Kolkata to Kerala Tour Packages
Best Time to Visit Kerala from Kolkata
Kerala is a year-round destination, but your ideal window depends on what you want to experience.
October to February (Winter – Peak Comfort)
- Pleasant days in the plains and beaches; cool, misty hills in Munnar and Wayanad.
- Best for houseboats, wildlife safaris, tea gardens, and outdoor sightseeing.
- Festivals: Christmas, New Year, Thrissur Pooram (Apr/May, transitional period).
March to May (Summer)
- Warm and humid on the coast; hills remain cooler. Ideal for shorter activity-filled mornings and relaxed afternoons.
- Great for Ayurveda therapies and wellness retreats.
June to September (Monsoon – Green Season)
- Lush landscapes, romantic rains, dramatic waterfalls like Athirappilly at their best.
- Perfect for Ayurveda rejuvenation; lighter crowds at popular attractions.
- Expect intermittent showers; carry rain gear and plan some buffer time.
Key Festival Window
- Onam (Aug–Sep): Floral carpets, dances, Sadya feast, boat races around Alleppey.
- Temple festivals (Dec–Apr): Elephants, drum ensembles, fireworks in select towns.
How to Reach Kerala from Kolkata
By Air (Fastest)
- Direct and one-stop flights from Kolkata (CCU) to:
- Cochin International Airport (COK – Kochi)
- Trivandrum International Airport (TRV – Thiruvananthapuram)
- Calicut International Airport (CCJ – Kozhikode)
- Typical routing: Nonstop when available; or via Bengaluru/Chennai/Hyderabad/Mumbai.
- Suggested for: Short holidays, families with kids, houseboat getaways.
By Train (Comfortable, Scenic)
- Long-distance superfast and express trains from Howrah/Sealdah/Shalimar to Ernakulam (Kochi) and Thiruvananthapuram.
- Popular options include weekly/bi-weekly services such as Gurudev Express and Shalimar–Thiruvananthapuram Superfast (subject to schedule changes).
- Book early (especially AC classes) during holidays and festival seasons.
By Road (Road-Trip Enthusiasts)
- Route idea: Kolkata → Bhubaneswar → Visakhapatnam → Vijayawada → Bengaluru → Coimbatore → Kochi via NH16/NH44/NH544.
- Best split over 3–4 days with overnight halts; ideal for those who enjoy long drives.
- Carry all car documents, fastag, and spare essentials.
Top Places to Cover
- Kochi (Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Chinese fishing nets, Kerala Kathakali shows)
- Munnar (Tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Top Station, waterfalls)
- Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve boat safari, spice plantations, bamboo rafting)
- Alleppey & Kumarakom (Backwaters, houseboats, canoe rides, birdlife)
- Marari & Cherai (Quiet beaches near Alleppey/Kochi)
- Kovalam & Varkala (Iconic beaches, lighthouse views, surfing, cliff sunsets)
- Wayanad (Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, Banasura Sagar Dam, wildlife)
- Athirappilly & Vazhachal (Kerala’s grand waterfalls, lush rainforest drives)
- Bekal & Kannur (Historic forts, Theyyam ritual performances in season)
- Thiruvananthapuram (Padmanabhaswamy Temple, museums, nearby Poovar backwaters)
Suggested Itineraries (3–8 Days)
3 Days: Quick Backwater & Fort Kochi
- Day 1: Arrive Kochi; Fort Kochi walking tour, St. Francis Church, Kathakali performance.
- Day 2: Alleppey day cruise on backwaters or short houseboat experience; return to Kochi.
- Day 3: Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, shopping on MG Road; depart.
4 Days: Munnar Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive Kochi → Munnar; tea garden viewpoints.
- Day 2: Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Kundala Lake.
- Day 3: Top Station sunrise, waterfalls circuit; leisure.
- Day 4: Return to Kochi; depart.
5 Days: Munnar + Thekkady
- Day 1–2: Munnar sightseeing as above.
