Kerala is India‘s gorgeous green state, known as God’s Own Country. Conde Nast Traveller has ranked it one of the world’s best winter sun destinations and after exploring this incredible place, I can see why. I’ve spent six weeks in India, including a month in Goa and two weeks travelling around Kerala. Read on for my guide to the ultimate 2 week Kerala itinerary – where to stay, what to do and how to get around.
This post contains affiliate links. This means, if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclaimer.
Your perfect 2 week Kerala itinerary at a glance
This 14-day Kerala itinerary covers the state’s highlights, from colourful spice markets to serene backwaters and stunning tea plantations. Here’s your complete 2 week breakdown:
- Days 1-3: Cochin – Chinese fishing nets, spice shopping, Kathakali show
- Days 4-5: Alleppey – Houseboat experience on the backwaters
- Days 6-7: Munnar – Tea plantation tours and mountain views
- Day 8: Thekkady – Martial arts show and Periyar National Park
- Days 9-14: Varkala – Beach relaxation, yoga and temple visits
How to plan your 2 week Kerala itinerary
With 2 weeks, you can visit Kerala’s biggest highlights without rushing: Munnar’s tea plantations, Alleppey’s backwaters and Varkala’s beach vibes. Kerala rewards slow travel, so don’t try to cram in too much. For accommodation, hostels in bigger cities are great for meeting travelers, while homestays in smaller towns give you an authentic local experience and often include home-cooked meals.
Read on for detailed daily activities, accommodation recommendations and insider tips for each destination.
Remember to pack Lonely Planet’s South India & Kerala travel guide book.
Cochin (Kochi) – Days 1-3 of your Kerala itinerary
Cochin, otherwise known as Kochi, has plenty to offer visitors. This includes its famous Chinese fishing nets, traditional theatrical performances, and sampling fragrant local perfumes and spices. Read on to find out more including the best places to stay.
Day 1: Arrive in Cochin
Most international visitors fly into Cochin, otherwise known as 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.
Avoid the queues and pre-book a car transfer from Cochin airport directly to your hotel here.
Where to stay in Cochin
I recommend staying in the Fort Kochi area of Cochin. 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.
These are the best places to stay in Fort Kochi
The exceptional Walton’s Homestay has rave reviews from recent guests. The hosts are incredibly welcoming, share useful tips and serve a tasty home-cooked breakfast. Another popular homestay option is Fort Kochi Paradise Homestay, where the hosts also take amazing care of guests. The rooms are clean and comfortable and their homemade Indian breakfast is the perfect fuel for exploring Cochin.
Forte Kochi is a stunning heritage boutique hotel if you’re after something more upmarket. Walking distance to all the main attractions, it has many excellent reviews for its outstanding Keralan cuisine and lovely pool.
Check out this map for the latest accommodation availability and prices 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.
Reserve your spot on a guided walking tour of the best highlights of Fort Kochi here.
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.
Discover the fragrant delights of Jew Town on this engaging guided tour.
Marvel at a vibrant and 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 Cochin.
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.
Book your tickets for a Kathakali performance including dinner here.
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 Cochin. 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.
These are the best 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, which serves a tasty home-cooked breakfast. The exceptional Alleppey Beach Garden hotel is also loved for its beachfront location.
The World Backwaters is another superb choice, 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.
Browse a selection of houseboats in Alleppey and book yours in advance here.
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.
Don’t miss out – click here to reserve your favourite Alleppey houseboat in advance.
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.
The best accommodation in Munnar
The superb Green Tea View is loved by its guests for its peaceful location with gorgeous scenery. The hosts are super helpful and serve a tasty breakfast.
Alternatively, Mistletoe Homestay & Cafe is perfectly located in Munnar with garden views and mountain vistas. The exceptional Sceva’s Garden Home has beautiful views and even a pool.
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.
