How Many Days Do You Need in Kerala? A 2 Week Itinerary (2026)
Kerala is seen as a greener and calmer part of India, but it’s not always clear what there is to do, where to go and how long to spend there. I have spent six weeks travelling in India, including a month month travelling solo in Goa and two weeks in Kerala with my partner. We found that travel takes longer than expected and it’s easy to fill a fortnight with stops that show the different sides to this state – from the backwaters to tea plantations and hippie beach resorts. Here’s the 2 week Kerala itinerary I would recommend for first-timers.
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Quick overview of this 2 week Kerala itinerary
- Days 1–3: Kochi – Chinese fishing nets, spice shopping and a Kathakali show
- Days 4–5: Alleppey – Overnight houseboat experience on the backwaters
- Days 6–7: Munnar – mountain views, cooler temperatures and tea plantations
- Day 8: Thekkady – Martial arts show and Periyar National Park
- Days 9–14: Varkala – Beach relaxation, yoga and temple visits for an easy finish
Is 2 weeks the right amount of time to experience Kerala?
Kerala is a place where slow travel is best. The pace of life here is relaxed and if you try to rush it, you will miss out on its charm. If you are short on time, it is possible to do a day trip to the Kerala backwaters via Cochin. But if you want to see the famous Munnar tea plantations and learn about the culture and traditions of Kerala, then take your time.
We found that it took an average of four hours to travel between the main tourist places in Kerala, so you will need to factor this into your itinerary. I would recommend giving yourself at least two weeks in Kerala. Read on to find out more on how to create the perfect Kerala 2 week itinerary.
How to plan your 2 week Kerala itinerary
Kerala is ideal for slow travel, so don’t try to cram in too much. The key is choosing a small number of places and allowing enough time in each.
This itinerary focuses on the hills around Munnar, a short backwaters stay near Alleppey and a longer stretch on the coast in Varkala. Together, they work well on a two-week timeline without constant moving.
The sections below explain how to structure your time, where it’s worth slowing down and how to move between places so the trip stays manageable.
How to travel around Kerala
It’s not always easy to get around Kerala. While there are local buses, hiring a local private driver is much faster and less hassle. We reduced the costs by sharing with other travellers.
It’s worth taking a train in Kerala just for the experience. Every few minutes someone will walk along the length of the train selling food and drink, so you won’t go hungry if you forgot to bring snacks.
There are different classes on Indian trains. In third class, passengers are squashed in and it may not be comfortable if you aren’t used to it. We opted for first class, which is still cheap compared with train journeys in Europe.
In first class, you are seated in four-bunk sleeper cabins, separated from the main corridor by a curtain. The seats convert to beds, with sheets and pillows provided. We got chatting with our lovely fellow passengers in the comfort of our air-conditioned cabin.
Kochi (Cochin) – Days 1-3 of your Kerala itinerary
Kochi, otherwise known as Cochin, has plenty of attractions for visitors. This includes its famous Chinese fishing nets, traditional theatrical performances, and fragrant local perfumes and spices. Read on to find out more including the best places to stay.
Day 1: Arrive in Kochi
Most international visitors fly into Kochi, making it the perfect starting point for your 2 week Kerala itinerary.
Cochin International Airport is about 45km from Fort Kochi, roughly an hour’s taxi ride. The easiest option is a pre-booked airport transfer, especially after a long flight. The airport bus is the cheapest option but it takes longer and you’ll need to change buses.
Where to stay in Kochi
I recommend staying in the Fort Kochi area. Here, you’ll be walking distance from the main attractions, including the Chinese fishing nets and spice markets. This historic district has the best mix of budget accommodation and tourist sights.
Places to stay in Fort Kochi
Walton’s Homestay is well-liked for its welcoming hosts and home-cooked breakfast. Another popular homestay option is Fort Kochi Paradise Homestay.
Forte Kochi is a heritage boutique hotel if you’re after something more upmarket with a pool.
