Ahmedabad to Kerala Tour Packages
Best Time to Visit Kerala from Ahmedabad
Kerala is a year-round destination, but different seasons suit different interests for travellers from Ahmedabad.
- November to February (Winter – Peak sightseeing): Pleasant weather in the hills and on the coast; ideal for houseboats, wildlife, beaches, and tea gardens. Great for families and honeymooners.
- June to September (Monsoon – Lush landscapes & Ayurveda): Waterfalls are full, backwaters are serene, and Ayurveda therapies are traditionally recommended during rains. Expect intermittent showers; carry rain gear.
- March to May (Summer – Hill stations shine): Warmer on the coast; Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon, and Thekkady remain cooler. Good for shorter, relaxed escapes.
- Festivals to consider: Onam (Aug–Sep), Thrissur Pooram (Apr–May), Theyyam season (Nov–May in North Kerala), Kochi-Muziris Biennale (biennial, Dec–Apr).
How to Reach Kerala from Ahmedabad
By Air (Fastest)
- Main gateways: Kochi (COK), Thiruvananthapuram/Trivandrum (TRV), Kozhikode/Calicut (CCJ), Kannur (CNN).
- Typical route: Non-stop or one-stop flights from Ahmedabad (AMD) by IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India, Vistara, and others. Non-stops usually to Kochi; TRV/CCJ often via Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Chennai.
- Tip: Choose the arrival airport nearest your first destination (e.g., Kochi for Munnar/Alleppy, TRV for Kovalam/Varkala, CCJ/CNN for Wayanad).
By Train (Scenic, longer)
- Major Kerala railheads: Ernakulam Jn (Kochi), Thiruvananthapuram Central, Kozhikode, Kannur, Alappuzha, Kottayam.
- Routes generally run via Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai/Panvel, Goa, Mangaluru. Book early for AC classes.
- Ideal if you enjoy overnight journeys and wish to carry more luggage without airline limits.
By Road (Road-trip enthusiasts)
- Distance approx 1,700–1,900 km depending on the Kerala entry point; usually via NH48 and NH66.
- Breaks in Pune/Belagavi/Mangaluru recommended. Factor in tolls and staggered night halts.
Top Places to Cover
- Kochi (Cochin): Fort Kochi heritage walk, Chinese fishing nets, Jew Town & Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, Kathakali/Kalaripayattu performances.
- Munnar: Tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri tahr), Top Station vistas, Kundala Lake, tea museum.
- Thekkady (Periyar): Periyar Lake boat safari, spice plantations, bamboo rafting, nature walks.
- Alleppey (Alappuzha) & Kumarakom: Backwater houseboats, canoe rides, village life, bird sanctuary (Kumarakom).
- Wayanad: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, rainforest treks, tea/coffee estates; best with Calicut/Kannur arrivals.
- Kovalam & Varkala: Iconic beaches near Trivandrum, lighthouse views, cliff cafes (Varkala).
- Athirappilly & Vazhachal: Kerala’s grand waterfalls; day trip from Kochi.
- Marari: Serene beach close to Alleppey; great for unwinding post houseboat.
- Bekal (North Kerala): Coastal fort, less-crowded beaches; pairs with Kannur/Kasargod.
- Vagamon: Rolling meadows, paragliding; reachable from Kochi/Kottayam.
Suggested Itineraries (3–8 Days)
3 Days: Kochi + Munnar Snapshot
- Day 1: Arrive Kochi, Fort Kochi heritage, Kathakali show.
- Day 2: Drive to Munnar; tea gardens, viewpoints, tea museum.
- Day 3: Eravikulam NP (in season), depart from Kochi.
4 Days: Munnar & Alleppey Backwaters
- Day 1: Arrive Kochi, transfer to Munnar.
- Day 2: Munnar full-day sightseeing.
- Day 3: Alleppey houseboat (overnight).
- Day 4: Disembark, Kochi city stops, fly out.
5 Days: Hill–Wildlife–Backwater Trio
- Day 1–2: Munnar highlights.
- Day 3: Thekkady spice tour, evening cultural show.
- Day 4: Periyar boat safari; proceed to Alleppey for a backwater stay.
- Day 5: Kochi depart.
6 Days: Classic South Kerala Circuit
- Day 1–2: Kochi + Munnar.
- Day 3: Thekkady activities.
- Day 4: Houseboat Alleppey.
- Day 5–6: Kovalam or Varkala beach; depart from Trivandrum.
7 Days: Kerala Highlights with Extra Leisure
- Days 1–2: Munnar.
- Day 3: Thekkady.
- Day 4: Alleppey houseboat.
- Days 5–6: Kovalam + Kanyakumari day trip (optional).
