Where to stay in Kerala: Fort Kochi, Alleppey and Munnar (2026)
Kerala is the green south of India: canals and lagoons explored by houseboat, hills covered in tea, a palm-lined coast and a colonial city, Fort Kochi, with Portuguese, Dutch and British traces. It is a calmer trip than the north, and almost all travelers combine three stops.
How to Get to Kerala
Kerala is in the far southwest of India. The usual gateway is Kochi:
✈️Cochin (COK) international airport, ~42 km from Fort Kochi (1 h to 1 h 30 by taxi).
🚆Ernakulam Junction station, ~12 km from Fort Kochi, with trains to Goa, Mumbai and the rest of the south.
⛴️Between Fort Kochi and Ernakulam there are public ferries that cross the bay in minutes.
🚗From Kochi to Alleppey: ~1 h 30 by road.
🚗From Kochi to Munnar: ~4 h on a winding mountain road.
🚤In Alleppey, houseboats and public ferries travel the backwaters.
The 3 Areas to Stay in Kerala
1. Fort Kochi History and atmosphere
The colonial city by the sea, with the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Portuguese and Dutch houses, art galleries and cafés. It is calm, can be explored on foot or by bicycle, and has many charming family homes. The ideal base to start the trip through Kerala.
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha) The backwaters
The gateway to the backwaters, the network of canals and lagoons among palm trees explored by houseboat. You can sleep one night on board or stay on land, by the beach or on the banks of the canals, and go out by boat or canoe during the day.
3. Munnar Mountains and tea
A town about 1,600 meters above sea level surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls and viewpoints. It is cool, especially at night, and ideal for walking. The town itself is noisy: the most charming accommodations are on the outskirts, with views of the hills.
7 recommended hotels in Kerala
A selection spread across areas and budgets, with a good reputation among travellers and real photos of each property. Indicative prices per night for a double room, in US dollars.
Bastian Homestay
≈ US$ 10
Fort Kochi, on a quiet street
FaçadeRoomRestaurant
A family home in the center of Fort Kochi, near the galleries and the beach, with hosts —Gini and Bastian— highly praised for their advice. Simple, clean rooms with a fan and a Kerala or continental breakfast.
Very low price
Very attentive hosts
Basic rooms, with a fan
No luxuries
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
111112111110101010101010
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The priciest is December (around US$ 12 a night), and the cheapest March (around US$ 10: 17% less).
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
Gini and Bastian are lovely: they recommended where to eat and got us tickets for kathakali. The breakfasts, both the continental and the Kerala one, are excellent. Very clean room and bathroom.
Margarita · Apr 2026
10Fantastic
The location is very good and quiet, the owner is very kind and helps you with whatever you need. The room and bathroom very clean, and the breakfast very complete.
Agurtzane · Nov 2025
10A great place for your adventure
It was my first time in India and everything went very well. The room had a powerful fan, mosquito netting and a private bathroom.
J. C. · Sep 2025
10Exceptional place in Fort Kochi
A great place in the middle of Fort Kochi. The owners are very kind. Good, very clean facilities; incredible value for money.
Nussa · Oct 2024
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 669.
The Fort Bungalow ⭐⭐
≈ US$ 47
Fort Kochi, 500 m from the beach
Sitting roomHall and staircaseRoom
A big old house with lots of personality in Fort Kochi, 200 meters from Santa Cruz Basilica, with an inner courtyard, corners decorated with antique objects and a host, Joseph, who welcomes you like family.
Very pretty and cozy house
Family-style treatment
The bathroom splashes everywhere
Little bottled water
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
434452565547474141···
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The priciest is January (around US$ 56 a night), and the cheapest May (around US$ 41: 27% less). Months in red have low availability (only single nights, at higher prices). Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
The hotel is very pretty, cozy, clean and full of surprises thanks to its decorated corners. It is a family home where the owner, Joseph, welcomes you. A curtain in the bathroom would be great.
Beatriz · Jul 2025
10Exceptional
Joseph and the rest of the team are exceptionally kind and funny hosts: they look after you like family. A step from restaurants, bars and the seafront promenade.
