Kerala, lovingly called “God’s Own Country,” continues to enchant travellers with its pristine backwaters, lush hill stations, and rich cultural heritage. If you’re planning a Kerala trip in 2025, understanding the costs involved is crucial for a well-budgeted vacation. This comprehensive guide breaks down every expense category to help you plan your perfect Kerala getaway.
Overall Kerala Trip Cost Summary
The cost of a Kerala trip varies significantly based on your travel style, duration, and preferences. Here’s what you can expect:
- Budget Travel: ₹2,500-3,500 per person per day 1
- Mid-Range Travel: ₹4,000-6,000 per person per day 1
- Luxury Travel: ₹8,000-15,000+ per person per day 1
For specific durations, a 7-day Kerala trip for one person costs approximately ₹15,701, while for two people it costs ₹31,701 1. For a 6-day trip, expect to spend between ₹40,000 to ₹74,000 for two people 2.
Accommodation Costs in Kerala
Kerala offers accommodation options for every budget, from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts.
Budget Accommodation (₹500-1,500 per night)
- Hostels and Dormitories: ₹300-500 per night 3
- Budget Hotels: ₹900-1,500 per night 1
- Homestays: ₹500-1,500 per night 3
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2,000-5,000 per night)
- 3-star Hotels: Average ₹2,862 per night (including breakfast) 1
- Good Economy Hotels: ₹2,000-4,000 per night 2
Luxury Accommodation (₹8,000-50,000+ per night)
- 4-star Hotels: ₹4,368 per night average 4
- 5-star Hotels: ₹9,239 per night, average 4, can go up to ₹32,0001
- Luxury Resorts: ₹15,000-50,000+ per night
The average hotel price in Kerala is remarkably economical at $40 (₹3,300) per night 5, making it one of India’s most affordable destinations for quality accommodation.
Transportation Costs
Flights to Kerala
Domestic flight costs to Kerala average ₹8,149 6, with budget options available:
- Cheapest flights: From ₹2,200-2,700 6 7
- Popular routes: Bengaluru to Kochi averages ₹6,616 6
- Best booking time: February is the cheapest month (₹6,344), while December is most expensive (₹9,430) 6
Train Travel
Kerala has excellent railway connectivity with affordable options:
- Sleeper class: ₹300-700 for intercity travel 3
- AC 3-tier: ₹600-1,200 3
- Local trains: Minimum fare ₹10 for 45km 8
Local Transportation
- KSRTC Buses: ₹10-100 for different categories 9
- Private taxi: ₹2,500-4,000 per day 2
- Auto-rickshaws: ₹50-200 per ride 3
Local transportation costs about ₹1,700+ for a private car covering 100km 1, while public transport can save up to four times the cost 10.
Food and Dining Expenses
Kerala’s diverse culinary scene caters to all budgets:
Street Food and Local Eateries (₹50-150 per meal)
- Traditional items: Puttu-kadala, dosa (₹12), idli (₹12) 11
- Daily budget: ₹150-450
Budget Restaurants (₹200-400 per meal)
Mid-Range Dining (₹400-800 per meal)
- Seafood specialities: Varies seasonally
- Hotel restaurants: ₹600-1,200 per meal
- Daily budget: ₹1,200-2,400
Average daily food cost ranges from ₹500-1,200 depending on preferences2, with meals averaging ₹780 per day (excluding breakfast) for two people1.
Activities and Attractions Costs
Must-Do Experiences
Houseboat Stays (Most Popular Activity):
- 1-bedroom deluxe: ₹8,000-12,000 12 13
- 2-bedroom deluxe: ₹13,500-18,000 13
- Premium with unlimited AC: ₹12,000-18,000 13
Adventure Activities:
- Parasailing: ₹2,500 for 30 minutes 14
- Scuba diving: ₹4,500 for 20 minutes 14
- Kayaking: ₹1,540-2,500 14
- Jeep safari: ₹2,000-4,000 14
Cultural Experiences:
Backwater Cruises:
National Parks and Entry Fees
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: ₹320-775 16
- Eravikulam National Park: ₹200-500 16
- Various attractions: ₹50-550 16
Seasonal Pricing and Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (October-March)
- Price impact: +30-50% for hotels, +25-40% for flights 19
- Best weather conditions but higher costs 20
- Hotel rates: ₹76 average during high season 5
Shoulder Season (April-May)
- Standard pricing with good weather
- Temperatures: 32-36°C, hot and humid 20
Monsoon Season (June-September)
- Discounts: 20-30% on hotels, 15-25% on flights 19
- Special experience: Lush greenery, ideal for Ayurveda treatments 21
- Temperatures: 19-30°C with heavy rainfall 20
Ayurveda and Wellness Costs
Kerala is renowned for authentic Ayurvedic treatments:
Treatment Costs
- Panchakarma treatments: ₹5,000-8,000 per day 22
- 7-21 day programs: ₹40,000-2,50,000 22
- Consultation: ₹2,000 for body consultation 23
- Follow-up: ₹750 23
Monsoon season is considered ideal for Ayurvedic treatments as the pores open during this time 21.
