Kerala Tour Packages from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit Kerala from Bangalore

Kerala is a year-round destination, but different seasons offer distinct experiences for travellers from Bangalore:

• October to February (Cool & Pleasant): Ideal for hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad, wildlife safaris in Thekkady, backwaters in Alleppey/Kumarakom, and coastal stays in Kochi, Kovalam, and Varkala. Crisp skies and comfortable temperatures.
• March to May (Summer): Warmer on the coast; excellent time for higher-altitude getaways (Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon). Early morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Beaches and backwaters are quieter.
• June to September (Monsoon & Green Season): Lush landscapes, dramatic waterfalls (Athirappilly, Vazhachal), Ayurvedic treatments are traditionally favoured now. Expect intermittent showers; pack rain gear and plan flexible schedules.
• Festival Highlights: Thrissur Pooram (Apr–May, dates vary), Onam (Aug–Sep), Theyyam (Nov–Apr, North Kerala). Book well in advance for these periods.

How to Reach Kerala from Bangalore

By Air

• Closest and most connected airports: Cochin International (COK) for Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, Thekkady; Trivandrum (TRV) for Kovalam, Poovar, Varkala; Calicut/Kozhikode (CCJ) for Wayanad, Kannur, Bekal belt.
• Non-stop flights from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) typically take about 1–1.5 hours. Morning flights are ideal to maximize Day 1 sightseeing.
• Last-mile transfers: COK to Kochi city (45–60 min), to Munnar (4–5 hrs), to Alleppey (1.5–2 hrs). TRV to Kovalam (30–45 min); CCJ to Wayanad (3–4 hrs).

By Train

• Major boarding points: KSR Bengaluru (SBC), Yesvantpur (YPR), Krishnarajapuram (KJM). Key Kerala stations: Ernakulam Jn (ERS), Ernakulam Town (ERN), Trivandrum Central (TVC), Kozhikode (CLT), Kannur (CAN), Alappuzha (ALLP), Kottayam (KTYM).
• Overnight sleepers are convenient for weekenders. Average durations: 10–12 hrs to Ernakulam, 14–16 hrs to Trivandrum, 11–13 hrs to Kozhikode.
• Carry original ID for e-tickets. Book return trains early, especially for long weekends and holidays.

By Road

• Highways: NH44–NH544 corridor to Kochi via Salem–Coimbatore; NH275/NH766 toward Wayanad; NH66 hugs the coast to North & South Kerala.
• Driving time: ~10–12 hrs to Kochi, ~6–7 hrs to Wayanad, ~13–15 hrs to Trivandrum (subject to traffic and stops).
• Buses: Overnight AC sleepers and Volvo services by KSRTC (both states) and private operators connect Bangalore with Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Kannur, Alappuzha.

Top Places to Cover

Hills & Tea Country

• Munnar: Tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park, waterfalls, Top Station views.
• Wayanad: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, wildlife sanctuaries.
• Vagamon: Meadows, pine forests, paragliding (seasonal), offbeat vibes.

Backwaters & Lakes

• Alleppey (Alappuzha): Houseboats, canals, village life.
• Kumarakom: Vembanad Lake, bird sanctuary, serene resorts.
• Poovar: Estuary meeting the sea; mangroves and sandbars.

Beaches & Coast

• Kovalam & Varkala: Classic beaches, lighthouses, cliffside cafes (Varkala).
• Marari: Quiet sandy stretches near Alleppey.
• Bekal & Kannur: Forts, Theyyam culture, pristine shores.

Wildlife & Waterfalls

• Thekkady (Periyar): Boat safaris, spice plantations, bamboo rafting (seasonal).
• Athirappilly & Vazhachal: Kerala’s iconic cascades near Kochi–Thrissur.

Culture & Heritage

• Fort Kochi & Mattancherry: Chinese fishing nets, colonial lanes, Synagogue, Palace.
• Thrissur & Guruvayoor: Temples, festivals, traditional art.
• Muziris Heritage Area: Archaeological sites, museums, spice history.

Suggested Itineraries (3–8 Days)

3 Days: Quick Backwaters & Kochi

Route: Kochi – Alleppey – Kochi

• Day 1: Fly/arrive from Bangalore to Kochi. Fort Kochi walk, Dutch Palace, Jew Town.
• Day 2: Transfer to Alleppey. Day cruise or overnight houseboat on Vembanad Lake.
• Day 3: Return to Kochi; shopping, cafes; depart.

Reaching from Bangalore: Morning BLR–COK flight or overnight train to Ernakulam.