Check out this map for the latest accommodation availability in Fort Kochi for your dates:
Day 2: Fort Kochi walking tour
Start your first day in Kerala with a 3-hour walking tour of Fort Kochi’s highlights.
This guided tour takes you to the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Chinese explorers who landed here in the 14th century introduced this way of fishing and named the city ‘co chin’, meaning ‘like China.’
The Chinese fishing nets are fixed to the shore with long wooden beams holding horizontal nets over the sea. The nets are counterbalanced by large stones suspended from ropes at the other end. The structures move elegantly and slowly, as the fishermen make their catches.
The tour also takes you to the oldest church in India, the impressive Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica and the Mattancherry Palace.
Day 3: Spice shopping and Kathakali performance
Today you’ll head to Fort Kochi’s ‘Jew Town’ area for spice and perfume shopping, then end it with a traditional Kathakali performance.
Go shopping for fragrant local perfumes and spices
Kerala is known as the ‘spice garden of India’. With everything from cloves to cardamom grown and traded internationally here since 3000 BC, the spice shops are must visit places in Kerala.
The famous perfumiers behind the world’s biggest brands come to Kerala when creating their latest scents. This is thanks to the state’s natural supplies of rose, sandalwood and jasmine oil.
Stroll through Jew Town and you’ll find small streets with shops selling spices, incense sticks and brightly coloured perfumed powder. If you tell the shop owners the name of the perfume brand you wear, they can match you with your perfect natural scented oil to take home.
Marvel at a colourful theatre show
One of the best things to do in Kerala is to watch a traditional show. We went to the Kerala Kathakali Centre in Kochi.
A classical Indian dance form, Kathakali is an all-male Hindu performance art that dates back to the 17th century. Arrive early so you can see the men applying their make-up – it’s fascinating to witness their transformation.
In this show, three men play all of the characters – man, woman and demon – in an episode from epic Hindu legend. They use only hand and eye movements, music, footwork and facial gestures to convey the dramatic story. These actors train for seven years to perform in this unique theatre experience.
Alleppey (Alappuzha) – Days 4-5 of your Kerala itinerary
The next stop on our 2 week Kerala itinerary is Alleppey. Here, you can spend the night gliding along the famous backwaters on a traditional Kerala houseboat. This is one of the most serene and highly-rated experiences in India. Alternatively, you can book an Alleppey boat tour as a day trip from Kochi. But staying overnight is something special.
Day 4: Travel to Alleppey
Today we depart Fort Kochi and head south to Alappuzha, otherwise known as Alleppey. The journey takes two hours by car or an hour by train. Check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring Alleppey. Visit Alleppey harbour to check out the houseboats and get excited for tomorrow’s adventure. You can either book your houseboat online or negotiate with the boatmen directly at the harbour, like we did. Afterwards, head to the main beach where you can watch the fishermen bring in their seafood catch of the day, as the sun sets beautifully over the horizon.
Places to stay in Alleppey
There are great places to stay close to Alleppey, near the beach or by the harbour.
If you’re looking for a homestay by the beach, head for Marari God’s Own Villa or Alleppey Beach Garden hotel.
The World Backwaters is near the backwaters if you prefer to be close to where the houseboats depart.
See the below map for the best accommodation options and prices for your dates in Alleppey:
Day 5: Sail the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat
Day 5 of our 2 week Kerala itinerary is a special one – you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience sailing its famous backwaters by houseboat overnight.
This Kerala houseboat adventure isn’t cheap but it’s divine to sail the network of canals, lagoons and lakes. You have your own crew to manage the boat and steer it along on your Kerala backwaters tour. They will even serve you mouthwatering feasts including freshly caught seafood.
Expect to be charged a price of £100+ or $130+ per night for a houseboat. These rates include all the food but no alcoholic drinks. If you haven’t booked in advance, you will need to arrive at Alleppey harbour early for the biggest choice of boats – and be prepared to negotiate.
