Why Kerala for Your Honeymoon?
Kerala consistently ranks among India's top three honeymoon destinations, and for good reason. The combination of serene backwaters, misty hill stations, pristine beaches, and world-class Ayurvedic spas creates a romantic setting that few places can match. With Cochin International Airport well-connected to all major cities, Kerala is accessible and easy to navigate for couples.
Ideal Duration and Itinerary
We recommend 6 to 8 nights for a Kerala honeymoon. This gives you enough time to experience the highlights without rushing. Here is our most popular honeymoon route:
- Day 1-2: Arrive Cochin, explore Fort Kochi — heritage walks, sunset at Chinese fishing nets (drive: airport to Fort Kochi, 35km, 1hr)
- Day 3-4: Munnar — tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park, couple's spa (drive: Cochin to Munnar, 130km, 4hr)
- Day 5: Thekkady — spice plantation tour, Periyar Lake boat ride (drive: Munnar to Thekkady, 90km, 3.5hr)
- Day 6-7: Alleppey — overnight houseboat cruise through backwaters (drive: Thekkady to Alleppey, 140km, 4hr)
- Day 8: Marari or Kovalam Beach — relax, sunset dinner (drive: Alleppey to Marari, 12km, 20min)
Budget Breakdown for 2026
Honeymoon packages in Kerala range widely. Here is what to expect per couple:
Budget Honeymoon (INR 35,000 - 50,000 for 6 nights)
Clean 2-star hotels and homestays, non-AC houseboat, sedan car with driver. Comfortable but basic. Best for couples who prefer spending on experiences rather than luxury rooms.
Mid-Range Honeymoon (INR 65,000 - 1,00,000 for 7 nights)
3-4 star resorts, premium AC houseboat with upper deck, Innova Crysta, one couple's spa session included. This is what most couples choose and offers excellent value.
Luxury Honeymoon (INR 1,50,000 - 3,00,000 for 7-8 nights)
5-star properties like Taj Kumarakom, CGH Earth resorts, or Niraamaya Kovalam. Premium luxury houseboat, BMW or Camry, private dining experiences, helicopter transfers available.
Top Romantic Destinations for Couples
Munnar — Mountain Romance
At 1,600m elevation, Munnar offers cool weather year-round (15-25°C). Stay at a plantation bungalow for privacy. Don't miss sunrise at Top Station (32km from Munnar town) — the views across the Western Ghats into Tamil Nadu are stunning. Couples love the guided tea-tasting sessions at Kolukkumalai, the world's highest organic tea estate.
Alleppey Backwaters — Floating Paradise
An overnight houseboat cruise is non-negotiable for honeymooners. Premium houseboats come with an upper deck, private chef, and air-conditioned bedrooms. The route from Alleppey through Vembanad Lake and the narrow canals of Kuttanad takes you past paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life. Board by noon, enjoy lunch on board, watch the sunset from the upper deck, and wake up to mist rising off the water.
Kovalam and Marari — Beach Bliss
Kovalam's lighthouse beach offers dramatic cliffs and surf. Marari, a quieter alternative 12km from Alleppey, has an untouched fishing village charm with boutique resorts right on the sand. The Marari Beach Resort by CGH Earth is a perennial honeymoon favourite with its thatched cottages and Ayurvedic spa.
What to Pack
- Clothing: Light cotton and linen for the coast (30-34°C), a warm jacket and shawl for Munnar (can drop to 10°C at night in winter), comfortable walking shoes for plantation walks
- Essentials: Mosquito repellent (especially for backwaters), sunscreen SPF 50, power bank (houseboat charging can be limited), a good camera
- Documents: ID proof for hotel check-in, booking confirmations printed (some remote areas have poor connectivity)
Booking Tips
Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance for peak season (October-February). Houseboat availability drops fast on weekends — choose a weekday departure if possible. Ask your tour operator about package deals that bundle transport, stays, and experiences — these are typically 15-25% cheaper than booking everything separately.