Harriet · Sep 2026
10Exceptional
The building is beautiful! The room, super clean, spacious and cool, which is welcome with this humidity. The bed and pillows, comfortable.
Jodie · Sep 2026
10Exceptional
Joseph is very attentive, always looking out for what you need, and he also offers tea. The place is clean and tidy.
Jessica · Nov 2023
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 581.
Tissa's Inn ⭐⭐⭐
≈ US$ 92
Fort Kochi, 1 km from the Chinese nets
ReceptionRoomRoom with two beds
A Fort Kochi mansion decorated like a museum, with period furniture, a pool, a yoga area and one of the most praised restaurants in the city. Spacious, very clean rooms with modern bathrooms.
Museum-like decor, very clean
Excellent restaurant
Hard beds
Weak wifi in the rooms
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
8393939212592929292929292
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The priciest is February (around US$ 125 a night), and the cheapest October (around US$ 83: 34% less).
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
All the furniture and decor are chosen down to the detail: it looks like a museum! A very comfortable bed, bathroom with a shower screen, excellent food and the staff's service, exquisite.
Carla · Oct 2023
10Exceptional
The rooms, clean and comfortable, and the location, perfect. The restaurant is one of the best we tried in India: the chef has no problem sharing his recipes.
Athanasios · Jul 2026
10Exceptional
Everything was perfect: the staff, the food, the facilities, a wonderful pool and impeccable cleanliness.
Susan · Sep 2026
9A bit expensive
The staff and the location. The style and the decor, wonderful. The bed was very hard.
Yolanda · Sep 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 387.
Johnson's Homestay
≈ US$ 23
Alleppey, 13 min on foot from the beach
RoomRestaurantFaçade and garden
A family home with a garden and pool in Alleppey, near the beach and the backwaters boat dock. The owner, Johnson, organizes boat rides, and the homemade breakfast is among the most praised. Very low price.
Pool and garden at a very low price
Very helpful owner
Simple rooms
Some bathrooms are a bit dated
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
262829302525212121212121
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The priciest is January (around US$ 30 a night), and the cheapest April (around US$ 21: 30% less).
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
Johnson welcomed us very warmly and helped us plan the rest of the trip. Comfortable beds and air conditioning. Very well located.
Terzi · Jan 2024
10A wonderful stay in Alleppey
Close to the beach and the boat rides, with a pool to cool off in after a long day. Spacious, full of greenery, clean and quiet. The owner replied very fast.
Manisha · Sep 2026
10Exceptional
Affordable without giving up comfort. The rooms nice, the pool great and the breakfast delicious. The host, incredibly kind.
Anjali · Sep 2026
10The best stay
The host, very considerate. An affordable accommodation with a pool. They served us tea when we arrived, which we didn't expect.
Tejaswin · Jun 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 538.
Malayalam Lake Resort
≈ US$ 33
On the lakeshore, on the outskirts of Alleppey
FaçadeGalleryRoom
Traditional Kerala wooden houses on the shore of Lake Punnamada, with balconies over the water and the feeling of being on a houseboat but on solid ground. They offer food, massages, boat and kayak.
Lake view from every room
Traditional wooden architecture
Away from the center
Towels and woodwork a bit worn
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
35353531313333333333··
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The price stays steady in the months with a rate: between US$ 31 and US$ 35 a night. Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
The architecture and the location of the place are wonderful: you feel like you're on a canal boat, but on land. A place that breathes history and peace.
África · Mar 2026
10An oasis
A magnificent, very clean place to disconnect, with an excellent host and everything you need: food, massages, boat, kayak.
Vincenzo · Jan 2026
10House with lots of character on the river
A fantastic wooden house over the water, with friendly, helpful hosts. The patio by the river is ideal for chatting with other guests and sharing boat rides.
Luke · Sep 2026
8Very good
The location with the lake in front is beautiful and the staff very kind. Being far from the center, you can order food. The towels were old and scratchy.
Marcos · Aug 2024
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 623.