The most special places to stay in Thekkady
There are some lovely homestays in Thekkady. The Kairali Palace Home Stay is a popular choice, recommended for its helpful host and comfortable beds. It is walking distance from the national park.
The Periyar Green Bed & Breakfast‘s rooms have balconies overlooking its peaceful garden and you’ll have a vegan breakfast every morning. The exceptional Mountain View Homestay is loved for its fabulous rooftop chill-out space.
If you are looking for an unusual place to stay in Kerala, try the fabulous Noah’s Nest Tree House. Wake up surrounded by nature and sit on a balcony overlooking the peaceful Periyar River.
Explore the below map for the latest accommodation deals for your dates in Thekkady:
Be wowed by an amazing 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.
This is the best accommodation in Varkala
There are blissful beach resorts and hotels in Varkala. Just south of the main Varkala beach is the indie-style Cliff Stories. This highly-rated resort has an on-site restaurant, a garden with a terrace and barbecue, and even its own private beach area.
Mad about Coco is one of the top hotels in Varkala. Close to the main beach with its restaurants, bars and shops, it is cosy, colourful and artistically decorated. It also offers on-site yoga classes.
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.
Book this full-day Varkala tour with seafood lunch here.
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.
Why visit Kerala?
Kerala is the best-known destination for backpacking in South India. With almost 372 miles (600 km) of coastline on the Arabian Sea, it has many beautiful sandy beaches.
One of the most famous things about this Indian state are the Kerala backwaters. Along with man-made canals, there are over 500 miles (900 km) of natural waterways, lakes and lagoons. For centuries, local people have sailed these backwaters to transport goods and supplies. They are now one of the best-loved tourist attractions in India. Visitors can hire a houseboat, complete with a crew and staff, to sail these serene waters on an unforgettable overnight trip.
This Indian state is known for its tropical climate and lush green landscape, which is the ideal setting for some of the country’s most famous and lucrative tea plantations.
Read all about Kerala in Lonely Planet’s South India & Kerala travel guide book.
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.
How to get a visa for Kerala
If you are a foreign national travelling to India, you will need a valid passport and visa. You can find information on applying for an Indian visa on the official website here.
It can be frustrating to apply online for the visa but it is worth it. I recommend locating your nearest Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC), as you may also need to visit to complete the visa application in person. You may need to take specially-sized photos so bring some coins just in case for the photobooth.
In the first instance, make sure you consult your country’s official information sources for the latest advice on travelling to India.
This is the most convenient way 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. While there is an official Indian railway operator website, for non-Indian travellers the Cleartrip.com website is a much easier way to book travel tickets in Kerala.
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, at around £15-£20 ($20-25) for a four hour journey from Varkala to Cochin Airport.
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.
The best part about the journey is that 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.
For more information on travelling in India, download this Guide to India eBook.
This is 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 gorgeous green landscape that it is known and loved for.
I would advise consulting your country’s official travel advice before visiting Kerala and make sure you have spoken with your doctor about any vaccines you may need.
How many days to spend in 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.
Reserve your spot on a highly rated half-day tour to cruise the Kerala backwaters from Cochin here.
How much will a Kerala trip cost?
Kerala is great value for money. For a two week trip, expect to spend around £30-50 per day including accommodation, food, transport and activities. The most expensive activity is the famous houseboat experience at around £100 per night. Local food is cheap. Otherwise, the biggest expense will be your flights to India.
For the full lowdown on travelling in India, check out Hippie in Heels’ Guide to India eBook by Rachel Jones, who lived in India for five years. Click here to buy the book now and prepare for your trip.
Final thoughts on the ultimate 2 week Kerala itinerary
You never know what to expect in India, including who you will make friends with, and that’s part of the magic. The local people in our experience were all friendly, helpful, polite and kind. They were happy to open up and talk about their daily lives.
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.
You can be sure you will receive a warm welcome while you are in Kerala and you’ll have an unforgettable trip.
Next up, check out my comprehensive guide to solo travel in Goa.
No Comments Yet