Budget Categories and Package Costs
Budget Kerala Packages
- 3-4 days: ₹12,500-18,000 total 24
- 5-6 days: ₹20,000-32,000 25
- Per person daily cost: ₹2,500-3,500 26
Standard Kerala Packages
Luxury Kerala Packages
- 4-5 days: ₹45,000-60,000 24
- 6-7 days: ₹60,000-99,000 24
- Ultra-luxury: ₹1,15,000+ for premium experiences 27
Money-Saving Tips for Kerala Travel
Accommodation Savings
- Book homestays instead of hotels for authentic experiences 10
- Choose hostels for solo travellers (₹472-551 per night) 10
- Travel during monsoon for 20-30% discounts 3
Transportation Savings
- Use public transport – saves up to 4x compared to private vehicles 10
- Book trains in advance for better rates 3
- Consider KSRTC buses for intercity travel 3
Food Savings
- Eat at local eateries instead of hotel restaurants 10
- Try street food for authentic flavours at low costs 10
- Shop at local markets for spices and souvenirs 28
Additional Costs to Consider
- Shopping: Spices (₹400-800 per kg), 29, handicrafts vary
- Tips: 10-15% at restaurants, ₹50-100 for drivers 15 30
- Entry fees: ₹5,000-10,000 for various attractions 2
- Travel insurance: Recommended for peace of mind
Visa Requirements
Indian citizens do not need visas for domestic travel to Kerala. However, foreign tourists require tourist visas 31 32.
Sample Budget Breakdowns
Budget Traveller (₹2,750 per day)
- Accommodation: ₹800
- Food: ₹600
- Local transport: ₹350
- Activities: ₹500
- Miscellaneous: ₹500
Mid-Range Traveller (₹5,500 per day)
- Accommodation: ₹2,500
- Food: ₹1,200
- Transport: ₹800
- Activities: ₹1,000
- Shopping/Misc: ₹500
Luxury Traveler (₹12,000+ per day)
- Accommodation: ₹8,000+
- Fine dining: ₹2,500
- Private transport: ₹1,500
- Premium activities: ₹3,000
- Shopping/Spa: ₹2,000
Why Choose Enjoy Holidays for Your Kerala Trip
When planning your Kerala adventure, consider Enjoy Holidays as your trusted travel partner. As one of India’s leading domestic and international travel agencies, Enjoy Holidays specialises in creating luxurious and comfortable Kerala experiences tailored to your budget and preferences. With their extensive local knowledge, competitive pricing, and commitment to quality service, they ensure your Kerala trip becomes an unforgettable journey through God’s Own Country.
Conclusion
Kerala offers exceptional value for money across all budget categories. With proper planning, you can experience this tropical paradise for as little as ₹2,500 per day or indulge in luxury for ₹12,000+ per day. The key is understanding your priorities and planning accordingly. Whether you’re seeking budget backwaters or luxury houseboats, Kerala’s diverse offerings ensure every traveller finds their perfect experience.
Pro Tip: Book during the monsoon season for the best deals, but pack accordingly for the rains. The lush green landscapes and reduced crowds make it a magical time to visit God’s Own Country.
Sources:
- 1 Iris Holidays Kerala Trip Cost Guide
- 2 TravelSetu 6-Day Kerala Cost Analysis
- 24 Kerala Tour Packages Price List
- 25 Thomas Cook Kerala Packages
- 33 Reddit Solo Travel Kerala Budget Breakdown
- 5 Budget Your Trip Kerala Hotel Analysis
- 9 Kerala RTC Fare Structure
- 11 Mathrubhumi Food Price Analysis
- 3 Kerala Taxis Budget Travel Tips
- 12 Houseboat Mart Rate Structure
- 6 Kayak Flight Price Analysis
- 22 Ayurvedic Treatment Cost Guide
