Romantic Kerala: Best Honeymoon Spots in the State

Kerala — “God’s Own Country” — is made for lovers. From misty tea gardens and hill-station cottages to languid backwaters and soft-sand beaches, the state stitches together a dozen different moods that suit every kind of honeymoon: cozy, adventurous, pampered, or offbeat. Below is a practical, human-friendly guide to the best honeymoon spots in Kerala, what to do there, where to stay, and when to go — with local tips to make your trip feel effortlessly romantic.

Why Kerala for a honeymoon?

Kerala blends scenic variety with easy travel: hilltops (cooler weather), backwaters (private houseboats), beaches (sunset cliffs), wildlife (shared adventures), and world-class Ayurvedic spas (couple therapies). You can mix chilling on a houseboat one day and watching mist roll over tea gardens the next — perfect for couples who want variety without long transfers.  

1) Alleppey (Alappuzha) — classic backwater romance

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Why go: Alleppey is synonymous with traditional Kerala honeymoon imagery — palm-fringed canals, lilies drifting by, and private houseboats (kettuvallams) that float you through a quiet world of paddy fields and village life. A night on a well-run houseboat — with candlelit dinner on the deck and a window into rural Kerala — is unforgettable.  

What to do:

• Book a private overnight houseboat with meals and a sunset cruise.
• Paddle a canoe through narrow canals for a more intimate, quiet experience.
• Stroll the Alleppey beachfront at dawn or visit the local market together.

Where to stay: Besides houseboats, there are lakeside resorts for couples who prefer a room with views.  

2) Kumarakom — slow-living, luxury backwater escape

Why go: Kumarakom sits on Vembanad Lake and offers a more tranquil, resort-driven backwater experience than Alleppey. Here you’ll find high-end properties with private villas, Ayurvedic spas, and birdlife (Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary) — great for couples who want luxury and peaceful nature together.  

What to do:

• Sunrise boat rides and birdwatching at the sanctuary.
• Ayurvedic couples’ spa treatments followed by a lakeside dinner.
• Rent a small country boat for village visits and local food tasting.

Where to stay: Iconic luxury options like Kumarakom Lake Resort and boutique heritage stays line the lake — perfect for romantic evenings by the water.  

3) Munnar — tea gardens, mist, and cozy cottages

Why go: If your picture of romance includes rolling tea terraces, foggy mornings, and clifftop viewpoints, Munnar is it. The cool air and scenic drives make it an ideal escape from city heat — plus there are many intimate resorts built into the hills.  

What to do:

• Walk hand-in-hand through endless tea gardens and visit a tea factory.
• Catch sunrise at viewpoints like Top Station or Echo Point.
• Choose a homely cottage with a fireplace (some properties offer bonfires) for cozy evenings.

Where to stay: Look for boutique hill resorts or plantation bungalows that offer privacy and valley views.  

Best tip: Munnar’s mornings can be chilly — pack a light jacket for pre-dawn outings.

4) Varkala — cliffside sunsets and intimate beaches

Why go: Varkala is famous for its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. The cliff-top walkway has cafés, intimate restaurants, and sunset viewpoints — more relaxed and less commercial than some big beaches. It’s great for couples who want beach time with character.  

What to do:

• Sunset at the cliff and dinner at a cliff-side restaurant.
• Walk down to the sandy stretch below (Papanasam Beach).
• Try Ayurvedic treatments in a boutique spa.

Where to stay: Small cliff resorts and beachside guesthouses with private balconies are the romantic choice.  

Safety note: Varkala has important heritage and temple sites; follow local guidance if visiting religious spots or construction zones.  

5) Kovalam — classic beaches with lighthouse views

Why go: Kovalam has crescent-shaped beaches, a picturesque lighthouse, and resorts with a beach-club vibe. It’s easy to mix beach relaxation with fresh seafood dinners and sunset strolls.  

What to do:

• Sunset at Lighthouse Beach and a seafood dinner on the sand.
• Book a sunset cruise or a couple’s beach picnic.
• Try a beginner surf session or a relaxing ayurvedic massage.

Where to stay: Pick a resort near the lighthouse for iconic sunset views.  

6) Wayanad & Thekkady — green adventures for active couples

Why go: For couples who love wildlife, spice gardens, and waterfalls, Wayanad and Thekkady (Periyar) offer a different honeymoon feel: trekking, wildlife safaris, and spice-plantation tours. Thekkady also has charming eco-resorts and spice-village stays perfect for slow discovery together.  

What to do:

• Bamboo rafting or jeep safaris in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Trek to waterfalls and enjoy night skies in Wayanad.
• Visit spice gardens and take a cooking class together.

Where to stay: Eco-resorts and plantation bungalows are the romantic pick here.

When is the best time to visit?

For most couples, September to March is ideal: pleasant weather, clear skies on the coast, and cool mornings in the hills. Monsoon (June–August) transforms Kerala into emerald green — magical in its own way — but heavy rains can disrupt travel. If you plan backwater cruising or beach days, the winter months (Dec–Feb) are most comfortable 

Sample 7-day honeymoon itinerary (balanced & relaxed)

Day 1–2: Arrive Kochi — explore Fort Kochi, enjoy a sunset café on Princess Street.
Day 3–4: Head to Munnar — tea gardens, cozy hill cottage, sunrise viewpoint.
Day 5: Drive to Thekkady — spice garden visits, optional wildlife activity.
Day 6: Transfer to Alleppey/Kumarakom — board a private houseboat for an overnight cruise.
Day 7: Finish with 1–2 nights on the coast (Varkala/Kovalam) for beach relaxation before departure.

This route mixes hills, wildlife, backwaters, and beaches with manageable drives — great for newlyweds who want variety without rushing.  

Where to splurge (and where to save)

Splurge on:

• A private overnight houseboat with full-board service.  
• A couple’s Ayurvedic spa package at a reputed resort (great for relaxation after travel).  

Save on:

• Local homestays or boutique guesthouses for a night or two (they’re personal and often very romantic).
• Eating at small local cafés — delicious food and great value.

Final thoughts

Kerala offers honeymooners flexible romance: you can be pampered at a luxury lake resort one day and wake early to sip chai in a misty tea garden the next. Pick the mix that matches you both — slow backwater romance, cool hill-station cuddles, or sun-and-surf beach days — and let Kerala’s natural pace do the rest.