7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kerala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   45 minutes (20 km) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, explore the historic town of Fort Kochi. Visit the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace. In the afternoon, head to Jew Town to shop for souvenirs and antiques. Wrap up the day with a Kathakali dance performance.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours 30 minutes (127 km) from Fort Kochi

   Experience the beauty of tea plantations and waterfalls in Munnar. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum and learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, take a stroll at the Kannan Devan Tea Estate and take in the stunning views of the valley. In the evening, visit the Attukad Waterfalls and watch a spectacular sunset.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours (91.8 km) from Munnar

   Explore the wildlife of Kerala. In the morning, take a boat ride at Periyar Lake and witness the diverse flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit the spice plantations and learn about the cultivation of spices. In the evening, watch a Kathakali and martial arts performance.

4. Day 4: Varkala Beach
   4 hours 30 minutes (152 km) from Thekkady

   Relax on the sandy beaches of Varkala. In the morning, take a dip in the serene waters and enjoy the picturesque views. In the afternoon, visit the Varkala Beach cliff and shop for souvenirs. In the evening, take a stroll at the Papanasam Beach and watch the sunset.

5. Day 5: Alleppey
   2 hours 30 minutes (91 km) from Varkala Beach

   Experience the beauty of backwaters. In the morning, take a houseboat ride and witness the beautiful landscapes and traditional lifestyles. In the afternoon, visit the Krishnapuram Palace and Museum. In the evening, watch a traditional Kathakali performance.

6. Day 6: Kovalam
   4 hours (160 km) from Alleppey

   Relax at Kovalam, the "Paradise of the South." In the morning, take a yoga class or spa session. In the afternoon, visit the Kovalam Beach and the Lighthouse Beach. In the evening, enjoy seafood at the local restaurants.

7. Day 7: Thiruvananthapuram
   30 minutes (15 km) from Kovalam

   Explore the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery and the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum. In the evening, relax and shop at the local markets.

Recommendations

You can also visit the Athirappilly Waterfalls, the Mattancherry Palace, and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Take a day trip to the beautiful village of Kumily and experience the local culture. Kerala is also famous for its Ayurvedic treatments and massages, so make sure to indulge in some self-care.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, Free)
• St. Francis Church (30 minutes, Free)
• Dutch Palace (1 hour, INR 5)
• Kathakali Dance Performance (2 hours, INR 500)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 100)
• Kannan Devan Tea Estate (1 hour, INR 100)
• Attukad Waterfalls (2 hours, Free)
• Boat Ride at Periyar Lake (2 hours, INR 400)
• Spice Plantations (1 hour, INR 200)
• Kathakali and Martial Arts Performance (1 hour, INR 300)
• Varkala Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Varkala Beach Cliff (1 hour, Free)
• Papanasam Beach (1 hour, Free)
• Houseboat Ride (4 hours, INR 10,000)
• Krishnapuram Palace and Museum (1 hour, INR 25)
• Kathakali Performance (1 hour, INR 300)
• Kovalam Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Lighthouse Beach (1 hour, Free)
• Seafood at local restaurants (1 hour, INR 500)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery (2 hours, INR 20)
• Kuthiramalika Palace Museum (1 hour, INR 10)