Most booked 
For travellers from Chennai
Kerala Tour Packages from Chennai
Private, fully customised Kerala holidays for travellers from Chennai. Fly to Kochi in about an hour and a half, or take the train or a road trip, and your own car and driver, hand-picked hotels and a local trip designer take care of the rest. Backwaters, tea hills, wildlife and beaches, planned around your dates.
Flight time
About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, direct to Kochi (COK)
Several airlines fly the route daily
By train
About 11 to 14 hours
Overnight trains run to Ernakulam
By road
About 10 to 12 hours to Munnar
Roughly 550 km, best done with a driver
Documents
No visa needed
Carry a valid government photo ID
Best time
December to March
Monsoon is June to September
Trips from
₹8,700 pp
Quoted in INR on request
Is Kerala good for a trip from Chennai?
Kerala for Chennai travellers
Kerala is the easiest holiday to plan from Chennai. It is a short flight or an overnight train away and feels very different from the city: green hills in Munnar, wildlife in Thekkady, a private houseboat on the Alleppey backwaters, and quiet beaches at Varkala and Marari. Many Chennai guests take a long weekend of 4 days and 3 nights, and 7 to 9 nights for a fuller trip.
Chennai travellers also have an advantage that other cities do not: Tamil Nadu is next door. You can start in Kerala and end in Madurai, Rameswaram or Kanyakumari, or do the reverse, in one private trip with the same driver and hotels. It also works well for Pongal breaks, summer holidays, family reunions and honeymoons.
Every Iris Holidays trip is private. You get an air-conditioned car, an English-speaking driver who also speaks Tamil or Malayalam, hotels approved by you before booking, and a named trip designer. We are a Government of India-approved tour operator based in Kochi, so the person planning your trip lives in Kerala, not at a call centre far away.
Popular with Chennai Travellers
Kerala tour packages for travellers from Chennai
Every package can be changed: add Varkala beach days, swap a hotel, add a tea-estate stay in Munnar, or extend into Tamil Nadu. Prices are per person, twin share, and exclude travel from Chennai unless stated. Tell us your dates and we will send a free itinerary.
Wonders of South India
Alleppey · Bangalore · Kanyakumari · Kochi · Kovalam
From₹58,800
View Details →
Getting there
Flights, trains and road trips from Chennai to Kerala
Fly into Kochi (COK) for Munnar, Thekkady and the backwaters. Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) suits trips that start in the south at Kovalam or Varkala, and Kozhikode (CCJ) suits North Kerala. Chennai has direct flights to these airports, and overnight trains reach Ernakulam, so you can start your trip fast or travel scenically.
| From | Usual connection | Total travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai (MAA) to Kochi (COK) | Direct flight | About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Chennai (MAA) to Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) | Direct flight | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Chennai (MAA) to Kozhikode (CCJ) | Direct or one-stop flight | About 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours |
| Chennai to Ernakulam / Kochi | Overnight train | About 11 to 14 hours |
| Chennai to Munnar | Private car with driver | About 10 to 12 hours |
Travel tips for Chennai travellers
- Book early for Pongal, Diwali, Christmas and summer holidays, when flights and trains sell out.
- For a long weekend, take an early flight and you can be on a houseboat by lunchtime.
- For a road trip, start early and break the drive at Coimbatore or Palakkad.
- Carry a valid government photo ID for flights, trains and hotel check-in.
- Our drivers meet you at the airport or station at any hour.
Before you travel
Kerala trip checklist for Chennai travellers
No visa or permit is needed for Kerala. A few simple steps make the trip smoother.
Carry photo ID
Keep a valid government photo ID, such as Aadhaar, passport or driving licence, for flights, trains and hotel check-in.
Pick your dates
Choose dates early for Pongal, Diwali and summer holidays, since flights, trains and hotels fill fast.
Share your needs
Tell your trip designer about children, seniors, food needs or mobility, so the plan fits.
Pack for the weather
Light cottons for the coast, a light layer for Munnar, and a rain jacket from June to September.
When to go
Best time to visit Kerala from Chennai
Kerala is best from December to March, when it is dry and comfortable. Chennai holiday months are marked because flights, trains and hotels cost more then. The monsoon, June to September, is green, quiet and good for Ayurveda.
Best weather Good, getting hot Monsoon Holidays School holidays (approx.)
Guest reviews
What Chennai travellers say about Iris Holidays
5.0
★★★★★
8 reviews from Chennai guests
Srinivas Bussa
Chennai · Families with Kids · Apr 2024
Great memorable family vacation trip
Our vacation started from Cochin-Munnar-tekkedey-allepey house boat stay-kovalam and Trivandrum, it was a 8 days trip, Iris staff took care of our early check-in at Cochin and Driver Saju was very helpful and needful in all ways. Drove us round safely giving us some tidbits about the area. And took good restaurants as…
Mrs.Shyma & Son
Chennai · Families with Kids · Apr 2024
Memorable Singapore tour from Kerala
I greatly appreciate the services and efforts showcased by the team Iris , all of my Singapore trip have been so excellently managed and this makes our stay memorable in Singapore. Their Discipline and punctuality was great. Timely information about every move was really Great .. All best to Team Iris Holidays
Kishore Athota
Chennai · Honeymooners & Couples · Feb 2022
Amazing trip to Munnar, Alleppey and Kumarkoam
It was our first-time visit to Kerala and we had an amazing experience. I would like to credit Iris Holidays for planning and executing the trip in the smoothest way possible. Ours was a 4N /5 D package that included 2 days stay in Munnar, 1 day stay in Alleppey, and 1 day in Kumarakoam. We were able to cover a lot of…
Thirumurugan
Chennai · Honeymooners & Couples · Mar 2019
Wonderful 4 days and 3 Nights at God owns country
Awesome private trip for 4 days and 3 Nights at Munner and Allepy boat house.Thanks a lot to Iris Holidays and Jude Etta for wonderful arrangements made our trip very safe and secure.Good place to visit at least once in a while.Great trip with full of joyful and colourful memory!!!
