Kerala is often referred to as 'God's Own Country' for its calm backwaters, misty tea gardens, and clean beaches. For couples in India, it remains one of the most practical and scenic choices for a getaway. Whether you are planning a honeymoon or a simple anniversary trip, Kerala offers a range of experiences that fit different wallets.
The total cost of your Kerala tour package for couple will depend heavily on three factors: how long you stay, your mode of transport (flight vs. train), and the type of hotels you choose. In this guide, we break down every expense from flight tickets to the cost of a plate of Karimeen fry to help you plan a realistic budget.
Kerala Trip Cost for Couple – Quick Overview
Here is a high-level estimate of what a couple can expect to spend in 2026. These costs include stay, food, and local travel but exclude flights/trains from your home city.
|
Trip Type |
Duration |
Estimated Cost (For Couple) |
|
Budget Trip |
4–5 Days |
₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
|
Standard Trip |
5–6 Days |
₹45,000 – ₹65,000 |
|
Luxury Trip |
6–7 Days |
₹1,10,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
Travel Cost to Kerala (From Major Indian Cities)
Reaching Kerala is convenient as the state is well-connected by air and rail. For most travelers, Kochi International Airport (COK) is the best entry point as it is central. If you are visiting South Kerala (Varkala/Kovalam), Trivandrum (TRV) is better.
|
From City |
Flight Cost (Couple Round-trip) |
Train Cost (Couple 3AC Round-trip) |
|
Delhi |
₹14,000 – ₹22,000 |
₹7,500 – ₹9,000 |
|
Mumbai |
₹9,000 – ₹15,000 |
₹4,500 – ₹6,000 |
|
Bangalore |
₹6,000 – ₹10,000 |
₹2,200 – ₹3,500 |
|
Chennai |
₹7,000 – ₹11,000 |
₹2,500 – ₹4,000 |
Note: Booking flights 2–3 months in advance can save you nearly 30% on these rates.
Internal Travel Cost in Kerala
Once you land, you will need to move between towns like Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey. Distances are long and roads are winding, so a private cab is the most comfortable for couples.
|
Transport Mode |
Cost Per Day (Couple) |
Best For |
|
Cab (AC Sedan) |
₹2,200 – ₹3,000 |
Comfort and local sightseeing |
|
Self-drive car |
₹1,800 – ₹2,500 |
Privacy (Excludes fuel) |
|
Auto / Local taxi |
₹800 – ₹1,500 |
Short distances within a town |
|
KSRTC Bus |
₹150 – ₹400 |
Extreme budget travel |
Hotel Cost in Kerala for Couple (Category-wise)
Accommodation prices vary by location. Munnar and Alleppey are generally more expensive than Kochi.
|
Hotel Type |
Price Per Night |
Amenities |
|
Budget Hotel / Homestay |
₹1,200 – ₹2,200 |
Clean room, basic breakfast |
|
3-Star Hotel |
₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
AC, Good location, Buffet breakfast |
|
4-Star Hotel |
₹6,000 – ₹9,500 |
Pool, view, multi-cuisine dining |
|
Luxury Resort |
₹15,000 – ₹30,000 |
Private villas, premium views |
|
Honeymoon Resort |
₹8,000 – ₹18,000 |
Specific romantic setups/privacy |
Houseboat Cost in Alleppey
A houseboat stay is a highlight for many couples. The prices include all meals (Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast) prepared on the boat.
|
Houseboat Type |
Day Cruise (11 AM - 5 PM) |
Overnight Stay (1 Night) |
|
Standard |
₹7,000 – ₹9,000 |
₹10,000 – ₹12,000 |
|
Deluxe |
₹9,000 – ₹11,000 |
₹13,000 – ₹16,000 |
|
Premium |
₹12,000 – ₹15,000 |
₹18,000 – ₹24,000 |
|
Luxury |
₹18,000+ |
₹30,000 – ₹55,000 |
- AC Timing Rule: In Standard and Deluxe boats, AC usually runs only from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Premium and Luxury boats provide full-time AC.
- Menu: Most boats serve a traditional Kerala meal with fish fry. Specialized menus (like Prawns or Lobster) cost extra.
Sightseeing & Attraction Entry Fees
Kerala has very organized ticketing for its parks and museums. Here are the latest rates per person:
|
Attraction |
Location |
Entry Fee (Per Person) |
|
Eravikulam National Park |
Munnar |
₹200 (includes bus) |
|
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary |
Thekkady |
₹155 (Entry + Basic Boat) |
|
Tea Museum |
Munnar |
₹100 |
|
Athirappilly Waterfalls |
Thrissur |
₹50 |
|
Vembanad Lake Ferry |
Alleppey |
₹10 – ₹50 (Govt Ferry) |
Wildlife, Backwaters & Activities Cost
Beyond entry fees, these activities are popular for couples:
|
Activity |
Cost (Per Person) |
|
Jungle Safari (Periyar) |
₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
|
Bamboo Rafting |
₹2,500 – ₹3,500 (Includes food) |
|
Kathakali / Kalaripayattu Show |
₹300 – ₹500 |
|
Backwater Canoe Ride |
₹500 – ₹800 (Per Hour) |
|
Ayurvedic Massage |
₹1,500 – ₹3,500 |
Food Cost in Kerala for Couple
Food is relatively affordable. A local 'Sadya' (meal on a banana leaf) is delicious and light on the pocket.
|
Meal Type |
Cost for Couple (Per Meal) |
|
Local restaurant / Small Cafe |
₹400 – ₹700 |
|
Mid-range restaurant |
₹1,000 – ₹1,800 |
|
Resort / Fine dining |
₹2,500 – ₹4,500 |
Average Daily Food Expense: Expect to spend about ₹2,000 per day for a couple at decent restaurants.
Sample Kerala Trip Budget (5 Days / 4 Nights)
This is a standard itinerary (Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey) for a couple choosing 3-star comfort.
|
Expense Type |
Approx Cost (Couple) |
|
Travel (Flights/Train) |
₹12,000 |
|
Hotels (4 Nights) |
₹16,000 |
|
Local Transport (Private Cab) |
₹14,000 |
|
Sightseeing & Activities |
₹5,000 |
|
Food |
₹10,000 |
|
Total Cost |
₹57,000 |
Cost-Saving Tips for Couples
- Visit in the Shoulder Season: September to November or March to May. You get better resort deals than in the peak winter (December/January).
- Use Government Ferries: In Alleppey, instead of a private boat, take the government ferry from Alleppey to Kottayam. It costs less than ₹50 and offers great views.
- Book Homestays: Kerala has a fantastic homestay culture. They are often cleaner and more authentic than hotels, costing 40% less.
- Skip the Houseboat Overnight: If ₹15,000 is too much for one night, take a 3-hour Shikara ride for ₹2,500 and stay in a land-based resort for better value.
FAQ Section
What is the minimum budget for a Kerala trip for a couple?
If you travel by train, stay in homestays, and use public buses, you can complete a 4-day trip for ₹20,000 to ₹25,000.
Is Kerala expensive for honeymoon couples?
It is mid-range. While luxury resorts can be expensive, the general cost of food and sightseeing is lower than in places like Goa or Himachal Pradesh.
How much does a 7-day Kerala trip cost for a couple?
A comfortable 7-day trip with a private cab and 3-star hotels will cost approximately ₹75,000 – ₹85,000, including flights.
Is a houseboat worth the cost?
For a couple, it offers a very private experience. However, if you are on a tight budget, a Shikara boat ride during sunset is a more practical alternative that gives you similar views for a fraction of the price.
