Quick answer: Plan about a week for your first South Indian Kerala hotel stay, roughly matching the 7 days and 6 nights backwaters tour format. Base yourself across five core towns: Kochi, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Thekkady and Varkala, arranged in a loop to avoid backtracking. Confirm seasonal conditions and transfer times before you book.
Kerala rewards a slower pace than most travellers expect....
