Visit Kerala to explore the pristines backwaters, beaches and rich South Indian culture. Buy Kerala tour packages starting at Rs.11,800 and save upto Rs.10,000 on the package this Diwali.  Kerala, popularly dubbed “God’s Own Country”, is recognised for its diverse landscapes, alluring natural beauty, and rich historical and cultural heritage. Keeping this in mind, SOTC presents a wide range of Kerala tour packages which include itineraries to help tourists explore all the popular as well as hidden experiences this charming state has on offer. From quaint towns and vast tea estates to dense forests and serene backwaters, Kerala has a unique charm that soothes peoples’ hearts and minds. Other elements of the Kerala trip include revered temples, delicious cuisine, interesting local culture and traditions, vibrant festivals, etc. This is just a fragment of Kerala’s appeal and if you are interested in exploring it more, consider buying Kerala tour packages from SOTC. Packed with essential amenities and interesting itineraries, these Kerala packages are perfect to offer you the vacation of your dreams. On SOTC, the starting cost of a Kerala trip package is INR 11,800 and you can make use of many attractive offers, like saving up to INR 10,000 on Kerala tour packages.

Most Popular Kerala Tour Packages

Here are some popular Kerala tour packages with price and duration:

Quick information about Kerala

Here are some useful information about Kerala;

Best Places to Visit in Kerala

When making a planned trip, picking the right destinations is very important. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala;

Kochi

Kochi is one of the most popular holiday places to visit in Kerala. It is an important port city with an interesting history dating back thousands of years. From hill palaces and revered places of worship to pristine beaches and charming backwaters, Kochi offers a nice glimpse of what Kerala tourism is all about. Some of its key attractions are Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach, etc. Find Kochi in popular Kerala tour packages by SOTC.

Munnar

Munnar, a quaint town and popular hill station, is among the top tourist places to see in Kerala. It is a prime destination for honeymoons in the state, dotted with lush greenery, vast tea estates, diverse flora and fauna, and so on. You can get Kerala honeymoon packages featuring Munnar on SOTC. Some of Munnar’s prime charms are Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Attukad Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, etc.

Alleppey

Alleppey (Alappuzha) is considered one of the most beautiful places to see in Kerala with family. It is an iconic location for ayurvedic retreats and houseboat stays, thanks to its unscathed natural beauty and serene backwaters. When visiting Alappuzha, consider checking out Alappuzha Beach, St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal, Alappuzha Lighthouse, Krishnapuram Palace, Vembanad Lake, etc. You can easily find Kerala holiday packages featuring Alleppey on SOTC.

Wayanad

Wayanad in Kerala is a place known for its alluring beauty and serene atmosphere. Surrounded by charming hills, cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, blue lakes, etc., it is one of the best places to visit in Kerala for a tranquil getaway far from the busy city life. When in Wayanad, make sure to visit Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Pookode Lake, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. You can look for Kerala tour packages featuring Wayanad on our website.

Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the state capital, is home to several prominent Kerala tourist attractions, including crucial religious shrines, museums, nearby natural attractions, and so on. You can easily find Kerala tour packages with a stay in Trivandrum on SOTC. Notable attractions in and near Trivandrum include Napier Museum, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.

Unique Experiences in Kerala with SOTC

Best time to visit Kerala

It is always a good time to take a trip to “God’s Own Country”. Here’s what you need to know about the best time to visit Kerala;

Winter in Kerala (Oct-Feb)

This period is popularly picked as the best time to visit Kerala for tourism. The weather stays clear, with the temperature hitting an average range of 18-29°C. If you are visiting during these months, be sure to book flight/train tickets, accommodation, Kerala tour packages, etc., in advance.

Summer in Kerala (Mar-May)

Summer is not the best season for Kerala tour, as it is when the sun shines the brightest in the region, turning the weather warm and humid. Due to the heat, only the hill regions in Kerala like Wayanad and Munnar receive the most tourist footfall.

Monsoon in Kerala (Jun-Sept)

Monsoon is ideal for a Kerala trip if you want to explore its natural beauty. Apart from the high humidity, the heavy rain showers give new life to the natural beauty of the region. June is the best month to visit Kerala for Ayurvedic retreats. Find deals on Kerala tour packages for this season on SOTC.

How to reach Kerala

There are a lot of feasible ways to travel to Kerala from any major Indian city. Here’s how to reach Kerala for your vacation;

By Airways

Kerala is easily accessible by air from any major Indian city. Some of its main airports are in or near Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Cochin, etc., featuring frequent domestic and international flights. For reference, a non-stop flight to Thiruvananthapuram from New Delhi takes roughly 3.5 hours. Get Kerala tour packages featuring optional flights on SOTC.

By Roadways

Kerala has over 200 railway stations and its rail circuit is well-connected to major cities across India, like New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, etc. It also features a great road network, with NH 17, 47 & 49 being prime choices for those travelling from Tamil Nadu & Karnataka. 

