Soulful South: A Complete Guide to the Best Kerala Tour Packages
From the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey to the tea-scented hills of Munnar, and from the cultural vibrance of Kochi to the wildlife-rich forests of Thekkady, Kerala Tour Packages cater to every kind of traveler.
Kerala, nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is one of India’s most diverse and enchanting destinations. This guide explores the most popular circuits, types of packages, top destinations, sample itineraries, travel tips, and seasonal highlights to help you plan a memorable journey through Kerala.
🧳 Types of Kerala Tour Packages
1. Backwater & Houseboat Packages
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Cruise through Alleppey or Kumarakom in a private houseboat
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Includes onboard meals, candlelight dinners, and village visits
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Ideal for honeymooners and slow travelers
2. Hill Station Packages
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Explore Munnar, Wayanad, or Vagamon
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Tea gardens, waterfalls, and cool mountain air
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Great for nature lovers and families
3. Wildlife & Adventure Packages
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Jeep safaris in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Wayanad
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Bamboo rafting, trekking, and spice plantation tours
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Perfect for eco-tourists and thrill-seekers
4. Beach & Ayurveda Packages
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Relax on Kovalam, Varkala, or Marari beaches
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Ayurvedic massages, yoga sessions, and wellness retreats
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Designed for rejuvenation and wellness
5. Cultural & Heritage Packages
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Fort Kochi, Thrissur, and temples of North Kerala
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Kathakali shows, Theyyam rituals, and temple festivals
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Ideal for culture enthusiasts and photographers
🗺️ Top Destinations Covered in Kerala Tour Packages
|
Destination |
Highlights |
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Munnar |
Tea estates, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam |
|
Alleppey |
Houseboats, backwaters, paddy fields |
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Thekkady |
Periyar Lake, spice plantations, wildlife safaris |
|
Kumarakom |
Vembanad Lake, bird sanctuary, lake resorts |
|
Kochi |
Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, colonial heritage |
|
Wayanad |
Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, forest treks |
|
Kovalam |
Lighthouse Beach, Ayurvedic spas, surfing |
|
Varkala |
Cliffside beaches, yoga retreats, cafes |
|
Athirappilly |
Waterfalls, rainforest hikes, eco-tourism |
✨ Sample Itinerary: 6N/7D Classic Kerala Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – Transfer to Munnar
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Scenic drive through tea plantations
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Check-in to a hill-view resort
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Evening leisure and cultural show
Day 2: Munnar Sightseeing
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Visit Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point
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Walk through tea gardens and waterfalls
Day 3: Drive to Thekkady
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Spice plantation tour and elephant ride
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Attend a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu show
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey
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Check-in to a private houseboat
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Cruise through backwaters, enjoy onboard meals
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Sunset views and starlit dinner on deck
Day 5: Drive to Kovalam
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Relax on the beach, Ayurvedic massage
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Sunset walk and seafood dinner
Day 6: Day trip to Trivandrum or Varkala
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Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple or Varkala cliffs
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Return to Kovalam
Day 7: Departure from Trivandrum
🏨 Accommodation Options
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Luxury Resorts: The Zuri Kumarakom, Spice Tree Munnar, Niraamaya Retreats Kovalam
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Mid-Range Hotels: Abad Hotels, Tea County Munnar, Uday Samudra Kovalam
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Budget Stays: Homestays, hostels, and eco-lodges
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Unique Options: Treehouses in Wayanad, plantation stays, and tented camps
🍛 Culinary Highlights
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Kerala Sadya: Traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves
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Seafood Specialties: Karimeen pollichathu, prawn curry, crab roast
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Breakfast Favorites: Appam with stew, puttu-kadala, dosa
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Sweet Treats: Ada pradhaman, unniyappam, banana chips
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Tip: Try a private dinner on the beach or houseboat for a romantic meal
🎉 Festival-Based Packages
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Onam (Aug–Sep): Flower carpets, boat races, and Sadya feasts
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Thrissur Pooram (Apr–May): Elephant processions and fireworks
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Theyyam Season (Dec–Apr): Ritual dance performances in North Kerala
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Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Aug): Snake boat regatta in Alleppey
🧭 Best Time to Visit Kerala
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October to March: Cool and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities
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April to June: Warmer but good for hill stations and fewer crowds
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July to September: Monsoon magic—lush greenery and romantic rains (ideal for offbeat couples)
🚗 How to Reach Kerala
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By Air: Major airports in Kochi, Trivandrum, and Calicut
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By Train: Well-connected to all major Indian cities
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By Road: Scenic drives from Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Madurai
💡 Travel Tips
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Book packages at least 2–4 weeks in advance during peak season
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Carry light woolens for Munnar and Thekkady
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Inform your travel agent about special requests (cake, flowers, surprises)
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Choose certified operators for safety and quality
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Respect local customs and eco-sensitive zones
🔗 Recommended Tour Providers
Final Thoughts
From the misty hills of Munnar to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, and from the cultural lanes of Fort Kochi to the sun-kissed beaches of Kovalam, Kerala Tour Packages offer a journey that’s as diverse as it is delightful. Whether you’re seeking romance, relaxation, or raw adventure, Kerala welcomes you with open arms and timeless charm.