How many days · Kerala · India
How many days do you need in Kerala?
A straight answer, then what each trip length really gets you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
10 days is the sweet spot for Kerala, and 5 days is the minimum to see the main sights. Five days fits Kochi, Munnar and an overnight houseboat from Alappuzha. Ten days adds Thekkady and the Periyar reserve, a slower stay on the backwaters at Kumarakom and three nights on the beach at Varkala or Kovalam. Two weeks allows Wayanad or the north for Theyyam season.
Key facts
- Ideal
- 10 days
- Minimum
- 5 days
- Day trips available
- 5
- Daylight
- 11.5 h (Dec) to 12.8 h (Jun)
What each trip length gets you
| Trip | Pace | What you can see |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | Rushed | Backwater houseboat cruise, Chinese fishing nets, Kathakali performance and Mattancherry Palace |
| 2 days | Rushed | Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town and St Francis Church |
| 3 days | Rushed | Eravikulam National Park, Munnar tea estates and Tea Museum and Top Station |
| 5 days | Good | The highlights plus a day trip to Athirappilly Falls |
| 7 days | Good | A slow trip with day trips such as Athirappilly Falls and Alappuzha backwater day cruise |
How long the top sights take
The 12 best-known sights in Kerala add up to roughly 21–26 hours of visiting time — about 3–4 days at seven sightseeing hours a day, before travel between them and meals. The biggest time commitments are Munnar tea estates and Tea Museum (Half a day), Top Station (Half a day) and Periyar Tiger Reserve (Half a day).
| Sight | Time needed | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Backwater houseboat cruise | 1 night | Alappuzha |
| Chinese fishing nets | 45 minutes | Fort Kochi |
| Kathakali performance | 2 hours including make-up | Fort Kochi |
| Mattancherry Palace | 1 hour | Mattancherry |
| Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town | 1–1.5 hours | Mattancherry |
| St Francis Church | 30 minutes | Fort Kochi |
| Eravikulam National Park | 2–3 hours | Munnar |
| Munnar tea estates and Tea Museum | Half a day | Munnar |
| Top Station | Half a day | Munnar |
| Periyar Tiger Reserve | Half a day | Thekkady |
| Spice plantation tour | 1.5–2 hours | Thekkady |
| Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary | 1.5 hours | Kumarakom |
By type of trip
| Trip | Days | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | 10 days | The main sights at a comfortable pace |
| Short break / repeat visit | 5 days | Focus on Backwater houseboat cruise and Chinese fishing nets |
| With children | 11 days | Slower days and time for Backwater houseboat cruise |
| With day trips | 12 days | Add Athirappilly Falls and Alappuzha backwater day cruise |
Daylight changes the maths
Sightseeing days are much shorter in December (about 11.5 hours of daylight) than in June (about 12.8 hours). Daylight varies little through the year, so plan by weather instead.
Ready-made itineraries
Combining Kerala with other destinations
Questions travellers ask
+Is 5 days enough in Kerala?
It covers the main sights at a brisk pace; 10 days is more comfortable. Five days fits Kochi, Munnar and an overnight houseboat from Alappuzha. Ten days adds Thekkady and the Periyar reserve, a slower stay on the backwaters at Kumarakom and three nights on the beach at Varkala or Kovalam. Two weeks allows Wayanad or the north for Theyyam season.
+Is a week too long in Kerala?
No — a week leaves time for day trips such as Athirappilly Falls and Alappuzha backwater day cruise.