Kerala is the trip that slows people down. A houseboat drifts through Alappuzha's canals at walking pace, Munnar's tea hills sit above the heat, and the coast runs from Kochi's fishing nets down to the cliffs at Varkala. It works as a first trip to South India and it works as a fourth one. We run it with partners on the ground.
What you actually see
Alappuzha backwaters
A houseboat, a canal, and no reason to hurry.
Munnar
Tea bushes to the horizon, and cool air at 1,600 m.
Fort Kochi
Chinese fishing nets, Dutch houses and a Jewish quarter in one walk.
Thekkady
Periyar's lake, with elephants coming down to drink.
Wayanad
The heart-shaped lake on Chembra Peak is worth the climb.
Varkala
A red cliff with the Arabian Sea at the bottom of it.
When to go
September – March
The dry season — the reliable window for backwaters, hills and beaches alike.
June – August
Monsoon. Green, cheap, and the traditional season for Ayurvedic treatment.
April – May
Hot and humid on the coast; Munnar and Wayanad stay comfortable.
Kerala in photos
Photos from trips we have run.
Get your Kerala quote
Send us your dates and how many people are travelling. We'll come back with the route, the hotels and one all-in number — no hold music.