Mumbai to Kerala Tour Packages & Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Kerala from Mumbai

• October to February (Winter): Pleasant weather across most regions; ideal for backwaters, beaches, wildlife, and tea gardens. Peak festival vibe with Theyyam (North Kerala) and Christmas/New Year in Kochi.
• March to May (Summer): Warm to hot in the plains; perfect for hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad. Backwater stays are best enjoyed in the mornings/evenings.
• June to September (Monsoon): Lush landscapes, romantic rains, misty hills. Favoured season for authentic Ayurveda therapies. Expect intermittent showers and occasional travel disruptions in heavy spells.
• Festival Windows: Thrissur Pooram (Apr/May), Onam (Aug/Sep), Kochi-Muziris Biennale (biennial, winters). Book in advance for these periods.

How to Reach Kerala from Mumbai

By Air

• Main Gateways: Kochi (COK), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), Kozhikode (CCJ), Kannur (CNN).
• Nonstop Flight Durations: ~1 hr 50 min to ~2 hr 15 min from Mumbai (BOM), depending on airport and wind conditions.
• When to Fly Where:
  • Kochi: Best for Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Athirappilly.
  • Thiruvananthapuram: Best for Kovalam, Poovar, Varkala, Kanyakumari (TN).
  • Kozhikode/Kannur: Best for Wayanad, Malabar Coast.

By Train

• Routes: Konkan coastal route via Mangaluru or inland via Palakkad.
• Typical Journey Time: ~16–26 hours based on train and destination within Kerala.
• Popular Options: Netravati Express, Mangala Lakshadweep SF, Kerala Sampark Kranti (board at Vasai Road as applicable). Reserve early for comfortable classes.

By Road

• Driving Distance to Kochi: ~1,300–1,400 km via NH48/NH66; best done in 2–3 days with halts (Goa, Karwar, Mangaluru, Kannur).
• Buses: Long-haul private/KSRTC options exist but often involve overnight legs and limited frequency. Consider breaking journey via Goa or Mangaluru.

Top Places to Cover

• Kochi (Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Chinese fishing nets, Jewish Synagogue, Kathakali/Kalaripayattu shows)
• Munnar (Tea gardens, Eravikulam NP, Tea Museum, Top Station, waterfalls)
• Alleppey & Kumarakom (Vembanad Lake, houseboats, village canals, birdlife)
• Thekkady/Periyar (Periyar Tiger Reserve boat safari, nature walks, spice plantations)
• Athirappilly & Vazhachal Falls (Spectacular monsoon-fed cascades, rainforest vibes)
• Kovalam & Poovar (Beaches, lighthouse views, serene backwater-estuary rides)
• Varkala (Cliffside beach, cafes, sunset viewpoints)
• Wayanad (Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar, wildlife sanctuaries, coffee/spice estates)
• North Kerala/ Malabar (Bekal Fort, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, Theyyam rituals in season)

Suggested Itineraries (3–8 Days)

3 Days: Kochi + Backwaters Taster

1. Day 1: Arrive Kochi (from Mumbai by morning flight). Fort Kochi heritage walk, sunset at Chinese nets.
2. Day 2: Alleppey day-cruise or short houseboat stay; village canoe ride; return/overnight near backwaters.
3. Day 3: Kochi city (Jew Town, Synagogue, Dutch Palace) and departure.

• Highlights: Quick immersion into Kerala culture and backwaters.
• Ideal For: Long weekend from Mumbai.
• Reaching from Mumbai: Fly BOM–COK early morning for maximum time on ground.
• Inclusions (typical): Airport transfers, Kochi sightseeing, day-cruise/houseboat with meals, driver allowance.
• Exclusions (typical): Flights/train, monument/park entry fees, personal expenses, optional cultural shows.

4 Days: Munnar Hills + Kochi

1. Day 1: Arrive COK; transfer to Munnar via waterfalls.
2. Day 2: Munnar full day (Eravikulam NP, Tea Museum, scenic viewpoints).
3. Day 3: Tea estate walk; return to Kochi; evening Kathakali show.
4. Day 4: Kochi city tour; fly back to Mumbai.

