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Kerala Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary in December 2023

  1. Day 1: Kochi
    30 minutes (22.7 km) from Kochi International Airport

    In the morning, visit the famous Mattancherry Palace, also known as Dutch Palace. This historical landmark has beautiful murals and exhibits artifacts from the Kochi royal family. Enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine for lunch at Kashi Art Cafe, an art gallery and cafe. In the afternoon, take a 10-minute walk to the Jewish Synagogue, which showcases the Jewish history of Kochi. In the evening, head to the iconic Chinese fishing nets and watch them in action while enjoying the sunset.

  2. Day 2: Munnar
    4 hours (126.3 km) from Kochi

    Start your day early by visiting the Tea Museum, which showcases the history and production of tea in Munnar. Take a scenic drive to the Eravikulam National Park to witness the beautiful Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. Enjoy lunch at Saravana Bhavan, which serves South Indian vegetarian dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the highest organic tea plantation in the world. End the day by watching the Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama of Kerala.

  3. Day 3: Thekkady
    3 hours 30 minutes (90.3 km) from Munnar

    Start your day by taking a boat ride at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Enjoy an authentic Kerala lunch at the Spice Village, which serves traditional dishes using organic spices. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a spice plantation and learn about the spices used in Indian cuisine. End the day by watching a traditional martial art form, Kalaripayattu.

  4. Day 4: Alleppey
    3 hours (153.3 km) from Thekkady

    Start your day by taking a houseboat ride through the serene backwaters of Alleppey. Enjoy the scenic beauty and local life along the canals. Have lunch on the houseboat, which serves traditional Kerala cuisine. In the evening, visit the Marari Beach, a beautiful and quiet beach with soft white sand. Watch the sunset and end the day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

  5. Day 5: Kovalam
    4 hours 30 minutes (158.1 km) from Alleppey

    Start your day by visiting the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Have lunch at the famous Buhari Hotel, which serves delicious Indian and Chinese cuisine. In the afternoon, relax at the Kovalam Beach, a popular beach known for its calm waters and palm-lined shores. Enjoy water sports or take a yoga class. End the day with a delicious seafood dinner at Curry Leaf restaurant.

  6. Day 6: Trivandrum
    30 minutes (11 km) from Kovalam

    Start your day by visiting the Napier Museum, which showcases traditional Kerala architecture and art. Have lunch at the Zam Zam Restaurant, which serves authentic Kerala cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, which was built by the King of Travancore and has a beautiful collection of artifacts. End the day by taking a stroll at the Shanghumukham Beach and watching the sunset.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Athirappilly Waterfalls, the largest waterfall in Kerala, located 2 hours (61.7 km) from Kochi. You can also take a side trip to Varkala Beach, a popular beach known for its cliffs and mineral springs.

To maximize your fun, try to attend the Cochin Carnival, a festival that takes place every year from December 20 to January 1 in Kochi. You can also take a cooking class and learn how to cook traditional Kerala dishes.

Other suggestions include visiting the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bekal Fort, and the Silent Valley National Park.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Entrance to Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, ₹30)
  • Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe (1 hour, ₹500)
  • Entrance to Jewish Synagogue (1 hour, ₹5)
  • Chinese fishing nets (1 hour, free)
  • Entrance to Tea Museum (1 hour, ₹120)
  • Entrance to Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, ₹120)
  • Lunch at Saravana Bhavan (1 hour, ₹300)
  • Entrance to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (2 hours, ₹750)
  • Kathakali performance (2 hours, ₹500)
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat ride (3 hours, ₹450)
  • Lunch at Spice Village (1 hour, ₹400)
  • Guided spice plantation tour (1 hour, ₹150)
  • Kalaripayattu performance (2 hours, ₹300)
  • Houseboat ride in Alleppey (5 hours, ₹8000)
  • Marari Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Ayurvedic massage (1 hour, ₹1000)
  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Lunch at Buhari Hotel (1 hour, ₹400)
  • Kovalam Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Dinner at Curry Leaf restaurant (1 hour, ₹800)
  • Entrance to Napier Museum (1 hour, ₹20)
  • Lunch at Zam Zam Restaurant (1 hour, ₹300)
  • Entrance to Kuthiramalika Palace Museum (1 hour, ₹50)
  • Shanghumukham Beach (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹15,835

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.

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