Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” offers breathtaking beauty without breaking the bank. From tranquil backwaters to vibrant local markets, it’s a paradise for smart travelers. With SavePlus India’s promo codes, cashback hacks, and expert shopping tips, you can explore this tropical gem affordably. Discover 9 budget-friendly experiences that blend nature, culture, and savings seamlessly across Kerala.

Cruise Kerala’s Backwaters with Local Ferries

Kerala’s iconic backwaters are often synonymous with costly houseboats, but there’s a hidden gem for budget travelers—the local ferries. These ferries glide through the same serene waters, giving you immersive views without the hefty price tag. Operated by the Kerala State Water Transport Department, they’re reliable and scenic. Riding one feels like stepping into a painting filled with lush coconut trees and calm canals. The routes are quiet, giving you a glimpse of daily life in riverside villages. Ferries are available year-round and are especially magical at sunrise or sunset.

• The Alleppey–Kottayam ferry costs just ₹15–₹40 and provides a scenic journey past paddy fields, quiet temples, and lush green islands, making it ideal for both budget travelers and nature lovers.
  
  
• Vembanad Lake stretches along various ferry routes where you can witness fishermen at work and migratory birds overhead while sitting comfortably with the locals.
  
  
• These boats run on a schedule and are maintained by the state government, offering a dependable and peaceful mode of transport through Kerala’s backwater heartland.

Cost: ₹30–₹50 per ride

Pro Tip: Use Google Pay or PhonePe at ticket counters to unlock surprise UPI cashback on weekdays.

Savor Local Street Food Delights

If you want to explore Kerala’s culture, start with its food, especially the street food. Spicy, crispy, tangy, and rich, these flavors define the region. Local stalls are scattered across every town, offering everything from seafood curries to sweet banana fritters. Many vendors accept digital payments, making it convenient for modern-day travelers. Popular hubs like Thalassery and Calicut serve up plates rich in taste and low in cost. Even in tourist-heavy areas, quality and hygiene are maintained without inflated prices.

• Try Malabar parottas with spicy beef fry at Thalassery stalls where locals queue up every evening, and enjoy this authentic meal for under ₹100 with flavors that reflect coastal Kerala’s bold essence.
  
  
• Enjoy banana fritters (pazham pori), spicy lentil vadas, and hot appams from street carts in Kozhikode, all made fresh on the spot with local ingredients and sold at affordable rates.
  
  
• Order snacks online via Swiggy in Kochi or Trivandrum, where many stalls are listed, and you can apply SavePlus Swiggy coupons for cashback and discounts.

Cost: ₹50–₹150 per meal

Pro Tip: Use SavePlus India food coupons for apps like Swiggy or Zomato to stack extra discounts on Kerala’s tastiest bites.

Witness Kathakali and Cultural Performances

Experiencing Kerala’s traditional arts like Kathakali or Kalaripayattu doesn’t have to be expensive. Local cultural centers offer affordable evening performances that bring history and folklore to life. The shows often include explanations in English for tourists, making them easy to follow. From colorful makeup to dramatic facial expressions, these performances are immersive. Fort Kochi is a hub for such experiences, with plenty of community-run spaces. During festivals, many temples also host free shows that are open to everyone.

• Visit the Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Kochi, where ticket prices start at just ₹250, and enjoy a full-length performance complete with backstage makeup demos and narration.
  
  
• Watch open-air Kathakali shows during Onam or Vishu festivals at major temples where crowds gather under the stars for mesmerizing, rhythmic storytelling sessions.
  
  
• Cultural centers often offer bundled entry to multiple performances, including Mohiniyattam or Kalaripayattu, for a low flat fee, helping you enjoy more for less.

Cost: ₹200–₹300 per show

Pro Tip: Book online through Paytm Insider and pay via Paytm Wallet to get flat cashback offers during festive months.

Go on Scenic Treks in the Western Ghats

The Western Ghats in Kerala are a trekker’s paradise filled with hidden trails, forest paths, and misty viewpoints. Unlike commercial adventure packages, local treks are largely free or need minimal permits. Popular areas like Wayanad and Munnar offer trails for beginners and pros alike. You’ll often see waterfalls, rare birds, and panoramic valleys. The treks are usually self-guided, but local clubs offer group outings. Early mornings and post-monsoon months provide the best trekking conditions.