- Day 3: Drive to Thekkady via scenic Gap Road; evening Kalaripayattu show.
- Day 4: Periyar boat safari/spice plantation/bamboo rafting.
- Day 5: Drive to Kochi; fly/train out.
6 Days: Backwaters & Beaches
- Day 1: Kochi arrival, Fort Kochi tour.
- Day 2: Alleppey houseboat boarding (private AC cabin), sunset on Vembanad.
- Day 3: Kumarakom village/canoe, bird sanctuary.
- Day 4–5: Kovalam or Varkala beach relaxation; lighthouse visit, Ayurveda massage.
- Day 6: Trivandrum city tour; departure.
7 Days: Classic Hills–Wildlife–Backwater Loop
- Day 1–2: Munnar highlights.
- Day 3–4: Thekkady safari and spice experiences.
- Day 5–6: Alleppey houseboat + Marari beach.
- Day 7: Kochi shopping, depart.
8 Days: North & South Sampler
- Day 1–2: Kochi + Athirappilly waterfalls.
- Day 3–4: Munnar.
- Day 5: Thekkady.
- Day 6: Alleppey houseboat.
- Day 7–8: Kovalam/Varkala + Trivandrum city; depart TRV.
What’s Included vs Excluded
Common Inclusions
- Accommodation in well-rated hotels/resorts/houseboats as per itinerary.
- Daily breakfast at hotels; all meals on houseboat cruise (standard in Kerala).
- Private AC vehicle for transfers and sightseeing with driver allowance, tolls, and parking.
- Sightseeing as per program (time-bound, with reasonable entry waiting time).
- Assistance with airport/railway station pick-up and drop.
Common Exclusions
- Flight/train fares from Kolkata to/from Kerala.
- Entry fees, safaris, boating, camera charges at monuments/parks unless specified.
- Meals other than those mentioned; beverages and room service.
- Personal expenses, tips, laundry, and optional activities.
- Early check-in/late check-out; festival/event surcharges if applicable.
- Travel insurance and medical expenses.
Local Transport Rules & Extras
- Seat belts are mandatory for front-seat passengers; helmets mandatory for two-wheelers.
- Houseboats follow fixed cruising hours (usually mid-morning to evening) and anchor at night; quiet hours are observed.
- Forest reserves (Periyar, Eravikulam) have regulated entry times; book official safaris/treks only.
- Alcohol is served in licensed venues; some dry days may apply during elections or specific observances.
- UPI and cards widely accepted; keep some cash for remote villages, auto-rickshaws, and small eateries.
- Camera drones require local permissions; avoid flying near wildlife zones and temples.
- Waste segregation and plastic restrictions exist in many eco-zones; carry refillable water bottles.
Connectivity, Safety & Travel Tips
- Mobile networks (Jio, Airtel, Vi) cover most urban areas; hills/backwaters may have patchy spots—enable offline maps.
- Emergency numbers: 112 (all-in-one), 100 (police), 108 (ambulance), 101 (fire).
- Monsoon caution: Check local advisories for landslides/flood alerts in high ranges; keep buffer time.
- Wildlife ethics: No feeding or approaching animals; maintain silence during safaris.
- Temple etiquette: Modest clothing; some temples restrict non-Hindus in sanctum/inner corridors.
- Health: Stay hydrated; carry basic meds. For Ayurveda therapies, disclose medical history.
- Money: ATMs common in towns; carry small denominations for tips, ferries, village buys.
Permits & ID Requirements
- Carry a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Driving License) for hotel check-ins and houseboats.
- Eravikulam National Park and Periyar Reserve may require online/onsite ticketing—carry ID used for booking.
- Foreign nationals: Valid passport and Indian visa/e-visa; keep photocopies and digital backups.
- Student/senior concessions (where available) require ID proofs at counters.
- Drone photography and professional shoots require local authority permissions.
What to Pack (Season-wise)
Winter (Oct–Feb)
- Light layers for days; warm jacket/sweater for Munnar/Wayanad nights.