• Highlights: Tea-carpeted slopes, cool climate, heritage Kochi.
• Reaching from Mumbai: Morning flight to COK; depart late evening on Day 4.
• Typical Inclusions: Kerala chauffeur-driven vehicle, hotel with breakfast, sightseeing transfers.
• Typical Exclusions: Flights/train, meals beyond breakfast, special permits/fees.

5 Days: Munnar + Thekkady + Backwaters

1. Day 1: Arrive COK; drive to Munnar.
2. Day 2: Explore Munnar highlights.
3. Day 3: Drive to Thekkady; spice plantation tour; evening cultural performance.
4. Day 4: Morning Periyar lake boat or nature walk; head to Alleppey; houseboat check-in.
5. Day 5: Disembark; drive to Kochi; depart to Mumbai.

• Highlights: Hills, wildlife, spices, classic houseboat experience.
• Reaching from Mumbai: BOM–COK recommended; time Day 4 for houseboat check-in.
• Inclusions (typical): Private transport, hotels + breakfast, houseboat with onboard meals, driver charges.
• Exclusions (typical): Flights/train, forest/boat tickets at Periyar, activities like jeep safaris.

6 Days: Kochi + Munnar + Alleppey/Kumarakom

1. Day 1: Arrive Kochi; heritage visit.
2. Day 2–3: Munnar sightseeing and hikes/viewpoints.
3. Day 4: Transfer to backwaters; village experiences or birding.
4. Day 5: Houseboat or lakeside resort day.
5. Day 6: Return to Kochi; depart.

• Highlights: Balanced hills, history, slow-water charm.
• Reaching: Fly BOM–COK; late departure on Day 6.

7 Days: South Kerala Circuit (Kochi–Munnar–Thekkady–Alleppey–Kovalam)

1. Day 1: Kochi arrival and city.
2. Day 2–3: Munnar highlights.
3. Day 4: Thekkady spice & Periyar activities.
4. Day 5: Alleppey houseboat cruise.
5. Day 6: Kovalam beach via coastal highway.
6. Day 7: Trivandrum city/temple/museum; fly out from TRV to Mumbai.

• Reaching: Arrive COK; depart TRV for a seamless southbound flow.
• Tip: Keep one light bag for beach days; store extra luggage with driver/hotel.

8 Days: Western Ghats & Malabar (Wayanad Focus)

1. Day 1: Fly BOM–CCJ (Kozhikode); transfer to Wayanad.
2. Day 2–3: Wayanad caves, dams, coffee estates.
3. Day 4: Wildlife safari (as per availability/seasonal rules).
4. Day 5: Drive to Bekal or Kannur; fort and beaches.
5. Day 6: Muzhappilangad drive-in beach; Theyyam (in season).
6. Day 7: Transfer to Kochi or remain in Malabar.
7. Day 8: Departure from COK/CCJ back to Mumbai.

• Highlights: North Kerala culture, forts, coffee, wildlife.
• Reaching: Use CCJ/CNN for the north; combine with COK if ending in central Kerala.

What’s Included vs Excluded

Common Inclusions

• Kerala ground transport in private AC vehicle with professional driver.
• Hotel stays with breakfast; houseboat stays with onboard meals.
• Sightseeing transfers as per itinerary; driver’s allowances, tolls, parking.
• Airport/rail pick-up and drop within Kerala.

Common Exclusions

• Flights or trains from/to Mumbai (unless explicitly added).
• Monument, museum, national park, and boating entry fees.
• Lunches/dinners not specified; personal expenses; tips; optional activities.
• Early check-in/late check-out; festival surcharges; special permits where required.

Local Transport Rules & Extras

• Driving norms: Front and rear seatbelts mandatory; helmets required for two-wheelers; strict DUI checks.
• Houseboats: Cruising usually pauses after sunset; boats anchor for the night for safety and environmental norms.
• Autos/Taxies: Metered autos in cities; app cabs (Kochi/TRV) available; prepaid counters at airports.
• Forest/Wildlife: Limited daily safari/boat slots; follow silence, no feeding wildlife, no littering.
• Photography: Drones restricted near airports/parks; some sites levy camera fees; obey no-flash rules in temples/museums.
• Plastic & Litter: Carry-back policy in many eco-zones; use refillable bottles.
• Driver Hours: Hill and forest drives discouraged after dark; overtime/night driving may attract additional charges (confirm in advance).