• Trek to Chembra Peak in Wayanad for its iconic heart-shaped lake, where entry is allowed with a group permit that keeps costs shared and manageable.
  
  
• Top Station in Munnar provides gentle treks through shola forests and flower-covered hills, perfect for families or amateur hikers looking for beauty without effort.
  
  
• Vagamon’s Pine Valley and Suicide Point offer serene surroundings ideal for peaceful nature walks and photo sessions, all without any official entry fee.

Cost: ₹100–₹750 (permits & local transport)

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Discover Local Bazaars and Handloom Markets

Shopping in Kerala is best done in its local markets, where handcrafted goods and regional specialties await. From spices to silk sarees, everything here is steeped in tradition. You’ll also find many budget-friendly options that are perfect for souvenirs. Most stalls accept UPI payments and offer bundle deals for bulk buys. Visiting these markets helps you support local weavers, artisans, and small-scale spice traders. The experience is vibrant, colorful, and deeply connected to Kerala’s roots.

• Head to Chendamangalam or Balaramapuram to shop for pure cotton handloom sarees and mundus that blend comfort and tradition at prices lower than commercial outlets.
  
  
• Visit Thekkady spice markets, where cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg are sold by weight directly by growers who offer better prices and fresher stock than supermarkets.
  
  
• Explore Kochi’s Broadway and Jew Town for antiques, wooden crafts, and traditional lamps where bargaining is expected and shoppers often walk away with great deals.

Cost: ₹100–₹500 per item

Pro Tip: Use Myntra Bank Offers or SavePlus store links for cashback on ethnic wear and Kerala products during festivals.

Lounge at Free and Pristine Beaches

Kerala’s beaches are among the cleanest and most peaceful in India, and best of all, most are free to access. These natural wonders span the state’s entire coastline, from the Arabian Sea to quiet inland shores. Whether you’re into swimming, sunset photography, or just lazy lounging, there’s a beach for every vibe. Many beaches have small cafes and souvenir shops nearby, making it a convenient day-out destination. Lifeguards are stationed at most public beaches, especially in tourist-heavy zones like Kovalam and Varkala. You’ll often find morning yoga sessions or evening cultural performances as an added treat.

• Varkala Beach stands out with its red cliffs and sweeping views of the ocean, where you can climb down for a swim, relax in seaside cafes, or walk the cliff trail—all without spending a rupee.
  
  
• Kovalam Beach is ideal for families with lifeguarded swimming zones, inexpensive eateries, and shallow waves that are perfect for safe fun and casual dips.
  
  
• Cherai Beach near Kochi is peaceful and less commercialized, offering an unspoiled escape for solo travelers or couples seeking a quiet sunset with minimal crowds.

Cost: ₹0 (Food & transport ₹100–₹200 optional)

Pro Tip: Buy swimsuits, slippers, and beach towels on Ajio using SavePlus discount codes to save up to 70% on beach essentials.

Relax with Affordable Ayurvedic Treatments

Kerala’s Ayurvedic wellness scene is globally respected, and even budget travelers can indulge in it. Local clinics, especially government-approved centers, offer authentic treatments at reasonable prices. These services include massages, herbal detoxes, and body rejuvenation therapies. Many homestays also partner with certified practitioners for guest sessions. The monsoon season is considered ideal for Ayurveda, and discounts are widely available during this time. Even a single session can help relieve fatigue and boost your energy for more travel.

• Government Ayurveda centers like the one in Trivandrum provide basic treatments for around ₹500, often recommended for muscle relaxation and joint pain relief.
  
  
• Many small resorts offer monsoon therapy packages including Abhyangam (oil massage), steam bath, and dietary consultation all bundled under ₹1,200.
  
  
• Herbal products and oils used during therapy can be purchased at on-site pharmacies or from online platforms like Netmeds at discounted rates.

Cost: ₹700–₹1,200 per session

Pro Tip: Use 1mg or Netmeds SavePlus coupons to stock up on authentic ayurvedic oils and medicines at reduced rates post-treatment.