Thangaraju
Chennai · Multi-Generational Families · Jul 2014
Kerala Tourist Attractions Feedback
We enjoyed the trip very much and overall had a very nice time in the Kerala Destination and we would like to recommend your staff including the driver raj for highly friendly and customised service that helped us to see the best tourist places in a popular destination like Kerala through careful and customised…
Arpita
Chennai · Honeymooners & Couples · Aug 2012
Kerala Tour packages from Chennai Review
We took away sweet memories from trip Me and my husband recently had the pleasure of visiting and having a wonderful time in kerala thanks to Iris Holidays. We were in contact with Ms Jain for the customization of the tour. Must appreciate her patience and very prompt replies. I had thousands of questions as I wanted…
Shijin Babu
Chennai · Aug 2011
Kerala Houseboat Review
Our stay on the waterways of Kerala in houseboat exceeded any expectations. We were looking for relaxation, which was in abundance but the beauty of the area, the peace and tranquility and the friendliness of the staff in houseboat and the promptness of their tour executives, made our vacation in Kerala houseboat very…
Sriram & Wife
Chennai · Honeymooners & Couples · Dec 2010
Kerala Honeymoon Couple Houseboat Review
The trip was indeed pleasurable thanks to the exquisite nature of Kerala.we are thankful to the good weather and needless to say that kerala is indeed god's own country in its luxuriant natural settings.The journey and sightseeing , had been safe and we did not encounter major obstacles.Thanks for giving a houseboat…
Good to know
Kerala trips from Chennai: common questions
How do I travel from Chennai to Kerala?
The fastest way is a direct flight from Chennai to Kochi, which takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Overnight trains to Ernakulam take about 11 to 14 hours, and a road trip to Munnar takes about 10 to 12 hours. Check current schedules before booking.
How many days do I need for Kerala from Chennai?
A long weekend of 4 days and 3 nights covers Kochi, Munnar and a houseboat. Plan 7 to 9 nights for Munnar, Thekkady, a houseboat and a beach. Two weeks lets you add Varkala, Kumarakom or an Ayurveda stay.
What is the best month to visit Kerala from Chennai?
December to March is dry and comfortable, though January and December are the busiest and most expensive. April and May are hot, but Munnar and Thekkady stay cooler. June to September is the monsoon: green, quiet and cheaper, and good for Ayurveda.
Can I combine Kerala with Tamil Nadu?
Yes. We often plan trips that cover Kerala and Tamil Nadu together, for example Munnar and Thekkady, then Madurai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari. You keep the same driver and the same trip designer.
Is Kerala good for families, couples and seniors?
Yes. Kerala is calm and easy to travel, with short drives, comfortable hotels and houseboats. We plan the pace and activities around children, couples on honeymoon or senior travellers.
Will someone meet me at the airport or station?
Yes. Our drivers meet arrivals at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode airports and at major stations at any hour, and track your flight or train.
Travelling from somewhere else?
Page last updated: 14 November 2026
Plan My Kerala TripOur Trip Designers would love to create a Personalised package for you
Why book with Iris Holidays ?
We visit and verify all resorts in Kerala that we suggest to you so that guests like you can have a VERY warm & comfortable about an awesome holiday. We won’t suggest anywhere that we haven’t been to and tried ourselves. When you book online or call us, we share the kind of insider low-down we'd give to our best friends about destinations and hotels. Rest assured: when you book with us, every last detail is taken care
1
2500+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews on TripAdvisor
Only Tour Company in Kerala with 2500+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews on TripAdvisor over 14 years from multiple customers from multiple countries. Consistency Matters!
2
Approved by Govt:of India & Govt: of Kerala
We are approved after verification by Govt of India & Govt of Kerala
3
Private Vehicle - Only for you
Chauffeur driven vehicle for you 24X7
4
Customised Packages with the Best Hotels & Resorts
We handpick our hotels & houseboats
5
Authentic and Unique Experiences Crafted over 15 Years
Our award-winning, personalised private trips provide incredible insights and insider tips from last 15 years of experience of crafting tours in Kerala, passionately bringing alive unique and exclusive experiences for you.
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12 Consecutive TripAdvisor Awards for Best Tour Operator
Certificate of Excellence Award for the past 13 Consecutive Years from 2014 to 2026
Why travel with Iris Holidays?
Award-winning Kerala specialists who design every trip around you - recognised by Tripadvisor with the Certificate of Excellence for 13 consecutive years (2014–2026).
100% Tailor Made
- Every itinerary is designed around your dates, pace and budget
- Pick your hotels, houseboats and experiences - everything is customizable
- Change plans on the go with 24/7 on-trip support
Award Winning Service
- Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 9 years in a row (2014–2022)
- Travellers’ Choice winner 2020, 2022, 2023 & 2024
- Real stories from real people- read our reviews →
Expert Knowledge
- Kerala-based trip designers who know every backwater and hill road
- One specialist handles your trip from first call to final day
- Insider tips on the best season, stays and hidden gems
Govt Approved
- Approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India
- Registered with Kerala Tourism (Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Kerala). See our Certificates →
- Licensed vehicles, trained drivers & transparent GST billing