Connectivity, Safety & Travel Tips

• Mobile/Data: Jio, Airtel, and Vi offer strong coverage in cities/towns; expect weaker signals in high ranges or deep forests.
• Payments: UPI and cards widely accepted; carry some cash for village purchases and remote checkpoints.
• Health: Stay hydrated; in monsoon, use leech socks for dense trails; carry motion-sickness meds for winding hill roads.
• Beach Safety: Obey lifeguards and flag codes; avoid venturing into rough seas or rip currents.
• Monsoon Caution: Check daily weather/landslide advisories for hill travel; keep buffer times in itineraries.
• Language: Malayalam is local; English and Hindi are commonly understood in tourism hubs.
• Power: Standard Indian 230V; your Mumbai chargers work seamlessly.

Permits & ID Requirements

• Hotels/Houseboats: Government-approved photo ID required for each adult (Aadhaar, Driving License, Passport). Children should have age proof.
• Forest/Reserves: Entry tickets and guided activity permits are mandatory; many can be booked online (e.g., Periyar, Eravikulam).
• Drones/Professional Shoots: Special permits may be required; check district/park authorities.
• International Travellers: Passport with valid Indian visa; carry soft copies of documents and e-permits.

What to Pack (Season-wise)

Winter (Oct–Feb)

• Light layers for days; a light jacket/sweater for Munnar/Wayanad nights.
• Comfortable walking shoes; sunhat; sunscreen.

Summer (Mar–May)

• Breathable cottons/linens; cap; sunglasses; high SPF sunscreen.
• Electrolyte sachets; compact umbrella for sudden showers.

Monsoon (Jun–Sep)

• Quick-dry clothing; rain jacket/poncho; waterproof footwear.
• Leech socks for dense forest trails; dry bags for electronics.

Always

• Basic first-aid, personal meds, insect repellent, reusable water bottle.
• Power bank; copies of IDs and confirmations.

Food to Try & Shopping

Must-Try Dishes

• Appam with stew; Puttu with kadala (black chickpeas) curry.
• Karimeen pollichathu (pearl-spot fish); Malabar biryani; Kerala sadhya (veg feast on banana leaf).
• Parotta with Kerala-style curries; prawn fry; kappa (tapioca) and meen curry.
• Snacks & Sweets: Banana chips, achappam, Kozhikode halwa, payasam varieties.

Shopping

• Spices, tea, coffee, homemade chocolates (Munnar/Wayanad).
• Kasavu sarees and dhotis, Aranmula metal mirrors, coir products, Nettipattam decor.
• Where: Jew Town & Broadway (Kochi), MG Road (Trivandrum), local spice markets, tea outlets.

Approx Travel Times

• Mumbai to Kochi (Flight): ~1 hr 50 min–2 hr 15 min (nonstop); add airport formalities.
• Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram (Flight): ~2 hr 5 min–2 hr 30 min (nonstop).
• Mumbai to Kerala (Train): ~16–26 hrs depending on destination and train type.
• Kochi Airport to Munnar: ~4–5 hrs.
• Munnar to Thekkady: ~3–4 hrs.
• Thekkady to Alleppey: ~4–5 hrs.
• Alleppey to Kochi: ~1.5–2 hrs.
• Kochi to Athirappilly: ~2–3 hrs.
• Kozhikode to Wayanad: ~3–4 hrs.
• Kovalam to Trivandrum Airport: ~30–45 min.

Times vary with traffic, weather, and halts. Always keep buffers, especially in monsoon and weekends.

