South India Revealed
Discover the ancient temples, palatial mansions, palm-lined backwaters, spice gardens and markets, and the stunning national parks, all in one...
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Cultural holidays
Kerala tours allow you to experience luscious jungles, rural villages, golden sands and a relaxed pace of life. Add your Kerala tour to a holiday spent exploring the lively cities and historic attractions of India for a chance to unwind before travelling home. Browse our selection below for inspiration, or speak to one of our Destination Specialists and create your own itinerary.
Our luxury private tours of Kerala allow you to head into the verdant hills, explore beautiful rivers by boat or relax on sandy beaches. Our Classic Kerala Tour takes you through all the top sights of the area over eight days. Begin your holiday in Cochin, where you’ll find the Dutch Palace, churches, the Santa Cruz Basilica and more. Finish your stay with an evening dance show before setting off for Munnar in the morning. Along the way you’ll see the 14th Century Chinese fishing nets and little fishing towns the area is known for. Discover the history of the Raj and enjoy the peace of the tea gardens in Munnar. Next is Periyar, where you can trek the jungle and see elephants, exotic birds and more before finishing your journey in Allepey with a houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake.
See how Kerala fits within the beauty and history of Southern India. Visit the churches, galleries, fort and other historic attractions of Chennai; see the colonial towns, renowned Hindu and Sikh temples and spice farms; finish with a houseboat tour around serene Vembanad Lake before watching a traditional Kathakali dance show.
Alleppey Houseboat Tour
The Alleppey Houseboat extension tour will let you discover the backwaters of Kerala onboard a traditional houseboat. This two-day tour,...
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Iconic journeys
Mahabalipuram Guided Tour
If you don’t feel quite ready to end your holiday in India, why not consider our three-day Mahabalipuram extension? You...
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Escorted tours holidays
Kerala Tea Tour
This South India itinerary allows you to truly soak in the scenic grandeur of India’s south. With rolling tea plantations,...
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Escorted tours holidays
“Hiking around Munnar, through the high-altitude forests up to the tea and cardamom plantations is, in my opinion, one of the most unforgettable ways to see this part of Kerala.”
“For me, if you can only do one thing, it should be taking a trip on one of the houseboats, or kettuvallam, through the Keralan backwaters. You just feel so much closer to nature and the local way of life.”
“I’ve always loved elephants, so seeing them in the wild was a real highlight. I may not have managed to spot a tiger, but that didn’t make my visit to Periyar National Park in Thekkady any less magical.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When’s the best time of year to visit Kerala?
The best time to go is from late November through to early April when there’s the lowest chance of rain. From late March through to May, temperatures rise and it can get really hot. As a general rule of thumb, avoid June and July when it’s monsoon season, and there is often a spike in rain again around October.
What essentials should I pack?
Mosquito repellent is key, and if you’re planning any jungle treks, a pair of leech socks will be your most prized possession. Comfortable shoes for walking in, as well as flip flops for the beach. And pack one or two warm layers, particularly if you’re heading into the hills, where it can get chilly.
What’s the best way to get around Kerala?
Public transport is actually pretty reliable in Kerala, and most tourists have great success getting around by bus or train. You can also hire motorbikes, bicycles, or your own personal driver.
From the lush green jungles to rolling hills of tea plantations, and from the intricate chain of lagoons that are Kerala’s backwaters to the coconut tree-line beaches, Kerala is a land of great opportunity for both adventure seekers and beach loafers.
Why you'll love Kerala...
- Spending the night on an iconic houseboat in the backwaters
- Encountering elephants in their natural habitat in Periyar National Park
- Trekking through the jungle up to the stunning tea plantations around Munnar
- Sampling the freshest fish caught that day in Cochin
- Catching a glimpse of one of nature’s most elusive big cats, the Bengal tiger
- Exploring the cardamom plantations that cover the hills of the Western Ghats
- Watching monkeys play in the trees of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Strolling along the coastal paradise that is Varkala Beach
- Making the pilgrimage to Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram
- Learning to cook your favourite Keralan dish in a local cookery class
- Soaking up the culture clash and history of Fort Cochin
- Discovering your spiritual side in ‘God’s own country’
Did you know?
- Kerala was declared ‘one of the 10 paradises of the world’ by National Geographic
- The state of Kerala consumes 20 percent of all India’s gold annually, the majority of which goes to adorning brides in splendour on their wedding day
- The ‘land of coconuts’ is also proud to hold the record for India’s highest literacy rate, at around 93 percent. It also achieved 100 percent primary education among its population in 2016
Let’s talk
There’s no question too small. Start planning your dream trip by talking to our Destination Specialists.
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How we tailor make your holiday
The Hayes & Jarvis Way
We've been tailor making holidays for 65 years. With over 60 destinations to choose from, talk to us and we'll listen to your travel ideas to create unforgettable holiday experiences.