5-Day Kerala Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Kerala, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
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About Kerala
Kerala stretches along the Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, offering an extraordinary diversity of landscapes in a compact area. The state is famous for its extensive network of backwaters — interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes — best explored by traditional houseboat (kettuvallam). Kerala's cuisine, Ayurvedic heritage, classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, and wildlife sanctuaries make it one of Asia's premier travel destinations. The state enjoys a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons annually.
- Capital
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Largest city
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Population
- 35 million
- Languages
- Malayalam, English, Tamil, Kannada
- Currency
- Indian Rupee
- Time zone
- IST (UTC+5:30)
Explore Kerala by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Kerala
The 0 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
7-Day Classic Kerala
- Days 1-2Kerala city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Kerala
- Days 1-3Kerala comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Kerala, departure
Where to stay in Kerala
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $50-100
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $100-200
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $300+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa
A landmark heritage hotel on Willingdon Island with sweeping views of Kochi Harbour, featuring colonial architecture, two swimming pools, and acclaimed seafood restaurant Bay Walk. Ideal base for Fort Kochi explorations.
Check rates on tajhotels.comCGH Earth Brunton Boatyard
A boutique luxury hotel set in a 19th-century boat building facility in Fort Kochi, blending colonial heritage with modern comforts. Features three pools, seafood-focused dining, and stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Chinese fishing nets.
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
A clifftop luxury retreat of traditional Kerala heritage homes (tharavad) with private beach access, infinity pools, and Kerala Ayurveda spa. One of Kerala's most romantic properties, with panoramic Arabian Sea views.
Spice Village (CGH Earth)
An eco-luxury resort adjacent to Periyar Tiger Reserve, with 52 cottages styled after tribal homes of the Mannan tribe. Features an organic spice garden, elephant safaris, and genuine wildlife immersion.
Where to eat in Kerala
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Dhe Puttu
Famous for its eponymous puttu (steamed rice cylinders) prepared in dozens of varieties — vegetable puttu, egg puttu, chicken puttu. National Geographic named puttu the best breakfast in the world. Always crowded with locals.
Paragon Restaurant
Kozhikode's most legendary restaurant, established in 1939. Paragon is an institution for Malabar cuisine — particularly the Malabar biryani, ghee rice with seafood, and their signature kallummakkaya (mussels) dishes. Always packed.
Kashi Art Cafe
A beloved art gallery-cafe in Fort Kochi serving filter coffee, fresh juices, and a mix of continental and Kerala fusion dishes in a relaxed colonial courtyard setting. A Fort Kochi institution for art lovers.
Malabar Junction
The restaurant at the Malabar House boutique hotel, serving inventive Kerala-European fusion cuisine in a colonial garden setting. One of Fort Kochi's finest dining experiences, with fresh seafood as the centerpiece.
Fusion Bay
Celebrated for its Kerala Syrian fish delicacies — particularly the pollichathu style of cooking fish wrapped in banana leaf and grilled. Also excellent for fish in mango curry and spicy prawn preparations.
Shala Restaurant
A tiny, beloved restaurant run by three housewives serving only 30 guests at a time, located near the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry. The food is home-style Kerala cooking — long queues attest to its quality.
Getting around Kerala
Kerala has a well-developed transportation network combining four international airports, an extensive coastal railway line, KSRTC buses, and — uniquely — an extensive water transport network of ferries and houseboats that are essential for exploring the backwaters.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-40 | $50-120 | $150+ |
| Food (per day) | $10-25 | $30-60 | $80+ |
| Transportation | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Activities | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Daily total | $50-100 | $100-200 | $300+ |
Best time to visit Kerala
Essential travel tips
- Research visa requirements before your trip
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language
- Carry cash as cards may not be accepted everywhere
- Respect local customs and dress codes
- Purchase travel insurance before departure
Safety information
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Kerala?
Entry requirements follow India rules. Most foreigners require an e-Visa or visa on arrival. e-Visas can be applied for online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Kerala?
The currency in Kerala is the Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Kerala?
The main language(s) spoken in Kerala: Malayalam, English, Tamil. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.