I’ve been to Kerala a couple of times, and honestly, the answer to whether it’s better to book hotels online or on arrival depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. Let me share what I experienced:
On my first trip to Kochi and Munnar, I booked everything online in advance. I used Booking.com and MakeMyTrip to compare hotels, photos, and reviews. The best part was the peace of mind – after a long flight, I just wanted to know exactly where I was heading. In Munnar, hotels fill up quickly during season (especially Dec–Feb), so pre-booking saved me from last-minute stress and higher rates.
But on my second trip (Alleppey and Varkala), I decided to keep things flexible. I booked only the first night online and then looked around after reaching. In Alleppey, I walked along the backwaters, checked out a few homestays and houseboats in person, and picked one that felt right. Negotiating directly with the owner actually got me a better deal than the online rate. In Varkala too, I just walked near the cliff and chose a guesthouse with a sea view – something I might have missed if I’d locked in a booking earlier.
So here’s what I learned:
✅ Book online in advance if you’re traveling in peak tourist season, with family, or if you want specific amenities (pool, Wi-Fi, houseboat packages).
✅ Book on arrival if you’re backpacking, traveling off-season, or love exploring different options on the ground. You can often negotiate better prices and find hidden gems.
⚖️ Personally, I now do a mix – I pre-book my first 1–2 nights online for security, then explore locally for the next stays.
In short: if it’s your first time in Kerala, book at least the first few nights online. Once you get a feel for the place, you can always go with the flow. Kerala has plenty of hotels, homestays, and resorts – you’ll never really be stuck without a bed.
