7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kerala, Ooty, Coorg, Alleppey, Wayanand, Varkala, Kovalam in December 2023

1. Day 1: Kerala
   45 minutes (14 miles) from Kochi International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Mattancherry Palace to see Kerala's rich cultural heritage. In the afternoon, relax at the Cherai Beach and watch the sunset. In the evening, take a boat ride in the Backwaters of Alleppey and experience the serene beauty of Kerala's waterways.

2. Day 2: Ooty
   5 hours (152 miles) from Alleppey

   Spend the morning at the Botanical Garden, home to thousands of plant species. In the afternoon, take a scenic ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and enjoy the beautiful views. In the evening, visit Ooty Lake and go boating with your family.

3. Day 3: Coorg
   4 hours 20 minutes (109 miles) from Ooty

   Begin your day by visiting the Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple. In the afternoon, go for a nature walk in the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and spot different bird species. In the evening, visit the Raja's Seat and watch the sunset.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   6 hours 25 minutes (187 miles) from Coorg

   Start your day early and visit the Alleppey Beach. In the afternoon, visit the St. Mary's Forane Church, one of the oldest churches in Kerala. In the evening, take a walk in the Alleppey Beach Park and enjoy the sea breeze.

5. Day 5: Wayanad
   4 hours 30 minutes (111 miles) from Alleppey

   In the morning, go on a trek to the Chembra Peak and experience the panoramic views of the Western Ghats. In the afternoon, visit the Edakkal Caves, where you can see ancient petroglyphs. In the evening, visit the Banasura Sagar Dam and enjoy the serene view.

6. Day 6: Varkala
   7 hours 45 minutes (235 miles) from Wayanad

   Start your day by visiting the Varkala Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunrise. In the afternoon, take a dip in the natural spring at the Kappil Lake. In the evening, visit the Anjengo Fort, built by the British in the 17th century.

7. Day 7: Kovalam
   45 minutes (10 miles) from Varkala

   In the morning, visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a famous Hindu temple in Kerala. In the afternoon, go for a swim in the Kovalam Beach. In the evening, experience the Kathakali dance performance at the Margi Theatre.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mysore Palace, or the Athirappilly Waterfalls. You could also take a side trip to the Silent Valley National Park. For a fun-filled day, visit the Wonderla Amusement Park in Kochi or the Dreamworld Water Park in Thrissur.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattancherry Palace (2 hours, free admission)
• Cherai Beach (2 hours, free admission)
• Boat ride in Backwaters of Alleppey (2 hours, INR 500 per adult)
• Botanical Garden (2 hours, INR 30 per adult)
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway (3 hours, INR 205 per adult)
• Ooty Lake (2 hours, INR 10 per adult)
• Namdroling Monastery (2 hours, free admission)
• Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 100 per adult)
• Raja's Seat (1 hour, INR 5 per adult)
• Alleppey Beach (2 hours, free admission)
• St. Mary's Forane Church (1 hour, free admission)
• Allepey Beach Park (1 hour, free admission)
• Chembra Peak (4 hours, INR 750 per group of 10)
• Edakkal Caves (2 hours, INR 20 per adult)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (1 hour, INR 10 per adult)
• Varkala Beach (2 hours, free admission)
• Kappil Lake (2 hours, free admission)
• Anjengo Fort (1 hour, free admission)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1 hour, free admission)
• Kovalam Beach (2 hours, free admission)
• Kathakali dance performance at Margi Theatre (1 hour, INR 300 per adult)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,155 per adult

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