- Closed shoes for treks; scarf/hat for windy viewpoints.
Summer (Mar–May)
- Breathable cottons/linens; sunhat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen.
- Electrolyte sachets; light shawl for AC travel.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep)
- Waterproof jacket/poncho, quick-dry clothes, anti-slip footwear.
- Leech socks or salt for forested hikes; dry bags for electronics.
Always
- Universal power bank, basic first-aid, reusable bottle, insect repellent.
- Temple-appropriate attire (shoulders/knees covered).
Food to Try & Shopping
Must-Try Dishes
- Appam & vegetable stew; Puttu with kadala curry.
- Kerala Sadya (traditional vegetarian feast on banana leaf—Onam time is best).
- Malabar parotta with Kerala-style chicken/fish curry.
- Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish), prawn roast, Syrian Christian beef preparations (where available).
- Banana fritters (pazham pori), Kerala halwa, filter coffee, fresh toddy experiences (licensed shops).
Shopping Picks
- Spices (cardamom, pepper, cinnamon), tea and coffee from Munnar/Wayanad estates.
- Kasavu sarees and mundu (handloom), Aranmula mirror, coir handicrafts.
- Ayurvedic oils, natural soaps, sandalwood products from reputed outlets.
- Nettipattam wall decor, Kathakali masks, local ceramics.
Tip: Buy from government emporiums or verified co-ops for authenticity; keep bills for warranty claims, especially for Aranmula mirrors.
Approx Travel Times
From Kolkata to Kerala
- Flight: Kolkata (CCU) to Kochi (COK) or Trivandrum (TRV): around 3 to 4.5 hours nonstop when available; 5.5 to 7.5 hours with layovers.
- Train: Howrah/Sealdah/Shalimar to Ernakulam/Thiruvananthapuram: roughly 36–44 hours depending on train and halts.
- Road: 2,400–2,700 km depending on Kerala entry point; 3–4 days with overnight halts.
Within Kerala (Road)
- Kochi → Munnar: 4–5 hours (125–135 km)
- Munnar → Thekkady: 3–4 hours (90–110 km)
- Thekkady → Alleppey: 4–5 hours (140–160 km)
- Alleppey → Kumarakom: 1–1.5 hours (35 km)
- Kochi → Athirappilly: 2–3 hours (70–80 km)
- Kozhikode → Wayanad (Kalpetta): 3–4 hours (85–100 km ghat roads)
- Trivandrum → Kovalam: 30–45 minutes (20 km)
- Trivandrum → Varkala: 1.5–2 hours (45–55 km)
Booking Tips for Kolkata Travellers
Plan your dream Kerala holiday the easy way — book with etourismkerala.com now!
From Kolkata flights to curated itineraries and trusted houseboats, etourismkerala.com handles it smoothly. Reserve your dates early for the best flight schedules and peak-season availability.
From Kolkata flights to curated itineraries and trusted houseboats, etourismkerala.com handles it smoothly. Reserve your dates early for the best flight schedules and peak-season availability.
- Pick your entry/exit wisely: Fly into Kochi for Munnar–Thekkady–Backwaters; exit from Trivandrum for Kovalam/Varkala.
- Buffer your first/last days to account for flight delays and Kerala’s relaxed cruising hours on houseboats.
- Travel windows: Winter and Onam season are popular—lock flights and stays well in advance.
- Houseboats: Choose private 1–3 bedroom boats for families; confirm AC hours and meal plan.
- Safaris and national parks: Pre-book Eravikulam and Periyar slots in peak months.
- Ayurveda: Pre-schedule treatments; some therapies may restrict sun/sea exposure the same day.
- Payment: Use UPI/cards for most bookings; keep a small cash float for tips and remote purchases.
Ready-Made Package Ideas
1) Classic Hills, Wildlife & Backwaters (6 Days)
Route:
Kochi → Munnar (2N) → Thekkady (1N) → Alleppey Houseboat (1N) → Kochi (1N)
Day-wise Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive Kochi, Fort Kochi heritage walk, Kathakali/Kalaripayattu show.
