Kerala is also called God’s own country and is a dream destination for many travelers. Kerala has all the ingredients to make it an attractive tourist destination with its beautiful backwaters, a fabulous coastline, relaxing hill stations, and a rich cultural heritage that can attract all types of tourists.
So, how many days are required to visit this gorgeous state? The Kerala trip duration can vary according to several things, such as the destinations you wish to see, the pace of life you would like to have, and the things you would like to do.
This blog will discuss various travel itineraries and give an idea of how many days to spend in Kerala will make you feel the best, be it a weekend or a week.
Why Planning Your Kerala Trip Duration is Important?
The places to visit and the things to do in Kerala are so numerous that one easily gets lost when planning a Kerala honeymoon. Kerala has much to offer, with its scenic backwaters of Alleppey, hill stations of Munnar, and wildlife sanctuaries in Thekkady.
How, then, do you make the correct Kerala travel itinerary? Your interest and the time you are available will determine this to a large extent. If you have limited time, you will focus on the most important places, and if you have more days to spend, you can immerse deeper into the culture and see the unknown places.
The Short Trip (3 to 4 Days): Exploring the Highlights
When you have only 3-4 days to spend in Kerala, you will want to refer to the Kerala trip duration that includes the best highlights. This is ideal for a weekend getaway or a long weekend trip.
Recommended Itinerary of Kerala (3-4 Days):
Day 1: Kochi arrival
- Begin your journey in Cochin (Kochi), the entrance to Kerala. This busy port city combines historical, cultural, and contemporary influences.
- Go to the popular Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi and the elegant St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried.
- Visit the colorful Jew Town with antique stores and the ancient Paradesi Synagogue.
Day 2: Alleppey (Alappuzha) Backwaters
- Travel 1.5 hours by car to Alleppey departing Kochi. Alleppey, or the Venice of the East, is renowned for its backwaters.
- Enjoy a day on a houseboat cruise, cruising on the calm backwaters and visiting small villages, green paddy fields, and coconut groves.
- Stay in a houseboat overnight.
Day 3: Munnar- Tea Gardens and Beautiful Views
- Leave after early breakfast and go to Munnar, a gorgeous hill station in the Western Ghats. This town is renowned because of its tea plantations and beautiful scenery.
- Visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and walk-in tea estates to enjoy the beauty of this hill station.
- Feel the cool, refreshing weather and enjoy the beauty of nature in Munnar.
Day 4: Check-out
- Head to the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, provided there is time to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
- Get back to Kochi in the evening to take your flight back.
Why This Works:
It is a brief tour that allows you to visit the most popular places of Kerala, such as the cultural sites of Kochi, the serene backwaters of Alleppey, and the beautiful hill station of Munnar. It is perfect for those having limited time yet still wish to have the experience of Kerala.
A Week-Long Trip (6-7 Days): Discovering More of Kerala
When you have more time, 6 to 7 days will enable you to explore Kerala at a bit slower pace. This period will allow you to visit other destinations and yet have a chance to relax and enjoy the environment.
Kerala Travel Itinerary (6-7 Days) Suggested:
Day 1: Kochi arrival
- Beginning in Kochi, just as in the short trip. Visit Fort Kochi, the Mattancherry Palace, and Santa Cruz Basilica.
- You may watch a Kathakali dance performance or Kalaripayattu (martial arts) in the evening.
Day 2: Munnar: A paradise of a tea lover
- Travel to Munnar, which lies 4 hrs away via Kochi. Spend a day strolling in the green tea fields and have a guided tour of the Tea Museum.
- Go to Attukal Waterfalls for a beautiful view and spend your evening in the cool mountain air.
Day 3: Thekkady- Wildlife and Spice Plantations
- The following day, proceed to Thekkady (about 3 hours by road to Munnar).
- Visit the wildlife sanctuary of Periyar, which offers a boat ride to view elephants and other wild animals.
- Visit spice plantations and learn about the spice trade, the largest industry in Kerala.
Day 4: Backwaters of Alleppey
- Travel by road to Alleppey (about 4 hrs) and spend a day relaxing in the backwaters.
- Live in a traditional houseboat and experience the famous foods of Kerala, such as fresh seafood.
Day 5: Kovalam Beach
- Once the backwater experience is over, drive to a seaside town called Kovalam (it takes around 4 hours to drive to Kovalam, on the borders of Alleppey).
