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Kerala or Kashmir Which is Better for honeymoon? Your complete Guide

June 15, 2025 9 min read

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Kerala or Kashmir Which is Better for honeymoon? Your complete Guide

Reading Time: 9 minutes

Choosing a place to visit can be a little tricky, especially when deciding between Kerala or Kashmir. Each of these locations has their personal beauty, however, they are completely different. The beautiful palm trees and peaceful beaches of Kerala stand in sharp contrast to the majestic snow-capped mountains and cold valleys of Kashmir.
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So, Kerala or Kashmir which is better for your next trip? Don’t worry, we’ll consider the different climates, activities, expenses, and more, so you can make an informed decision with no doubts. Are you prepared? Let’s get to it!

Kerala or Kashmir Which is Better?

Kerala and Kashmir are in different regions of India which makes their culture very diverse. Kerala is in southern India and has backwaters, and beaches, and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea.

Kashmir, on the other hand, is located in northern India within the Himalayan mountains. The above description beautifully summarizes both sides’ key highlights, which concludes warm weather or cold weather.

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A breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in Kashmir, with mist-covered peaks, pine forests, and a serene blue sky – showcasing the raw beauty and majesty of the Indian Himalayas

In addition, things like how much money you want to spend, how far you want to travel, and your hobbies are also very important. Now, let’s try to analyze and make sense of the situation.

Weather: Hot or Cold?

Weather plays a major role. The tropical nature of Kerala keeps it warm throughout the year. Summers (March to May) can reach 35°C at their peak, so they tend to be hot and humid. Monsoons (June to September) can be heavy and powerful with rain. It’s great for viewing the lush greenery, but makes traveling from place to place quite hard. Winters (October to February) are comfy for experiencing everything at 25 – 30 degrees.

Kashmir on the other hand is more complex. Summers (April to June) are nice. Around 20°C to 30°C, which is warm but not too hot, making it excellent for traveling. The monsoons in Kashmir (July to September) only see a little bit of rain, but it is very different from the torrential downpours of Kerala. Winter time (November to February) is when temperatures drop below -2°C, and snow is found everywhere. If snow is what you love, then Kashmir is the place to be. If you dislike it, just visit Kerala. Consider which weather type you would want to experience and when it would be best to go.

ALSO SEE-What is Kashmir Famous for- 10 Reasons to Visit Paradise on Earth!

Getting There: How Easy Is It?

How you’ll get to these places matters. Kochi and Trivandrum have large airports that service both domestic and international flights. It is connected by trains and buses as well; for example, Bangalore is a 12-hour train ride and Delhi is a 3-hour flight. If you’re nearby, the roads are quite decent.

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Aerial view of Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) in Kerala, showcasing the modern terminal building, runway, and surrounding greenery

Kashmir might be a little more difficult. The main airport is in Srinagar, however, flights can get expensive – $100-$150 for a one-way ticket from Delhi compared to $50-$80 for a flight to Kerala. Weather also affects flights in the winter months. Trains stop at Jammu, then it’s a 6-8 hour drive to Srinagar. The roads can be quite rough during the winter. If time is on your side, Kerala is much easier to get around, whereas Kashmir does require a bit more planning.

Costs: What’s Your Budget?

When budgeting, these are all determining factors. For now, Budget Your Trip listed Kashmir costing, on average, from $30-$40 a day per person. This includes decent housing, food, local transport, and even some activities. In the back quite a few settings, a small budget accommodation is around $15-$20 a night, meals are $5-$10, and a backwater boat ride is somewhere around $20.

Kashmir costs more, with an average price range of $40 to $50 a day. Hotels are $20 to $30 per night, and food is about the same as in Kerala, but transportation such as cabs, or tours to Gulmarg can cost an additional 10 to 20 dollars. 75 dollars a day for winter apparel or a monastery tour gets pretty expensive too.

