Kerala’s coastline runs from the temple town of Kasaragod in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south, backed by a network of lagoons, canals and lakes collectively known as the backwaters, best explored aboard a traditional kettuvallam houseboat through Alappuzha and Kumarakom. Inland, the Western Ghats rise into the tea and spice estates of Munnar, Wayanad and Thekkady’s Periyar Tiger Reserve, while port cities like Kochi and Kozhikode carry centuries of Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British trading history in their old quarters. Long marketed as "God’s Own Country," Kerala also holds India’s highest literacy rate and a living Ayurvedic medical tradition, with dedicated wellness resorts and clinics found across the state. Kerala sits at an elevation of 1 m and is typically explored in about 10-14 days. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, February, and March, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Alappuzha Backwaters, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and Athirappilly Waterfalls. Other notable highlights include houseboat cruises through the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom, rolling tea gardens and viewpoints of Munnar, and wildlife boat safaris in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady. It falls within Nilambur district.
State: Kerala
Ideal Duration: 10-14 Days
January, December, February, March
Its backwaters and houseboats, tea plantations, Ayurveda, and a mix of beaches, wildlife reserves and spice-scented cuisine.
Kochi (COK) is most convenient for Munnar, Thekkady and the backwaters; Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) suits a Kovalam-focused trip.
September to March is ideal, avoiding the June-August monsoon (though monsoon season is popular specifically for Ayurvedic treatments).
Yes, houseboats and Munnar’s viewpoints are comfortable and low-effort, making Kerala one of South India’s most accessible states for relaxed group travel.
A week allows a relaxed pace across Munnar, Thekkady and the Alleppey backwaters; add Kovalam or Kochi for a longer trip.