If you’re wondering what to do in Kerala, look no further. Drift along tranquil backwaters listening to the swaying of palms and the gentle brush of birds wings, or breathe in the fresh mountain air of Munnar tea country. This 10 day Kerala itinerary covers everything there is to do in this magical, but often overlooked, part of India.

How to Spend 10 Days in Kerala: Introduction to the “Spice Garden of India”

Kerala is known by many names in India. Often referred to as “God’s Own Country” due to its beauty, or the “Spice Garden of India” for the amazing plants that grow there, and even the “Land of Coconut” for its famous palms. Beautiful, green and fragrant, all of these names are perfect.

It was my first time in India, and I chose to visit Kerala as I’d heard that it is a gentle introduction to this vibrant and chaotic country. I flew in from neighbouring Sri Lanka, after spending an incredible 3 weeks exploring jungle temples, spotting wildlife and lazing on sandy beaches.

Where is Kerala?

Located in the south-west of India, the state of Kerala is perfect as a destination in its own right, or as part of a longer India backpacking itinerary. I flew over from Sri Lanka, and after Kerala made my way up to Goa by bus and then on to the northern state of Rajasthan.

Nestled between high country tea plantations inland and the lapping shores of the Arabian Sea, it is the in-between backwaters that make Kerala unique.

A web of interconnected canals, rivers and lagoons spreads across a sizeable area of more than 500 miles. Exploring these waterways by boat is a quintessential Kerala experience.

What’s the best time to travel to Kerala?

If you visit Kerala at the wrong time of year it can be unbearably hot. The best time of year to visit Kerala is during the Indian “winter”, which falls between the months of October to March. I personally visited in February and the weather was perfect: gloriously sunny days without being scorching.

April to May is building up to the monsoon season and even when it’s not raining the humidity weighs heavy, making it harder to get out and about to explore.

June to September is monsoon season in Kerala, so it’s pretty soggy! The storms do freshen the air so it’s less humid than the preceding months. The plant life is particularly luscious and vibrant at this time of year.

10-Day Kerala Itinerary:

Day 0 | Arrive in Fort Kochi

Arrive in Fort Kochi (Cochin) from another part of India and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d travelled to a completely different country!

People relax sipping coffee in cafes along tree-lined streets and the giant trees cast a gentle, dappled shade over the streets.

I stayed in charming Colonial-era style accommodation right in the centre of Fort Kochi. Make sure to book your accommodation in this part of town (“Fort Kochi” rather than just “Kochi”) as all the main sights are within walking distance.

If you stay in the other part of the city everything’s much more spread out and it could take you ages to get to where you want to go. Fort Kochi is the pretty seaside area, full of Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial architecture.

Note that Cochin International Airport is located outside the main city, and the drive to Fort Kochi takes 1-2 hours (sometimes more depending on traffic).

I recommend booking a pickup transfer in advance either through your accommodation or using Welcome Pickups.

Days 1-2 | Discover Kerala’s Spice Trade & Architectural History

Fort Kochi has a long spice trading history and has been a port since 1341. Spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg have set sail from Cochin to destinations all over the world for hundreds of years.

The wealth from the spice trade has resulted in beautiful mansions and places of worship all over the city. Nowadays a plethora of shops and cafes have also sprung up in the old town, making Fort Kochi perfect for buying gifts for friends and relatives at home.

Kerala is also slightly unusual in India there is a much larger Christian influence here compared to many other regions (18% of the population identify as Christian). Like most of India, the majority of the population are Hindu.

Today the state of Kerala also has a largely Communist government (Communist parties ruling in coalition with other left-wing parties), so keep an eye out for the hammer and sickle insignia. This blend of communism and religion give Kerala a very unique identity.

Must-see sights in Fort Kochi include:

• Chinese cantilever fishing nets
• Mattancherry Palace (built by the Portuguese in 1557)
• St Francis Church
• Jewish Synagogue (built in 1568)
• Jew Town
• Dutch Cemetery
• Santa Cruz Basilica

One of the best ways to explore Fort Kochi and learn about the history is to book a free walking tour. The tour itself is free-of-charge but you can tip the guide for their time and expertise. Alternatively you can pre-pay a heritage walking tour in Fort kochi via Viator.

Day 3 | Take the Train to Munroe Island

No trip to India would be complete without experiencing the famous Indian railways. Taking the train in India is an experience in itself. Depending on the journey, booking trains can be incredibly complex for some routes.

Thankfully the local train from Kochi to Munroe Island does not need to be booked in advance. There’s an unreserved seating section, so you can just turn up at the station (Ernakulam), buy your tickets and be on your way. The journey takes 2-3 hours. The station nearest Munroe Island is called Munroturuttu.

If you prefer to book everything in advance, you can use the booking agent 12Go Asia (it will cost slightly more).

Days 4-5 | Discover the Backwaters of Munroe Island

Munroe island is where you can come to completely relax and enjoy the slow pace of life. Famous for it’s luscious natural scenery, the island is interlinked by a maze of canals, lagoons and waterways weaving through the landscape. Lush coconut palms, vibrant paddy fields and charming traditional Kerala homes add to the island’s peaceful and picturesque charm.

Although Alleppey might be more famous as THE place to go to discover Kerala’s backwaters, it has become so popular and over-touristy that visitors may no longer find the tranquil experience they’re hoping for. Munroe island on the other hand, still feels undiscovered.

The best way to explore the backwaters is to book onto a boat trip. This can be organised through your accommodation. A local boatman will paddle your narrow canoe at a gentle pace.