- Day 7: Trivandrum city tour, departure.
8 Days: North & South Blend
- Days 1–2: Calicut arrival, Wayanad exploration.
- Day 3: Travel to Kochi.
- Day 4–5: Munnar.
- Day 6: Thekkady.
- Day 7: Alleppey houseboat.
- Day 8: Kochi departure.
What’s Included vs Excluded
Common Inclusions in Kerala Packages
- Accommodation with breakfast at selected hotels/houseboats.
- Private AC vehicle with driver for airport transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary.
- Driver charges, tolls, parking, and interstate taxes related to the itinerary.
- Houseboat day cruise or overnight with standard meals on board (as per plan).
- Assistance with activity bookings (safaris, shows) subject to availability.
Common Exclusions
- Air/rail fares and intercity transport not specifically mentioned.
- Monument/park entrance fees, safari tickets, camera fees.
- Lunches, dinners (except where included on houseboats or as specified).
- Early check-in/late check-out, personal expenses, tips.
- Optional activities, adventure sports, and festival/event surcharges.
- Travel insurance, medical expenses.
Local Transport Rules & Extras
- Seatbelts & helmets: Mandatory. Child seats advised for toddlers.
- Speed limits: Enforced via cameras; expect 30–40 km/h in towns, 60–80 km/h on highways where posted.
- No drinking & driving: Strictly prohibited; random checks occur.
- Houseboats: Standard check-in ~12–1 pm, check-out ~9–10 am; overnight boats moor by sunset; quiet hours after 10 pm.
- Wildlife areas: Follow forest department rules; do not litter or play loud music; plastic restrictions apply.
- Ride-hailing: Uber/OLA in major cities; autos and prepaid taxis are common; intercity travel best with pre-booked cars.
- Ferry/backwater canoes: Wear life jackets; follow crew instructions.
Connectivity, Safety & Travel Tips
- Mobile & data: Jio, Airtel, and Vi have good coverage in cities; hills/forests may see weaker signals. Consider a local SIM/eSIM for steady data.
- Payments: UPI and cards widely accepted; carry some cash for small vendors and remote areas.
- Health: Pack personal meds; carry motion-sickness tablets for ghat roads; stay hydrated in coastal humidity.
- Monsoon readiness: Waterproof daypack, quick-dry clothing, anti-leech socks for forest hikes.
- Safety: Kerala is traveller-friendly; keep valuables secured in crowded markets. Emergency: 112; ambulance: 108.
- Language: Malayalam is local; English widely understood; Hindi often understood in tourist zones.
- Responsible travel: Respect temple dress codes; ask before photographing people; avoid single-use plastics.
Permits & ID Requirements
- Domestic travellers: Carry a government photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID, PAN for flights). Required for hotel and houseboat check-ins.
- Foreign nationals: Valid passport and Indian visa/ETA; carry copies and keep digital backups.
- Wildlife/heritage sites: Entry tickets and camera fees apply; some treks/activities require on-spot permits.
- Drones: Follow DGCA rules; prior permission required in most areas.
- Vehicle documents (self-drive): Driving license, RC, insurance, PUC, state tax if applicable.
What to Pack (Season-wise)
Winter (Nov–Feb)
- Light layers for coast; sweater/jacket for Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad nights.
- Closed shoes for walks; scarf/shawl for breezy evenings.
Summer (Mar–May)
- Breathable cottons/linens, sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
- Refillable water bottle, electrolyte sachets.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep)
- Waterproof jacket/poncho, quick-dry clothes, sandal/shoes with grip.
- Anti-leech socks for forest trails; dry bags for electronics.
All Seasons
- Basic pharmacy kit, insect repellent, universal adapters, power bank.
- Temple-appropriate attire (shoulders/knees covered).
Food to Try & Shopping
Must-Try Kerala Dishes
- Kerala Sadya (traditional feast on banana leaf).
- Appam with stew; Idiyappam; Puttu with kadala curry.
- Kerala seafood: Karimeen pollichathu, prawn roast, fish curry with kappa (tapioca).
- Malabar biryani, beef/chicken roast (regional specialties), Kerala parotta.
- Banana chips, Kozhikode halwa, Palada payasam.
Shopping Picks
- Spices (pepper, cardamom, cinnamon), tea and coffee from plantations.
- Kasavu sarees/mundu, coir products, Aranmula metal mirrors, Kathakali masks.
- Essential oils (eucalyptus, lemongrass), natural soaps.
- Markets: Kochi’s Jew Town/Broadway, Trivandrum’s Chalai Market, Calicut SM Street.
