Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions section of Kerala Tour Guide.
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This page answers the most common queries travellers have when planning a Kerala holiday — including trip inclusions, hotels, vehicles, houseboats, travel timings, safety, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions help travellers understand every aspect of planning a Kerala holiday, from tour package inclusions and hotel categories to transportation, houseboats, seasonal travel tips, and safety considerations.
This FAQ section is designed to answer Kerala travel questions clearly and honestly, making it easier for visitors to plan with confidence and clarity.
This Frequently Asked Questions page is created to answer common Kerala travel queries and provide clear guidance on tour packages, planning, and essential trip details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kerala Travel & Tour Packages
What is included in a trip?
Typically, our Kerala tour packages include:
- Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private transportation with a well-experienced driver
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Toll, parking, and driver allowances
- Houseboat stays include all meals (lunch, evening snacks, dinner, breakfast)
Any optional activities, entry fees, or personal expenses are not included unless specifically mentioned.
Can I customise this trip?
Yes. Every Kerala tour package we provide is 100% customizable.
You can choose:
- Destinations
- Duration
- Category of hotels
- Activities & experiences
- Transportation type
- Add-ons (candlelight dinner, private pool villa, treehouse stay, luxury car upgrade, etc.)
Are the hotels verified or reviewed?
Yes. We handpick all hotels based on:
- Guest reviews
- Cleanliness and hygiene
- Quality of service
- Location convenience
- Past customer experiences
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities.
What is the standard hotel and houseboat check-in time?
Most hotels and houseboats in Kerala follow:
- Hotel check-in: 12:00 PM
- Hotel check-out: 11:00 AM
- Houseboat check-in: 12:00 PM
- Houseboat cruising stops: 5:00 PM (government rule)
- Houseboat check-out: 9:00 AM
Recommended arrival:
- By flight: Before 10:00 AM
- By train: Before 11:00 AM
For departure, schedule flights/trains in the afternoon to avoid a rushed checkout.
Can I get a honeymoon decoration or a candlelight dinner?
Absolutely! We offer:
- Candlelight dinner
- Flower-bed decoration
- Cakes
- Private villa upgrades
- Jacuzzi / Pool villas
- Campfire (where permitted)
Just inform us in advance.
What are your premium and luxury upgrade options?
Travellers can upgrade to:
- Private Pool Villas
- Jacuzzi Rooms
- Treehouse Stays
- Premium / Luxury Vehicles
- Helicopter Transfers
- Luxury Resorts & Houseboats
Can I upgrade the vehicle for the trip?
Yes. You can choose from:
Innova | Crysta | Urbania | Tempo Traveller | Audi | Mercedes-Benz | Luxury Coaches
(Need early confirmation, before arrival, and shall be provided subject to availability)
What does “vehicle at disposal” mean? Is the driver available 24 hours?
It means the vehicle is reserved exclusively for your use from:
8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
(Pickup & drop may vary depending on your itinerary.)
It does not mean 24-hour usage.
What if I need the driver for extra hours?
You must request this in advance, and the driver must agree.
Extra charges apply:
- ₹250 per hour (minimum) direct payment to the driver.
Please ensure the driver gets enough rest to guarantee safe travel.
What happens if the vehicle breaks down during the trip?
Minor issues are handled locally with your cooperation.
In case of a major breakdown, we promptly arrange:
- A replacement vehicle
- From the nearest available location
This ensures minimal disruption.
Will a tour guide be provided?
Standard packages do not include a separate guide.
However, our drivers are knowledgeable and can provide basic information.
Professional guides can be arranged on request at additional cost.
What should I pack for a Kerala trip?
Suggested essentials:
- Light cotton clothing
- Swimwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection: hats, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Light jacket for hill stations like Munnar or Wayanad
Do you offer assistance during the tour?
Yes. We provide 24/7 support via phone or WhatsApp.
Upon arrival, one of our coordinators will contact you and remain responsible for:
- And this staff will be dedicated to monitoring all your arrangements throughout the trip.
- Handling issues
- Ensuring a smooth and timely check-in experience, etc.
- Bidding farewell at departure
Houseboat-Related Frequently Asked Questions
What are Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury houseboats?
Deluxe Houseboat
- Standard interiors & amenities
- 1 non-veg meal
- AC operates only from 9 PM to 6 AM
Premium Houseboat
- Better interiors & upgraded rooms
- 2 non-veg meals
- AC is available in bedrooms only during the stay
- Some Deluxe & Premium boats offer full-time AC at a mutually agreed-upon direct payment.
Luxury Houseboat
- Fully glass-covered boat
- AC in all areas (bedroom, living room, dining area)
- 3 non-veg meals
How long is the houseboat cruise?
Cruising time:
- 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (as per government rules)
- After 5 PM, cruising is not allowed due to the protection of fishing nets
- An additional 1-hour cruise the next morning before checkout
Is Alleppey or Kumarakom better for a houseboat stay?
Alleppey is known for:
- Narrow canals
- Dense backwaters
- Classic Kerala houseboat experience
Kumarakom offers wider lakes and is quieter, but Alleppey is preferred for authentic cruising.
What areas are covered in an Alleppey houseboat cruise?
Typical route (may vary):
- Starting from Alleppey Finishing Point or a nearby place.
- Cruise through Punnamada Lake
- Vembanadu Lake
- R Block, C Block (historic man-made paddy fields below lake level)
- Rani, Chithira, Marthandam
- Kainakari village
- Evening docking at Kuppapuram or similar quiet spots
- The next morning, return via
- Meenappally River
- Pallathuruthu
- Back to the finishing point
This is one of the most scenic backwater routes in Kerala.
Seasonal & Weather Kerala Tour FAQs
What is the best time to visit Kerala?
The ideal time to visit Kerala is:
- October to March — Pleasant weather
- April to May — Warm but good for hill stations
- June to September — Monsoon lovers & wellness (Ayurveda season)
What is the best time for water sports in Kerala?
Government-permitted operational season:
Mid-October to Mid-May
Includes:
- Parasailing
- Surfing
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Kayaking
- Banana boat rides
These restrictions are imposed to protect tourists from monsoon-related risks.
For official destination information and seasonal travel updates, travellers can refer to Kerala Tourism resources for general guidance.
If you have additional questions beyond this Frequently Asked Questions section, feel free to reach out for personalised guidance on planning your Kerala holiday at info@keralatourguide.com.