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
- Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppy Kovalam 8 Days Tour
- Relaxing kerala tour ( Cochin Munnar Alleppy Cochin)
- Rejuvenating Kerala - India By Car & Driver with Good Hotels !!
- The Magical Kerala Tour
- Backwaters of Kerala - An authentic tour of Kerala
- Romantic Kerala Tour
- Magical Kerala with Mumbai and Goa
- From Cochin: Munnar and Alleppey 4-Day Tour with Houseboat
- South India 8 Days Tour – Temples, Backwaters & Wildlife Adventure
- Best of Southern India with Houseboat Stay
Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppy Kovalam 8 Days Tour
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour provided a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation, and left me with memories.”
Barbara, traveled in July
Private guides and dedicated vehicles enable deep exploration of Kerala's highlights. The intimate format allows for peaceful walks through Munnar's tea estates, exclusive spice plantation tours in Thekkady, and serene backwater cruises in traditional kettuvallam houseboats.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Private Operator Real viaggi india From $2,400
50% Off- US$1,200You save $1,200
Relaxing kerala tour ( Cochin Munnar Alleppy Cochin)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a truly rejuvenating experience that left me feeling refreshed and renewed.”
Anderson, traveled in January
Groups of 8-12 visitors uncover Kerala's treasures together. The intimate size guarantees personal attention during Munnar tea plantation visits, relaxed houseboat experiences in Alleppey's backwaters, and immersive cultural shows at Kathakali centres.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Real viaggi india From $800
50% Off- US$400You save $400
Rejuvenating Kerala - India By Car & Driver with Good Hotels !!
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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$276You save $118
The Magical Kerala Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Kerala the most southwestern state in India is amazing. Enjoy the houseboat ride, a highlight of the Kerala tour.”
Brian, traveled in December
Groups of 1-10 travelers share Kerala's highlights together. The smaller size enables intimate houseboat experiences in Alleppey backwaters and personalized tours of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, with vehicle size adapted from Sedans to mini-vans based on group composition.
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 $2,490
70% Off- US$747You save $1,743
Backwaters of Kerala - An authentic tour of Kerala
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It was very informative, and everyone was very friendly. We would highly recommend our driver Gurusamy.”
sha, traveled in July
Small groups of 2-8 companions share an immersive Kerala experience. Visitors enjoy exclusive access to Munnar's tea estates, private spice plantation tours in Periyar, and intimate houseboat cruises through Alleppey's backwaters with local guides.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kumarakom Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $1,444
30% Off- US$1,011You save $433
Romantic Kerala Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The exceptional accommodations and personalized services ensured our romantic escape was unforgettable.”
Friedrich, traveled in December
Intimate groups of 8-15 visitors receive dedicated attention throughout Kerala. The select size allows for exclusive experiences like private spice plantation tours in Periyar, peaceful bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and personalized houseboat adventures through Alleppey.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Kumarakom, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator World Travel Experiences From $1,573
50% Off- US$787You save $787
Intimate groups allow for detailed exploration of Kerala's treasures, from Fort Kochi's historic sites to Munnar's tea plantations. Small numbers ensure personalized attention during houseboat cruises in Alleppey and wildlife viewing at Periyar Sanctuary.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Mumbai, Goa Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator GeTS Holidays From $3,211
70% Off- US$963You save $2,248
From Cochin: Munnar and Alleppey 4-Day Tour with Houseboat
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Munnar is really a very beautiful place. We enjoyed it on the house boat in Alleppey.”
Vusumuzi, traveled in February
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$324
South India 8 Days Tour – Temples, Backwaters & Wildlife Adventure
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
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, Thekkady, 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 $1,300
50% Off- US$650You save $650
Best of Southern India with Houseboat Stay
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was everything we were promised.”
Dario, traveled in June
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
Reviews of Small Group tours to Kerala
- Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppy Kovalam 8 Days Tour
I had took the Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Kovalam tour and it was a quick but memorable tour of Kerala's best attractions. The tour started in Cochin, where we visited some of the city's famous landmarks such as the Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Chinese Fishing Nets. The guide was knowledgeable and provided interesting insights into the city's rich history and cultural diversity. Next, we traveled to Munnar, which is known for its stunning tea plantations and misty mountains. We visited the Tea Museum, the Echo Point, and the Top Station, among other sites. The guide was very knowledgeable about the region's tea industry and provided interesting insights into the cultivation and processing of tea. We then traveled to Thekkady, which is known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. We went on a jungle trek and a boat ride in the Periyar National Park, where we saw elephants, bison, and other wildlife. We also visited a spice plantation and learned about the region's spice trade.The tour then took us to Alleppey, where we embarked on a houseboat cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. The scenery was breathtaking and the experience was truly unforgettable.The tour ended in Kovalam, where we had some free time to relax on the beach and enjoy the local cuisine. The accommodations throughout the tour were comfortable and well-maintained, and the local staff were friendly and hospitable. The transportation was also well-organized and comfortable, with air-conditioned vehicles and punctual drivers. .Overall, I would highly recommend the Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Kovalam tour to anyone looking for a quick but memorable tour of Kerala's best attractions. The tour provided a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation, and left me with memories .
- Relaxing kerala tour ( Cochin Munnar Alleppy Cochin)
Kerala is a great place to visit. It is peaceful and super cozy. My trip was very well organized. The food was great while the stay was quite comfortable. I loved the backwaters and I wished if I could have a little more time to stay here. Kerala tour packages are highly recommended.
- Rejuvenating Kerala - India By Car & Driver with Good Hotels !!
The Destinations are well chosen. Its possible to see the best Sightseeings. Munnar and the backwaters of Kerale are beautiful. Be Sure to do also an optional (Not included ) kayak Tour there. But I would also advice the read the program and details in the description very careful, since it could bei more transparent, which stops in the program are included and which not. It is written there, but you have to search the information. It also depends on the driver and how flexible he is to fulfil your wishes. Luckily I had the best one you can imagine. If you're able to catch A. Ravi, you got the Jackpot. I would thank him in the first place that I had a wonderful trip. Concerning the accomodations, don't expect the best, Focus in the Tours, they are good, but... mit included, be ahead of that. But they are Not expensive at all, don't worry. The whole price for everything won't be that much Higher in whole. :) Its a good Low Budget Tour which can be perfect with the right decisions you meet. Its up to you and the driver. ;D
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."