ALSO SEE-Trip to Kerala -Your Go-To Guide for Tips

What to See and Do in Kerala and Kashmir ?

Sure enough, that is where your enthusiasms apply. Kerala is all about nature and relaxing places. The backwaters in Alleppey are something that you should never miss. Rent a houseboat, or paddle a canoe yourself. The green tea plantations in Munnar are great for a relaxing hike. The wildlife places like Periyar and the beaches like Kovalam are also chilled out. If you are more into culture, why not check out the temple festivals or Kathakali dance performances?

alleppey-backwaters
Scenic view of the Alleppey backwaters in Kerala, featuring traditional houseboats cruising through lush green canals lined with coconut palms, reflecting the serene beauty and charm of Kerala’s famous backwater network

However, Kashmir is coarser and more raw. Srinagar’s Dal Lake is famous for houseboats, but the mountains are the main attraction. In the summer Gulmarg is a beautiful meadow to hike around, in the winter it transforms into a ski resort. Pahalgam has rivers to go with pony rides. Part of the region Ladakh has rugged, treeless mountains at a very high altitude which draws trekkers. There are a few temples and monasteries like Hemis that give religious flavor to the mix. If you love adventure, then Kashmir is the place for you. If you want to gorge yourself in relaxation, then pick out Kerala.

Food from Kerala and Kashmir : What’s on Your Plate?

Your taste buds can determine your wishes. If you are a seafood lover and have a thing for spices, then Kerala indeed is a paradise for you. Imagine having fish curry, coconut, and appam which is a fluffy pancake or prawns directly coming from the sea. They serve a large variety of options for vegetarians too like sambar, dosa, and banana leaf meals. All the food is fresh, light, and very delicious.

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Kashmir’s rich Rogan Josh meets Kerala’s spicy Sadya – a feast of two cultures on one plate

Kashmir’s cuisine is wholesome and focused on meats. To warm yourself up, enjoy a bowl of rogan josh (lamb curry), and gushtaba (meatballs in yogurt), and indulge in kahwa (spiced tea). Everything is accompanied by either naan or roti. While vegetables are available, meat is undoubtedly the king.

ALSO SEE-North India or South India – Where to Travel?

Safety and Comfort

Although generally safe, these two places come with their own peculiarities. In Kerala, the only problem one faces is the occasional flooding of the monsoon season along with the petty thefts that are almost non-existent. English and Hindi speakers will face no issues while trying to communicate and problem-solve in the region.

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Scenic view of Srinagar, Kashmir with Dal Lake, houseboats, and snow-capped mountains in the background

Kashmir is a little more complicated. While the past was worse, it has gotten calmer, but the border issues with Pakistan still create anxiety for many tourists. The locals are friendly and warm, but be prepared to layer up as the winter can hit hard, especially if unprepared. The people are friendly, but ensure to follow the travel advisories along with check Srinagar. When it comes to feeling the safety net, two places stand out, Kerala has less of a threat, while Kashmir is a better option for moderate risk.

Best Time to Go to Kerala and Kashmir

Kerala is warm from October to February and is surrounded by tourists, making it even easier to travel around. If you are fine with a little heat, early March to May would be ideal. For budget travelers looking for affordable options, June to September is ideal, especially for those who do not mind the rain.

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Kerala houseboat trip gliding through serene backwaters, surrounded by calm waters and clear skies

While Kashmir shines from April to June before the monsoons hit. If you are an admirer of the snow, winter from November to February would be perfect for you. With all these options, the question remains when would you have the time to solo travel?

ALSO SEE-Top 10 Places To Visit In South India 

Who Are You Traveling With?

Your crew does wonders. Solo? With chill vibes and hostels around, Kerala is a walk in the park. Kashmir can be rough and tougher, so it’s either best to plan or join a group. With family? Kid-friendly activities in Kerala include beach and boat rides. Kashmir can tire out little ones with snow or treks, but they might enjoy it.