- Day 2: Kochi → Munnar; tea vistas, Tea Museum, evening at leisure.
- Day 3: Eravikulam National Park, Top Station, Kundala Lake; optional jeep to sunrise points.
- Day 4: Drive to Thekkady; spice plantation tour; optional Periyar boat safari.
- Day 5: Thekkady → Alleppey; board private houseboat with all meals; sunset cruise.
- Day 6: Disembark → Kochi shopping; depart.
Highlights:
- Tea-carpeted slopes, wildlife reserve, serene backwater cruise with authentic Kerala cuisine.
Inclusions/Exclusions:
Follows the “What’s Included vs Excluded” section above; add-ons: houseboat all meals included, guided spice tour included.
Reaching Kerala from Kolkata:
Fly CCU → COK (Kochi). Return from COK after shopping and sightseeing.
2) Beaches, Backwaters & Capital Vibes (5 Days)
Route:
Trivandrum (1N) → Kovalam (2N) → Alleppey/Kumarakom (1N)
Day-wise Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive Trivandrum; Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum; evening at Kovalam Lighthouse Beach.
- Day 2: Day trip to Poovar backwaters and golden sandbar; Ayurveda massage in evening.
- Day 3: Surf lesson or catamaran ride; sunset at Kovalam.
- Day 4: Drive to Alleppey/Kumarakom; backwater canoe/short cruise; lakeside stay.
- Day 5: Morning village walk; depart from Kochi or Trivandrum.
Highlights:
- Iconic beaches, tranquil lagoons, and Kerala’s temple heritage.
Inclusions/Exclusions:
Standard inclusions; optional add-ons: Poovar boat ride, Ayurveda sessions.
Reaching Kerala from Kolkata:
Fly CCU → TRV to start. Exit via COK or TRV depending on flight availability.
3) North Kerala Hills & Heritage (6 Days)
Route:
Kozhikode (1N) → Wayanad (3N) → Kannur/Bekal (1–2N)
Day-wise Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive Kozhikode; food trail (biryani, halwa), beach sunset.
- Day 2: Drive to Wayanad; Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls.
- Day 3: Banasura Sagar Dam, zipline, tea/coffee estate visit.
- Day 4: Wildlife sanctuary drive; tribal craft interactions.
- Day 5: Kannur—theyam (seasonal), St. Angelo Fort; optional Bekal Fort sunset.
- Day 6: Departure from Kozhikode/Mangalore as per convenience.
Highlights:
- Mist-clad hills, less-crowded beaches, living rituals and forts.
Inclusions/Exclusions:
Standard inclusions; add-ons: theyam experience (seasonal), fort entry tickets, adventure activities.
Reaching Kerala from Kolkata:
Fly CCU → CCJ (Kozhikode) to start; return from CCJ or IXE (Mangaluru) depending on last stop.
4) Extended Kerala Grand Circuit (8 Days)
Route:
Kochi (1N) → Munnar (2N) → Thekkady (1N) → Alleppey Houseboat (1N) → Kovalam (2N) → Trivandrum (1N)
Day-wise Itinerary:
- Day 1: Kochi heritage circuit.
- Day 2–3: Munnar tea country and Eravikulam.
- Day 4: Thekkady safari and spice trails.
- Day 5: Alleppey houseboat.
- Day 6–7: Kovalam beach leisure; Poovar excursion.
- Day 8: Trivandrum city and departure.
Highlights:
- Best of Kerala’s hills, wildlife, backwaters and beaches with balanced pacing.
Inclusions/Exclusions:
As per standard; special: houseboat all meals, one cultural show in Kochi included.
Reaching Kerala from Kolkata:
Fly CCU → COK to start the circuit; fly back from TRV.
Documents & Insurance
- Photo ID: Keep original and soft copies of Aadhaar/Passport/Driving License for all adult travellers; student IDs for applicable discounts.
