Why Choose Kerala in Luxury from Pune?
If you’re a discerning traveler in Pune looking for a luxurious escape to God’s Own Country, Kerala is your perfect choice. From misty hills and endless tea plantations to gentle backwaters and elite resorts, Kerala offers a tapestry of nature, culture, and comfort. But not all Kerala tours are created equal — a luxury Kerala tour from Pune means curated experiences: private transfers, upscale accommodations, gourmet meals, exclusive access, and comfort at every step.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through:
- A sample luxury itinerary (6 nights / 7 days)
- What makes a Kerala tour “luxury”
- Inclusions, optional upgrades, pricing guidance
- Tips for travelers from Pune
- Detailed FAQs at the end
Sample Itinerary: 7 Days Luxury Kerala Tour (From Pune)
Below is a sample luxury Kerala itinerary that starts and ends in Kochi, arranged to maximize comfort and experience. You can adjust number of days, swap destinations, or skip some parts.
| Day | From → To | Key Activities | Accommodation (Luxury) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pune → Kochi (fly) → Cochin | Arrive in Kochi, relax, short city walk in Fort Kochi | Heritage boutique hotel or luxury resort in Kochi |
| Day 2 | Kochi → Munnar | Drive to Munnar via scenic route; visit spice plantation, waterfalls en route | Luxury resort / plantation bungalow in Munnar |
| Day 3 | Munnar Sightseeing | Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point | Same luxury resort |
| Day 4 | Munnar → Thekkady (Periyar) | Scenic drive, spice garden, evening wildlife / boat ride | Premium jungle resort by Periyar |
| Day 5 | Thekkady → Alleppey / Kumarakom | Transfer to backwater region, check in to houseboat or luxury resort | Overnight houseboat or luxury backwater resort |
| Day 6 | Backwater & Village Tour | Morning cruise, local village walk, optional canoe ride | Backwater resort or continuation in houseboat |
| Day 7 | Backwaters → Kochi → Fly to Pune | Checkout, drop at Kochi airport, depart | — |
Notes / Variants:
- You may choose to skip Thekkady and spend more time in Munnar or backwaters.
- Some packages prefer Kumarakom over Alleppey for backwater stay, or vice versa.
- Upscale options may include private villas, spa & wellness retreats, Ayurvedic treatments, private guided tours, or luxury cruises.
What Makes a Kerala Tour “Luxury”?
Not every tour is a true luxury tour. Below are key features that distinguish a luxury Kerala package:
- Premium Accommodation
- 5-star resorts, heritage properties, private villas, or upscale houseboats
- Rooms with views, private balconies, well-appointed amenities
- Private & Comfy Transfers
- Private air-conditioned vehicles rather than shared cabs or buses
- Chauffeur-driven service with comfort breaks
- Gourmet & Multi-cuisine Dining
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (often inclusive)
- Private meals in scenic spots, local specialties, curated menus
- Exclusive Experiences & VIP Access
- Private houseboat cruises (less crowded routes)
- Early entry to attractions, private guides, offbeat local tours
- Cultural performances, spice garden walk, tea tasting sessions
- High Service Standards & Local Touches
- Personal concierge, welcome kits, seamless check-ins
- Local insights, customizations, flexibility
- Wellness & Relaxation
- Spa/ayurvedic treatments included or optional
- Yoga by the backwaters, massages, wellness rituals
- Safety & Cleanliness
- Hygiene protocols, vetted properties, 24/7 support
When your package includes all (or most) of these, you can confidently call it a luxury Kerala tour.
