I’m planning a trip to Kerala in **December 2025** (with family/friends) and I’d love some advice from those who’ve done it. I’ll have around **11 days** to explore, and I want a good mix of **nature, culture, backwaters, and beaches**. I’d really appreciate suggestions on: * How to split the days between **Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey/Kumarakom, Kochi, Wayanad, and Kovalam/Varkala** (or any other must-visit). * Whether to add a **houseboat stay** in Alleppey or just do a day cruise. * Best routes to avoid too much road travel – should I fly into Kochi and out of Trivandrum, or stick to a round trip? * Any **local festivals or events in December** worth catching? * Approximate budget for **mid-range hotels/houseboats** and whether December rates are very high. * Tips on transport – is it better to hire a cab/driver for the full tour or mix in trains/buses? * Any **hidden gems or offbeat experiences** (like village walks, spice plantations, or waterfalls) that first-timers usually miss. Would love to see sample **day-wise itineraries** from anyone who has done an 11-day Kerala trip in December. Thanks in advance! 🙏

That sounds like an amazing plan 🙌 — December is one of the **best months to visit Kerala** since it’s cool, dry, and festive (perfect for family + friends). With **11 days**, you can cover Kerala’s highlights without rushing: backwaters, hill stations, beaches, wildlife, and cultural experiences. Here’s a suggested **Kerala 11-day itinerary (family/friends friendly):** --- ## 🌿 Day-by-Day Itinerary ### **Day 1–2: Kochi (Cochin)** * Explore **Fort Kochi**: Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace. * Walk through **Jew Town** & spice markets. * Evening **Kathakali dance performance** (great intro to Kerala culture). * Optional: Kochi backwater sunset cruise. --- ### **Day 3–4: Munnar (Hill Station)** * Drive from Kochi → Munnar (4–5 hrs through tea plantations). * Visit **Eravikulam National Park** (Nilgiri Tahr, rolling hills). * Tea Museum & tea gardens. * Top Station viewpoint, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point. * Family-friendly treks or jeep safari. --- ### **Day 5–6: Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)** * Scenic drive from Munnar (3–4 hrs). * Boat safari at **Periyar Lake** (spot elephants, bison, birdlife). * Spice plantation tour. * Evening cultural show (martial art *Kalaripayattu*). * Great place for **nature + wildlife enthusiasts**. --- ### **Day 7–8: Alappuzha / Kumarakom (Backwaters)** * Houseboat cruise in **Alleppey (Alappuzha)** → overnight stay on backwaters. * Enjoy Kerala meals served onboard (kids/friends love this). * Kumarakom bird sanctuary visit (if interested in birdwatching). --- ### **Day 9–10: Kovalam / Varkala (Beaches)** * Head south to Kovalam or Varkala. * **Kovalam**: shallow beaches, lighthouse views (great for families). * **Varkala**: cliffside cafes, yoga & Ayurveda (laid-back vibe for friends). * Sunset views, seafood dinners, optional surfing/boating. --- ### **Day 11: Trivandrum (Departure)** * Explore **Padmanabhaswamy Temple** (if time/interest). * Napier Museum & Zoo (good for families). * Fly out from **Trivandrum Airport (TRV)**.

“Can someone suggest a detailed 11-day Kerala itinerary for December?”

HarryLove

I’m planning a trip to Kerala in December 2025 (with family/friends) and I’d love some advice from those who’ve done it. I’ll have around 11 days to explore, and I want a good mix of nature, culture, backwaters, and beaches.

I’d really appreciate suggestions on:

How to split the days between Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey/Kumarakom, Kochi, Wayanad, and Kovalam/Varkala (or any other must-visit).
Whether to add a houseboat stay in Alleppey or just do a day cruise.
Best routes to avoid too much road travel – should I fly into Kochi and out of Trivandrum, or stick to a round trip?
Any local festivals or events in December worth catching?
Approximate budget for mid-range hotels/houseboats and whether December rates are very high.
Tips on transport – is it better to hire a cab/driver for the full tour or mix in trains/buses?
Any hidden gems or offbeat experiences (like village walks, spice plantations, or waterfalls) that first-timers usually miss.

Would love to see sample day-wise itineraries from anyone who has done an 11-day Kerala trip in December.

Thanks in advance! 🙏

Pavislsblr

That sounds like an amazing plan 🙌 — December is one of the best months to visit Kerala since it’s cool, dry, and festive (perfect for family + friends). With 11 days, you can cover Kerala’s highlights without rushing: backwaters, hill stations, beaches, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

Here’s a suggested Kerala 11-day itinerary (family/friends friendly):

—

🌿 Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1–2: Kochi (Cochin)

Explore Fort Kochi: Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace.
Walk through Jew Town & spice markets.
Evening Kathakali dance performance (great intro to Kerala culture).
Optional: Kochi backwater sunset cruise.

—

Day 3–4: Munnar (Hill Station)

Drive from Kochi → Munnar (4–5 hrs through tea plantations).
Visit Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr, rolling hills).
Tea Museum & tea gardens.
Top Station viewpoint, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point.
Family-friendly treks or jeep safari.

—

Day 5–6: Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)

Scenic drive from Munnar (3–4 hrs).
Boat safari at Periyar Lake (spot elephants, bison, birdlife).
Spice plantation tour.
Evening cultural show (martial art Kalaripayattu).
Great place for nature + wildlife enthusiasts.

—

Day 7–8: Alappuzha / Kumarakom (Backwaters)

Houseboat cruise in Alleppey (Alappuzha) → overnight stay on backwaters.
Enjoy Kerala meals served onboard (kids/friends love this).
Kumarakom bird sanctuary visit (if interested in birdwatching).

—

Day 9–10: Kovalam / Varkala (Beaches)

Head south to Kovalam or Varkala.
Kovalam: shallow beaches, lighthouse views (great for families).
Varkala: cliffside cafes, yoga & Ayurveda (laid-back vibe for friends).
Sunset views, seafood dinners, optional surfing/boating.

—

Day 11: Trivandrum (Departure)

Explore Padmanabhaswamy Temple (if time/interest).
Napier Museum & Zoo (good for families).
Fly out from Trivandrum Airport (TRV).

Admin

Kerala is a must place to visit for 11 days. If we increase another 5 days we can cover more places