Abhishek Prasad, Unsplash License, Source

Kerala

Verdant backwaters and serene spice gardens

Kerala stands out in India with its lush green hills, backwaters crisscrossed by narrow canals and traditional houseboats and a coastline along the Arabian Sea. The region’s climate stays warm year-round, supporting rice paddies and tropical fruit orchards. Travelers find tea plantations, spice farms and quiet beaches alongside centuries-old temples and vibrant festivals. Local cuisine features coconut milk, fish curries and flatbreads served with chutneys. Kerala also hosts wildlife reserves where elephants roam forests and rare birds inhabit wetlands.

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State/Prefecture in India

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 5.2

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	6
Accessibility:	2
Tap water:	1

Read details

3/5

In Kerala, most urban residents and hospitality staff speak clear English, especially in tourist towns like Kochi and Alappuzha. Rural areas may have limited English, but basic phrases are widely understood.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Kerala Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Outstanding for backwaters and tropical nature. Cruise palm-lined canals, watch wildlife, relax on beaches and enjoy flavorful South Indian cuisine.

Place score

8.9

Best at:

Traditional culture

Spa & wellness

Festivals

Boating

Sea

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 5

Seniors

🥗 9

Vegetarian

🕌 9

Halal

India – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type D , Type M Type C: Type D: Type M: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Indian Rupee (INR) £1 ≈ ₹126.52
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common in India, especially in urban areas. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe are widely accepted in cities. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated in India but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is common. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also customary, typically 10-15% for good service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is not commonly seen in India. Alcohol is typically consumed in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport stations.

Independence Day (15 August)	A national holiday celebrated with flag hoisting and parades
Diwali (October-November)	The Festival of Lights, celebrated with fireworks and festivities

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112
Taxi apps:	Ola, Uber
Other:	India is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of experiences from ancient temples to modern cities. Prepare for varying infrastructure and safety conditions depending on the region.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Kerala, India

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

🔥

Apr

🌦️

May

🔥

Jun

🔥

Jul

🔥

Aug

🔥

Sep

⛈️

Oct

🌦️

Nov

🔥

Dec

High season:	Jan. - Feb., Nov. - Dec.
Shoulder season:	March, Sep. - Oct.
Crowdedness:	7 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Southwest monsoon runs June to September, Ayurveda treatments are popular then; retreat season for backwaters and beaches is November to March

Munnar and the Western Ghats hill stations are cooler, mist-covered and wetter from June to September, best from October to March

Thrissur Pooram takes place in April or May, Onam harvest festival with boat races in August or September

Don't miss

🚤 Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey at sunset
🍛 Sample authentic Kerala cuisine at a local homestay
🌿 Explore the spice plantations in Wayanad
🏰 Walk through Fort Kochi's colonial streets and art galleries
🩰 Attend a Kathakali performance in Thrissur

You've been here?

Why travel to Kerala?

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” offers a balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and modern comforts that make it an appealing destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and enrichment. The state’s extensive network of backwaters – such as the famed Vembanad Lake – provides serene houseboat cruises where visitors can observe local life along the banks, taste freshly caught fish and witness traditional boat-building techniques. Inland, the Western Ghats rise to create lush tea plantations in Munnar and misty hill stations like Wayanad, offering cool climates and panoramic views that contrast with Kerala’s tropical coast. Culturally, Kerala has a long history of trade and migration, reflected in its diverse architecture – from ancient Hindu temples and colonial churches to vibrant mosques. The capital, Thiruvananthapuram, hosts the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the modern Technopark, illustrating the state’s blend of tradition and innovation. Festivals such as Onam celebrate harvests with elaborate feasts, folk dances and boat races, giving visitors insight into local customs. The state’s culinary scene is another highlight: fresh seafood, coconut-infused curries and aromatic spices define Kerala cuisine. Local markets like those in Kochi offer handmade textiles, Ayurvedic products and organic produce. With reliable public transport, well-maintained roads and a welcoming hospitality sector, Kerala provides an accessible yet immersive experience for travelers of all interests.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
2 Kerala Backwaters
3 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Entrance)
4 Alappuzha Beach
5 Kovalam Beach

🎡Places for activities

1 Kerala Backwaters

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Silent Valley National Park
2 Eravikulam National Park
3 Periyar Lake
4 Vembanad Lake
5 Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

🛍️Shopping

1 Dhanya Super market

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Knowledge before you go

Pack light, breathable clothing for Kerala's humid tropical climate.
Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated while exploring backwaters and spice plantations.
Respect local customs: remove shoes before entering homes and temples and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Experience authentic Kerala cuisine by trying street food stalls early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy fresher ingredients.

