Introduction – Why Kerala Is the Best Destination to Visit in 2026

Kerala is known as God’s Own Country, and in 2026, it has become even more beautiful, more tourist-friendly and more organized:

• World-class airports

• Smooth highways

• High-speed boats

• Cleaner beaches

• Upgraded houseboats

• Luxury stays in Munnar, Alleppey, Kovalam

• Eco-tourism projects

• Adventure tourism zones

Kerala is the perfect mix of mountains + forests + backwaters + beaches + culture + food — everything in one state.

According to Travel Explorer, if you want a peaceful, nature-rich, relaxing yet luxurious holiday in India in 2026, Kerala is the No.1 choice.

1. How to Reach Kerala in 2026

Kerala has three major airports:

1. Kochi International Airport (COK)

Best for Munnar, Alleppey, Thekkady.

2. Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)

Best for Kovalam, Varkala, Poovar, Kanyakumari.

3. Calicut International Airport (CCJ)

Best for Wayanad, Kannur, Bekal.

Direct flights available from:

• Delhi

• Mumbai

• Chennai

• Bangalore

• Hyderabad

• Kolkata

• Pune

Flight cost: ₹4,000 – ₹12,000 (season dependent).

2. Best Time to Visit Kerala (2026 Guide)

Peak Season:

October – March (Cool climate, clear skies)

Monsoon Lovers:

June – September
Best for Ayurveda, greenery, waterfalls.

Avoid:

April–May (hot and humid).

3. How Many Days for a Kerala Trip?

• 4 Days – Munnar + Alleppey

• 6 Days – Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey

• 8 Days – Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam

• 10 Days – Full Kerala + Varkala + Wayanad

Travel Explorer Ideal: 6 or 8 days

4. Complete 2026 Kerala Itinerary (Travel Explorer Style)

Below is the perfect 7-day travel plan:

Day 1 – Arrive at Kochi

• Explore Fort Kochi

• Marine Drive

• Chinese Fishing Nets

• Local food walk

Stay: Kochi

Day 2 – Kochi to Munnar (Hill Station Drive)

5–6 hour scenic drive through waterfalls and tea gardens.

Visit:

• Cheeyappara Falls

• Valara Falls

• Tea Plantations

• Pothamedu Viewpoint

Stay: Munnar

Day 3 – Explore Munnar

• Eravikulam National Park

• Mattupetty Dam

• Echo Point

• Tea Museum

• Kundala Lake

Stay: Munnar

Day 4 – Munnar to Thekkady (Wildlife Zone)

• Spice Plantations

• Elephant Ride (optional)

• Kathakali & Kalaripayattu show

• Periyar Tiger Reserve Boat Safari

Stay: Thekkady

Day 5 – Thekkady to Alleppey (Backwater Houseboat)

The highlight of Kerala.

• Private Houseboat

• Floating stay

• Backwater cruise

• Local Kerala meals

• Sunset on Vembanad Lake

Stay: Houseboat

Day 6 – Alleppey to Kovalam (Beach Paradise)

On arrival:

• Kovalam Beach

• Lighthouse Beach

• Sunset at Eve's Beach

Stay: Kovalam

Day 7 – Day Trip to Varkala or Kanyakumari

Choose one:

Varkala

• Cliff Beach

• Sea-view cafes

• Surfing

Kanyakumari

• Vivekananda Rock

• Thiruvalluvar Statue

• Triveni Sangam sunset

Return to Trivandrum Airport.

5. Top Places to Visit in Kerala (2026 Update)

1. Munnar (Hill Station + Tea Gardens)

Perfect for couples and nature lovers.

2. Alleppey (Houseboats + Backwaters)

The most beautiful water experience in India.

3. Thekkady (Forest + Wildlife)

Famous for elephants, rivers, and tiger reserve.

4. Kovalam (Beaches)

Luxury beachside resorts + clean coastline.

5. Varkala (Cliff Beaches)

Feels like Bali with cliffs and blue water.

6. Wayanad (Adventure + Waterfalls)

Ideal for trekkers and monsoon lovers.

7. Kochi (Culture + Markets)

Modern + historic mix.

6. How Much Will a Kerala Trip Cost? (2026 Budget)

Budget Trip: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000

Mid-Range Trip: ₹30,000 – ₹55,000

Luxury Trip: ₹70,000 – ₹1,50,000

Cost includes:

• Stays

• Food

• Cabs

• Activities

• Houseboat

• Ferry/Train/Flight

7. Best Hotels & Resorts (2026 List)

Munnar

• Blanket Hotel & Spa

• Amber Dale

• Tea County

Alleppey

• Lake Palace Resort

• Ramada by Wyndham

• Xandari Riverscapes (Houseboats)

Kovalam

• Leela Kovalam

• Taj Green Cove

• Uday Samudra

Varkala

• Zostel Varkala

• Cliff Stories

• Hindustan Beach Retreat

8. Food Guide – What to Eat in Kerala

Must Try:

• Kerala Parotta

• Appam with Stew

• Puttu Kadala

• Fish Curry

• Banana Chips

• Sadya (traditional feast)

• Karimeen Pollichathu

Travel Explorer Tip:
Eat at local toddy shops for the best spicy seafood (only recommended with guides).

9. Transport Inside Kerala

• Private Cab (best for tourists)

• KSRTC AC Buses

• Boat ferries

• Auto rickshaws

• Rental scooters

10. Kerala Travel Safety (2026)

• Avoid swimming in deep sea areas

• Follow lifeguard instructions

• Do not trek alone in forests

• Houseboats should have life jackets

• Only book licensed water sports operators

Kerala is one of India’s safest tourist states.

11. Things You Should Carry

• Cotton clothes

• Umbrella / rain jacket

• Powerbank

• Motion sickness tablets (for hill roads)

• Sunscreen

• Comfortable shoes

• Camera for landscapes

Conclusion – Why Kerala in 2026 Is a Must-Visit

Kerala in 2026 is a world-class travel destination:

• Stunning hill stations

• Magical backwaters

• Luxury houseboats

• Pristine beaches

• Rich culture

• Delicious food

• High safety

• Smooth travel experience

Travel Explorer strongly recommends Kerala as one of the best travel experiences in India — perfect for families, couples, honeymooners, solo travellers, and nature seekers.