4 Days: Munnar Tea Hills Escape

Route: Kochi – Munnar – Kochi

• Day 1: Land in Kochi; drive to Munnar via waterfalls and tea vistas.
• Day 2: Eravikulam NP (closed Feb–Mar for calving; check dates), Tea Museum, Top Station.
• Day 3: Offbeat hikes, Kolukkumalai jeep trek (optional), spice shopping.
• Day 4: Return to Kochi; depart.

Reaching from Bangalore: Fly to COK for the fastest access to Munnar.

5 Days: Hills, Wildlife & Backwaters

Route: Kochi – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kochi

• Day 1–2: Munnar sightseeing.
• Day 3: Drive to Thekkady; spice plantations; evening Kalaripayattu/Kathakali shows.
• Day 4: Periyar lake boat safari; proceed to Alleppey for houseboat or lakeside resort.
• Day 5: Return to Kochi; depart.

Reaching from Bangalore: BLR–COK flight or overnight train to Ernakulam; private cab circuit.

6 Days: Wayanad Nature Drive

Route: Bangalore – Wayanad – Kozhikode

• Day 1: Depart early from Bangalore by road; reach Wayanad by afternoon.
• Day 2–3: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Dam, tea estates, wildlife sanctuary.
• Day 4: Leisure; optional Chembra trek (permit-based).
• Day 5: Drive to Kozhikode; beach time and cuisine trail.
• Day 6: Return to Bangalore by train/flight/road.

Reaching from Bangalore: Direct road drive (NH275/NH766) or BLR–CCJ flight then road.

7 Days: Classic Kerala Circuit

Route: Kochi – Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom/Alleppey – Kochi

• Day 1–2: Kochi arrival + Munnar hills.
• Day 3: Transfer to Thekkady; spice gardens; cultural shows.
• Day 4–5: Houseboat or lakeside resort at Kumarakom/Alleppey; village canoe ride.
• Day 6: Return to Kochi; Fort Kochi heritage, cafes.
• Day 7: Depart.

Reaching from Bangalore: Best via BLR–COK for seamless handoffs.

8 Days: South Kerala with Beaches

Route: Kochi – Munnar – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum

• Day 1–2: Munnar highlights.
• Day 3–4: Alleppey backwaters and canals.
• Day 5–6: Kovalam beach, lighthouse, day trip to Varkala or Poovar.
• Day 7: Trivandrum city tour (Padmanabhaswamy Temple, museums).
• Day 8: Depart from TRV.

Reaching from Bangalore: BLR–COK inbound, surface travel south, depart TRV for a smooth open-jaw plan.

What’s Included vs Excluded

Typically Included

• Accommodation with breakfast (CP) or breakfast + dinner (MAP) as per selection.
• Private AC cab for intercity and local sightseeing (as per itinerary).
• Driver allowance, tolls, parking, interstate taxes (as applicable).
• Airport/railway station pick-up and drop.
• Houseboat day cruise or overnight stay including standard meals (on backwater days).

Common Exclusions

• Entry fees, safaris, boating tickets, camera charges, optional activities.
• Lunches and personal expenses (snacks, beverages, shopping).
• Early check-in/late check-out unless confirmed in writing.
• Guide charges unless specified; festival/event surcharges if applicable.
• Travel insurance, airfare/train fares unless explicitly added.

Local Transport Rules & Extras

• Taxi unions operate in some sightseeing zones; local jeeps/cabs may be mandatory for certain viewpoints or off-road trails.
• Forest roads and sanctuaries have fixed timings; night traffic restrictions may apply on certain corridors (e.g., towards Wayanad via Bandipur stretch). Plan transits accordingly.
• Houseboats: Standard check-in around 12–12:30 pm; cruising until evening; anchored overnight; checkout ~9 am. AC timings vary by boat category—confirm in advance.
• Speed and seat belt rules are strictly enforced; helmets mandatory for two-wheelers.
• Temple dress codes apply at some shrines; carry modest attire and follow local customs.
• Boating and adventure activities are weather-dependent; life jackets are compulsory for all official cruises.

Connectivity, Safety & Travel Tips

• Mobile coverage: Good across cities (Jio, Airtel, Vi); patchy in highlands and deep forests. Download offline maps for Munnar/Wayanad.
• Payments: UPI widely accepted; keep some cash for remote villages and small vendors. ATMs available in towns.
• Power: 230V, 50Hz; plug types C/D/M. Carry a universal adapter and surge protector for devices.
• Health: Pack motion-sickness meds for winding ghats; carry rain gear in monsoon; leech socks or salt helpful on forest treks.
• Safety: Follow lifeguard flags at beaches; avoid isolated stretches after dark. Keep copies of IDs and emergency contacts.
• Women & family friendly: Resorts and houseboats are generally safe; choose reputed operators and verified stays.
• Driving: Start before 8 am for long hill transfers to avoid fog or late-evening traffic. Keep fuel topped up in remote belts.
• Emergency numbers: 112 (all-in-one), 100 (police), 101 (fire), 108 (ambulance).