By Waterways

Travelling by cruise or ship to Kerala from other Indian states is not very practical. The state has many seaports that operate cruises, like Cochin Port and Vizhinjam International Seaport. So, for the question, “How to reach Kerala?”, flights and trains remain the best answers.

Things to do in Kerala 

Besides sightseeing, fun activities and adventures should be the highlight of your Kerala trip. Here are some popular things to do in Kerala;

Go for an Ayurvedic treatment

Kerala is a key centre of Ayurvedic studies and treatment in India and if you have an interest in it, you can try Ayurvedic treatment on your visit. It combines ancient lifestyle practices with a healthy diet, yoga and massage, relaxing your body and mind and offering a detox. You can opt for Ayurveda Kerala holiday packages for a full experience.

• Timing: Varies
• Price: INR 5,000/day onwards
• Tips: Monsoon is considered the best time for this activity.

Explore Munnar tea estates

There are tons of fun things to do in Kerala and exploring the beautiful tea estates in Munnar is one of them. Besides being visually charming, taking a tour of a tea estate will help you learn more about tea production and give you a chance to taste high-quality tea. Visits to the tea estates are often included in popular Kerala travel packages.

• Timing: 9 AM-5 PM (Varies)
• Price: INR 75/person onwards
• Tips: Buy high-quality tea from the in-house shops at the tea estate.

Experience Kerala backwaters in a houseboat

The backwaters in Kerala offer a sense of peace as you navigate the waterways in a traditional boat and watch the scenic surroundings, away from the crowded and polluted city life. This, paired with a houseboat stay experience, is one of the most romantic things to do in Kerala. Get Kerala travel packages featuring houseboat stays on SOTC.

• Timing: Varies
• Price: INR 4,500/day onwards
• Tips: Bring mosquito repellent.

Try water adventures

Participating in fun and thrilling watersports is one of the best things to do in Kerala for tourists. The backwaters, beaches and rivers across the state offer ample opportunities for it. Some well-known activities include scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, etc. Some Kerala tour packages feature water activities in the itinerary. 

• Timing: 9 AM to 6:30 PM (varies)
• Price: INR 500/person onwards
• Tips: Wayanad is popular for bamboo rafting adventures.

Attend a Kathakali show

Kathakali is a renowned classical dance form in India, native to Kerala. Watching a live Kathakali performance that incorporates elaborate costumes, expressive gestures and vibrant music to depict stories from Indian epics, legends and folklore is a must-have experience on a Kerala tour. 

• Timing: 5 PM-7 PM
• Price: INR 500/person onwards
• Tips: The Kathakali show at Fort Kochi is very popular.

Famous Foods to Eat in Kerala

Trying the local cuisine is a great way to experience the culture of Kerala on your trip. Here are some popular Kerala food options to try;

Appam with Stew

Made from coconut milk, sugar and fermented rice flour, Appam is a staple Kerala food item. This thin and crispy pancake-shaped item is often paired with a stew made of cloves, coconut milk, cinnamon, vegetables, mango/meat, etc. Try this dish at Fusion Bay in Kochi.

Thalassery Biryani

No matter where you are in India, you will never run out of Biryani fans. The Thalassery Biryani in Kerala is a traditional recipe, known for its signature aroma and taste. It is prepared with Kaima rice, meat, dry nuts and various regional spices. You can try this famous food in Kerala at Rara Avis Restaurant in Thalassery.

Idiyappam

It is a string hopper dish made with rice flour, which is pressed into noodles and then steamed. Idiyappam is a popular dish to try during a Kerala tour, ideal for tourists interested in trying light dishes from the region. It is often served alongside some spicy curry. Check out New Jaya Kerala Restaurant in Ernakulam for some delicious Idiyappam.

Banana Fritters

Though a snack item, banana fritters have won the hearts of foodies across India. This crispy and tasty delight is made using ripe bananas, which are coated in flour and deep-fried in oil. Consider visiting Selvi’s Kitchen in Ernakulam for some delicious banana fritters. The Kerala packages by SOTC usually come with included meals and other essential amenities.

Kerala Prawn Curry

Seafood is a prominent part of Kerala cuisine and the Kerala Prawn Curry is one of its best contenders. It is a traditional dish that follows a simple recipe which includes prawn cooked with chilli, pepper, coconut milk, jaggery, salt, curry leaves, etc. It is a dish that is bound to make your tastebuds happy. Visit Fort House Restaurant in Kochi for this famous food in Kerala.

Kerala fun facts 

Following are some exciting Kerala facts that will surely elevate your interest;

Home of the world’s wealthiest Hindu temple

There are thousands of incredible Hindu shrines across the state of Kerala and among them, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is of great popularity and importance. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams and is renowned for being the wealthiest Hindu temple in the world.

Kerala’s fascinating backwaters

The incredible Kerala backwaters are made up of a complicated network of brackish lagoons and canals. The network includes five big lakes linked by natural and artificial canals and fed by multiple rivers, including River Periyar. Virtually, the backwaters extend almost half of the state’s length, which is one of the most interesting Kerala facts.