Booking Tips for Mumbai Travellers

• Choose the right gateway: COK for central backwaters/hills; TRV for Kovalam/Varkala; CCJ/CNN for Wayanad/Malabar.
• Sequence smartly: Hills → Wildlife → Backwaters → Beach minimizes drive fatigue and altitude shifts.
• Lock key permits early: Eravikulam NP slots, Periyar boat tickets, festival-season entries.
• Monsoon plans: Add buffer days; prefer flexible, centrally located stays and private transfers.
• Houseboat selection: Opt for well-maintained boats with safety gear and verified crew; confirm AC hours and meal plan.
• Dietary needs: Inform your consultant in advance (veg-only, Jain meals, seafood preferences).
• Flight timing hacks: Morning arrivals optimize Day 1; late evening departures help maximize last-day sightseeing.

Ready-Made Package Ideas

1) Backwaters & Tea Hills Escape (5 Days)

• Route: Kochi → Munnar (2N) → Alleppey Houseboat (1N) → Kochi (1N)
• Day Plan:
  • D1: BOM–COK; drive to Munnar via Valara/Cheeyappara falls.
  • D2: Munnar: Eravikulam NP, Tea Museum, scenic viewpoints.
  • D3: Thekkady (optional en route) photo stops; reach Alleppey; houseboat check-in, cruise, onboard dinner.
  • D4: Disembark; Kochi city and cultural show.
  • D5: Fort Kochi morning stroll; depart COK → BOM.
• Highlights: Tea gardens, wildlife glance, classic backwater night.
• Inclusions (typical): AC vehicle, hotels with breakfast, houseboat meals, transfers, driver allowances.
• Exclusions (typical): Mumbai flights/train, entry/activity fees, personal expenses.
• Reaching from Mumbai: Morning flight to COK on D1; return late evening D5.

2) South Kerala Heritage & Beaches (7 Days)

• Route: Kochi (1N) → Munnar (2N) → Thekkady (1N) → Alleppey (1N) → Kovalam (1N) → Trivandrum (1N)
• Day Plan:
  • D1: Arrive COK; Fort Kochi heritage.
  • D2–3: Munnar highlights and soft hikes.
  • D4: Spice plantation; Periyar lake activity; evening show.
  • D5: Houseboat day & night.
  • D6: Coastal drive to Kovalam; lighthouse beach sunset.
  • D7: Trivandrum city; fly TRV → BOM.
• Highlights: Complete south arc from hills to beach.
• Inclusions/Exclusions: As per standard notes; add guided heritage walks on request.
• Reaching from Mumbai: Open-jaw tickets BOM–COK in, TRV–BOM out.

3) Malabar & Wayanad Adventure (6 Days)

• Route: Kozhikode (1N) → Wayanad (3N) → Bekal/Kannur (1N) → Kozhikode (Out)
• Day Plan:
  • D1: BOM–CCJ; Kozhikode food trail.
  • D2–3: Wayanad caves, dams, coffee estates; wildlife as available.
  • D4: Village trek/zipline; transfer to coast.
  • D5: Bekal Fort/Muzhappilangad drive-in beach; return to CCJ for departure D6.
• Highlights: Coffee country, ancient caves, dramatic forts and beaches.
• Reaching from Mumbai: Direct flight to CCJ; or fly BOM–COK + surface to Wayanad (longer).

4) Compact Kerala Taster (3 Days)

• Route: Kochi (2N) → Alleppey (Day trip) → Kochi (Out)
• Day Plan:
  • D1: BOM–COK; Fort Kochi walk; Kathakali.
  • D2: Alleppey day-cruise; back to Kochi.
  • D3: Spice/Antique shopping; depart.
• Highlights: Perfect long-weekend dip into Kerala culture and canals.
• Reaching from Mumbai: Early BOM–COK in; late return flight.

Documents & Insurance

• Carry Government photo ID for all adults; age proof for minors.
• Keep digital and printed copies of tickets, hotel vouchers, and permits.
• Domestic Travel Insurance: Recommended for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and baggage issues.
• Self-Drive (if any): Valid Driving License, address proof; some vendors may seek a refundable deposit and original ID for verification.
• Medical: List of personal medications, prescriptions, and emergency contacts.

FAQs