How to travel to Kerala

Kerala, located in southern India, is accessible via several transportation modes. The nearest major international airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), which connects to major Indian cities and select global destinations. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) serves the capital city and offers domestic flights across India. For rail access, Kerala is linked by train through major railway zones like Southern Railway; key stations include Ernakulam Junction (ERJ), Trivandrum Central (TVC) and Kozhikode (CLT). The state’s extensive road network includes national highways and state highways, with buses operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) connecting cities and towns. Private taxis, autos and ride-hailing services are available in urban areas for local travel.

Access summary

From Cochin International Airport (COK): Taxi to Ernakulam city center, 30–45 min.
From Trivandrum International Airport (TRV): Bus or taxi to Thiruvananthapuram central station, 20–35 min.
By ferry from Kochi to Vypin Island: 15–20 min. Local ferries frequent.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Kerala

Kerala offers a spectrum of lodging from budget homestays to luxury resorts, catering to every traveler’s taste and wallet. In the backwaters, houseboats provide an iconic, floating experience that blends rustic charm with modern amenities, while boutique eco‑villas in hill stations like Munnar showcase sustainable design amid tea plantations. Coastal towns such as Kovalam feature beachfront bungalows ranging from modest guesthouses to five‑star cliffside retreats overlooking the Arabian Sea. Urban centers like Kochi host a mix of heritage hotels housed in colonial mansions and contemporary serviced apartments, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan vibe. Overall, Kerala balances affordability with high‑quality service, making it a versatile destination for both budget explorers and luxury seekers.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Radisson Blu Coimbatore

9.2

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore

9.1

Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel

8.0

Elephant Passage Resort Munnar

8.9

Fortune JP Palace, Mysore - Member ITC Hotels' Group

8.6

Hotel Southern Star Mysore

8.7

Grand Mercure Mysore- An AccorHotels Brand

8.4

Purple Palms Resort and Spa

8.7

Travancore Court

9.0

The Panoramic Getaway Hotel

9.2

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Kerala

Kerala is best explored using a mix of public and private transportation options tailored to its coastal and backwater geography. The most efficient way to travel between cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode is via trains or buses operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), offering affordable and frequent services. For shorter distances, auto-rickshaws and taxis are widely available in urban areas. To experience Kerala’s backwaters, houseboat rentals provide a scenic option, though they require advance booking. Renting a two-wheeled vehicle or scooter is ideal for navigating rural roads and hill stations like Munnar. Taxis and app-based ride services (e.g., Ola) are reliable in cities but less common in remote regions. Always plan routes considering Kerala’s monsoon season, which may affect road conditions.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-79 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 79% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-20 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to INR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£17	£37	£113
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£8	£21	£64
🍝 Food per day	£8	£14	£45
🚕 Transportation per day	£1	£2	£4

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£4.20
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£0.90
🍟 Fast food combo	£3.20
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£2.60
☕ Cappuccino	£1.10
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£1.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.16
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£2.60
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.85

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£2.10
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£7.50
🤧 Cold medication	£1.25
💇 Basic haircut	£1.50

Safety information overview

General safety

Kerala remains one of India’s safest destinations, with low crime rates and a welcoming local culture. Travelers should stay vigilant in crowded markets, avoid isolated areas after dark, keep valuables secure and follow standard precautions like using reputable transport services.

Health & Medical

Kerala offers high‑standard medical care, with many accredited hospitals and affordable treatments. Travelers enjoy clean water, low pollution and excellent public health services. However, dengue, malaria and foodborne illnesses remain risks; use mosquito protection and safe eating practices.

Accessibility

Kerala offers excellent accessibility: most hotels, restaurants and public transport have ramps, elevators and tactile signage. However, older temples and narrow streets can be challenging for wheelchairs. Always check ahead for accessible routes and request assistance when needed.

Tap water

Tap water in Kerala is generally safe to drink, especially in urban areas where it undergoes rigorous treatment and regular testing. Public fountains and refill stations are common, but travelers often prefer bottled water for peace of mind during rural excursions.