Our houseboat experience
After visiting the harbour to check out the houseboats in Alleppey, we made our choice. For us, the best houseboat in Kerala was Alakapuri, a beautiful boat with just one double bedroom, which was perfect for us. Its smaller size meant that we could explore smaller backwaters that are inaccessible for most boats.
It was a blissful experience to watch the local children play along the banks. At one point, we floated into an expansive lagoon where we felt like the only people in the world.
There were a couple of stops, to pick up fresh seafood for dinner and explore an island while they are cooking. Otherwise, you are cocooned in houseboat bliss until the sun rises. Tucking into your freshly prepared breakfast, enjoy the final moments as you sail back into the harbour to return to civilisation.
Munnar – Days 6-7 of your Kerala itinerary
Known as the ‘Kashmir of South India’, Munnar is located 1,600 metres above sea level in the Western Ghats mountain range and has spectacular views. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Kerala. Munnar is four hours’ drive from Cochin and five hours from Alleppey.
Day 6: Travel to Munnar
After finishing your houseboat experience and returning to the harbour, it’s time for the journey to Munnar. This is a proper travel day – the drive takes 5 hours from Alleppey, winding up from the backwaters into the mountains of the Western Ghats.
The journey itself is scenic as you climb higher into the tea plantation country, so settle in and enjoy the changing landscape. You’ll arrive in Munnar by late afternoon or early evening, giving you time to check into your accommodation and rest after the long journey.
Tomorrow you’ll explore the famous tea plantations in Kerala.
Accommodation in Munnar
Homestays in Munnar include Green Tea View and Mistletoe Homestay & Cafe. If you want a pool, head to Sceva’s Garden Home.
Explore the below map for the latest accommodation deals for your dates in Munnar:
Day 7: Discover the origins of tea
India is the second largest producer and exporter of tea in the world after China, producing famous teas including Assam and Darjeeling. Munnar is famous for its vast, vivid green tea plantations.
The Munnar tea plantations are an important source of employment for people from across the country. On a guided walking tour you can discover how the different types of tea are selected from the plants and how the trees protect and irrigate the land. You can also see people at work, hand-plucking the tea leaves and collecting them in their baskets.
Stop at a shop and buy freshly picked Indian tea leaves and powders to take a taste of Kerala home with you.
Book a guided bicycle tour to explore Munnar’s stunning landscapes.
Thekkady – Day 8 of your Kerala itinerary
Thekkady may be small but it is worth a one day trip in Kerala. It is a four hour drive from Munnar or Alleppey. Also it’s the gateway to Periyar National Park, a wildlife sanctuary where if you are lucky you could see tigers, elephants and leopards. It is also the home of a jaw-dropping martial arts performance.
Day 8: Travel to Thekkady and martial arts spectacle
After your time exploring the tea plantations of Munnar, it’s time for the 4-hour journey to Thekkady. You’ll arrive with enough time to settle into your accommodation before the evening’s highlight.
Places to stay in Thekkady
Homestays in Thekkady include the Kairali Palace Home Stay, the Periyar Green Bed & Breakfast and the Mountain View Homestay which has a rooftop chill-out space.
If you are looking for an unusual place to stay, try Noah’s Nest Tree House.
Explore the below map for the latest accommodation deals for your dates in Thekkady:
Be wowed by a martial arts spectacle
One of the most important historical places in Kerala is Thekkady’s Mudra Cultural Centre. It is the place to see Kalaripayattu, one of the world’s most ancient fighting systems.
A talented group of young men perform an impressive gymnastics routine, brandishing weapons in mock fights and even jumping through hoops of fire. It is a spectacular and exhilarating performance.
It’s incredible to think these warrior moves have been practiced in Kerala for over two thousand years.
Varkala – Days 9-14 of your Kerala itinerary
Varkala is a laid-back, cliff-side beach resort in Kerala, around five hours south of Thekkady. With one of the best beaches in Kerala, there’s a host of bohemian bars and restaurants. One of the most hippie places in Kerala, there are plenty of market stalls and boutiques to tempt you. It’s not too over-developed, making it great for a winter beach break.
