Hey folks! So I just got back from Kerala last month, and I’m still buzzing from the experience. Before I left, everyone told me Kerala would burn a hole in my pocket. Guess what? They were completely wrong! I managed to explore God’s Own Country for just ₹15,000 for an entire week. And trust me, I didn’t compromise on the fun part at all.
Let me walk you through how I did it, and hopefully, this helps you plan your own budget Kerala adventure.
The Money Talk – Let’s Break It Down
Here’s where my money went:
Travel: ₹2,500 (train from Delhi to Kochi – booked sleeper class 2 months ahead)
Accommodation: ₹4,500 for 6 nights (mix of hostels and budget homestays)
Local transport: ₹3,000 (buses, autorickshaws, and one houseboat shared with fellow travelers)
Food: ₹3,500 (mostly local eateries, a few fancy meals)
Activities & Entry fees: ₹1,500 (kept it minimal, focused on free experiences)
Total: ₹15,000
Day 1-2: Kochi – Where My Journey Began
I landed in Kochi around 6 AM, and honestly, the first thing that hit me was the humid air. But man, it felt good! I checked into a hostel near Fort Kochi (₹400 per night). The hostel vibe was amazing – met some solo travelers from Bangalore and Mumbai.
Fort Kochi is where the magic starts. I spent my entire first day just walking around. The Chinese fishing nets are iconic, right? But here’s a tip – don’t pay to see them. Just walk along the coast during sunset, and you’ll get the best views for free. I sat there for almost an hour, watching fishermen pull up their nets.
The next day, I rented a bicycle (₹100 for the whole day) and cycled through Fort Kochi’s streets. Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Palace, Jew Town – I covered everything on two wheels. The antique shops in Jew Town are interesting, but honestly, I was more fascinated by the narrow lanes and the old-world charm.
Budget hack: Eat at local Malayali restaurants. I found this small place called “Annas Mess” where I got unlimited rice meals for just ₹60. No fancy ambiance, but the food? Absolutely delicious!
Day 3-4: Munnar – Hills That Heal
From Kochi, I took a government bus to Munnar (₹120, 4-hour journey). The bus ride itself was an experience. Winding roads, tea plantations on both sides, and cool breeze coming through the windows.
I stayed at a budget homestay run by a lovely couple, Mr. Rajan and his wife (₹600 per night with breakfast included). They treated me like family. The homestay was slightly outside the main town, which actually worked in my favor – peaceful mornings with mountain views.
Munnar is all about tea estates and viewpoints. I did the touristy thing and visited a tea factory (₹100 entry). Learned how tea is processed, and yeah, I bought some fresh tea to take home. But the real highlight was trekking to Top Station early morning. Started at 5 AM, reached the top by 7 AM, and watched the sunrise. No entry fee, just pure nature.
Money-saving tip: Skip the expensive jeep safaris. Munnar is perfect for walking and simple hikes. I explored Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point on foot, saving at least ₹1,500.
Day 5: Thekkady – Into the Wild
Next stop was Thekkady, famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The bus from Munnar cost me ₹80. I stayed at a dormitory near the bus stand (₹300 per night).
Now, the elephant rides and premium safaris are crazy expensive. I opted for the nature walk inside Periyar Sanctuary (₹200 per person). It was a 3-hour guided trek, and we spotted deer, wild boars, and tons of birds. No tigers or elephants, but honestly, the walk through the forest was thrilling enough.
Spent the evening at a spice plantation. The owner gave me a personal tour and explained everything about cardamom, pepper, and vanilla cultivation. Best part? It was free! He just wanted to share his knowledge, and I bought some spices from him as a thank you gesture.
Day 6: Alleppey – The Backwater Experience
This was the day I was most excited about. Alleppey backwaters! But houseboats are expensive – some charge ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per day. No way I could afford that.
Here’s what I did instead: I found 4 other travelers at my hostel in Thekkady, and we all headed to Alleppey together. We rented a shared houseboat for 4 hours (₹500 per person). It wasn’t an overnight stay, but honestly, 4 hours was enough to soak in the beauty.
