For travellers from United States
Kerala Tour Packages from the USA
Private, fully customized Kerala vacations with a dedicated car and driver, hand-picked hotels, and a trip designer who works in US time zones. Fly from New York, Chicago, San Francisco or Dallas, land in Kochi, and see backwaters, tea hills and quiet beaches at your own pace.
Flight time
About 20 to 30 hours into Kochi (COK)
One or two stops, depending on city and airline
Visa
India e-Tourist Visa
Apply online before flying
Best time
November to March
Monsoon is June to September
Time difference
9.5 to 13.5 hours behind Kerala
9.5 to 10.5 hours for New York, 12.5 to 13.5 for Los Angeles, depending on daylight saving
Trips from
₹14,300 pp
Quoted in USD on request
Is Kerala good for American travelers?
Kerala for American travelers
Kerala is one of the easiest and most rewarding places in India for a first visit from the US. It is green, calm, and English-friendly, with tea hills in Munnar, wildlife in Thekkady, private houseboats on the Alleppey backwaters, and quiet beaches at Varkala and Marari. Unlike the busy north, it moves at a gentle pace that suits a long-haul vacation.
Because the flight from the US is long, most American guests plan 10 to 14 nights, so the trip is worth the journey. That gives time for a houseboat, a hill stay, wildlife, a beach and an Ayurveda stay. Many Indian-American families also use Kerala trips to visit relatives and add a few days of sightseeing, and we plan both together.
Every Iris Holidays trip is private. You get an air-conditioned car, an English-speaking driver, 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 center abroad.
Popular with American travelers
Kerala tour packages for travelers from the USA
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 international flights. Tell us your dates and we will send a free itinerary.
Blissful trip to Kerala Tour Package
Alleppey · Kochi · Kovalam · Munnar · Thekkady
From₹49,500
View Details →
Wonders of South India
Alleppey · Bangalore · Kanyakumari · Kochi · Kovalam
From₹58,800
View Details →
Getting there
Flights to Kerala from New York, Chicago, San Francisco and more
Fly into Kochi (COK) for Munnar, Thekkady and the backwaters. Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) suits trips that start in the south at Kovalam or Varkala. Direct flights from the US go to Delhi or Mumbai, so most travelers connect once more to reach Kerala, or route through Europe or the Gulf.
| From | Usual connection | Total travel time |
|---|---|---|
| New York / Newark (JFK, EWR) | Delhi or Mumbai, or a Gulf or European hub | Roughly 22 to 28 hours |
| Chicago (ORD) | Delhi or Mumbai, or a Gulf or European hub | Roughly 24 to 30 hours |
| San Francisco / Los Angeles (SFO, LAX) | Delhi, Mumbai or a Gulf or Asian hub | Roughly 24 to 32 hours |
| Dallas / Houston (DFW, IAH) | Gulf or European hub, or Delhi or Mumbai | Roughly 24 to 32 hours |
Flight tips for American travelers
- Many connections reach Kochi late at night or early morning. Our drivers meet flights at any hour and track delays.
- Keep the first day light, or spend a night in Fort Kochi to recover from jet lag before driving to Munnar.
- Check your passport validity and the State Department's travel advice before you book flights.
- We can quote combined trips with Sri Lanka, the Maldives or Tamil Nadu.
Entry requirements
India e-Visa for US citizens: 4 steps
US passport holders need a visa for India. Most apply for the online e-Tourist Visa, and only through the official Government of India website. Always confirm current rules on the official portal before you apply.
Check your passport
It should be valid for your whole stay, with blank pages for stamps.
Apply online
Use the official Government of India e-Visa portal and choose the e-Tourist Visa. Avoid look-alike sites that charge extra fees.
Apply early
Apply 3 to 4 weeks before you fly so there is room for questions or delays.
Carry the approval
Print the e-Visa approval and keep it with your passport. You will need it at the airport and on arrival.
When to go
Best time to visit Kerala from the USA
Kerala is best from November to March, when it is dry, sunny and warm, which suits a US winter escape. US holiday months are marked because flights and hotels cost more then. The monsoon, June to September, is green, quiet and good for Ayurveda.
Best weather Good, getting hot Monsoon Holidays US school and public holidays
Guest reviews
What American travelers say about Iris Holidays
4.9
★★★★★
61 reviews from American guests
Yessica Milady T
Austin · Solo Travellers · Nov 2026
A Wonderful 4-Day Travel Experience
My solo trip to Kerala was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The overall journey was great, and I really appreciated the excellent service and support throughout my 4-day private Kerala tour. I also want to thank the entire team for their timely communication, genuine care and excellent service. As a solo…
Helen Harlow Worthen
California · Honeymooners & Couples · Sep 2026
Well-Planned Kerala Holiday
Iris Holidays planned a well-organised and exciting Kerala tour with a great variety of experiences. Everything listed in the itinerary was covered, and each experience felt unique. The food was fantastic, especially at Lake and Hills and on the houseboat. A memorable Kerala experience with Iris Holidays.
