Why Kerala Is One of India's Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations

Introduction

Long before Meghalaya or Sikkim had been considered, Kerala was India's favourite honeymoon destination and it remains. 

Houseboats that glide silently past coconut palms that fringe the backwaters; Munnar's mist-draped tea plantations; sleepy shores at Varkala; and serene Ayurveda centres to truly relax and recharge - Kerala's unique blend of romance, ease and the broadest variety in one trip to India is hard to beat. 

This guide looks at what actually makes Kerala such an enduring honeymoon destination in India, the experiences that define it, and how to plan a trip that makes the most of everything the state offers.

1. Backwater Houseboats: The Ultimate Romantic Experience

One of the first things that comes to mind when someone thinks of a Kerala honeymoon packages is staying overnight on one of the unique backwater houseboats in Alleppey or Kumarakom, which drift slowly past banks dotted with palm trees and rural villages. 

These converted rice barges, known locally as kettuvallams locally, have been converted to accommodate a bedroom and provide a private dining experience along with your personal butler chef. An open-top deck is the ideal spot for couples who wish to enjoy private romantic views.

2. Munnar's Tea Gardens: Romance with a View

Picture rolling hills cloaked in lush green Munnar tea plantations and mist that often descends each morning over valleys, making Munnar a picturesque spot for couples looking for a romantic honeymoon in Kerala that’s a world away from the coast. 

For couples that seek a romantic honeymoon amidst nature, in addition to the beautiful tea estates, sites like Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point offer secluded and tranquil places.

3. Kerala Beaches: Kovalam and Varkala

The pristine and beautiful coastline of Kerala offers a much calmer and slower alternative to Goa’s pulsating nightlife, which can be exactly what couples on honeymoon are seeking  spectacular sunsets without the crowded beaches. 

Kovalam with its crescent-shaped beaches and a prominent lighthouse is suitable for honeymooners that prefer to be in the lap of comfort and luxury. Alternatively, for couples who prefer a more unconventional and laidback atmosphere with a bohemian twist, the unique cliff setting of Varkala offers restaurants perched high above the Arabian Sea.

4. Ayurveda and Wellness: A Honeymoon Built Around Slowing Down

Since Kerala is widely considered to be the birthplace of Ayurveda, most of the Ayurvedic resorts in Kerala offer rejuvenating couples Ayurvedic packages. 

Whether it is for a traditional massage with potent oils or a complete wellness retreat, a honeymoon focused on this ancient holistic system can offer couples an entirely unique kind of romantic getaway- one that is more focused on rejuvenation and relaxation.

5. Thekkady and Periyar: A Wilder Side of Romance

Couples who enjoy an element of adventure will appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty present in Thekkady wildlife, the region known for its Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Boat rides along the Periyar Lake, spice garden tours and forest treks in Kerala's lush Western Ghats can make for a thrilling addition to a romantic Kerala honeymoon and offer a great contrast to a leisurely stay on the backwaters or the coast.

6. A Well-Connected, Comfortable Honeymoon Circuit

While it's possible to customize Kerala for a variety of interests, the fact that most popular honeymoon destinations like Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kovalam are within a comfortable driving distance from each other also adds to its popularity among honeymooners.

Combined with easy connectivity to major Indian cities like Bangalore and Chennai via Kochi’s international airport, it’s easy to create a well-rounded and well-paced Kerala honeymoon without extensive travel time.

Bayard Vacations' Kerala Honeymoon Package — What's Included

Our curated Kerala honeymoon package is designed to balance Kerala's four signature experiences - hills, backwaters, wildlife, and beaches:

• Door-to-door planning from Bangalore, with flight coordination to Kochi

• A private houseboat stay in Alleppey or Kumarakom with a dedicated chef

• Handpicked couple-friendly resorts in Munnar, Thekkady, and Kovalam or Varkala

• Private vehicle with a local driver for the entire circuit

• Optional couples' Ayurvedic spa sessions

• Romantic add-ons: candlelight dinners, private beach setups, and sunset cruises

• Flexible 5-day or 7-day itineraries

• 24/7 on-trip support from Bayard Vacations

Ask our travel experts about customizing the package for anniversaries or babymoons.

Best Time for Kerala Honeymoon 

June to September - While summer is not ideal for Kerala with heat and humidity.

The monsoons in Kerala add a different kind of allure with its rain, gushing waterfalls and lush greenery. Especially in Munnar you'll find emerald tea gardens. Cruising the backwaters or spending time at the beaches may get restricted with incessant rains, but you’ll get to witness waterfalls and the serene greenery of Munnar and other hill stations of Kerala.

October to March is pleasant across the hills, beaches and backwaters and is thus the peak honeymoon season of Kerala. 

This is considered the perfect month to visit the backwaters of Kerala and explore its beaches during the day time and enjoy serene nights at a houseboat. You will also experience the coolest and calm weather while you explore Munnar, Thekkady etc. You can plan to enjoy Ayurveda massage and other relaxating procedures during this season.

Conclusion

Kerala's staying power as one of India's most popular honeymoon destinations comes down to genuine variety - few states let couples move between backwaters, hill stations, wildlife, and beaches within a single, well-connected trip. For couples who want romance with real range, Kerala remains one of the most complete honeymoon circuits in the country.

Ready to plan your Kerala honeymoon? 

Bayard Vacations Bangalore-based travel experts will design a customized itinerary across Munnar, Alleppey, and Kerala's coastline.

FAQs

1. Why is Kerala a popular honeymoon destination? 

Kerala offers a rare combination of backwaters, hill stations, wildlife, and beaches within a single well-connected trip, along with dedicated wellness experiences like Ayurveda for couples.

2. What is the best time for a Kerala honeymoon? 

October to March offers the most comfortable weather across the state; monsoon (June–September) is ideal for couples who prefer lush, green landscapes over beach time.

3. How many days are enough for a Kerala honeymoon trip? 

5 to 7 days is typically enough to comfortably cover Munnar, Alleppey, and a beach or wildlife destination like Kovalam or Thekkady.

4. Is a houseboat stay worth it for a honeymoon? 

Yes. A private houseboat in Alleppey or Kumarakom offers a unique combination of privacy, scenery, and personalized service that's hard to find elsewhere in India.

5. How do I reach Kerala from Bangalore for a honeymoon trip? 

The most common route is a direct flight from Bangalore to Kochi, followed by road transfers to Munnar, Alleppey, or the coastal towns.