Comparison · Bali vs Kerala · Indonesia / India
Bali vs Kerala
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Paskuu, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Bali for Hindu temples, Rice terraces and nightlife; choose Kerala for Backwaters, Houseboats, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. Kerala is generally less expensive, and the two are about 4,809 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 4,809 km
- Less expensive
- Kerala
- Best time for Bali
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Kerala
- November–February
Side by side
| Bali | Kerala | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia | India |
| Known for | Hindu temples, Rice terraces and Surfing | Backwaters, Houseboats and Tea plantations |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | November–February |
| Ideal stay | 10 days | 10 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $80–$180 | $70–$150 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 32°C (90°F) | March, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | June, 30°C (86°F) | June, 29°C (84°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 1 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Seminyak and Double Six Beach | Papanasam Beach, Varkala |
| Airports | DPS | COK, TRV, CCJ |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Bali for…
Hindu temples, Rice terraces and nightlife. Bali is a Hindu island in mostly Muslim Indonesia, about 140 km across, where daily offerings sit on doorsteps and temple ceremonies close roads. The south — Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua — has the beaches, surf breaks and beach clubs, while…
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Choose Kerala for…
Backwaters, Houseboats, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. Kerala is a narrow state on India's south-west coast, squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. A typical route starts in Kochi, an old spice port with Portuguese, Dutch and Jewish heritage in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, then climbs about four…
Top sights compared
| # | Bali | Kerala |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance | Backwater houseboat cruise |
| 2 | Tanah Lot | Chinese fishing nets |
| 3 | Tegallalang Rice Terraces | Mattancherry Palace |
| 4 | Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary | Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town |
| 5 | Tirta Empul | St Francis Church |
Food compared
| Bali | Kerala |
|---|---|
| Babi guling | Appam and stew |
| Bebek betutu | Puttu and kadala curry |
| Nasi campur Bali | Sadya |
| Sate lilit | Karimeen pollichathu |
Which is cheaper?
Kerala is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $70–$150 per person there, against $80–$180 in Bali (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Kerala on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 4,809 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 21 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bali or Kerala cheaper?
Kerala is usually less expensive: about $70–$150 a day mid-range against $80–$180 (estimates).
+Is Bali or Kerala better for a first trip?
Pick Bali for Hindu temples, Rice terraces and nightlife, or Kerala for Backwaters, Houseboats, lower day-to-day costs and free sights.
+How far is Bali from Kerala?
About 4,809 km in a straight line.