Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions section of Kerala Tour Guide.

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.

H2: General Travel & Package Questions

H3: 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.

H3: 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.)

H3: 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.

H3: 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.

H3: 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.

H3: 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

H3: 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)

H3: 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.

H3: 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.

H3: 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.

H3: 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.

H3: 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

H3: 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

H2: Houseboat-Related Questions

H3: 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

H3: 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

H3: 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.

H3: 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.

H2: Seasonal & Weather FAQs

H3: 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)

H3: 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.

If you need more assistance, feel free to contact our support team at info@keralatourguide.com.