Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Memorable Kerala Holiday from the UK

Planning a Kerala holiday from the UK, with local Kerala tour operators has become increasingly popular—and for good reason. Having access to people from Kerala to organise your Kerala holiday comes with a lot of advantages. The region offers a perfect escape with its tropical climate, lush hill stations in the Western Ghats, spice-scented Cardamom Hills, the wildlife-rich Periyar National Park, serene backwaters, and calm golden beaches along the Arabian Sea. This diverse landscape creates an ideal mix for a rejuvenating and immersive India tour for UK travellers. In fact, UK guests account for nearly 15% of Kerala’s international arrivals, based on 2024–25 tourism data—making the UK one of Kerala’s top inbound markets.

Best time for your Kerala Holiday from the UK

If you're looking to escape the chilly UK winters, Kerala offers the perfect tropical retreat. The best time to visit Kerala for UK travellers is between October and April, when the weather is pleasant, dry, and ideal for sightseeing, houseboat cruises, and exploring hill stations. This period is widely considered the best travel season for Kerala, especially for international guests. However, if you're drawn to lush green landscapes and dramatic natural beauty, the monsoon season (June to September) is equally captivating, with rejuvenated waterfalls and vibrant forests. Summer (May to early June), on the other hand, can be quite hot and humid and may not be the most comfortable time for UK visitors.

Flights from UK to Kerala

Despite being a narrow strip of land in South India, Kerala is well-connected internationally, with four major international airports. For UK travellers, Cochin International Airport (COK) is the most accessible and preferred entry point, thanks to excellent connectivity through key Middle Eastern hubs like Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Most Kerala holiday itineraries from the UK begin in Cochin, as it is a central and well-developed city. There are also flights from the UK to Kerala with British Airways codesharing with IndiGo, typically routing through Bangalore before reaching Cochin. Air India has offered direct flights from London to Cochin on select days, providing added convenience for UK-based travellers. You can have a look at the below flight options comparison chart for better clarity.

Airline	Route	Stopover	Frequency	Notes
British Airways + IndiGo	London Heathrow → Bangalore → Cochin	Bangalore (BLR)	Regular (daily/alt days)	Codeshare; smooth baggage transfer
Emirates	London/Manchester → Dubai → Cochin	Dubai (DXB)	Daily	Premium in-flight service & short layover
Qatar Airways	London/Manchester → Doha → Cochin	Doha (DOH)	Daily	Widely preferred for comfort and flexible timings
Etihad Airways	London → Abu Dhabi → Cochin	Abu Dhabi (AUH)	Daily	Efficient connections with good pricing
Air India	London Heathrow → Cochin (direct or via Delhi/Mumbai)	Direct / Delhi / Mumbai / Bangalore	Select days (not daily)	National carrier; direct options on some days
Lufthansa + IndiGo	London → Frankfurt → Cochin	Frankfurt / Delhi	Variable	Partner connections; longer layovers

💡 Travel Tip:

Most UK travellers prefer flights with Middle Eastern carriers (Qatar, Emirates, Etihad) for comfort, pricing, and flexibility. Middle Eastern carriers have two schedules, one is early in the morning between 0200 hours and 0400 hours and the second schedule is in the morning after sunrise. If you're seeking a direct flight to Kerala, keep an eye on Air India’s schedule, especially around holiday seasons.

Do guest from UK need a visa to visit Kerala?

Kerala, being an integral part of the Republic of India, requires all foreign nationals—including UK travellers—to obtain a valid Indian visa for entry. Fortunately, the process is simple and streamlined. UK passport holders can apply for an e-visa to Kerala [India] online, making it easy to plan a Kerala holiday from the UK without much paperwork or delays.

Kerala Holiday from the UK (Private tour)

Embark on a 12-day Kerala holiday from the UK, designed as a fully private tour experience. This thoughtfully curated itinerary features guided heritage walks in historic towns, scenic hikes through Munnar’s lush tea plantations, and treks across the biodiverse landscapes of Periyar National Park. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch at a Syrian Christian homestead, take immersive plantation and spice walks, cruise the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, and unwind on a serene beach overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Throughout your journey, you'll witness the subtle yet enduring footprints of the British era in Kerala, especially in the former princely states of Travancore and Cochin. Munnar’s colonial-era churches like the CSI Christ Church, the historic CMS Press and CMS College in Kottayam, and the legacy of European planters in the tea plantation hills and cardamom estates of Thekkady all tell the story of a unique cultural intertwining that continues to shape Kerala’s charm.

