5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kerala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Visit Fort Kochi
   1 hour (10 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, visit Fort Kochi's historic landmarks such as St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace. Enjoy lunch at Kashi Art Cafe, an art gallery and cafe, and in the afternoon, visit the Chinese fishing nets. As the sun sets, watch a Kathakali show, a traditional dance performance, at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.

2. Day 2: Explore Munnar
   4 hours (88 miles) from Fort Kochi

   Start your day early and reach Munnar for a scenic view of tea plantations. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production in Munnar. For lunch, stop at Saravana Bhavan, a vegetarian restaurant, and then visit the Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake. End the day with a visit to Top Station to catch a panoramic view of the Western Ghats.

3. Day 3: Kayaking at Alleppey
   3 hours (83 miles) from Munnar

   Drive to Alleppey in the morning and start your day with a kayaking tour, exploring the intricate backwaters, and observing the lifestyle of the locals. For lunch, stop at Dreamers Cafe, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Marari Beach and relax with a book or just enjoy the sunset.

4. Day 4: Visit Athirappilly Falls
   2.5 hours (50 miles) from Alleppey

   Start your day early and head to Athirappilly Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in India. Stop at Thattukada Vazhiyoram, a local food joint, for breakfast. Take a dip in the waterfall or go for a trek through the surrounding forest. For lunch, head to Hotel Cee Pee Towers, a vegetarian restaurant, and then visit the nearby Vazhachal Falls. Return to your hotel in the evening.

5. Day 5: Elephant Ride at Thekkady
   4 hours (109 miles) from Athirappilly Falls

   Drive to Thekkady, and start your day with an elephant ride through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. For lunch, stop at Coffee Garden Restaurant. After lunch, visit the Mangala Devi Temple and then go for a Spice Plantation Tour to learn about the locally grown spices. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali show at Mudra Cultural Centre.

Recommendations

Make sure to take a houseboat ride in Alleppey and enjoy the local cuisine. You can also visit the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar for a chance to spot endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr. If you have extra time, visit Kovalam Beach for a relaxing day by the sea.

Time and Costs Estimates

• St. Francis Church (1-2 hours, free)
• Dutch Palace (1-2 hours, INR 5 per person)
• Chinese Fishing Nets (1-2 hours, free)
• Kathakali Show (1-2 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Tea Museum (1-2 hours, INR 120 per person)
• Mattupetty Dam (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Kundala Lake (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Top Station (1-2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Kayaking Tour (2-3 hours, INR 800 per person)
• Marari Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Athirappilly Falls (2-3 hours, INR 15 per person)
• Vazhachal Falls (1-2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Elephant Ride (1-2 hours, INR 1000 per person)
• Spice Plantation Tour (1-2 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Kathakali Show (1-2 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3,050 per person

Check hotel and flight prices here.