Permits & ID Requirements

• Carry original government-issued photo ID for all travellers; hotels and houseboats require it at check-in.
• Children: School ID or birth certificate copy helps when age-based tickets or bed policies apply.
• Wildlife sanctuaries: Entry permits and safari tickets are issued on-site or online where available; camera and vehicle fees may apply.
• Drones: Require prior permissions; flying is restricted near wildlife areas, airports, and sensitive zones.
• Self-drive: Keep valid DL, RC, PUC, and insurance. Interstate taxes/toll receipts should be handy.

What to Pack (Season-wise)

October–February

• Light layers for evenings in hills; shawl/light jacket for Munnar/Wayanad.
• Closed walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen.

March–May

• Breathable cottons/linens, hat/cap, high-SPF sunscreen.
• Hydration bottles/electrolyte sachets; UV protection for beach days.

June–September

• Waterproof jacket/poncho, quick-dry clothes, umbrella.
• Leech socks for treks; dry bags for electronics; spare footwear.

Essentials Year-round

• Basic medicines and first-aid, insect repellent, power bank, universal adapter.
• Temple-appropriate attire; swimwear/beach footwear for coastal stays.

Food to Try & Shopping

Must-Try Dishes

• Appam with stew; Puttu with kadala curry; Kerala sadya (banana-leaf feast).
• Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot), prawn preparations, Malabar biryani.
• Kappa (tapioca) with fish curry; Kerala parotta with curries.
• Payasam varieties; banana fritters; Kozhikode halwa; banana chips fried in coconut oil.

Shopping List

• Tea and coffee from Munnar/Wayanad estates; spices (cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg).
• Kasavu sarees and mundu; coir products; coconut handicrafts; Nettur petti (traditional jewel box).
• Aranmula mirror (authentic metal-alloy mirror); Ayurvedic wellness products.

Approx Travel Times

• Bangalore to Kochi: Flight 1–1.5 hrs; Train 10–12 hrs; Road 10–12 hrs.
• Bangalore to Trivandrum: Flight ~1.2–1.5 hrs; Train 14–16 hrs; Road 13–15 hrs.
• Bangalore to Kozhikode: Flight ~1–1.25 hrs; Train 11–13 hrs; Road 8–10 hrs.
• Bangalore to Wayanad (Kalpetta/Sulthan Bathery): Road 6–7 hrs (via NH275/NH766, subject to forest stretch timings).
• Kochi 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; Trivandrum to Kovalam: 30–45 min; Kochi to Kumarakom: 1.5–2 hrs.

Timings are indicative and vary with traffic, weather, and stops.

Booking Tips for Bangalore Travellers

• Choose the right gateway: For Munnar/Alleppey circuits fly to COK; for Kovalam/Poovar target TRV; for Wayanad/North Kerala consider CCJ or drive from Bangalore.
• Weekend warriors: For 2–3 nights, do Kochi + Alleppey or Wayanad self-drive. For 4 nights, add Munnar or Kovalam.
• Open-jaw saves time: Fly into COK and out of TRV (or vice versa) to avoid backtracking.
• Houseboat clarity: Confirm AC hours, meal plan, deck type, and private vs shared. In monsoon, consider premium day-cruises with resort stays at night.
• Hill transfers: Start early from Kochi to Munnar to enjoy waterfalls en route and avoid evening fog.
• Festival seasons: Onam, Christmas–New Year, and long weekends sell out early—lock flights and stays well ahead.
• Activity slots: Periyar boat safari, Eravikulam NP entry, and Jeep trails have limited slots—pre-book where possible.
• Family comforts: Ask for larger vehicles with adequate luggage space; request interconnecting rooms or extra beds in advance.
• Meals: MAP plans are convenient for remote hills; CP works well in cities and beaches with many dining options.

Ready-Made Package Ideas

1) Classic Hills & Backwaters (5 Days)

Highlights: Tea gardens of Munnar, wildlife ambience in Thekkady, serene Alleppey backwaters with authentic village glimpses.

