Booking a tour package for Kerala involves understanding the specific "entities" that make up the total cost. A lack of clarity on what is included versus what is excluded often leads to "bill shock" for travelers at the end of their trip.
To answer the question directly: A standard Kerala tour package typically includes accommodation, breakfast, private transportation (with fuel and driver), and applicable taxes. It generally excludes airfare, lunches/dinners, monument entrance fees, and personal expenses.
This detailed guide, optimized for the 2026 travel season, breaks down the components of a tour package. It is designed to help you identify exactly where your money goes and what you need to budget for separately. For complete transparency and seamless booking, Paradise Kerala adheres to a clear structure outlined below.
1. The "Included" Entities: What You Pay For
When you purchase a package from a reputed operator like Paradise Kerala, you are paying for a bundle of core services. Here is a detailed breakdown of the inclusions you should expect in a standard 2026 itinerary.
A. Accommodation (The Stay Entity)
This is the most significant component of your package.
- What is Included: Rooms on a "Double Sharing" basis (for couples) or "Twin Sharing" (for friends/colleagues). This includes the base room rate and applicable state taxes (GST).
- 2026 Standard: Most packages include breakfast.
- Note: Check-in time is generally 12:00 PM, and check-out is 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out is rarely included unless specified.
B. Transportation (The Mobility Entity)
Kerala relies heavily on road transport due to the winding terrain of the Western Ghats.
- What is Included:
- A private air-conditioned vehicle (e.g., Sedan, SUV, or Tempo Traveler) depending on group size.
- Fuel costs for the entire itinerary.
- Driver’s allowance (Batta) and accommodation for the driver.
- Inter-state toll taxes and parking fees.
- Vehicle Usage: Standard packages usually include the vehicle for sightseeing from "08:00 AM to 08:00 PM." Usage beyond this window may incur "Night Halt Charges" or overtime driver fees.
C. Meals (The Food Entity)
- What is Included: Daily Breakfast is standard in almost all packages.
- Meal Plans: Some premium packages may include MAP (Modified American Plan), which includes Breakfast and Dinner, or AP (American Plan), which includes all three meals. However, the industry standard for custom tours is usually CP (Continental Plan), which is Breakfast only.
2. The "Hidden Costs" Checklist: What is Usually Excluded
This is the section most travelers overlook. These are expenses you will pay out of pocket (directly to the service provider or the guide) during your trip.
A. Airfare and Train Fare
- Status: Excluded.
- Detail: Unless you book a "flight-inclusive" holiday (which is rare for custom Kerala tours), the cost of getting to Kerala (e.g., flying into Kochi or Trivandrum) and flying out is not part of the land package cost.
B. Monument Entrance Fees
- Status: Excluded.
- Detail: Kerala’s entry fees for tourist entities are nominal compared to international standards, but they add up.
- Example: The entry fee for the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, the Mattancherry Palace in Kochi, or the boat safari in Thekkady is payable directly at the counter.
- Camera Fees: Some monuments charge extra for professional cameras or videography.
C. Lunch and Dinner
- Status: Excluded (unless specified).
- Detail: This is a major expense. Lunches are almost always excluded so travelers can explore local cuisine on the road.
- Budget Estimate: A decent lunch at a local restaurant in Munnar or Alleppey costs between ₹300 to ₹800 per person. A fine-dining dinner at a resort can cost ₹1,500+.
D. Adventure and Personal Activities
- Status: Excluded.
- Detail: Any activity that is "optional" or "adventurous" is an add-on.
- Examples:
- Ayurvedic massages or spa treatments (unless a specific "Rejuvenation Package" is booked).
- Water sports in Kovalam (Parasailing, Jet Ski).
- Shikara boat rides or Bamboo rafting in Thekkady.
- Kathakali show tickets.
E. Driver Tips
- Status: Excluded.
- Detail: While the driver's salary and accommodation are paid by the agency, tipping is customary in India.
- Standard Practice: A tip of ₹300–₹500 per day (total) is considered polite, depending on the service quality.
3. The "Fine Print" Entities You Must Know
To ensure you are 100% clear, here are specific operational entities that often cause confusion in 2026 tour packages.
AC Usage in the Hills
- The Rule: In hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady, the use of air conditioning in the vehicle is generally prohibited or disabled.
- The Reason: The steep gradients cause the vehicle engine to overheat if the AC is running. This is not a cost-cutting measure but a mechanical necessity. The AC is usually functional only in the coastal/plain areas (Kochi, Alleppey, Kovalam).
The "5% GST" Variable
- The Rule: When comparing prices, check if the quote includes the Government Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- 2026 Context: Some agencies quote "exclusive of GST" to make the headline price look lower. Paradise Kerala ensures transparent pricing where taxes are clearly disclosed upfront.
Peak Season Surcharges
- The Rule: During Christmas (Dec 20-Jan 5), New Year, and Onam, hotels levy a "Compulsory Gala Dinner" charge.
- The Cost: This is a fixed fee (ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per person) charged by hotels for the special Christmas or New Year's Eve buffet, even if you choose to eat elsewhere. This is a mandatory surcharge you must account for during holiday booking.
4. How to Budget for Your 2026 Kerala Trip (Sample Calculation)
To help you visualize, here is a rough budget breakdown for a 5-Day Couple's Trip (excluding airfare) to understand the "Hidden Costs."
- Package Cost (Land): ₹35,000 (Includes Hotel + Car + Breakfast).
- Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses (Hidden Costs):
- Monument Entry Fees: ₹1,000
- Lunch (5 days): ₹5,000
- Dinners (5 days): ₹7,000
- Tips (Driver/Porter): ₹2,000
- Shopping/Souvenirs: ₹5,000
- Total Extra: ₹20,000
Total Trip Cost: ₹55,000 (Package + Expenses). Knowing this separation prevents budget overruns.
5. Why Transparency Matters with Paradise Kerala
When booking with Paradise Kerala, you are not just buying a voucher; you are hiring a travel planner. The best packages are those that leave no room for ambiguity.We advise all travelers to ask for a "Costing Sheet" before booking. This document lists every inclusion and exclusion line-by-line.
- If "Boat Ride" is listed, is it a shared boat or private?
- If "Breakfast" is listed, is it a buffet or à la carte?
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Conclusion
Understanding "What is Included" is the key to a stress-free holiday. In 2026, travel is becoming more modular, meaning you have the power to add or remove entities (like meal plans or adventure activities) to suit your budget.Always remember:
- Package Price = Logistics + Hotel + Breakfast
- Hidden Costs = Entry fees + Lunch/Dinner + Tips + Activities
For a detailed breakdown of costs and a customized quote that covers all your needs, trust the experts at Paradise Kerala to guide you through the booking process with absolute clarity.
Get your detailed Kerala tour quote now.
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