As you drift along palm-fringed waterways you can take in the sights and sounds of village life. Birds call from the trees, and the reflections on the water shimmer in the sunlight. It is a peaceful and memorable way to see the island from a different perspective.

Another great way to explore the area is by bicycle. Munroe island is small and mostly flat. It’s technically made up of 8 smaller islands, separated by the waterways. You can cycle past quiet villages and sleepy canals, soaking up the sights at your own pace. It is a lovely way to see daily life unfold and to take in the peaceful surroundings.

I stayed at River Roots Stays which is located right on the canal. As well as helping to organise activities, they offer delicious home-cooked food giving you a taste of authentic Kerala cuisine.

To summarise, the top activities available on Munroe Island are:

• Boat trip through the canals
• Exploring Munroe Island by bicycle
• Kayaking
• Paddle boarding
• Bird watching
• Visit the 1878 Dutch church
• Rooftop sunset
• Discover local cuisine

Remember to get travel insurance for your trip. Call of the World readers get a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance using my link. Travel insurance is an absolute must, whether you’re on holiday or backpacking long-term.

Day 6 | Make your way to Munnar Hill Country

If you’re travelling by public transport, the easiest way to get from Munroe Island to Munnar is to arrange a transfer to a nearby town such as Karunagappally, and then take a bus to Munnar.

The Kerala state bus company is called “KSRTC”. But it’s easiest to book buses via a booking agent such as 12Go Asia or redBus.

Make sure to pack some snacks, as it’s a long day on the road. The drive gets quite twisty, especially near Munnar where there are loads of hairpin bends.

Days 7-9 | Munnar Hiking & Tea Plantations

Munnar is a tranquil hill station tucked into the Western Ghats at around 1,600 metres above sea level. Once a British colonial outpost, it now sits at the heart of South India’s largest tea-growing region.

The cooler climate and mist-shrouded valleys make it one of Kerala’s most scenic regions. Neatly sculpted tea plantations stretch across emerald hills, originally planted in the late 1800s by European settlers.

You can learn more at the local Tea Museum, or enjoy the views with a walk through the plantations. If you’re lucky you might meet some local workers picking tea. The town itself can be busy but the rest of Munnar is peaceful.

🌿 Browse hikes and activities available in Munnar here.

I recommend booking accommodation outside the main town (there are plenty of tuk tuks around if you don’t have a car with you). There are plenty of options with swimming pools, so you can have a dip while enjoying the crisp mountain air.

Tip: A nice spot to have a meal (if you feel like treating yourself) is The Hornbill Restaurant at Blackberry Hills, the food there is delicious! And the view is fantastic!

At the end of your last day in Munnar you can take the bus (or a private transfer) back to Fort Kochi. The journey takes around 4 hours. You can book buses via a booking agent such as 12Go Asia or redBus.

Day 10 | Ayurveda and Traditional Kathakali in Fort Kochi

Kerala is often considered the birthplace of Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of natural healing that has been practised for over 3,000 years. Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala draw on the region’s rich supply of medicinal herbs and oils.

Booking yourself an Ayurvedic massage is the perfect way to relax at the end of your stay in Kerala. There are plenty of places in Fort Kochi offering Ayurveda. I booked mine through my accommodation.

Then in the late afternoon head to the Great KV Kathakali centre for a traditional Kathakali performance. You can arrive early to watch the performers do their makeup.

Kathakali is a classical Indian dance-drama that originated in Kerala, known for its vivid storytelling and striking visual style.

Drawing from Hindu mythology and epic tales, performances combine elaborate costumes, bold face paint and intricate hand gestures (mudras) to convey meaning.

Every movement, from the eyes to the fingertips, is carefully choreographed to bring ancient stories to life (with drama and flair!).

Finish your last day in Kerala with a delicious curry at one of Fort Kochi’s many restaurants.

10-Day Kerala Itinerary: Conclusion

Hopefully you’ve found this first-timer’s guide to how to spend 10 days in Kerala useful. I personally think that “God’s Own Country” should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

But, if you’re on a mission to see absolutely everything, or have your own car to travel at a faster pace, here are some more places in Kerala you might want to visit:

Additional / Optional Add-ons to your Kerala Itinerary

Varkala: A laid-back coastal town perched on dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. Varkala is perfect if you’re seeking a slower pace. Enjoy yoga classes and beach sunsets.

Alleppey (Alappuzha): Famous for its scenic backwaters, Alleppey is best explored on a traditional houseboat cruise through palm-fringed canals and paddy fields. It offers a tranquil, immersive way to experience rural Kerala life.

Wayanad: A lush, hilly district in northern Kerala known for its waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries and spice plantations. Wayanad is ideal for nature lovers, with trekking routes to places like Edakkal Caves and Chembra Peak.

Explore more Kerala tours and activities here

Money in Kerala (India): (INR)

If you’re visiting Kerala you’ll need Indian Rupees (INR). To get INR at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Indian Rupees (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then spend on your Wise card as though it were a local bank card or withdraw cash in India without hidden fees.

Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).

Note that many businesses in Kerala are cash only. There are plenty of ATMs.

Get your WISE card here.

How to Get to Kerala & Where to Find Cheap Flights

Kerala is located in the South West of India. I personally flew over from neighbouring Sri Lanka using the airline IndiGo (no complaints). I had to transfer in Chennai airport.

The main airport in Kerala is Cochin International Airport (COK), located near Kochi. It’s the busiest and most well-connected airport in the state, offering both domestic and international flights.

👉 Find cheap flights to Kerala using Skyscanner here.

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