Kerala Small Group Tours
Wondering about exploring Kerala with a small group? Sleeping on houseboats cruising backwaters, wandering Munnar's tea plantations, spotting tigers in Periyar, watching Kathakali dance. Kerala's called "God's Own Country" for good reason - it's gorgeous, relaxed and the food's mouthwatering. Small groups let you experience Kerala's culture properly whilst keeping things intimate and personal.
10 best Kerala small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaKerala travel expert at TourRadar
- Rejuvenating Kerala - India By Car and Driver
- Explore Kerala - God's Own Country
- Kerala: Highlights of Southern India 7-Day Trip (3, 4 & 5 Star Hotels Options)
- Best of Southern India with Houseboat Stay
- South India Kerala Tour - 8 Days Backwaters, Tea Hills, Wildlife & Houseboat Experience
- 7 Days Tour to Kerala
- Relaxing Kerala Tour ( Cochin- Munnar- Alleppey- Cochin)
- Best of Kerala
- From Cochin: Munnar and Alleppey 4-Day Tour with Houseboat
- Private 7-Day All-Inclusive Kerala Cultural & Scenic Private Tour | 4-Star Hotels
Rejuvenating Kerala - India By Car and Driver
“Its possible to see the best Sightseeings. Munnar and the backwaters of Kerale are beautiful.”
Jennifer, traveled in March
Small groups of 2-4 travel in private AC vehicles through Kerala's backwaters, while parties of 5-8 use spacious Tempo Travellers. Each size ensures dedicated attention during houseboat cruises on Vembanad Lake and visits to Munnar's tea plantations with English-speaking guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $394
30% off- US$276
Explore Kerala - God's Own Country
“it was a wonderful experience in kerala tour. really enjoyed the tour.”
Vusumuzi, traveled in December
Experience Kerala's treasures in an intimate setting with guaranteed departures for any group size. English-speaking guide provides dedicated attention during houseboat stays and wildlife viewing at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Small groups ensure peaceful exploration of backwater villages.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Kumarakom, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Yoganshi Travel From
30% off- US$466
Kerala: Highlights of Southern India 7-Day Trip (3, 4 & 5 Star Hotels Options)
“The Munnar was lush and refreshing, while the Alleppey backwaters offered a calm and unique experience.”
Gabrielle, traveled in February
Small groups of 2-10 travelers immerse in Kerala's diverse landscapes. Exclusive access to tea plantations in Munnar and peaceful backwater cruises await, while larger groups share authentic Kerala cuisine and cultural performances aboard traditional houseboats in Alleppey.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Kumarakom, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Varanasi Excursion Pvt Ltd From $926
50% off- US$463
Best of Southern India with Houseboat Stay
“Everything was very professionally organized. Had a wonderful time on this southern India tour.”
AllanShawn, traveled in September
Intimate parties of 6-12 visitors navigate Kerala's narrow canals by houseboat. This size allows special access to tribal villages near Periyar and personal experiences at local spice markets and tea plantations.
Duration 6 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Swastik India Journeys From
50% off- US$578
South India Kerala Tour - 8 Days Backwaters, Tea Hills, Wildlife & Houseboat Experience
“The itinerary was well laid out and the driver was great and super helpful.”
Clodagh, traveled in June
Groups of 1-5 people share Kerala's highlights, perfect for immersive experiences. Private guides lead tours at Eravikulam National Park, exclusive spice plantation visits in Thekkady, and intimate houseboat cruises through Alleppey's backwaters with fellow travelers averaging 32 years.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Thekkady, Periyar National Park, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Volunteering With India From $1,199
50% off- US$600
7 Days Tour to Kerala
“Kerala is amazing part of South India. 100% recommended this trip.”
Curtis, traveled in August
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $2,282
70% off- US$685
Relaxing Kerala Tour ( Cochin- Munnar- Alleppey- Cochin)
“Our tour featured comfortable stays at quiet and cozy hotels, and an overall amazing experience.”
Alex, traveled in April
This private tour takes 1-10 people through Kochi, Munnar, and Alleppey with your own AC vehicle. The 4-hour ride to Munnar includes stops at Valera waterfalls and tea plantations. You'll have personal wildlife safaris at Rajamali National Park, visits to Top Station and Kundala Lake, plus an overnight houseboat stay on calm backwaters.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Yoganshi Travel From
70% off- US$304
Best of Kerala
“We enjoyed our holiday to the fullest. The stunning tea estates in Munnar were really liked.”
ElizabethPott, traveled in March
Average groups of 2-4 travelers receive personalized tours of Kerala's highlights. The intimate setting provides dedicated attention at Kochi's historic sites, private tea estate tours in Munnar, and exclusive houseboat experiences through Alleppey's serene backwaters.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator GeTS Holidays From $1,755
70% off- US$527
From Cochin: Munnar and Alleppey 4-Day Tour with Houseboat
“It was a very good tour. I had the most fun in the house boat, we stayed there for 1 night.”