Cruising through the backwaters, seeing village life, kids waving at us from the banks, fishermen in small boats – it was surreal. We had lunch on the boat (included in the package), which was traditional Kerala fish curry and rice.
After the boat ride, I walked around Alleppey town and spent time at Alleppey Beach. The sunset there was peaceful, and I just sat on the sand, reflecting on my trip.
Day 7: Back to Kochi
On my last day, I took a bus back to Kochi (₹150). I had a few hours before my train, so I visited Marine Drive and grabbed some street food – banana chips, tapioca, and fresh coconut water.
I also did some last-minute shopping at Broadway Market. Picked up some Kerala sarees for mom and sister (negotiated hard, got them at good prices).
Things I Learned & Tips for You
1. Public transport is your best friend: Kerala has excellent bus connectivity. Government buses are cheap and run frequently. I barely spent on transport because of this.
2. Eat local, eat cheap: Tourist restaurants will charge you double. Look for small eateries where locals eat. The food is authentic and way cheaper.
3. Homestays over hotels: Homestays are not just budget-friendly, but you also get to experience Kerala’s hospitality. Plus, most include breakfast.
4. Book trains early: Train tickets get expensive if you book late. I booked mine 2 months in advance and saved a lot.
5. Travel in groups for activities: Houseboats, taxis, and some activities become much cheaper when shared. Don’t hesitate to team up with fellow travelers.
6. Avoid peak season: I traveled in September (just after monsoon). Prices were lower, and places weren’t crowded. Win-win!
7. Free experiences are the best: Some of my favorite memories didn’t cost a rupee – walking through tea estates, chatting with locals, watching sunsets, exploring small villages.
What I’d Do Differently
Looking back, I wish I had spent one more day in Munnar. The place deserves more time. Also, I skipped Varkala Beach due to budget and time constraints, which I regret now. Next time for sure!
Final Thoughts
Kerala on a budget is absolutely doable. You don’t need fancy resorts or expensive tours to enjoy this beautiful state. Sometimes, the best experiences come from simple things – a conversation with a homestay owner, a bus ride through hills, or just sitting by the backwaters.
If I could do it under ₹15,000, so can you. Just plan smart, travel light, and keep an open mind. Kerala is waiting for you, and trust me, it’s worth every penny (or should I say, every rupee you save!).
Have you been to Kerala? Or planning a trip? Drop your questions in the comments – I’d love to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! I traveled solo and felt safe throughout. People are friendly and helpful. Just use common sense – don’t roam around isolated areas late at night, keep your valuables secure, and you’ll be fine. I met several solo female travelers too, and they had positive experiences.
I went in September, right after the monsoon. Prices were low, weather was pleasant (a bit rainy but manageable), and tourist spots weren’t crowded. Avoid December-January and April-May if you want to save money – those are peak seasons and everything gets expensive.
Yes, definitely! Most people in tourist areas speak Hindi and English. I don’t know Malayalam at all, and I managed perfectly fine. Locals are patient and helpful. Google Translate came in handy a couple of times though!
Honestly, 7 days is the minimum to cover the main spots without rushing. If you have 10-12 days, even better – you can explore more places like Wayanad, Varkala, or Kovalam. But if you’re short on time, even a 5-day trip focusing on Kochi-Munnar-Alleppey works.
Tough, but possible if you’re really strict. You’d need to skip some experiences, stay in dormitories only, travel by local buses everywhere, and eat super cheap. My honest suggestion? Keep ₹12,000-15,000 as a comfortable budget. That extra cushion helps enjoy the trip better.
For Munnar and Alleppey, yes – especially if you’re traveling on weekends or during any festival season. For other places, I booked 2-3 days ahead and had no issues. But if you’re particular about staying at specific places, book early.
Kerala food is amazing for vegetarians! Sadya (the traditional Kerala meal) is completely vegetarian and you’ll find it everywhere. Rice, sambar, avial, thoran, payasam – so many options. Don’t worry at all. Though Kerala is famous for seafood, veg food is equally delicious and available.
I wouldn’t recommend it. Stick to bottled water or ask your homestay/hotel if they have filtered water. I carried a reusable water bottle and refilled it at safe places. Saved money and reduced plastic waste.