Couples? Both work. Backwaters and sunsets in Kerala are nothing short of romantic. Kashmir has that fairy-tale vibe with shikara rides on snow, not to mention cozy houseboats. Adventure buddies? Guitar and a mic ready? Pack your bags and head to Kashmir for their thrilling hikes. Who’s coming along for the ride?

Culture and People at Kerala or Kashmir

A combination of everything, Kerala is home to a Hindu Temple, church, mosque, and synagogue. During festivals like Onam, which the locals are really sort of, they celebrate with food and fun. Kashmir has more of a Himalayan vibe, where it’s primarily dominated by Muslims with Buddhists in portions of Ladakh. It’s their slower-paced life with beautiful handicrafts and shawls. Friendly but withdrawn are the locals at first, but once they open up, it’s love diversity. Which One is It? Take a trip to Kerala. Want to go to the mountains? Kashmir is the answer.

Theyyam artist perform during Theyyam temple festival in Payyanur, Kerala

Packing Tips

This is what we would recommend for packing for the beautiful destination of Kashmir or Kerala to ensure a hassle-free experience:

  • Light Clothes for Kerala: Light, breathable shirts and trousers will suit Kerala’s weather perfectly. Go for cotton!
  • Raincoat for Kerala: Compact raincoats will keep you warm and dry during monsoons without the added bulk.
  • Comfy Shoes for Kerala: Kosy footwear is a must when walking through backwater paths or tea hills.
  • Sunscreen for Kerala: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen while traveling the region as the sun is strong throughout the year.
  • Layers for Kashmir: Pack a thermals and a jacket as it gets extremely cold in the winter and the weather changes rapidly.
  • Good Boots for Kashmir: Walking in the snow is just as good as hiking on rocky trails so good grip boots are essential.
  • Sunglasses for Kashmir: Protect yourself from the bright blazing high-altitude or snow.

My Take: What We Choose between Kerala or Kashmir

Here’s how we break it down between Kerala and Kashmir—two spots we picked for totally different reasons. It’s all about what vibe I’m chasing. Check it out:

Why I’d Pick Kerala

  • Easy Vibes: Kerala’s simple to get to and move around—no fuss, just fun.
  • Green Getaway: Those backwaters in Alleppey? They’re like a peaceful reset button.
  • Munnar Memories: I’ve walked those tea trails—quiet, fresh, and totally relaxing.
  • Calm Wins: If one wants to chill over chaos, Kerala’s my go-to every time.

Why I’d Pick Kashmir

  • Wild Side: Got extra time? Kashmir’s rugged mountains scream adventure.
  • Snow Dreams: Gulmarg’s snowy slopes sound thrilling—something I’d love to try.
  • Epic Feels: The high peaks and valleys hit differently—big and bold.
  • Craving More: If I’m itching for something raw, Kashmir’s calling loud.

So, it’s calm versus epic. What’s your gut leaning toward?

Final Call: Your Turn to choose between Kerala or Kashmir

Kashmir or Kerala? If you’re after pleasant weather, effortless travel, and scenery without the buzz, Kerala is the destination for you. If cold mountains, thrill-seeking, and natural beauty are more your style, then Kashmir is your answer. Make sure to assess your finances because Kerala is cheaper in that aspect. Consider your travel party, the time of year, and what you would prefer to do or eat.

Both places are beautiful; it is up to your personal preferences. Still unable to decide? Change your plans and flip a coin. December is perfect for Kerala, while May is ideal for Kashmir. No matter the choice, you will wind up with a story to tell about your travels. Which destination is more desirable at this moment? Feel free to share and get ready to embrace your travel adventure.

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Hi, I'm George Joseph, your travel advisor at Luxotic Holidays! I'm here to make your trip to Kerala smooth and memorable with expert tips and helpful articles. Planning a visit? Don’t forget to request your get a FREE Customised Holiday Itinerary personally prepared to match your travel style and interests!
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