7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Varkala Trivandrum in July 2023

1. Day 1: Munnar
   2 hours 45 minutes (70 miles) from Kochi International Airport

   Start your day with a visit to the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production in the region. Enjoy a scenic drive to Mattupetty Dam for a boat ride and stunning views of the surrounding hills. In the evening, take a walk in the Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

2. Day 2: Thekkady
   3 hours 30 minutes (90 miles) from Munnar

   Begin your day with a thrilling bamboo rafting adventure in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. After lunch, visit a spice plantation to see how various spices are grown and processed. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance to witness the unique art form of Kerala.

3. Day 3: Alleppey
   3 hours (80 miles) from Thekkady

   Spend the morning exploring the backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional houseboat. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise through scenic canals and lagoons. In the evening, take a stroll along the Alappuzha Beach and watch the sunset.

4. Day 4: Varkala
   2 hours 30 minutes (70 miles) from Alleppey

   Relax on the beautiful Papanasam Beach and take a dip in the natural spring water believed to have medicinal properties. In the afternoon, visit the 2000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple and watch the sunset from the Varkala Cliff.

5. Day 5: Trivandrum
   1 hour (30 miles) from Varkala

   Visit the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world, and marvel at the intricate Dravidian architecture. In the afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to see a vast collection of Indian art and artifacts. End your day with a relaxing walk in the lush greenery of the Kanakakunnu Palace.

6. Day 6: Kovalam
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Trivandrum

   Spend the morning on the picturesque Kovalam Beach, known for its crescent-shaped coastline and clear waters. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple and learn about its rich history. End your day with a delicious seafood dinner on the beach.

7. Day 7: Trivandrum
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Kovalam

   Visit the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, a fine example of traditional Kerala architecture, and admire its unique collection of paintings and sculptures. In the evening, explore the local markets and indulge in some shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience a traditional Ayurvedic massage in Kerala. You could also consider taking a side trip to the hill station of Wayanad or the beach town of Kollam. To maximize your fun, try to book activities in advance and plan your itinerary around the opening and closing times of attractions.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Tea Museum (2 hours, £2)
• Mattupetty Dam boat ride (1 hour, £4)
• Eravikulam National Park (2 hours, £5)
• Bamboo rafting (3 hours, £15)
• Spice plantation visit (2 hours, £3)
• Kathakali dance performance (2 hours, £6)
• Houseboat ride (6 hours, £150)
• Janardanaswamy Temple (1 hour, £1)
• Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery (2 hours, £2)
• Kanakakunnu Palace (1 hour, Free)
• Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple (1 hour, £1)
• Kuthiramalika Palace Museum (1 hour, £2)
• Shopping (2 hours, varies)
• Total Estimated Costs: £194

Check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo to find the best deals on hotels and flights for your trip.