Kerala Tour Packages from the UAE: Backwaters, Hills & Beaches Guide
By Big Bird Travel Team
Just a four-hour flight from the UAE, Kerala packs tea-covered hills, palm-fringed backwaters and quiet beaches into one easy trip. Here is how to plan the perfect Kerala tour from the Emirates.
Kerala - India's lush, green sliver along the Arabian Sea - is one of the easiest and most rewarding short-haul escapes from the UAE. In a single trip you can cruise the palm-lined backwaters on a traditional houseboat, wake up to mist over the Munnar tea hills, spot elephants in a wildlife reserve and finish on a quiet golden beach. With direct flights of around four hours from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, it is close enough for a long weekend yet varied enough for a full week. This guide walks UAE residents through flights, the best time to go, where to visit and how a well-planned Kerala package comes together.
Why UAE travellers love Kerala
Kerala is often called 'God's Own Country' for good reason - cool hill stations, calm backwaters and warm hospitality, all a short flight away. For the large Malayali community in the Emirates it is home; for everyone else it is one of the best-value nature-and-relaxation holidays within easy reach of the UAE.
Why Kerala Is a Favourite Short-Haul Escape from the UAE
- Short flight - roughly four hours non-stop from the UAE to Kochi, Trivandrum or Calicut
- Huge variety in one trip: hills, backwaters, wildlife, beaches and heritage towns
- Excellent value compared with long-haul beach destinations
- World-famous Ayurveda and wellness retreats, ideal for a slow, restful break
- English widely spoken, making travel easy for families and first-time visitors
- A green, cool contrast to the UAE summer - a welcome change of scenery
How to Get to Kerala from the UAE
Kerala has three main international airports, all served by direct flights from the UAE. Kochi (Cochin, code COK) is the most popular arrival point and the best base for Munnar and the Alleppey backwaters. Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram, TRV) suits the southern beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, while Calicut (Kozhikode, CCJ) is handy for northern Kerala and Wayanad. Full-service and low-cost carriers from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah operate multiple daily flights, so fares are competitive year-round.
| UAE Departure | Kerala Airport | Approx. Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai (DXB) | Kochi (COK) | ~4 hours |
| Abu Dhabi (AUH) | Kochi (COK) | ~4 hours |
| Sharjah (SHJ) | Kozhikode / Calicut (CCJ) | ~4 hours |
| Dubai (DXB) | Trivandrum (TRV) | ~4.5 hours |
Best Time to Visit Kerala
Kerala is a year-round destination, but the experience changes dramatically with the season. The cool, dry months are the classic choice for sightseeing, while the monsoon has its own loyal following among Ayurveda and wellness travellers.
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Peak / Dry | October to February | Pleasant 20-32C, ideal for hills, backwaters and beaches. Busiest around Christmas and New Year. |
| Shoulder | September & early October | Lush, green and post-monsoon fresh, with fewer crowds and softer prices. |
| Monsoon | June to August | Heavy rain and dramatic greenery. Best for Ayurveda treatments and lower rates, less ideal for beach time. |
| Hot | March to May | Warmer and more humid; fine for the hills but less comfortable on the coast. |
Time your trip to the activity
If your heart is set on houseboats and beaches, aim for October to February. If you are going for Ayurveda and wellness, the monsoon months are traditionally considered the most effective - just pack for rain and expect some outdoor plans to shift indoors.
Where to Go: Kerala's Must-See Regions
Kochi (Cochin)
Most trips begin in Kochi, a relaxed port city blending Portuguese, Dutch and British heritage with modern India. Wander Fort Kochi's old streets, watch the iconic Chinese fishing nets at sunset, explore spice markets and catch a Kathakali dance performance. It is an easy, walkable introduction to Kerala before you head for the hills or water.
Munnar
A scenic three-to-four-hour drive from Kochi climbs into Munnar, where endless tea plantations roll over cool green hills. Expect misty mornings, tea-estate visits, waterfalls and viewpoints, plus Eravikulam National Park, home to the rare Nilgiri tahr. The climate here is refreshingly cool - a real treat after the UAE heat.