Tracy, traveled in October
The personalized Kerala tour hosts 2-4 travelers with dedicated service. Your time at Munnar's tea estates and Eravikulam National Park moves at your preferred pace, with private houseboat cruising through Alleppey's backwaters alongside English-speaking guides.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Yoganshi Travel From
70% off- US$312
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyār, Alleppey, Kumarakom Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator SafeHands Travels From $1,669
55% off- US$751
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Reviews of Small Group tours to Kerala
- Explore Kerala - God's Own Country
My Kerala trip was very astonishing and wonderful with fully enjoyable.From the golden sands of Kovalam to the serene and less crowded Varkala cliffs, Kerala's beaches cater to all types of travelers. The pristine waters and scenic beauty provide a perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- South India Kerala Tour - 8 Days Backwaters, Tea Hills, Wildlife & Houseboat Experience
Our family had a wonderful experience on the 7-night South India tour. The itinerary was well thought out, allowing us to explore a wide variety of attractions. Our driver, Rohan, was excellent, making our trip smooth and enjoyable. The hotels were outstanding, offering great amenities and beautiful views. We loved the mix of cultural sites, natural beauty, and local flavors. This tour gave us a deep appreciation of South India's rich heritage. Highly recommended!
- Best of Kerala
My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our time on this tour! The scenery throughout was incredible, and it was a great contrast to time spent in India’s North visiting the Golden Triangle. Walking in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a tour of a spice farm, and time on the houseboat in the backwaters were particular highlights. Pacing of the trip was good, with multiple nights in some of the towns, in between longer drives. Our driver, Noufel, had a good grasp of English, and was very helpful. The staff from GeTS Holidays were also very communicative via WhatsApp, and checked in throughout to ensure everything was going well. Our hotels were comfortable and served good food. Most had AC (though it wasn’t really needed in Munnar due to the altitude). Visiting in Summer, there wasn’t so much wildlife, but the scenery everywhere was still amazing!
What our customers ask about Kerala Small Group Tours
What is the ideal group size for exploring Kerala's wildlife sanctuaries and backwaters?
Small groups of 6-8 travelers provide the most rewarding experience when visiting Kerala's natural attractions. These numbers work particularly well for quiet observation at places like Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey. The limited size ensures better wildlife spotting at Eravikulam National Park where the rare Nilgiri Tahr roams and creates a quieter environment at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for bird watching. A TourRadar traveler noted "the small group size made wildlife viewing much more intimate and allowed for better interaction with our naturalist guide at the spice plantations."
How does accommodation differ in small group tours versus larger tours in Kerala?
Boutique properties and heritage stays characterize the small group tour experience in Kerala. These include distinctive properties like the Elephant Court in Periyar and Lake Song Resort in Kumarakom. Traditional houseboats in Alleppey feature 2-3 bedrooms designed for intimate groups while properties like the Devonshire Green in Munnar focus on individualized attention. A TourRadar traveler remarked: "staying at smaller character-filled properties gave us a much more authentic experience of Kerala's hospitality."
What unique experiences are available specifically for small group tours in Kerala?
Small groups can access experiences that larger tours simply cannot manage. These include visits to family-run spice plantations in Periyar cooking classes in Fort Kochi homes and private tea tastings at the Munnar Tea Museum. Groups can get up close to the Chinese fishing nets with local fishermen and enjoy Kathakali performances in private settings. A TourRadar traveler noted: "our small group size allowed us to visit a local family's home in Kumarakom for a traditional Kerala meal something impossible with larger groups."
How does transportation work for small group tours in Kerala?
Transportation centers on nimble AC vehicles like Toyota Innovas that seat 4-6 people. These vehicles can navigate narrow village roads and access tea plantation paths that coaches cannot reach. Stops at places like Valara waterfalls or local markets become easy spontaneous additions. A TourRadar review states: "having a smaller vehicle meant we could explore hidden corners of Kerala's backwaters and stop at authentic local restaurants that larger groups simply couldn't access."
What is the typical duration of small group tours in Kerala?
Most small group itineraries span 6-8 days covering Kerala's essential experiences. The common schedule includes 2 nights exploring Munnar's tea regions 2 nights discovering Periyar's wildlife and 1-2 nights experiencing Alleppey's backwaters. Many tours conclude at the Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Resort in Kovalam. A TourRadar traveler shared: "our 7-day small group tour provided the perfect balance of activities and relaxation time."
How does dining work on small group tours in Kerala?
Small groups enjoy greater dining flexibility from home-cooked meals in local houses to special menus at places like the Radisson Blu Kochi. Groups can easily visit family restaurants and experience meals in traditional Syrian Christian homes. Local cuisine becomes more accessible with the ability to visit small authentic eateries. One TourRadar traveler noted: "our small group size allowed us to dine at family-run restaurants in Thekkady and learn about local spices directly from the chef."
What is the best season for small group tours in Kerala?
The period from October to March offers optimal conditions for Kerala's activities. These months bring clear weather for wildlife viewing at Periyar Tiger Reserve and comfortable temperatures for backwater cruises in Alleppey. Properties like Lake Song resort in Kumarakom see peak bird activity during this time. A TourRadar review confirms: "traveling in a small group during December allowed us to enjoy perfect weather while avoiding the crowds at popular spots like Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point."