Homestays in Kerala – An Authentic Local Experience

Homestays in Kerala offer a truly immersive way to experience the region, allowing travellers to connect deeply with the local culture and community. Unlike typical tourist accommodations, homestays provide an intimate glimpse into everyday life, traditions, and Kerala’s rich culinary heritage – all through the warm hospitality of local hosts.

One such example is Achadipura Homestay in Kottayam, run by George, the grandson of the former superintendent of the historic CMS Press from pre-Independence India. After retiring, George now welcomes guests into his ancestral home, offering stories and experiences rooted in Kerala’s history and charm.

Beyond the cities, you’ll find countless plantation homestays nestled in quiet village landscapes, where hosts introduce you to the rhythms of rural life. These stays provide a peaceful setting to explore the Keralan countryside, surrounded by spice gardens, paddy fields, and genuine human connections.

The Western Ghats – A World of Natural Wonders

The Western Ghats, one of the world’s eight “hotspots” of biodiversity, offer an awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. These high mountain ranges in Kerala are home to iconic protected areas like Eravikulam National Park, which features Anamudi, the highest peak in South India at 2,695 meters, and the Periyar National Park, known for its lush evergreen and deciduous forests. The Periyar National park offers a series of nature of wildlife walks and overnight camping programs.

For active travellers and young adventurers, the Western Ghats offer exciting trekking opportunities for young travellers, through plantations, villages, and dense forest routes. One of the highlights is a two-night camping and trekking expedition that leads you to Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak in South India, promising unforgettable views and an immersive nature experience.

The Backwaters of Kerala – A World of Their Own

The backwaters of Kerala are a truly unique natural phenomenon, where the sea gently merges with winding rivers, lagoons, and canals to form an intricate network of inland waterways. Often referred to as Kerala’s water highways, these serene stretches of water define the rhythm of life for many communities that live along their banks. Did you know Kerala has approximately 1687 kilometres of inland water navigable routes.

Unlike any other landscape, the backwaters form a distinct ecosystem where humans coexist harmoniously with nature—surrounded by lush vegetation, vibrant birdlife, and traditional fishing villages. This tranquil setting offers a deeply immersive experience.

For UK travellers seeking a more authentic Kerala holiday, kayaking and country canoe rides through narrow canals bring you up close to local life. You’ll witness villagers going about their day, children waving from banks, and fishermen casting nets—far from the usual tourist trail. Alleppey is more known for the houseboat tourism and a backwater town, while Kumarakom, and Ashtamudi are more like backwater villages, agrarian countryside.

Some guests have chosen to spend several days on a traditional Kerala houseboat, drifting through lesser-known backwater hamlets and soaking in the peaceful charm of this unique water world.

The Long Coastline of Kerala – A Beach Lover’s Paradise

Kerala’s stunning 600-kilometre-long coastline along the Arabian Sea is dotted with serene and picturesque beach destinations. From the golden sands of Kovalam and Varkala to the tranquil shores of Marari, Kannur, and Bekal, each beach offers its own charm and unique local flavour.

Varkala, with its dramatic cliffs and surf-friendly waves, is perfect for adventure seekers, while Marari gives a glimpse into the slow-paced life of a traditional fishing village. In the north, Kannur’s unspoiled beaches and cultural heritage make it a favourite for long-stay guests, especially UK travellers looking for an authentic, peaceful tropical escape.

Many British guests choose to spend weeks in beach cottages in Kannur, enjoying the warm sun, friendly locals, and relaxing rhythm of coastal life. The coast of Kerala isn’t just about sun and sand—it’s a living, breathing cultural landscape where you can experience the coastal traditions, seafood cuisine, and village hospitality first-hand.

Island Getaway to Lakshadweep – India's Hidden Tropical Gem

While Kerala’s coastline offers some stunning tropical beaches, the Lakshadweep Islands take the experience to an entirely different level. Among the most captivating are Thinnakkara and Bangaram Islands, nestled in the heart of the Arabian Sea. Just a short one-hour flight from Cochin to Agatti, followed by an inter-island boat transfer of around an hour, brings you to this secluded paradise.

With its turquoise-blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, scuba diving, snorkelling, and a wide array of watersports, Lakshadweep is India’s very own slice of the Maldives—minus the crowds. For travellers from the UK seeking an exotic island escape as part of their Kerala holiday, this is an experience not to be missed.

