Visiting Kerala from the UK
Backwaters, tea-clad hills and palm-fringed beaches - "God's Own Country" is a British favourite. Here is when to go and the eVisa you need.
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Why UK travellers love Kerala
Kerala offers a gentler, greener side of India that appeals enormously to British visitors. Cruise the palm-lined backwaters on a converted rice barge, sip freshly picked tea in the Munnar hills, unwind with an authentic Ayurvedic treatment, and finish on the quiet beaches around Varkala or Kovalam. It is relaxed, scenic and easy to travel - an ideal first trip to India or a restful counterpoint to the busier north.
Which eVisa do you need for Kerala?
For a holiday, UK citizens need the India Tourist eVisa. Kerala is also India's leading destination for Ayurveda, and if you are travelling specifically for treatment at a recognised centre, the Medical eVisa may be the right route. Kochi (COK) and Trivandrum (TRV) are designated eVisa airports, and Cochin is a designated eVisa seaport. Compare the options on our visa types page.
Top things to do
- Alleppey (Alappuzha) backwaters - an overnight houseboat cruise is the classic Kerala experience.
- Munnar - rolling tea plantations and cool mountain air.
- Fort Kochi - Chinese fishing nets, spice markets and colonial history.
- Periyar & Thekkady - wildlife reserves and spice gardens.
- Varkala & Kovalam - clifftop and beach resorts for the end of the trip.
Best time to visit
The prime season is October to March: warm, dry and comfortable, perfect for the backwaters and coast. Kerala has two monsoons, so June to September and parts of the autumn can be very wet - lush and dramatic, but not beach weather. Many also visit for the monsoon precisely because it is considered the ideal season for Ayurveda. See our guide to the best time to visit India from the UK.
Getting there and arriving
Most UK travellers reach Kerala by connecting via a Gulf hub or through an Indian metro such as Mumbai or Bengaluru, with total journeys of around 12 to 16 hours. On arrival at Kochi or Trivandrum, follow the e-Visa counters with your printed eVisa, passport and e-Arrival Card. Apply in good time - see our processing time guide.