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
- Private Kerala Tour from Cochin to Kovalam: Backwaters, Hills & Beaches
- From Cochin: Munnar and Alleppey 4-Day Tour with Houseboat
- Backwaters of Kerala - An authentic tour of Kerala
- Rejuvenating Kerala - India By Car and Driver
- Magical Kerala with Mumbai and Goa
- Complete South India Tour
- 7 Days Tour to Kerala
- Highlights of Kerala
- South India 16 Days Tour
- Period of Leave in Kerla
Private Kerala Tour from Cochin to Kovalam: Backwaters, Hills & Beaches
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The things that stood out as exceptional were: the Boatyard Hotel in Kochi, the food and crew on the Alleppy boat, and the Leela Hotel in Kovalam Beach.”
Premjit, traveled in March
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kovalam Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Brahmlaxmi Tours and Travel From $2,144
50% Off- US$1,072You save $1,072
From Cochin: Munnar and Alleppey 4-Day Tour with Houseboat
3 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
50% Off- US$316
Backwaters of Kerala - An authentic tour of Kerala
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This journey through Kerala offered a beautifully curated experience, blending nature, culture, and comfort.”
Oliver, traveled in October
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
Rejuvenating Kerala - India By Car and Driver
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The roads up in Munnar are treacherous hillside roads so it was great that Praveen was there to take great care of us on those roads.”
Gerard, traveled in February
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
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 $3,503
70% Off- US$1,051You save $2,452
Complete South India Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The temples and ruins of Hampi were so impressive and full of history. I'd recommend this tour to anyone who wants experience of India.”
Olesya, traveled in May
Duration 24 days Destinations Mumbai, Elephanta Island, Goa, Anjuna, Hampi, Mysuru, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, VarkalaSee all destinations 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 $7,350
65% Off- US$2,573You save $4,778
7 Days Tour to Kerala
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $2,082
65% Off- US$729You save $1,353
Highlights of Kerala
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour perfectly showcases Kerala beauty from the colonial charm of Cochin to the lush hills of Munnar.”
Rhys, traveled in August
Groups of 2-10 people connect deeply while cruising Kumarakom's backwaters or observing wildlife at Periyar Sanctuary. Intimate numbers allow extended visits at each destination, from Munnar's tea estates to Marari's pristine beaches.
Duration 13 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Kumily, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Mararikulam 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 $3,019
60% Off- US$1,208You save $1,811
South India 16 Days Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The driver was exceptional punctual, polite, and drove safely through hills and busy cities.”
Rnand, traveled in February
Duration 16 days Destinations Bangalore, Srirangapatna, Mysuru, Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park, Ooty, Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, KumilySee all destinations 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 $5,980
65% Off- US$2,093You save $3,887
Period of Leave in Kerla
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotel was clean and staff was very humble and guide like Driver they both are good.”
Ajulo, traveled in April
Small groups of 4-10 people tour Kerala's highlights in comfort. Private AC vehicles (Toyota Etios/Innova) and multilingual guides provide personal attention while visiting Eravikulam National Park, spice plantations, and traditional Kettuvallam houseboats.
Duration 5 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 Agra Travels Service & Tours From $790
30% Off- US$553You save $237
Reviews of Small Group tours to Kerala
- Rejuvenating Kerala - India By Car and Driver
Thank you for the wonderful Kerala tour and I would just like to say it was one of the best vacations we have had. You planned our holiday perfectly and took care of everything including all the special requests we asked for. Our driver was a very friendly and knowledgeable guy who really went out of his way to help us enjoy our trip even more. He took us sightseeing to amazing locations that were not on our itinerary but which he knew we would enjoy. The management at all the hotels made sure everything was perfect during our stay and they helped us with directions when visiting local attractions. My favourite meal was the lunch we had at that very small hotel near Marari Beach !
- Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppy Kovalam 8 Days Tour
We went on a Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppy Kovalam 8 Days Tour and it was an absolutely amazing experience. The tour was well-organized, the destinations were beautiful and the overall trip was very memorable. The first stop on our tour was Cochin, also known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. We spent a day exploring this bustling city, visiting popular attractions like the Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi and the Chinese Fishing Nets. The highlight of our visit to Cochin was the Kathakali dance performance, a traditional dance form of Kerala. Next, we headed to Munnar, a scenic hill station in Kerala known for its lush green tea plantations. The drive to Munnar was breathtaking, with views of the Western Ghats and waterfalls. We also got a chance to visit the Tea Museum and learn about the process of tea-making. The stay in Munnar was in a beautiful resort surrounded by tea gardens, making it a truly serene and peaceful experience. Thekkady was our next destination, famous for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. We went on a thrilling jeep safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where we spotted various animals like elephants, deer, and birds. We also got a chance to visit a spice plantation and learn about the various spices grown in Kerala. Alleppy, also known as the 'Venice of the East', was our next stop. We spent a day cruising through the backwaters on a houseboat, enjoying the scenic views and delicious local food. The sunset on the backwaters was truly a sight to behold. The last stop on our tour was Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. We spent two days relaxing on the beautiful beaches, trying out various water sports and indulging in some delicious seafood. The highlight of our stay in Kovalam was the Ayurvedic massage, which left us feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Overall, the Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppy Kovalam 8 Days Tour was an incredible experience. The tour was well-planned and executed, and our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The accommodations were comfortable and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore the beautiful state of Kerala in a short span of time. It truly is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful and relaxing holiday.
- From Cochin: Munnar and Alleppey 4-Day Tour with Houseboat
This experience of Kerala tour was very special and fun. Our tour guide and driver was a very intelligent or very knowledgeable person. We saw tea gardens in Kerala. Munnar is really a very beautiful place. We enjoyed it on the house boat in Alleppey. It was a very good experience.
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."