Approx Travel Times
Ahmedabad to Kerala
- Flights: AMD–Kochi non-stop approx 2 hr 45 min–3 hr; AMD–Trivandrum typically 4–6 hr (one-stop); AMD–Calicut ~3–5 hr (one-stop).
- Trains: AMD–Ernakulam ~30–36 hr; AMD–Trivandrum ~38–42 hr; AMD–Kozhikode ~32–36 hr (service dependent).
- Road: ~30–34 hr driving time (excluding long rest halts), usually over 3–4 days with night stops.
Within Kerala (Road)
- Kochi–Munnar: 4–5 hr; Munnar–Thekkady: 3–4 hr.
- Thekkady–Alleppey: 4–5 hr; Alleppey–Kumarakom: 1–1.5 hr.
- Kochi–Athirappilly: 2–2.5 hr; Kochi–Marari: 1–1.5 hr.
- Kochi–Kovalam: 6–7 hr; Trivandrum–Kovalam: 30–45 min; Trivandrum–Varkala: ~1.5 hr.
- Kozhikode–Wayanad: 3–4 hr; Kochi–Wayanad: 7.5–9 hr.
Booking Tips for Ahmedabad Travellers
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- Pick the right gateway: For Munnar/Alleppey, arrive Kochi; for Kovalam/Varkala, arrive Trivandrum; for Wayanad, arrive Calicut/Kannur.
- Sequence matters: Plan hill stations first, then descend to backwaters and end with a beach for a relaxing finish.
- Seasonal planning: Winter fills fast; monsoon is great for Ayurveda and fewer crowds. During Pan-India holidays (Diwali, Christmas-New Year, long weekends, Navratri), secure hotels/houseboats well in advance.
- Houseboats: Book authenticated boats with clear meal plans and AC timings; choose deluxe/premium/speciality based on comfort needs (no pricing here).
- Flights from Ahmedabad: Non-stop seats to Kochi can be popular—lock in early for preferred timings; for Trivandrum/Calicut consider one-stop via BLR/BOM/MAA.
- Activity slots: Periyar boat safari, Eravikulam NP, and cultural shows can sell out; pre-book timings when possible.
- Customization: Families may prefer fewer hotel changes; honeymooners might add a private canoe or candlelight dinner; seniors benefit from lift-equipped hotels and lower-steps houseboats.
- Payment & confirmations: Keep e-vouchers and IDs handy for smooth hotel and boat check-ins.
Ready-Made Package Ideas
1) Classic Hills & Backwaters (6 Days)
Route: Kochi → Munnar (2N) → Thekkady (1N) → Alleppey Houseboat (1N) → Kochi (1N)
Itinerary Highlights:
- Tea gardens and Eravikulam NP in Munnar (in season).
- Spice plantation tour and Periyar boat safari in Thekkady.
- Overnight traditional houseboat with Kerala meals in Alleppey.
- Fort Kochi heritage walk and cultural show.
Inclusions: Hotels with breakfast, private AC car, driver allowances, houseboat with onboard meals, airport transfers, sightseeing as per plan.
Exclusions: Air/rail fares, entrance fees, lunches/dinners (except houseboat), optional activities, personal expenses, insurance.
Reaching from Ahmedabad: Fly AMD→COK (prefer non-stop). Start and end in Kochi for minimal driving.
2) Monsoon Wellness & Waterfalls (5 Days)
Route: Kochi (1N) → Athirappilly day trip → Munnar (2N) → Kumarakom (1N)
Itinerary Highlights:
- Athirappilly & Vazhachal Falls in full monsoon glory.
- Tea slopes in misty Munnar; optional short treks.
- Ayurveda therapies and serene lake views in Kumarakom.
Inclusions: Stays with breakfast, private transport, day trip to waterfalls, assistance with Ayurveda session bookings.
Exclusions: Flights/trains, entry fees, spa costs, meals not stated, tips, insurance.
Reaching from Ahmedabad: Fly AMD→COK; road transfers included; depart from Kochi.
3) Wayanad Rainforest Escape (4 or 5 Days)
Route: Calicut (1N) → Wayanad (2–3N)
Itinerary Highlights:
- Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, tea/coffee estates.
- Wildlife viewpoints, easy hikes, optional zipline.
- Local Malabar cuisine tasting.
Inclusions: Breakfasts, AC vehicle for transfers/sightseeing, driver charges, curated nature activities (tickets extra).
Exclusions: Flights/trains, monument/park fees, main meals, personal expenses, insurance.
Reaching from Ahmedabad: Fly AMD→CCJ (Calicut) via one-stop; short drive to Wayanad. Return from CCJ.
