Travelling from Pune to Kerala by flight gives you the luxury of time — so you can dive straight into the lush landscapes, tranquil backwaters, tea gardens, and cultural richness of Kerala. Imagine landing in Kochi with the freshness of sea breeze, and within hours being enveloped by hills, forests, and waterways. That’s the magic of a Kerala tour by air from Pune.
Kerala Highlights You’ll Love
Before diving into the itinerary, here are some must-experience features of a Kerala trip:
- Misty tea gardens & hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad)
- Backwater cruises & houseboats (Alleppey, Kumarakom)
- Wildlife sanctuaries & spice plantations (Thekkady, Periyar)
- Beaches & coastal charm (Kovalam, Varkala)
- Rich culture & traditions — Kathakali, Theyyam, temple arts
- Ayurveda, wellness & spa treatments
These highlights allow you to relax, explore, and get immersed in Kerala’s unique blend of nature and culture.
Sample Itinerary: Pune → Kerala by Flight (7D / 6N)
Here’s a suggested itinerary. You can tweak it (add extra days in beach, skip hill station, etc.) to suit your preferences.
Day | Route / Stay | Key Activities & Highlights |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Pune → Kochi → Transfer to Munnar | Fly from Pune to Kochi. (Morning flight recommended) Arrive Kochi, meet your driver/guide and drive to Munnar (approx. 4–5 hours). En route, stop at Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls, spice plantations. Evening: relax in hotel/resort, take a walk among tea gardens. |
Day 2 | Munnar full day | Explore Eravikulam National Park (if open), Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake. Optional: boat ride, short treks, visit Rose Garden / Blossom Park. |
Day 3 | Munnar → Thekkady / Periyar | After breakfast, depart for Thekkady (approx. 3 hours). In the afternoon, take a periyar boat safari in Periyar Lake to spot wildlife and enjoy forest views. Evening: spice plantation visit or nature walk. |
Day 4 | Thekkady → Alleppey / Kumarakom (Houseboat stay) | Drive to Alleppey or Kumarakom (approx. 4 hours). Board a private or shared houseboat around noon. Cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, paddy fields, coconut lagoons. Enjoy lunch, evening tea & dinner onboard. Overnight stay on boat. |
Day 5 | Houseboat → Kochi → Kovalam or Varkala | After breakfast (or brunch on boat), disembark and drive to Kovalam or Varkala (approx. 4–5 hrs, depending on your choice). Evening at leisure — beach walk, sunset, etc. |
Day 6 | Beach Day & Local Exploration | Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, optional water sports, Ayurveda spa, local markets, lighthouse visit etc. |
Day 7 | Departure | After breakfast, drive to Kochi (if your connecting flight is from Kochi) or directly to Trivandrum depending on your return flight. Drop at airport. |
You can also reverse the route (start with beach / coast, then hills, then backwaters) depending on flight timings, weather, and preferences.
Inclusions & Exclusions (Standard Package)
What’s Usually Included
- Return flights Pune ↔ Kerala (Kochi / Trivandrum / Calicut) (as per your package)
- All accommodation in hotels / resorts (3★ / 4★ / 5★ depending on choice)
- Houseboat stay for 1 night (with meals)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle & transfers & sightseeing
- Meals: typically breakfast & dinner (sometimes lunch, depending on package)
- Toll, parking, driver allowance, taxes
What’s Usually Excluded
- Flight cancellation / travel insurance
- Entry fees, guide fees, camera fees at monuments
- Personal expenses: tips, laundry, phone calls, extras
- Optional activities (like kayaking, scuba diving, etc.)
- Beverages / meals beyond included ones
- Flights / train fare if customized beyond package
Be sure to list these clearly in your package offers so there are no surprises for travelers.
Cost Estimation
The cost can vary dramatically based on:
- Hotel category (budget vs luxury)
- Season (peak vs off-season)
- Group size (larger groups reduce per person cost)
- Inclusions (number of meals, internal flights, private vs shared)
As of now, for a mid-range 7D/6N Kerala air package from Pune, you might see pricing in the range of ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per person (twin sharing).
For simpler 4D/3N or 5D/4N versions, prices can start from ₹14,000 – ₹22,000 depending on the route and inclusions.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
- October to February / early March — best weather, cool, ideal for all sightseeing
- Monsoon (June–September) — beautiful greenery, ideal for monsoon tourism & Ayurveda retreats, though outdoor activities may be limited
- Summer (March–May) — warm, but hills remain pleasant
Always check local weather (rain in hills, backwaters) when planning your itinerary.
Tips & Travel Advice
- Book flights early — preferential departure & arrival times
- Pack smart — light cottons, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Local SIM or roaming plan — for navigation & communication
- Health & vaccinations — carry basic meds, drink bottled water
- Local cuisine caution — try Kerala food but avoid too spicy or street food if not used
- Respect local customs & nature — especially in temples, wildlife zones
- Cash & digital payments — many places accept UPI / card but remote areas may be cash-only
- Carry power bank & chargers — houseboats might have limited sockets
- Manage expectations — roads in hills can be winding, travel times may stretch
- Customize package — if someone prefers beach over hills, etc.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Are there direct flights from Pune to Kochi / Kerala?
Yes, there are direct flights from Pune to Kochi and sometimes to Trivandrum / Calicut (depending on airline schedules).
Q2. Which airport should I fly into — Kochi or Trivandrum?
Kochi (Cochin International Airport) is the most common, especially if you plan to start with Munnar or central Kerala. If your route ends in the south (Kovalam / Varkala), Trivandrum might be better.
Q3. How long is the flight from Pune to Kochi?
Usually it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (direct). Connecting flights may take more time.
Q4. Is Kerala safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Kerala is generally considered safe, especially in popular tourist areas. However, standard precautions should be followed (avoid deserted places at night, travel in groups, keep emergency contacts).
Q5. Which destinations should I include in Kerala?
A balanced itinerary often includes:
- Hill stations: Munnar, Wayanad
- Wildlife & spice: Thekkady / Periyar
- Backwaters & houseboats: Alleppey, Kumarakom
- Beach & coast: Kovalam, Varkala
- City & heritage: Kochi (Fort Kochi, Chinese nets, Mattancherry)
Q6. How do I choose between 5 days and 7 days?
If you prefer a relaxed pace, longer beach time or extra spots, go for 7 days or more. If you’re time-limited, 5D/4N focuses on key highlights.
Q7. What kind of weather to expect?
Kerala’s climate is tropical. You will experience warmth, occasional rains (especially in monsoon), and cool evenings in hills.
Q8. Can I get a refund if plans change?
Depends on your package terms. Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect against cancellations or medical emergencies.
Q9. Can I customize the itinerary (swap, skip, add days)?
Absolutely. Good travel companies allow modifications based on your preferences, group size, and interests.
Q10. Is the houseboat stay comfortable?
Yes — modern houseboats come with proper bedrooms, bathrooms, dining, and sometimes power / WiFi. It’s a unique experience.
Conclusion & Call to Action
A Kerala tour package by flight from Pune is a perfect blend of convenience and immersive experience. You skip the long train/road journey and reach the heart of Kerala’s beauty — hills, backwaters, forests, beaches — in comfort.
If you’re considering this trip, we at IndiaTourPackages.com would love to craft your ideal Kerala escape. Whether you want honeymoon vibes, family time, Ayurvedic wellness, or offbeat adventures — we’ll tailor it for you.
➡️ Contact us now for a custom quote, or choose one of our recommended Kerala packages. Your dream journey awaits!