Tucked away in the southwestern corner of India, Kerala is a land where nature, culture, and serenity blend in perfect harmony. Kerala Tour Packages offer travelers a chance to explore this enchanting state through curated experiences that showcase its lush landscapes, vibrant traditions, and tranquil backwaters.
Whether you’re a honeymooner seeking romantic houseboat cruises, a family looking for a relaxing beach holiday, or a spiritual seeker drawn to ancient temples and Ayurvedic retreats, Kerala has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the best Kerala tour packages, must-visit destinations, travel tips, and how to choose the perfect itinerary for your next escape.
🌴 Why Choose Kerala for Your Next Vacation?
Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a tropical paradise that offers:
- Diverse Landscapes: From the misty hills of Munnar to the golden beaches of Kovalam and the serene backwaters of Alleppey.
- Rich Culture: Classical dance forms like Kathakali, vibrant festivals like Onam, and centuries-old temples.
- Wellness & Ayurveda: World-renowned Ayurvedic treatments and yoga retreats.
- Delicious Cuisine: Coconut-infused curries, fresh seafood, and traditional Sadhya feasts served on banana leaves.
- Eco-Tourism & Wildlife: National parks like Periyar and Wayanad offer thrilling jungle safaris and birdwatching.
🧳 Types of Kerala Tour Packages
Kerala tour packages are designed to cater to different travel styles, durations, and budgets. Here are some popular categories:
1. Honeymoon Packages
Perfect for newlyweds, these packages often include:
- Candlelight dinners
- Private houseboat stays in Alleppey
- Romantic beach resorts in Varkala or Marari
- Spa and wellness sessions
2. Family Vacation Packages
These are ideal for multigenerational travel and include:
- Comfortable accommodations
- Child-friendly activities like elephant rides and boating
- Visits to amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries
3. Backwater Packages
Focused on Kerala’s iconic waterways, these include:
- Houseboat cruises in Alleppey or Kumarakom
- Village walks and cultural performances
- Traditional Kerala meals onboard
4. Hill Station Packages
Explore the cool, green highlands of:
- Munnar: Tea gardens, waterfalls, and Eravikulam National Park
- Wayanad: Caves, lakes, and spice plantations
- Thekkady: Wildlife safaris and bamboo rafting
5. Ayurveda & Wellness Packages
For those seeking rejuvenation:
- Authentic Ayurvedic therapies
- Yoga and meditation sessions
- Detox diets and wellness consultations
6. Adventure & Trekking Packages
For thrill-seekers:
- Trekking in the Western Ghats
- Bamboo rafting in Periyar
- Paragliding in Vagamon
🗺️ Top Destinations Covered in Kerala Tour Packages
🌊 Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is famous for:
- Houseboat stays
- Snake boat races (especially during Onam)
- Backwater village life
🌄 Munnar
A dreamy hill station with:
- Endless tea plantations
- Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point
- Neelakurinji blooms (once every 12 years)
🐘 Thekkady
Home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Jungle safaris and boat rides
- Spice plantations
- Elephant camps
🏖️ Kovalam & Varkala
For beach lovers:
- Lighthouse Beach and Hawa Beach in Kovalam
- Cliffside cafes and yoga retreats in Varkala
🌿 Wayanad
A nature lover’s paradise:
- Edakkal Caves and Soochipara Falls
- Wildlife sanctuaries
- Tribal heritage villages
🕌 Kochi (Cochin)
A cultural melting pot:
- Fort Kochi’s colonial architecture
- Chinese fishing nets
- Kathakali performances
🧭 Sample Itineraries for Kerala Tour Packages
✨ 5-Day Romantic Getaway
- Day 1: Arrival in Kochi, transfer to Munnar
- Day 2: Munnar sightseeing (tea gardens, waterfalls)
- Day 3: Drive to Alleppey, check-in to houseboat
- Day 4: Head to Kovalam, beach leisure
- Day 5: Departure from Trivandrum
🌿 7-Day Nature & Culture Tour
- Day 1: Kochi arrival, Fort Kochi tour
- Day 2: Munnar tea estate visit
- Day 3: Eravikulam National Park
- Day 4: Thekkady wildlife safari
- Day 5: Alleppey backwaters
- Day 6: Kumarakom bird sanctuary
- Day 7: Departure
🧘 6-Day Wellness Retreat
- Day 1: Arrival in Trivandrum, transfer to Varkala
- Day 2–5: Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation
- Day 6: Cultural tour and departure
💡 Tips for Choosing the Right Kerala Tour Package
- Season Matters: Visit between October and March for pleasant weather. Monsoon (June–September) is ideal for Ayurveda.
- Customize Your Trip: Many tour operators offer tailor-made itineraries.
- Check Inclusions: Ensure your package covers meals, transfers, entry fees, and guide services.
- Read Reviews: Choose reputed travel agencies with good customer feedback.
- Local Experiences: Opt for packages that include village walks, cooking classes, or traditional performances.
🚗 How to Travel Within Kerala
- By Road: Well-connected highways and scenic routes make road trips enjoyable.
- By Train: Ideal for budget travelers and scenic views.
- By Air: Major airports in Kochi, Trivandrum, and Calicut.
- By Water: Ferries and houseboats offer unique travel experiences in backwater regions.
🍛 Must-Try Kerala Dishes on Your Tour
- Appam with Stew: Soft rice pancakes with coconut milk-based curry
- Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaf
- Puttu and Kadala Curry: Steamed rice cakes with black chickpea curry
- Sadya: A traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves
- Payasam: A sweet rice pudding, often served during festivals
🎉 Festivals to Plan Your Kerala Tour Around
- Onam (Aug–Sep): Grand harvest festival with boat races and floral carpets
- Vishu (April): Kerala’s New Year with fireworks and feasts
- Thrissur Pooram (April–May): A spectacular temple festival with decorated elephants
- Theyam (Dec–April): Ritual dance performances in North Kerala
🏨 Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
Kerala tour packages often include a range of stays:
- Luxury Resorts: Taj Kumarakom, The Leela Kovalam
- Eco-Stays: Treehouses in Wayanad, jungle lodges in Thekkady
- Homestays: Experience local hospitality in Alleppey or Fort Kochi
- Houseboats: Floating villas with all modern amenities
🌍 Responsible Travel in Kerala
As a leading destination in eco-tourism, Kerala encourages:
- Plastic-free travel
- Support for local artisans and communities
- Wildlife conservation awareness
- Respect for local customs and dress codes
📦 Booking Kerala Tour Packages: What to Expect
When you book a Kerala tour package, you typically get:
- Airport/train station transfers
- Accommodation with meals
- Sightseeing with a guide or driver
- Entry tickets to major attractions
- 24/7 travel assistance
Many travel companies also offer:
- Customization options
- Group discounts
- Honeymoon add-ons (flower bed, cake, etc.)
- Multilingual guides
🧳 Packing Tips for Kerala
- Light cotton clothes for the humid climate
- Umbrella or raincoat if traveling during monsoon
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable footwear for walking and trekking
- Swimwear for beach and backwater stays
✈️ How to Reach Kerala
- By Air: International airports in Kochi, Trivandrum, and Calicut
- By Train: Well-connected to major Indian cities
- By Road: National highways link Kerala to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
🧭 Final Thoughts
Kerala is more than just a destination—it’s a soulful experience. With its lush greenery, warm hospitality, and diverse offerings, it’s no wonder that Kerala tour packages are among the most sought-after in India. Whether you’re planning a short escape or a long, immersive journey, Kerala promises memories that will last a lifetime.
So pack your bags, pick the perfect Kerala tour.