Landy Queen
≈ US$ 26
3 min on foot from the center of Munnar
RoomLoungeRoom with balcony
A modern bed & breakfast a few minutes' walk from the center of Munnar, but away from its bustle. Spacious, very clean rooms, comfortable beds, hot water and staff who help organize excursions.
Very clean and comfortable
Within walking distance of town
Small bathrooms
You can hear the river at night
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
262626262121······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The priciest is October (around US$ 26 a night), and the cheapest February (around US$ 21: 19% less). Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
The room is spacious, the bed very comfortable and the shower works perfectly, with hot water. The location is very good, with good restaurants nearby. The most remarkable thing is the staff.
Maximiliano · Dec 2025
10Exceptional
3 minutes' walk from the center, without the hustle of the center. Very clean, spacious and comfortable, just like in the photos. The staff are lovely.
Saripiruleta · May 2025
10Recommended
Everything was great. The staff, very attentive: they recommended very good restaurants and we rented a motorbike to get around.
Marco · Mar 2026
9Fantastic
Everything fairly clean, especially the bed linen, very comfortable. There was tea and coffee in the room. The bathroom is small and you can hear the river quite a lot, even with the windows closed.
Miriam · Nov 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 482.
Green Valley Vista ⭐⭐
≈ US$ 34
Chithirapuram, 8 km from the center of Munnar
Room with balconyRoomFaçade
A mountain hotel on the outskirts of Munnar, with huge rooms and balconies with views of the valley and the hills of the Western Ghats. Quiet and surrounded by greenery, though 20-30 minutes from the main viewpoints.
Spectacular view from the balcony
Very spacious rooms
Far from the center of Munnar
Old-fashioned bathrooms
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
3538343434343434····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The price stays steady in the months with a rate: between US$ 34 and US$ 38 a night. Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
The views, beautiful. The location and the huge room, with a wonderful terrace.
Gil · Nov 2025
10Exceptional
The rooms are big, the bed comfortable and the view from the balcony, beautiful. The bathroom was very old-fashioned.
Sherwin · Apr 2026
10Clean and comfortable
The view is good and justifies the price. The staff, very friendly. Although the location and the view are good, it is somewhat far from the center: it adds 20-30 minutes to get to the viewpoints.
Senthil · Jul 2026
9Very friendly staff
The staff were lovely and help with any question.
Carlos · Sep 2024
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 501.
Locate
Map of places to stay in Kerala
See where the places to stay in Kerala are and compare real prices and availability right on the map.
Get the rest of your trip ready
The classic Kerala circuit links Fort Kochi, the Alleppey backwaters and the mountains of Munnar in a week, by car with a driver. Kochi has direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Goa, and international connections.
The essentials in Kerala: a houseboat or canoe trip through the backwaters, a kathakali performance in Fort Kochi, the Chinese fishing nets at sunset, the Dutch Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry, and the tea plantations of Munnar. These are the most booked activities:
Top-rated excursions in Kerala
Based on traveler reviews, with the rating converted to a 10-point scale. Tap one to see prices and book.
Houseboat in the backwaters — a night or a day sailing along the canals of Alleppey.
Chinese fishing nets — the symbol of Fort Kochi, best at sunset.
Kathakali performance — the dance-theater of Kerala, with the make-up in full view.
Mattancherry — the Dutch Palace, the Paradesi Synagogue and the spice shops.
Munnar tea plantations — walks among green hills and a tea museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Kerala?
A week for the classic circuit: two or three nights in Fort Kochi, one or two in Alleppey and two in Munnar.
Is it worth sleeping on a houseboat?
One night is a nice experience, but it isn't for everyone: the cheapest ones can be hot. Another option is to sleep on land and take a daytime cruise.
When is the best time to go to Kerala?
From December to March, in the dry season. From June to September it rains a lot, and October and November are still rainy.
Is it cold in Munnar?
Nights are cool all year round because of the altitude: bring a light jacket.
Transparency: this is an independent guide; we are not the official site of any hotel. If you book through our links we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and updated frequently.
