Kerala Travel Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’re thinking about heading to the "God's Own Country," you’re in the right place. Kerala packs lush backwaters, spice‑filled markets, and sun‑kissed beaches into a compact 38,000 km² area, so planning doesn’t have to be a headache. Below you’ll find the essential stuff – how much it costs, what to eat, where to stay safe, and the must‑see spots that make Kerala stand out from other South Indian states.

How Much Will a Kerala Trip Cost in 2025?

Budget‑savvy travelers can enjoy a 5‑day Kerala adventure for around INR 18,000–22,000 per person, excluding flights. Break it down: budget hotels run INR 800–1,200 per night, meals cost INR 250–400, and local transport (auto‑rickshaws, buses, or Kerala’s cheap ferry service) is about INR 100–150 a day. If you’re after a mid‑range experience, expect INR 35,000–45,000 for nicer stays, private car rentals, and a few guided tours. The biggest surprise is that backwater cruises can be booked for as low as INR 2,000 per night if you avoid the peak season (December–January).

What’s the Best Food in Kerala?

Kerala’s cuisine is a flavor bomb of coconut, pepper, and tamarind. The undisputed dish is Kerala fish curry – fresh catch simmered in coconut milk and a blend of local spices. Pair it with appam (rice‑flour pancake) or puttu (steamed rice flour cylinders). Don’t miss the street‑side banana leaf meals; they give you a taste of the state’s tradition and come with a side of parippu (lentils) and pickles that fire up the palate. For sweet lovers, try payasam – a milky rice pudding that finishes any meal on a high note.

If you’re a foodie on a budget, local markets like Kochi’s Broadway Bazaar or Kozhikode’s SM Street serve fresh snacks under INR 100. This keeps you full and lets you sample authentic flavors without splurging on touristy restaurants.

Travelers often wonder about safety. Kerala tops the list as the safest state in South India. Crime rates are low, and locals are friendly toward tourists. Stick to well‑lit areas after dark, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, and use reputable transport apps (like Uber or local equivalents). The state’s police stations also have tourist helplines that answer English calls, so you’re never completely on your own.

Now, where to go? Start with Alleppey’s backwaters for an overnight houseboat experience – the quiet waterway feels like a moving hotel. Then head to Munnar for tea‑plantation hikes; a short trek to Echo Point offers panoramic views that are perfect for Instagram. The coastal town of Kovalam has a crescent‑shaped beach ideal for swimming and surfing lessons. If you love wildlife, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary provides chances to spot elephants and a couple of leopards.

Practical tip: the best travel window is October to March. Monsoons (June–September) make the backwaters lush but can flood roads, while the summer heat (April–May) can be stifling, especially inland. Pack light clothing, a rain jacket for the occasional downpour, and sunscreen for the beach days.

Finally, a quick hack for cutting costs – use the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. They’re clean, safe, and run on a predictable schedule, connecting major towns for under INR 50 per ride. Combine them with a few shared taxi rides for remote spots, and you’ll save both money and the environment.

With a clear budget, a food plan, safety basics, and a list of must‑see places, you’re ready to explore Kerala without getting lost in the details. Pack your bags, bring an appetite, and let God’s Own Country surprise you at every turn.