Swap grey December skies for backwaters, tea hills and warm beaches. Here is how to plan it, and why booking now matters.
At a glance: is Kerala good for a winter holiday from the UK?
Yes. December to February is Kerala’s best season. The monsoon is over, the coast sits at around 27 to 32°C by day, and the hills around Munnar are fresh and green. Fly into Kochi, usually with one stop. Ten to fourteen days lets you see the backwaters, Munnar and a beach without rushing. Christmas school holiday dates sell out early, so book flights and hotels now.
Why Kerala works so well in winter
In the UK, December means dark afternoons and cold rain. In Kerala, it means blue skies, calm backwaters and warm evenings.
Winter is also easier on the body. Humidity drops after the monsoon. Days are warm rather than fierce. That makes it a good fit for young children and for grandparents who want sun without the heat of an Indian summer.
And Kerala is gentle to travel around. The distances are short, the food is wonderful, and there is a real mix: a historic port city, houseboats, tea estates, wildlife and beaches, all in one small state.
Where to go: Kochi, the backwaters, Munnar and the beaches
Most UK families fly into Kochi (Cochin) and build a loop from there. Here is a simple 12-day plan you can shorten or stretch.
Days | Where | Why families love it |
Days 1 to 2 | Fort Kochi | Rest after the flight. Chinese fishing nets, old streets, cafés and sunset walks by the sea. |
Days 3 to 5 | Munnar | Rolling tea estates and cool air. A scenic drive of a few hours up into the hills. Pack a jumper for the evenings. |
Days 6 to 7 | Thekkady (optional) | Spice gardens and the Periyar wildlife area. Easy to add between the hills and the backwaters. |
Days 8 to 9 | Alleppey or Kumarakom | A night on a houseboat. Slow days on the water, village life and fresh Kerala meals cooked on board. |
Days 10 to 12 | Beach: Marari, Varkala or Kovalam | Warm sea and time to do nothing before the flight home. |
Getting from Delhi to Agra
Coast (Kochi, backwaters, beaches): daytime highs around 27 to 32°C, evenings nearer 20°C.
Munnar: much cooler, roughly high teens to low 20s by day and chilly at night.
Rain: usually light. December to February is the driest, clearest part of the year.
Flying from the UK to Kochi
Most flights from London to Kochi have one stop. You can connect through a Gulf hub such as Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, or through an Indian city like Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru. Allow a long day for the journey, often 13 to 18 hours in total depending on the connection.
You don’t have to start in London. Mann Travel books flights to India from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Flying from your nearest airport can save a long drive and a hotel night before an early departure.
If you connect in Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru, you usually clear immigration there. Leave a comfortable gap for the domestic flight, especially with children.
Booking early for Christmas: 6 practical tips
1. Know your school dates
In many parts of England the Christmas holiday runs from Monday 21 December 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027. Scotland, Wales and some schools differ, so check with your school or council before you book.
2. Book flights now
The weekend schools break up is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Fares for those dates rise steadily from autumn. Booking now gives you the best choice of flights and times.
3. Be flexible by a day or two
Flying out midweek, or coming back a day or two after New Year, can make a real difference to the total fare for a family.
4. Book hotels at the same time
Houseboats and hill hotels fill fast over Christmas and New Year. You can search hotels in Kerala on our site. Our homepage showed Kerala hotels averaging around £12 a night, checked 25 September 2026, prices change daily. Christmas dates will cost more, so lock in the nights that matter.
5. Get your visa sorted early
British passport holders need an Indian visa or OCI card. The e-Tourist visa comes in 30-day, 1-year and 5-year versions. Apply only on the official Indian visa website. Then complete the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before you land.
6. Students and teachers: use MannPass
Verified students and education staff in the UK can join MannPass for free and get £25 off selected return flights between the UK and India, including Kochi. It is valid for 30 days, renewable, and can’t be combined with other offers.
Travelling with family and grandparents
Keep the pace slow. Two or three bases are plenty for a 12-day trip. Children and grandparents enjoy it more.
Book everyone on one booking. Seats stay together and changes are simpler.
Pack for two climates. Light cotton for the coast, a warm layer for Munnar.
Ask about assistance. Wheelchair help and special meals can be arranged when you book.
Check the latest advice. Read the UK government’s foreign travel advice for India before you go.
Visiting family in Gujarat on the same trip? Our guide to flights London to Ahmedabad covers non-stop and one-stop options.
Why book your Kerala holiday with Mann Travel?
Mann Travel is an India specialist based in Southall, London. We book flights and hotels to India every day, and we know how busy Christmas gets. Our team speaks Hindi, Punjabi and English, and support is there 24/7 by phone and WhatsApp. One consultant looks after your trip from start to finish.
Planning for a big family or a group? Get in touch and we will put the whole trip together for you.
Let’s take you to Kerala this winter.
Search live fares at manntravel.co.uk/flights or call our London team on 0208 099 9900. Book early to secure your Christmas dates.
frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Kerala from the UK?
December to February. The monsoon is over, skies are clear and the weather is warm but comfortable.
Which airport should I fly into for Kerala?
Kochi (Cochin) is the most convenient for the backwaters, Munnar and Fort Kochi. Most flights from the UK have one stop.
How many days do I need for Kerala?
Ten to fourteen days is ideal. It gives you time for Kochi, Munnar, a houseboat and a few days on the beach.
Is Kerala good for children and grandparents?
Yes. Winter weather is gentle, distances are short and the pace is relaxed. Keep to two or three bases and it is easy for all ages.
When should I book Kerala flights for Christmas?
As soon as you can. Christmas school holiday dates are among the busiest of the year, and fares usually rise through the autumn.
Fares, hotel rates and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. Flight schedules can change. Always check live prices before booking.