- Tickets/Vouchers: E-tickets for flights/trains, hotel and activity vouchers, and vehicle details.
- Health: Any prescriptions, doctor’s notes for medicines, and basic medical kit.
- Insurance: Strongly recommended—covers medical, trip curtailment, baggage, and delays. Verify inclusion of adventure/wildlife activities if planned.
- Payments: Screenshot payment confirmations; keep at least one international card if continuing travel beyond India.
FAQs
Q: How many days are ideal for a first Kerala trip from Kolkata?
A: 6–7 days offer a balanced loop—Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey/Marari—with Kochi as gateway. Short on time? Pick a 3–4 day Kochi–Backwaters or Munnar-only plan.
A: 6–7 days offer a balanced loop—Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey/Marari—with Kochi as gateway. Short on time? Pick a 3–4 day Kochi–Backwaters or Munnar-only plan.
Q: Which airport should I choose—Kochi or Trivandrum?
A: Choose Kochi (COK) for Munnar–Thekkady–Backwaters; Trivandrum (TRV) for Kovalam/Varkala. For North Kerala (Wayanad), Kozhikode (CCJ) is convenient.
A: Choose Kochi (COK) for Munnar–Thekkady–Backwaters; Trivandrum (TRV) for Kovalam/Varkala. For North Kerala (Wayanad), Kozhikode (CCJ) is convenient.
Q: Are houseboats safe for families with kids and seniors?
A: Yes—opt for reputable operators, life jackets, railings, and anchored nights. Confirm AC hours and meal preferences in advance.
A: Yes—opt for reputable operators, life jackets, railings, and anchored nights. Confirm AC hours and meal preferences in advance.
Q: Can I swim in the backwaters or sea?
A: Swimming in backwaters is not advised due to currents and boat traffic. Sea swimming is beach- and season-dependent—follow lifeguard flags and local guidance.
A: Swimming in backwaters is not advised due to currents and boat traffic. Sea swimming is beach- and season-dependent—follow lifeguard flags and local guidance.
Q: What’s the best season for wildlife sightings?
A: Late winter to early summer (Jan–Apr) often brings good sightings as animals visit water sources. Safaris operate year-round subject to weather and forest rules.
A: Late winter to early summer (Jan–Apr) often brings good sightings as animals visit water sources. Safaris operate year-round subject to weather and forest rules.
Q: Do I need to pre-book Eravikulam National Park?
A: Highly recommended in peak months. Daily visitor caps apply; slots can sell out fast, especially on weekends and holidays.
A: Highly recommended in peak months. Daily visitor caps apply; slots can sell out fast, especially on weekends and holidays.
Q: Are vegetarian and Jain food easily available?
A: Yes—Kerala has excellent vegetarian options, including Sadya, appam-stew, and Jain-friendly preparations upon request at many hotels/houseboats.
A: Yes—Kerala has excellent vegetarian options, including Sadya, appam-stew, and Jain-friendly preparations upon request at many hotels/houseboats.
Q: Is local transport (Uber/Ola/public buses) reliable?
A: Ride-hailing works in major cities like Kochi and Trivandrum; KSRTC buses and autos cover towns. For sightseeing, pre-arranged cabs are most convenient.
A: Ride-hailing works in major cities like Kochi and Trivandrum; KSRTC buses and autos cover towns. For sightseeing, pre-arranged cabs are most convenient.
Q: What should I wear for temple visits?
A: Modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Some temples have stricter dress codes—check locally and carry a shawl/dupattas as needed.
A: Modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Some temples have stricter dress codes—check locally and carry a shawl/dupattas as needed.
Q: How early should I book during Onam or winter holidays?
A: Book flights and stays at least 6–10 weeks in advance for best availability; finalize houseboats and safaris soon after locking dates.
A: Book flights and stays at least 6–10 weeks in advance for best availability; finalize houseboats and safaris soon after locking dates.
etourismkerala.com