4) Beaches & Backwaters (7 Days)
Route: Kochi (1N) → Alleppey Houseboat (1N) → Kovalam (2N) → Varkala (2N) → Trivandrum (dep)
Itinerary Highlights:
- Backwater cruise and village life experiences.
- Golden beaches at Kovalam; day trip to Kanyakumari optional.
- Varkala cliff sunsets and seaside cafes.
Inclusions: Stays with breakfast, private vehicle, houseboat with meals, airport transfers.
Exclusions: Air/rail fares, entries, meals not mentioned, optional boat rides beyond plan, insurance.
Reaching from Ahmedabad: Fly AMD→COK; end at TRV for efficient routing (open-jaw). Intercity drives included.
5) Short Munnar Getaway (3 Days)
Route: Kochi → Munnar (2N) → Kochi (dep)
Itinerary Highlights: Tea museum, Eravikulam NP (seasonal), photo points, leisurely plantation walks.
Inclusions: Hotel with breakfast, private transfers, sightseeing driver-touring.
Exclusions: Airfare/train, entry tickets, lunches/dinners, insurance.
Reaching from Ahmedabad: Fly AMD→COK (non-stop when available). Ideal for long-weekend breaks.
Documents & Insurance
- IDs: Carry original government photo ID for all guests (including children—school ID/birth certificate where applicable). Keep soft copies.
- Tickets & vouchers: E-tickets for flights/trains and hotel/houseboat vouchers accessible on phone and email.
- Driving (self-drive): License, RC, insurance, PUC, and rental agreement if applicable.
- Travel insurance: Recommended for medical emergencies, cancellations, and baggage issues. Verify hospital network and claim process.
- Medical notes: List of allergies, prescriptions, and physician contact; consider coverage for adventure activities if planning treks/water sports.
FAQs
Q: How many days are ideal for a first trip from Ahmedabad to Kerala?
A: Five to seven days cover the hills, wildlife, and backwaters comfortably. Add two more days to include a beach stay.
A: Five to seven days cover the hills, wildlife, and backwaters comfortably. Add two more days to include a beach stay.
Q: Which airport should I choose for Munnar and Alleppey?
A: Kochi (COK) is the most convenient gateway for Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Athirappilly.
A: Kochi (COK) is the most convenient gateway for Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Athirappilly.
Q: Is monsoon a good time to visit Kerala?
A: Yes—expect lush scenery and fewer crowds. It’s excellent for Ayurveda and waterfalls; carry rain protection and plan buffer time for showers.
A: Yes—expect lush scenery and fewer crowds. It’s excellent for Ayurveda and waterfalls; carry rain protection and plan buffer time for showers.
Q: Are houseboats safe for families with kids?
A: Reputable houseboats follow safety norms and provide life jackets. Choose boats with secure railings and inform the crew about children onboard.
A: Reputable houseboats follow safety norms and provide life jackets. Choose boats with secure railings and inform the crew about children onboard.
Q: Can I cover both Kovalam and Varkala in one trip?
A: Absolutely. Allocate at least two nights total—one or two nights in each, depending on pace, and depart from Trivandrum for convenience.
A: Absolutely. Allocate at least two nights total—one or two nights in each, depending on pace, and depart from Trivandrum for convenience.
Q: Do I need permits for Periyar or Eravikulam?
A: Entry tickets are required and capacity-controlled; buy on site or via official channels. Guided activities (like bamboo rafting) have separate permits.
A: Entry tickets are required and capacity-controlled; buy on site or via official channels. Guided activities (like bamboo rafting) have separate permits.
Q: What’s the best way to move between cities in Kerala?
A: A private AC car with a trained driver offers flexibility and comfort, especially for ghat roads and multi-stop itineraries.
A: A private AC car with a trained driver offers flexibility and comfort, especially for ghat roads and multi-stop itineraries.
Q: Are vegetarian and Jain options easy to find?
A: Yes—most restaurants and hotels can provide vegetarian and Jain meals on request. Inform in advance for smooth arrangements.
A: Yes—most restaurants and hotels can provide vegetarian and Jain meals on request. Inform in advance for smooth arrangements.
Q: Is UPI widely accepted in Kerala?
A: UPI and cards are accepted at most establishments. Keep some cash for small vendors, ferries, and rural stalls.
A: UPI and cards are accepted at most establishments. Keep some cash for small vendors, ferries, and rural stalls.
Q: What should I pack for a houseboat stay?
A: Light clothes, a shawl for evenings, mosquito repellent, personal meds, and a small overnight bag (main luggage can stay in the car if preferred).
A: Light clothes, a shawl for evenings, mosquito repellent, personal meds, and a small overnight bag (main luggage can stay in the car if preferred).
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