Thekkady & Periyar
Around Thekkady lies Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, built around a scenic lake. A boat safari offers the chance to see elephants, deer and birdlife from the water, while spice-plantation tours reveal the cardamom, pepper and vanilla the region is known for. It is an easy, family-friendly dose of nature.
Alleppey Backwaters
The backwaters around Alleppey (Alappuzha) are Kerala's signature experience. An overnight stay on a converted rice barge - a kettuvallam houseboat - lets you drift past rice paddies, coconut groves and village life while freshly cooked Keralan meals are served on board. For many visitors, a sunset on the backwaters is the highlight of the whole trip.
Beaches: Kovalam & Varkala
In the south, Kovalam's crescent beaches and Varkala's dramatic clifftop coastline are perfect for winding down. Expect lighthouse views, seafood shacks and gentle Arabian Sea swims - a calmer, more laid-back beach scene than you might expect.
Sample Kerala Itineraries from the UAE
A classic week-long Kerala tour links the hills, wildlife, backwaters and a touch of beach. Here is a popular seven-night route that works well for couples and families flying from the UAE:
- 1.Day 1 - Arrive Kochi; explore Fort Kochi and the Chinese fishing nets
- 2.Day 2 - Drive to Munnar; tea plantations and mountain viewpoints
- 3.Day 3 - Full day in Munnar: Eravikulam park and waterfalls
- 4.Day 4 - Transfer to Thekkady; Periyar boat safari and spice gardens
- 5.Day 5 - Drive to Alleppey; board your houseboat for an overnight backwater cruise
- 6.Day 6 - Continue to Kovalam or Varkala for the beach
- 7.Day 7 - Relax, optional Ayurveda session, then transfer to Trivandrum for your flight home
Short on time?
A four-night Kochi-Munnar-Alleppey loop captures the essence of Kerala over a long weekend from the UAE - ideal if you cannot take a full week off.
What a Kerala Package Typically Includes
A well-built Kerala package bundles the logistics so you can simply enjoy the trip. A typical tour from the UAE covers:
- Return flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah
- Airport transfers and a private car with driver for the full tour
- Hotels and resorts across each region, plus one night on a houseboat
- Daily breakfast, with the houseboat stay usually full-board
- Sightseeing, park entries and a boat safari as per the itinerary
- On-trip support and 24/7 assistance from your travel agency
Costs vary - get a tailored quote
Kerala package prices swing widely with season, hotel category, houseboat type and group size, and peak dates around Christmas and New Year carry surcharges. Rather than rely on headline 'from' rates, ask Big Bird Travel for a current, all-in quote based on your exact dates and preferences.
Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for India?
It depends on your passport, not your UAE residence. Indian passport holders - a large share of UAE residents - need no visa to visit their home country and travel on their Indian passport. Most other nationalities require an Indian tourist visa, commonly applied for online as an e-Visa before travel. Requirements, validity and fees differ by nationality and change from time to time.
Verify current visa rules and fees
Indian e-Visa eligibility, validity periods and fees are set by the Indian government and are updated periodically. Always confirm the current rule for your exact nationality before booking. Big Bird Travel can check your eligibility and guide you through the application.
Kerala Travel Tips for UAE Families
- Pack light layers and a rain jacket - the hills are cool and showers are common
- Carry mosquito repellent, especially near the backwaters and wildlife parks
- Drink bottled or filtered water and ease into the spicy local cuisine
- Book houseboats and hill hotels early for the December-January peak
- Keep some Indian rupees for small purchases; cards and UPI are widely accepted in cities
- Allow buffer time for winding mountain roads between Munnar and Thekkady
Great for multi-generation trips
With gentle activities, short drives and plenty of nature, Kerala suits grandparents and young children alike - one reason it is so popular with UAE-based families travelling together.
Plan Your Kerala Trip with Big Bird Travel
Big Bird Travel & Tourism, based in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, puts together complete Kerala holidays for UAE residents - flights, hotels, houseboats, private transport and sightseeing in one simple package. Whether you want a romantic backwater honeymoon, a relaxed family tour or a monsoon Ayurveda retreat, we tailor the trip to your dates and budget and handle the details on the ground. Compare Kerala with our other holiday options below, then contact our team for a personalised quote.
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