Inclusions, Exclusions & Optional Upgrades
Inclusions (Typical Luxury Package)
- Pick-up & drop from your arrival city (Kochi)
- 6 nights’ accommodation in premium properties
- Private air-conditioned transport (Pune → Kerala flight not included)
- All meals (breakfast + some lunches/dinners) as per itinerary
- Houseboat stay with meals
- Sightseeing with local/private guide
- Entry/ticket fees for included attractions
- Bottled water, snacks during transfers
- All taxes, tolls, parking charges, driver allowances
- Concierge & emergency support
Exclusions
- Pune → Kochi (or vice versa) airfare / train fare
- Personal expenses, tips, laundry
- Alcohol, soft drinks (unless included)
- Optional activities not in itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Any surprise costs at local vendor spots
Optional Upgrades You Can Offer
- First class train / business class flight
- Upgraded rooms (suites, private villas)
- Private boat cruise or luxury houseboat
- Customized experiences: helicopter ride, private photo shoots
- Gourmet dinners by candlelight, couples’ spa, Ayurveda programs
- Extending stay to other destinations (Kovalam, Wayanad, etc.)
Travel Tips & Advice for Tourists from Pune
- Best Time to Visit: September to March is ideal — less monsoon, clear skies in hills and calm backwaters.
- Flights / Trains: Direct flights from Pune to Kochi or nearby hubs are available — book early for best fares.
- Packing Tips: Light woolens for hill stations (Munnar), umbrella/raincoat (possible showers), comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent.
- Health & Medicine: Carry basic medicines and any personal prescriptions.
- Currency & Payment: Card acceptance is decent in Kerala, but always keep some cash for local markets & small shops.
- Local Etiquette: Dress modestly in temples, ask before photographing locals, respect nature.
- Connectivity: Mobile & Wi-Fi are generally good; but in remote areas it may be patchy — inform travelers.
- Safety: Kerala is among safer states, but usual travel caution applies — keep documents safe, don’t leave valuables unattended.
FAQ Section (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are some common questions your clients might ask. Use this in your blog too — it helps Google’s FAQ schema.
Q1: What is the starting cost of a luxury Kerala tour package from Pune?
A1: Depending on stay standards, duration, and inclusions, luxury Kerala packages from Pune typically start around ₹ 70,000 to ₹ 1,50,000+ per person for 6–8 days. Prices vary based on season, hotel class, private add-ons, and transport.
Q2: Is the airfare from Pune to Kochi included in the package?
A2: Usually, luxury Kerala tour packages start from Kochi (or your pick-up point in Kerala). The airfare or train from Pune to Kochi is not included. You can request the operator to include it or arrange separately.
Q3: Which destinations in Kerala are covered in these luxury tours?
A3: Popular destinations include Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady (Periyar), Alleppey / Kumarakom backwaters, and sometimes Kovalam or Wayanad. The sample itinerary above covers these core highlights.
Q4: How many days are ideal to experience Kerala in luxury?
A4: A 6–8 day tour is ideal to cover hills + backwaters + cultural experiences at a comfortable pace. Shorter 4–5 day versions are possible but more rushed.
Q5: Can we customize the itinerary?
A5: Absolutely. You can swap days, add destinations, upgrade stays, or include wellness/ayurvedic packages. A luxury Kerala tour operator should allow that flexibility.
Q6: What kind of accommodation can I expect?
A6: Expect 5-star resorts, heritage properties, private villas, premium houseboats, or boutique luxury stays — all selected for service, comfort, and location.
Q7: Are houseboat stays safe and hygienic?
A7: Yes, in a good luxury package, houseboats are well-maintained, cleaned daily, and equipped with proper sanitation and safety equipment. Ensure your operator follows quality standards.
Q8: What is the best season to travel to Kerala?
A8: September to March (post-monsoon to early summer) is the sweet window: pleasant climate, clear skies, and green landscapes. Monsoon season (June–August) is lush but can affect hill & road travel.
Q9: Do I need travel insurance?
A9: Yes, always advisable. A luxury package may or may not include it; check and purchase if needed to cover medical, trip cancellation, or other risks.
Q10: How far in advance should I book?
A10: For luxury travel, booking 3–4 months in advance is recommended, especially during peak times (Oct–Dec). This ensures you get the best rooms, flights, guides.
