Kerala, popularly known as God’s Own Country, is one of India’s most diverse and scenic destinations. With lush tea plantations, serene backwaters, pristine beaches, wildlife forests, and rich cultural heritage, Kerala offers an unforgettable travel experience for all kinds of travelers. If you want to explore the state at a relaxed pace without missing major attractions, a Kerala 10 days tour is the ideal way to discover the true beauty of this tropical paradise.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family vacation, or a photography trip, this complete guide will help you plan your perfect 10-day Kerala itinerary. And if you want to extend your journey, you can easily connect it with an 11 days South India tour covering Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, or Pondicherry for a wider cultural experience.
Why Choose a Kerala 10 Days Tour?
Kerala is a destination that deserves time. Each region has something different to offer—from waterfalls to tea estates, wildlife reserves to beaches, and luxurious houseboats to ancient temples. A Kerala 10 days tour ensures that you don’t rush through these spots but enjoy them fully.
Here’s why 10 days is perfect:
- Enough time to explore hill stations, beaches, backwaters & wildlife
- Relaxed travel without long road journeys every day
- Perfect for combining luxury stays with sightseeing
- Allows time for cultural experiences like Kathakali shows & spice tours
- Great for families, honeymooners & senior travelers
If you’re adding neighboring states, this can transition into an 11 days South India tour with ease.
How to Plan Your 10 Days Kerala Itinerary
Below is a well-structured itinerary covering the best of Kerala.
Day 1: Arrival in Cochin (Kochi) – Explore the Heritage City
Cochin is the cultural gateway of Kerala with a mix of colonial history, architecture, art, and coastal views.
Top Experiences:
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- St. Francis Church
- Dutch Cemetery
- Fort Kochi beachfront walk
- Kerala Kathakali performance
- Explore Jew Town & Spice Market
Stay overnight at a heritage hotel or a boutique property in Fort Kochi.
Day 2–3: Munnar – Tea Plantations, Waterfalls & Hills
Travel to Munnar (approx. 4 hours from Cochin), Kerala’s most famous hill station.
Must-Visit Attractions:
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mattupetty Dam
- Echo Point
- Tea Museum
- Top Station viewpoint
Experiences to Add:
- Tea tasting sessions
- Plantation walks
- Spa & Ayurvedic massages
- Off-road jeep adventures
Spend two nights soaking in Munnar’s cool climate and greenery.
Day 4–5: Thekkady – Wildlife, Spices & Adventure
Drive from Munnar to Thekkady (approx. 3.5 hours). This region is famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Top Things to Do:
- Boat cruise on Periyar Lake (chance to spot elephants, deer & rare birds)
- Nature walk in Periyar Forest
- Bamboo rafting
- Elephant park visit
- Spice plantations tour
In the evening, enjoy a Kalaripayattu martial arts show or an authentic Kerala Ayurvedic therapy session.
Day 6: Kumarakom – Backwater Serenity
Kumarakom is a peaceful backwater village filled with coconut trees, birdlife, and luxury resorts.
Highlights:
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Backwater canoe ride
- Relaxing houseboat day cruise
- Ayurvedic spa treatments
This is a great place to slow down, relax, and enjoy nature.
Day 7–8: Alleppey – Luxury Houseboat Experience
Travel to Alleppey (approx. 1–1.5 hours). This is one of the most iconic stops on a Kerala 10 days tour.
Luxury Houseboat Activities:
- Cruise through canals, villages, paddy fields & coconut groves
- Watch local fishing activities
- Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala meals onboard
- Sunset viewing from the deck
- Overnight stay surrounded by peaceful backwaters
If you prefer resorts, Alleppey also offers premium lake-view stays.
Day 9: Kovalam or Varkala – Beach Relaxation
End your journey with a peaceful beach retreat.
Kovalam Highlights:
- Crescent-shaped beaches
- Water sports
- Lighthouse beach
- Relaxation therapies
Varkala Highlights:
- Cliffside cafés
- Yoga retreats
- Pristine beaches
- Ayurvedic spa centers
Both beach towns offer a perfect ending to your scenic tour.
Day 10: Trivandrum Departure
Your Kerala journey concludes in Trivandrum. Visit a few attractions if time permits:
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Napier Museum
- Local markets
Fly back with unforgettable memories of Kerala’s landscapes, food, culture, and hospitality.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Kerala 10 Days Tour
✔ Best Time to Visit
- October – March: Pleasant weather
- June – September: Beautiful monsoon greenery
✔ What to Pack
- Light cotton clothes
- Comfortable footwear
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Light jacket for Munnar
✔ Book Houseboats in Advance
Luxury houseboats sell out quickly—especially during winter.
✔ Hire a Private Cab
It saves time and ensures comfortable travel between destinations.
✔ Add South India Extensions
You can extend this itinerary into an 11 days South India tour by adding:
- Madurai temples
- Rameswaram
- Kanyakumari
- Ooty or Coorg
- Mysore & Bangalore
This turns your Kerala trip into a comprehensive South India travel experience.
Who Is This Tour Ideal For?
A Kerala 10 days tour is perfect for:
- Couples looking for a romantic getaway
- Families with kids & elders
- Solo travelers who want a peaceful trip
- Foreign travelers exploring South India
- Nature & photography lovers
The itinerary includes everything from mountains to beaches, water bodies to forests, giving a complete Kerala experience.
Conclusion
Planning a Kerala 10 days tour allows you to witness the best of God’s Own Country—from Cochin’s heritage streets to Munnar’s tea gardens, Thekkady’s wildlife, and Alleppey’s enchanting backwaters. Whether you’re traveling for relaxation or exploration, 10 days offer the perfect balance of adventure, luxury, culture, and nature.
And if you want an even richer experience, extend your trip into an 11 days South India tour, combining Kerala with nearby states for a deeper cultural journey.