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

1. Day 1: Munnar
   2 hours 45 minutes (84.5 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Explore the lush hills and tea plantations of Munnar. Take a morning hike to Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India. In the afternoon, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea in India. In the evening, enjoy a sunset boat ride at Kundala Dam.

2. Day 2: Thekkady
   3 hours 10 minutes (91.6 km) from Munnar

   Experience the wildlife and spice plantations of Thekkady. Start the day by taking a guided nature walk in the Periyar National Park. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation and use of various spices. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show at the Mudra Cultural Centre.

3. Day 3: Alleppey
   3 hours 20 minutes (134.2 km) from Thekkady

   Explore the backwaters of Alleppey. Start the day by taking a houseboat ride through the serene backwaters. In the afternoon, visit the famous Alleppey Beach and relax on the sandy shores. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner and cultural program at a local restaurant.

4. Day 4: Varkala
   3 hours 15 minutes (114.9 km) from Alleppey

   Relax and rejuvenate on the beaches of Varkala. Start the day by taking a dip in the Papanasam Beach, known for its medicinal properties. In the afternoon, visit the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center founded by the philosopher-saint Sree Narayana Guru. In the evening, relax at one of the many seaside cafes and restaurants.

5. Day 5: Varkala

   Take a day trip to the nearby Kappil Beach, a secluded and pristine beach. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. In the evening, return to Varkala and relax at your accommodation.

6. Day 6: Varkala

   Take a morning Ayurvedic massage and spa treatment at one of the many Ayurvedic wellness centers in Varkala. In the afternoon, visit the Varkala Cliff, a popular spot for paragliding and parasailing. In the evening, enjoy a sunset yoga session on the beach.

7. Day 7: Varkala
   1 hour 40 minutes (51.5 km) from Trivandrum International Airport

   On your last day, visit the Anjengo Fort, a historic fort built by the Dutch. In the afternoon, visit the Varkala Aquarium and learn about the marine life of the Kerala coast. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Recommendations

Other local attractions to consider include the Mattupetty Dam in Munnar, the Elephant Junction in Thekkady, and the Krishnapuram Palace in Alleppey. Consider taking a side trip to the hill station of Kodaikanal. To maximize your fun, try to experience the local culture and cuisine and interact with the local people.

For hotel and flight bookings, please check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Anamudi Peak (3 hours, free)
• Tata Tea Museum (2 hours, INR 100)
• Kundala Dam Boat Ride (1 hour, INR 500)
• Periyar National Park Nature Walk (3 hours, INR 300)
• Spice Plantation Visit (2 hours, INR 200)
• Mudra Cultural Centre Show (2 hours, INR 500)
• Alleppey Houseboat Ride (6 hours, INR 10,000)
• Alleppey Beach Visit (3 hours, free)
• Kerala Dinner and Cultural Program (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Janardhana Swamy Temple Visit (1 hour, free)
• Sivagiri Mutt Visit (2 hours, free)
• Kappil Beach Day Trip (8 hours, INR 2000)
• Ayurvedic Massage and Spa Treatment (2 hours, INR 2500)
• Varkala Cliff Visit (2 hours, free)
• Sunset Yoga Session (1 hour, free)
• Anjengo Fort Visit (2 hours, INR 100)
• Varkala Aquarium Visit (1 hour, INR 50)
• Farewell Dinner (2 hours, INR 1500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 19,000 (excluding accommodation and transportation)