Day 9: Arrive in Varkala
From Thekkady, it’s time to head to the final destination in your 2 week Kerala itinerary. It’s a five-hour drive to Varkala. Check into your accommodation and settle into this laid-back cliff-side beach resort.
Accommodation in Varkala
There are plenty of beachside resorts and hotels in Varkala. Just south of the main Varkala beach is Cliff Stories, which has its own private beach area, while Mad about Coco offers yoga classes.
Check out the map below for the latest accommodation deals for your dates in Varkala:
Day 10: Beach relaxation
Your first full day in Varkala is all about getting into the relaxed rhythm of this bohemian beach town. Spend time exploring the cliff-top cafes, wandering the main beach, and simply letting the day unfold without a care in the world. This is the perfect day to sit in a cafe and people-watch as you adjust to Varkala’s laid-back vibe.
It’s lovely to wander along the coastline to see the neighbouring black sand beach to the north. If you explore the clifftops to the south, you can stumble across things like this beautiful mermaid sculpture.
Day 11: Full-day Varkala tour
Today, take a tour to discover Varkala’s main attractions.
You’ll visit the ancient Sri Janardanaswamy Temple to learn about its historical significance, explore the black sand beaches and enjoy a traditional seafood lunch.
The day ends with the mesmerizing sunset view from the cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Days 12-13: Wellness, shopping and temple experience
There are plenty of things to do in Varkala, from yoga classes to cooking classes and Ayurvedic massages.
Explore the market stalls and boutiques for last-minute shopping. You can also visit more of Varkala’s temples for a deeper spiritual experience.
Here is where you can be blessed at a temple
There are a number of colourful and intricate temples close to this beach resort, where religious rituals take place every day. The temple I enjoyed visiting the most is not the most ornate, but it is where we received our first blessing.
Sivagiri is a hilltop pilgrimage centre, a short motorbike ride from the beach resort. It is one of the most important places in Kerala, as it houses the tomb of the famed social reformer Narayana Guru. He believed in social inclusion and his concept was ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God’. I found the experience very moving, as this Guru clearly inspired a great many people, thousands of whom come to pay their respects every year.
Visitors must respect the rules, which include covering your knees and shoulders, and removing your shoes.
Day 14: Departure
Time to say goodbye to Kerala as your 2 week itinerary is coming to an end. For your departure, you can take the train 4 hours from Varkala to Cochin Airport. By car it’s a 5 hour journey.
Alternatively, you can travel to Trivandrum airport (1.5 hours) if that works better for your flight connections.
Take with you incredible memories of backwaters, tea plantations, martial arts and the laid-back beach vibes of Varkala.
How to get to Kerala, India
You can book a flight directly or via Mumbai to Kerala’s Cochin International Airport or Trivandrum International Airport. If your backpacking in India route involves a Goa and Kerala itinerary, it’s useful to know that travelling south from Goa to Kerala takes around 15 hours. The 338 mile (544 km) journey by overnight train departs from Madgaon Railway Station in Goa to Ernakulam Junction near Cochin.
The best time to go to Kerala
The peak tourist season is the best time to visit Kerala and runs from September to March. At this time of year, the weather conditions are most pleasant with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 29°C.
If you want to travel to Kerala at a quieter time, you can visit during the off-season from April to May, though it can be more humid. Some people even like to go to Kerala during the monsoon season from June to August.
Whichever time of year you visit, you need to be prepared that it may rain occasionally. This is essential for maintaining the region’s green landscape that it is known for.
Final thoughts on how many days to spend in Kerala
Kerala is not a place to rush. Two weeks is ideal as it also allows for the travel time between destinations. It means you can enjoy a relaxed overnight houseboat journey, see the tea plantations, and get to know daily life and culture here.
On our 2 week Kerala itinerary we met homestay owners, local kids, drivers, fellow European travellers and local bar managers. One of my most heart-warming memories of our stay in Varkala is when we were spontaneously invited to a wedding. It was a very special moment and encapsulated the openness and generosity of the people in Kerala.