Home of India’s first church, synagogue and mosque

The state of Kerala has an impressive religious diversity that is also reflected in the pages of its history. It is home to the country’s first-ever church, the St. Thomas Church in Palayur, its first synagogue, the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, and its first mosque, the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur. 

Kerala detailed permits & document requirements 

Personal documents: 

Domestic travellers visiting Kerala for a vacation don’t need to obtain any special permit or documents for the trip. However, carrying general documents on the trip is recommended, which include a personal photo ID card, like an Aadhaar Card. Besides, be sure to carry the documents needed as per your trip itinerary.

Permits for vehicle: 

If you are planning on operating your car, bike or other vehicle in Kerala for personal use during the trip, you can do so without applying for any special permits. However, be sure to wear a helmet and seatbelt and carry documents like your driving licence, vehicle RC, valid insurance certificate, PUC certificate, etc.

Additional permits: 

Most tourist attractions and destinations across Kerala are open to all tourists and don’t need any special permit, especially for domestic visitors. However, travellers may need to obtain and produce any special permit/document for certain attractions/experiences, like operating a boat, trekking in a national park, etc., from the designated local authorities.

Kerala cultural & heritage insight 

In short, the incredible Kerala culture and heritage are defined by its places of worship, historical sites, traditional food, arts & crafts, folk dance and music, ancient Kerala traditions, and local festivals. The Western Ghats, which passes through Kerala, is a great example of the region's incredible and rich historical heritage. Then, there are the fascinating sites capturing the region’s religious and historical heritage, like Anchuthengu Fort, Thrikkakkudi Rock-Cut Temple, Edakkal Caves, Krishnapuram Palace, etc. Another aspect that highlights the cultural heritage of the region is its traditional cuisine. The local recipes use everything the region has to offer, with dishes influenced by different diverse groups of people. For example, coconut grows in abundance in the state, hence, the use of coconut in the form of coconut oil and coconut milk in its cuisine is widely done. The traditional wear for men in Kerala is the Mundu, while for women it is Mundum Neriyathum. The architecture in Kerala works as a symbolic mirror of its interesting historical and cultural heritage. The traditional buildings, old temples, churches, etc., all show a mix of Indian and Dravidian architecture with an ample amount of foreign influences. Traditional dance and music are key parts of Kerala culture and heritage, with Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Opanna, Chakyar Koothu, etc., being prime examples. As per 2011 statistics, in Kerala, roughly 55% of people follow Hinduism, 27% follow Islam, 19% follow Christianity and the rest follow other or no religion. Also, the Kerala festival scene is a major aspect that reflects authentic regional culture and heritage, like Onam, Thrissur Pooram, Arattu at Trivandrum, Makaravilakku Festival, etc.

Do not miss! 

Sightseeing in Kerala

Kerala tourism offers an overall incredible vacation experience, thanks to its natural beauty, rich history and diverse culture. It has plenty of renowned tourist places that one shouldn’t miss visiting, like Munnar, Trivandrum, Kochi, Alleppey, Varkala, Wayanad, Periyar National Park, etc.

The cuisine of Kerala

The rich taste, soothing aroma and use of freshly sourced ingredients are some aspects that make the cuisine of Kerala fascinating. So, don’t forget to taste the traditional delights of Kerala, such as Appam with stew, Puttu & Kadala curry, Kerala Prawn Curry, Coconut Toddy, Thalassery Biryani, etc.

Fun activities in Kerala

Whether it's shopping for tea and traditional arts & crafts at the local markets or enjoying a soothing houseboat ride through the backwaters, elevate your Kerala tourism experience with fun activities. Also, consider trying wildlife safari, trekking, scuba diving, tea estate tours, etc. 

Why SOTC?

SOTC is synonymous with fun vacations, whether it's a domestic getaway or an international holiday. We have travel professionals with years of experience and knowledge in the field of tourism, hence are able to create fascinating travel plans within all price ranges. Be that a budget-friendly trip or a luxurious honeymoon, we got you covered. Apart from the comfort and convenience of buying tour packages, which include essential amenities, online, here are some additional reasons to choose SOTC for your holidays;

• Easy EMI payments: To make dream holidays more accessible to everyone, we accept EMI payments for most of our plans, which helps split the cost into a more manageable payment scheme.
• Easy cancellation policy: If, for any reason, customers feel the necessity to cancel a trip, they can do so through the simple cancellation process as per our policy.  
• Ability to reschedule bookings: We understand the need for altering travel dates, hence we allow users the ability to reschedule bookings as needed.
• Options to modify trip destinations: By offering the ability to customise plans, such as modifying trip destinations, we help customers get the trip experience they desire.
• Refund policies: Our transparent and reasonable refund policies are in place to ensure customers get their money back as per the policy in case of trip cancellation.