Explore Museums, Palaces & Temples

Kerala’s historical richness is reflected in its stunning architecture, royal palaces, and grand temples—all of which offer budget-friendly experiences. Museums often charge token entry fees and provide deep insights into Kerala’s colonial past and royal lineage. Temples are free to visit and serve as both spiritual and architectural landmarks. The experience is enriching and helps you understand the region’s values, stories, and evolution. Some temples and museums provide guided tours or audio walkthroughs to enhance the visitor experience.

• Hill Palace Museum in Tripunithura offers a glimpse into Kerala’s royal heritage with palace interiors, antique collections, and beautiful gardens, all for a nominal entry fee.
  
  
• The Napier Museum in Trivandrum is a must-visit for art lovers with its Indo-Saracenic architecture and collection of artifacts dating back to the 8th century.
  
  
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples globally, allows free entry for devotees dressed in traditional attire, offering a divine and cultural experience in one.

Cost: ₹0–₹50 per attraction

Pro Tip: Use your DigiLocker ID on your mobile to claim any student or senior citizen discounts when available.

Choose Homestays Over Expensive Resorts

For a true Kerala experience that’s easy on the wallet, opt for homestays instead of commercial resorts. These family-run accommodations offer cultural immersion, home-cooked meals, and warm hospitality. Most are located near key tourist areas but are tucked into quieter neighborhoods. They’re ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small families seeking authenticity. Many include basic amenities like Wi-Fi, breakfast, and local travel assistance. Booking during the off-season guarantees additional discounts and more personalized service.

• In Wayanad and Alleppey, village homestays offer rustic charm, fresh meals, and nature walks at just a fraction of resort prices, often under ₹1,000 per night.
  
  
• Hosts often offer bonus services like cooking classes, ayurveda sessions, or guided nature walks, which elevate your stay without inflating your budget.
  
  
• Homestays listed on MakeMyTrip, Airbnb, and Booking.com come with promo codes and card discounts that you can stack with SavePlus coupons for better deals.

Cost: ₹600–₹1,200 per night

Pro Tip: Use HDFC credit card offers on travel booking sites along with SavePlus coupons for combined savings of up to 25%.

Experience Village Life with Farm Tourism

Kerala’s growing farm tourism scene offers an authentic rural experience at a fraction of the cost of commercial tours. These community-run initiatives allow visitors to engage in local agriculture, cooking, and crafts. You can milk cows, pluck spices, or learn to make coconut oil—all while living among locals. It's immersive, educational, and eco-friendly. Many farms offer overnight stays, meals, and guided village tours bundled into one economical package. It's ideal for families, students, and solo explorers looking for both value and meaning in their travel.

• Join spice farm walks in Idukki or Wayanad, where local guides explain the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and vanilla while you interact with farmers and sample products.

• Participate in daily farm activities like harvesting rice, feeding poultry, and cooking Kerala meals, giving you a grounded feel of rural life without urban noise or stress.

• Most farm tourism stays include home-cooked meals, guided sessions, and rustic lodging for an all-in-one cultural experience at a very reasonable price.

Cost: ₹500–₹1,000 per day (all-inclusive)

Pro Tip: Search for certified farms listed by Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission and book directly to avoid third-party markups.

Conclusion

You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy God’s Own Country. Kerala offers natural beauty, cultural depth, and unforgettable moments—all without overspending. With this SavePlus India guide, you’re equipped to plan a smart, affordable adventure. Use our promo codes, local insights, and Indian-specific offers to save more while experiencing more.

Head over to SavePlus for expert advice, handpicked coupons, and the best deals to maximize your savings. Have a great shopping journey!

FAQ

What is the cheapest month to travel to Kerala?
April to June is off-season, offering the best rates on homestays and flights.

Are public ferries safe for tourists in Kerala?
Yes, they are government-regulated and widely used by both locals and tourists.

Where can I find verified Kerala travel coupons?
Visit SavePlus India’s travel offers section for real-time coupons and deals.

How much should I budget per day for Kerala on a budget trip?
You can manage daily expenses within ₹1,000–₹1,500, including food, stay, and local travel.

Can I pay everywhere in Kerala using UPI or wallet apps?
Yes, UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm are accepted even by small vendors.