Local, Sustainable, and Eco-Friendly Holidays in Kerala

At Green Earth Trails, we are deeply committed to crafting eco-friendly Kerala holidays that prioritise sustainability, cultural authenticity, and minimal carbon footprint. One of the most recommended ways to experience this is through our CGH Earth Kerala holiday packages.

CGH Earth is a pioneering hospitality group native to Kerala, known for its environmentally responsible practices, deep-rooted local ethos, and focus on sustainable tourism. Their resorts offer a perfect blend of authentic experiences, eco-conscious architecture, and exceptional Kerala cuisine—all set in thoughtfully chosen, beautiful locations.

Beyond CGH Earth, we also collaborate with several other properties across Kerala that follow similar nature-positive, community-friendly tourism values. These places ensure your holiday supports local communities, protects the natural ecosystem, and gives you a genuine, immersive connection with Kerala.

Is Kerala Safe for Tourists?

Kerala is widely regarded as one of the safest states in India for travellers, including solo travellers, women, and families. Its high literacy rate, strong civic sense, and well-functioning law enforcement contribute significantly to the overall sense of security that visitors experience.

Tourism plays a vital role in Kerala’s economy—accounting for nearly 10% of the state’s GDP—and supports thousands of local livelihoods, including ours. The state has also set up a dedicated Tourism Police wing, trained to assist and safeguard tourists throughout their journey.

While travel advisories for certain parts of India may exist, Kerala continues to be a safe and welcoming destination, especially for travellers from the UK and Europe. Whether you're exploring hill stations, cruising through backwaters, or relaxing on a beach, you’ll find Kerala to be peaceful, tourist-friendly, and respectful to all who visit.

Convenient Payment Options for UK Travellers

We offer a range of secure and hassle-free payment options for your Kerala holiday from the UK. Guests can make payments using credit cards via Stripe, or through local UK bank transfers, including SEPA transfers using Wise (formerly TransferWise).

To make your booking process smooth and worry-free, we only require a partial advance payment to confirm your tour. The remaining balance can be settled on arrival in Kerala or South India, after meeting our local representative in person and officially starting your journey. This approach not only simplifies the process but also provides additional confidence and peace of mind to our guests.

A Personalised, Owner-Operated Tour Company

Green Earth Trails is a boutique, owner-operated tour company—not part of the mass tourism circuit. I’m Benjamin, the founder of Green Earth Trails and the author of this blog. Every itinerary we curate is done with personal attention and a strong commitment to quality—this is a core value we don’t compromise on.

Our goal is simple: to ensure every guest leaves with meaningful memories and a smile. We believe in going the extra mile to meet and exceed expectations. To maintain high standards, we operate our own fleet of vehicles with experienced, courteous drivers. When you choose to travel with us, you're in direct contact with the person behind the operations—right from the start. We firmly believe that the best Kerala holiday for UK travellers is one that’s tailored precisely to their interests. By customising each itinerary around what matters most to our guests—whether it's nature, culture, food, relaxation, or adventure—we ensure a truly meaningful and unforgettable travel experience.

Beyond Kerala – Explore the Best of South India

If you're looking to experience more than just Kerala, and are curious about the broader cultural richness of the region, we’d be delighted to help you plan a comprehensive South India holiday tailored for UK travellers.

Our South India tour packages are crafted to offer deep insights into the region’s diversity—starting from Chennai and ending in Kochi, these journeys take you through the fascinating layers of history, architecture, Hindu traditions, ancient temples, ethnic diversity, and vibrant local cultures.

Featured tours like the Epic South India Holiday and South Indian Experiential Potpourri span across multiple states including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, offering a rich and immersive travel experience. Many of our guests from the UK have appreciated the depth, warmth, and authenticity of these extended programs—a journey into the true soul of South India.

Ready to Plan Your Kerala Holiday from the UK?

If Kerala is on your travel wishlist, you’re in the right hands. At Green Earth Trails, we specialise in crafting tailor-made Kerala holidays that reflect your interests, travel style, and pace. Whether you’re dreaming of backwater cruises, tea plantation walks, or relaxing on serene beaches, we’re here to make it happen—seamlessly and personally.

Get in touch with us to start planning your Kerala trip from the UK—and let’s make this your most memorable holiday yet.