Honeymoon in Kerala: Where to Stay in Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey

Kerala suits a honeymoon because its best experiences are slow. Mist over tea hills, a spice-scented forest and a night on the backwaters all reward unhurried couples.

This guide explains where to stay in each of the classic bases, and how to split the nights so the trip feels restful and not rushed.

The tea hills above Munnar.

Munnar: two nights

Pick a stay on a tea estate or a ridge, not in the busy town. Look for a room with a valley view and a quiet garden. The days are for tea walks and viewpoints, and the evenings are cool enough for a fire. See our tea estate stay guide and the Top Station guide.

Thekkady: two nights

Thekkady is about forests and spice gardens. A resort at the edge of the Periyar reserve gives you sounds of the forest at night, and a balcony for the morning. Plan a boat or trek, a spice garden walk and an Ayurveda session for two. See the Periyar guide and the spice plantation guide.

Alleppey or Kumarakom: one or two nights

Choose one night on a private houseboat, and, if you have time, a second night in a lakeside resort in Kumarakom. Alleppey has more houseboats and more traffic. Kumarakom is quieter, with resorts in large gardens. See our Alleppey or Kumarakom comparison and the houseboat guide.

A houseboat on the backwaters.

The beach finish

End with two nights at Kovalam or Varkala. Varkala has cliffs and a quieter mood, while Kovalam has more resorts and a calm swimming beach. See the Varkala vs Kovalam guide.

A sample route

1. Day 1: arrive in Kochi, a quiet evening in Fort Kochi.

2. Days 2 to 3: Munnar.

3. Days 4 to 5: Thekkady.

4. Day 6: the backwaters, with a houseboat night.

5. Days 7 to 8: the beach.

For a fuller plan, see the 9-night itinerary and the 7-day itinerary.

Tips for couples

• Choose fewer bases and longer stays.

• Ask about the room view before you book.

• Plan drives for the morning, since Kerala roads are slow.

• Book the houseboat early in the high season.

• Try an Ayurveda session for two. See the Ayurveda guide.

Best season

October to March, with the best weather from December to February. The monsoon is good value and is a favourite with Ayurveda guests, but rain can limit outdoor plans. See the month-by-month guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many nights do we need for a Kerala honeymoon?

Seven to nine nights is ideal.

Which base is the most romantic?

Munnar for the hills and Kumarakom for the quiet.

Should we do a houseboat?

Yes, for one night, on a private boat.

What is the best season?

October to March.

Can we add a beach?

Yes, at Varkala or Kovalam.

Plan your Kerala honeymoon with us

We choose the stays, the houseboat and the drivers so that the trip stays slow. Explore the Kerala destination page or talk to a trip designer.

Photo credits

Photos reused from our Munnar and Alleppey guides. Credits are listed there, via Wikimedia Commons.