Reaching from Bangalore: Fly BLR–COK or take an overnight train to Ernakulam; private cab throughout.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive Kochi – drive to Munnar via Valara/Cheeyappara falls; evening at leisure.
• Day 2: Munnar full tour – Eravikulam NP, Tea Museum, Pothamedu, Top Station views.
• Day 3: To Thekkady – spice plantation, cultural shows; optional night walk (forest dept).
• Day 4: Periyar lake boat safari; proceed to Alleppey – board houseboat or lakeside resort.
• Day 5: Disembark; transfer to Kochi for departure.

Inclusions

• Accommodation with breakfast; private AC cab with driver; pickups/drops as per plan.
• Houseboat day cruise or overnight with onboard meals (per chosen variant).

Exclusions

• Entry tickets, safaris, activities; lunches (except on houseboat); personal expenses; insurance; flights/trains unless added.

2) Wayanad Nature Drive (4 Days)

Highlights: Ghats drive, cave history, dam views, tea estates, wildlife options.

Reaching from Bangalore: Self-drive/tempo traveller via NH275/NH766, or BLR–CCJ flight + road transfer.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Early start from Bangalore; reach Wayanad by afternoon; sunset viewpoint.
• Day 2: Edakkal Caves, heritage museum, spice market walk.
• Day 3: Banasura Dam, tea estate walk; optional safari (subject to availability).
• Day 4: Return to Bangalore via Mysuru café stop.

Inclusions

• Accommodation with breakfast; locally guided cave visit (where mandated); transport as per selection.

Exclusions

• Entry fees, boating, treks permits; meals not specified; insurance; intercity flights/trains unless added.

3) Beaches & Ayurveda Retreat (6 Days)

Highlights: Kovalam beaches, lighthouse climbs, Varkala cliffs, optional Ayurvedic therapies.

Reaching from Bangalore: Fly BLR–TRV for fastest access.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive Trivandrum; transfer to Kovalam; evening beach.
• Day 2: Kovalam lighthouse; spa/ayurveda session; catamaran ride (weather-permitting).
• Day 3: Day trip to Varkala – cliff walks, cafes, sunset.
• Day 4: Trivandrum city – Padmanabhaswamy Temple (dress code), museum complex.
• Day 5: Poovar estuary cruise; leisure evening.
• Day 6: Depart TRV.

Inclusions

• Beach resort stays with breakfast; private transfers; one curated ayurveda consultation (optional add-ons for therapies).

Exclusions

• Temple offerings, spa treatments unless added; meals outside plan; insurance; travel tickets unless included.

4) North Kerala Forts & Culture (5 Days)

Highlights: Bekal Fort, Theyyam (seasonal, Nov–Apr), Kannur beaches, Malabar cuisine.

Reaching from Bangalore: Train/flight to Kannur (CNN) or Kozhikode (CCJ); onward by road.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive Kannur/CCJ; drive to Bekal; sunset at the fort.
• Day 2: Beach hopping; coir and handloom visits.
• Day 3: Theyyam ritual (if in season) or cultural museum trail.
• Day 4: Relaxed day; seafood tasting; river cruise (optional).
• Day 5: Return journey.

Inclusions

• Accommodation with breakfast; private transfers; fort entry guidance; cultural liaison (where applicable).

Exclusions

• Show tickets/donations; meals not mentioned; insurance; intercity travel unless specified.

5) Kochi–Munnar–Alleppey Family Leisure (6–7 Days)

Highlights: Balanced pace for families; mix of city, hills, backwaters, kid-friendly stops.

Reaching from Bangalore: BLR–COK flight aligns well with early check-ins and shorter first-day drives.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Kochi city and harbour cruise (optional); marine drive.
• Day 2–3: Munnar – tea museum, soft nature trails, photo points.
• Day 4: Thekkady or direct to Alleppey depending on children’s pace.
• Day 5: Houseboat day-cruise; village walk/canoe ride.
• Day 6: Kochi shopping and cafés; depart. (Add 1 day for Thekkady if 7D variant.)

Inclusions

• Family rooms or triples where suitable; breakfast; private cab; curated kid-friendly stops.

Exclusions

• Adventure add-ons; entrance fees; meals beyond plan; insurance; flights/trains unless included.

Documents & Insurance

• Valid photo ID for all travellers (Aadhaar, Passport, DL) for hotel and houseboat check-ins.
• Copies/soft scans of bookings, tickets, permits, and emergency contacts.
• Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage delays, and activity-related risks (boating/trekking).
• Vehicle papers for self-drive (DL, RC, PUC, insurance, toll FASTag balance).
• Health notes: Any prior conditions, prescriptions, and allergy information should be carried and communicated when needed.

FAQs