- Kovalam is known because of its golden beaches and relaxed mood. Spend the day on the beach and sunbathing.
- You can even get some Ayurvedic spa services, as Kerala is famous for its healing activities.
Day 6: Varkala Beach
- Varkala is located within a short drive (about 1.5 hours) in Kovalam and is famous for its cliffs and peaceful beaches.
- Relax on the beach and visit the Papanasam Beach and Janardanaswamy Temple during your day.
Day 7: Departure
- Drive back to Kochi (approximately 4 hours drive) to leave.
Why This Works:
This tour will give you a feel for Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. You have the opportunity to see backwaters, wildlife, hill stations, and beaches in a comfortable time. It is ideal for travelers who desire to explore the places without time pressure.
10 Days or More: A Deep Dive into Kerala
Those with more time to spare can consider 10 days or more, during which you can visit Kerala in detail. You will have an opportunity to travel slower and see some spots that are not so well known in the state.
Recommended Kerala Travel Plan (10+ days):
Along with the spots listed in the 7-day itinerary, these are some of the other destinations that you may consider in your trip:
Day 8: Wayanad- Nature and Adventure
- Take the road to Wayanad, beautiful North Kerala (5-6 hours, depending on Varkala).
- Visit the Edakkal Caves with ancient rock carvings and take a nature walk at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Tour around Soochipara Falls and get a fresh break.
Day 9: Kasaragod -Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Kasaragod is the northernmost district in Kerala and provides a very special mix of culture, history, and the beauty of nature.
- Go to Bekal Fort, which has a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea.
- Visit the serene Ananthapura Lake Temple and the forests around it.
Day 10: Departure to Kochi
- Once you have visited Wayanad and Kasaragod, return to Kochi to depart.
Why This Works?
This longer journey will give you a taste of the entire Kerala. The hills of Munnar, the beaches of Kovalam, the wildlife of Thekkady, and the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey are all in a 10-day trip, giving a deep and immersive experience of Kerala.
Factors That Affect Kerala Trip Duration
1. Personal Interests
The Kerala trip can be as long or as short as what you are interested in. Do you love nature? You might feel like having more time in the hills of Munnar or Thekkady. Have you been interested in Kerala and its culture? You may choose to spend more time in Cochin, where you can learn the history, art, and architecture of Cochin.
2. Traveling Mode
How you get from one place to another can also affect your Kerala itinerary. Traveling between places can be quicker, especially when you drive or employ a private car. But the journey may take longer when you depend on street transport like buses or trains.
3. Relaxing vs exploring
Are you in a mood to relax and unwind, or are you exploring? If you want to visit all the big attractions of Kerala, a longer stay will be more appropriate. Conversely, if you are looking forward to relaxing in the backwaters or spending some time on the beaches of Kerala, you may need a trip of between 5 and 7 days.
4. Seasonal Factors
The weather in Kerala also contributes massively when it comes to determining the most appropriate time to visit. From October to March, tourists will be at their most significant number in Kerala. This is because the weather is good during this period and is perfect for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. When visiting during the monsoon season (June to September), you may prefer staying indoors or considering Ayurvedic retreats instead.
Kerala Travel Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Pre-book your accommodation: Kerala can be crowded during peak season, and booking your hotels and houseboats in advance is always better.
- Be Flexible: You may have an itinerary for Kerala, but be willing to be flexible. Kerala is beautiful because of the surprises.
- Be mindful of the local culture: Kerala has a rich cultural heritage, and it is essential to be aware of local customs, particularly when visiting temples or cultural sites.
- Pack Smart: Kerala may be humid, so pack light and breathable clothes. If you are going to the hill stations, bring a jacket because it will become very cold.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best Kerala stay time is your choice and the experiences you want to enjoy. Kerala is suitable both for those who want to relax after a short trip and those who are ready to devote more time to its exploration.
Usually, 5 to 7 days are enough to satisfy the majority of travelers, yet a longer journey may provide you with a more casual and comprehensive experience. No matter what you select, Kerala will surely give you an unforgettable experience as you traverse the beautiful sceneries, cultural attractions, and friendly people. You will be guaranteed a great trip with the proper Kerala travel itinerary.
The backwaters, beaches, or hill stations can beckon you, but you are sure to be spellbound with Kerala!
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