Keeley Hall
Los Angeles · Solo Travellers · Sep 2026
Kerala Holiday Experience
Iris Holidays was amazing! I loved the beautiful wildlife, enjoyed the cruise ride, and the Indian food was absolutely amazing. It was a wonderful experience exploring Kerala
Lindsay Levine
Houston · Honeymooners & Couples · Dec 2025
The Best Kerala Tour Week Ever
My husband and I had an amazing time in Kerala with Iris Holidays. The entire experience—from customizing the itinerary to booking the trip- was smooth and hassle-free. We were truly impressed by the team’s quick responses and attention to detail throughout the journey. Everything was well organized, flexible, and…
Fiza
Austin · Friends & Groups · Dec 2025
A Perfect Kerala Vacation
We had an amazing vacation with Iris Holidays! Everything about the trip exceeded our expectations. We’re having such a great time—so much fun every single day. The car provided was extremely clean and comfortable, the views were absolutely beautiful, and the food was the best we’ve had on any trip. Overall, we…
Audrey Cecil
Seattle · Friends & Groups · Nov 2025
Wonderful time in Kerala
This was our first time in Kerala and we had such a wonderful experience! Mr. Vipin, our driver, was extremely accommodating throughout the journey, and the car was always clean and comfortable. Kerala offered so many fun things to do and see, and we were able to cover so much without feeling rushed. The duration of…
James Braddy
Texas · Honeymooners & Couples · Sep 2025
Truly Memorable Experience
We had an amazing 7-day Kerala trip with Irisholidays! The journey was perfectly planned by Mr. George, making travel comfortable and memorable. Highly recommended for a wonderful Kerala experience!
Sophia Keo
Phoenix · Solo Travellers · Jul 2025
Majestic Munnar Vacation
Had an amazing tour with Iris Holidays! Our driver-guide, Mr. Monesh, was incredibly kind and made us feel safe and comfortable as two women travelers. He also took fantastic photos and videos for us! From elephant rides and tea factory visits to Kathakali shows and a peaceful houseboat cruise — every moment was a…
Fiona Gaught & Family
New York · Families with Kids · Apr 2025
6-day family Kerala tour
Our family had an unforgettable 6-day tour in Kerala, beautifully organized by George at Iris Holidays. From Munnar to Thekkady, a serene houseboat stay, and a fun birthday surprise for our son—everything was perfectly arranged! Special thanks to our driver Akash, who was not only informative and friendly but also…
Jennifer P
New York · Friends & Groups · Apr 2025
Great 11-night Kerala tour
We explored Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kovalam on an 11-night tour organized by Iris Holidays. Saranya handled all the planning, making it stress-free and perfect for our busy schedules. Our driver, Shajar, was fantastic—safe, knowledgeable, and full of great local tips for food and activities we’d never have…
Tara Tupper
New York · Private Groups · Feb 2025
21-Day Kerala Tour
My dad and I had an incredible 21-day journey with Irisholidays, and our guide, Monesh, made it truly special! He ensured we had an amazing time, was super informative, and even helped us capture great memories with his photography skills. Coming from Canada, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience! If…
Debra & Marcy
New York City · Friends & Groups · Feb 2025
6 wonderful days in Kerala
Just completed an amazing 6-day Kerala tour arranged by Kannan from Irisholidays, and it was beyond expectations! From planning a flexible itinerary with luxurious five-star hotels to ensuring a smooth experience, everything was well worth it. Our driver Sadique made us feel safe and comfortable throughout the…
Good to know
Kerala trips from the USA: common questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Kerala?
Yes. US passport holders need a visa for India. Most apply online for the e-Tourist Visa through the official Government of India portal, ideally 3 to 4 weeks before travel. Rules can change, so confirm on the official site.
Are there direct flights from the US to Kerala?
No. Direct flights from the US go to Delhi or Mumbai. Most travelers connect once more to reach Kochi, or route through a European or Gulf hub. Check current schedules before booking.
How many days do I need for Kerala?
Plan at least 10 nights, including the long flight, so you have time for Munnar, Thekkady, a houseboat in Alleppey and a beach. Two weeks lets you add Varkala, Kumarakom, Fort Kochi or an Ayurveda stay.
What is the best month to visit Kerala from the USA?
November to March is dry, sunny and warm, which makes it a popular winter escape. December is the busiest and most expensive month. June to September is the monsoon: green, quiet and cheaper, and good for Ayurveda. April and May are hot and humid.
What does a Kerala trip cost?
Tours start from ₹14,300 per person, twin share, excluding international flights. Your quote shows the exact price for your dates, hotels and route.
Travelling from somewhere else?
Page last updated: 11 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.
6
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
