give you the quintessential Kerala experience. Alappuzha, commonly called Alleppey, is known for its serene backwaters and beautifully decorated houseboats. There are also beaches, churches, temples and local villages to explore here.
If you have never stayed on a Kerala houseboat before, this is one place where you should definitely consider doing it.
Days recommended: 2 to 3 days
Munnar
No best itinerary for Kerala is complete without mentioning this beautiful hill station. Sprawling tea estates, winding roads, waterfalls, misty hills and a lush green landscape that will mesmerize you, Munnar has got it all. Plus, the nearby Eravikulam National Park is quite a popular place to experience Kerala’s wildlife and mountain landscapes.
Days recommended: 2 to 4 days
Wayanad
Wayanad is the best if you are an adrenaline junkie, thanks to its caves, waterfalls, coffee plantations, forests and exciting terrain.
The Edakkal Caves are particularly interesting because of their prehistoric rock engravings and archaeological importance.
You can also explore waterfalls, wildlife areas and plantation regions around Wayanad.
Days recommended: 2 to 3 days
Varkala
Thanks to the internet, more and more people are visiting Varkala today in search of spiritual peace and a quieter break away from city life.
The famous Varkala Cliff overlooks the Arabian Sea and is surrounded by beaches, cafes, yoga centres and places to stay.
With its beaches, temples, yoga and meditation options, Varkala is a quaint and calming beach town you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
October to February is generally considered the best season for Varkala, according to Kerala Tourism.
Days recommended: 2 to 4 days
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How Much Time To Spend In Kerala?
It is recommended that you spend at least a week or two in the state if you wish to explore the beauty of Kerala properly. The state offers plenty of unique experiences in each destination, so rushing through everything in just a few days can leave you spending more time on the road than actually enjoying the places.
Though it might seem that most cities and destinations in Kerala only offer beaches and mountain views, there is so much more than what meets the eye.
Each place has its own rich history and it is narrated by the various structures, monuments, food, landscapes and customs of that place. Here’s a suggested breakdown of places to visit in your Kerala itinerary:
Kerala itinerary 4 days: Kochi – Munnar – Alleppey
Kerala itinerary 5 days/Kerala itinerary 6 days: Kochi – Munnar – Alleppey – Varkala
Kerala itinerary 7 days: Kochi – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Varkala – Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala Must-Do Experiences
Stay In A Houseboat
Kerala is synonymous with houseboats amongst eager tourists, thanks to the state’s famous backwaters and those beautiful boats you see all over social media.
Alappuzha has plenty of houseboats inspired by the traditional Kettuvallam boats. A houseboat stay gives you a chance to slowly cruise past paddy fields, coconut trees and villages while enjoying traditional Kerala food on board. Kerala Tourism also recommends houseboat cruises in the Alappuzha and Kumarakom backwaters.
And yes, if you remember the houseboats from old Bollywood songs, you are not imagining it. They have been a part of Kerala’s pop-culture image for years.
Visit A Tea Plantation
While Karnataka’s coffee might be famous, Kerala is also renowned for its lush green tea estates.
Munnar and the surrounding areas of Idukki are particularly famous for their tea plantations. Wayanad and other highland areas are also known for plantations, although coffee is especially important there.
Make sure you visit at least one plantation to get a better idea of where that morning cup of chai or chaaya actually comes from.
Feast On Kerala’s Sadya
You must’ve watched plenty of social media influencers trying out Onam Sadya, but do you know that many authentic eateries in Kerala serve Sadya beyond the festival season too? Yes, it is Kerala’s traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. There are small servings of multiple dishes like rice, vegetable curries, pickles, pachadi, avial, thoran and other accompaniments. It is basically a mini feast on a leaf, and honestly, one of the best ways to understand Kerala’s food culture. Kerala Tourism also lists Sadya among the state’s traditional food experiences.
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Watch Kathakali And Kalaripayattu Performances
Kathakali and Kalaripayattu are two of the several traditional art forms of Kerala. These art forms are deeply rooted in Malayali culture and there are several institutions and cultural organisations working to preserve them.
Kathakali is a performance art where performers wear elaborate costumes and makeup. Without relying on normal conversation, performers tell stories through their eye expressions, facial movements, body movements and dance, with many performances drawing from stories in the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Kalaripayattu is one of India’s best-known traditional martial arts. It involves training with weapons such as swords and staffs as well as unarmed techniques, and takes years of practice to properly master.
Both experiences are worth adding to a Kerala itinerary if you want to see something beyond the usual beaches and backwaters.
Summing Up
While you’re trying to find the best itinerary for Kerala, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you know the state better and plan your trip accordingly. From the best places to visit to must-do experiences, there is a lot more to Kerala than simply ticking off a few tourist attractions. You can spend your morning walking around historic streets in Kochi, spend the afternoon driving through tea plantations in Munnar, wake up on a houseboat in Alappuzha and end the trip watching the sunset from Varkala. And while you are reading this, you can also read more about our suggested Kerala 5 day itinerary and Kerala 7 day itinerary!
Author’s Note
Kerala has always been one of those places that feels like more than just another holiday destination. There is something about the backwaters, the food, the greenery and even the slow pace of life that makes you want to stay a little longer. I have always felt that the best way to experience Kerala is not to rush from one tourist spot to another, but to actually take some time to enjoy each place. This guide brings together the places and experiences worth adding to your Kerala itinerary, whether you are planning a short 4-day trip or have a full week to explore.
