Kerala Family-Friendly Itinerary in January 2024

1. Day 1: Cochin
   30 minutes (17.4 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Start your day with a visit to the iconic Taj Malabar Resort & Spa and enjoy a hearty breakfast while taking in views of the Cochin Harbour. Afterwards, take a stroll through the Fort Kochi area and experience the mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets and have some fresh seafood for lunch. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Santa Cruz Basilica and Dutch Palace to see the intricate murals and artefacts. End your day with a Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours 30 minutes (127.7 km) from Cochin

   Start early and drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations. Take a scenic drive through the tea gardens and visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea in Munnar. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park and spot endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr. End your day at the Spice Tree Resort and enjoy a relaxing dinner while taking in the beautiful view of the valley.

3. Day 3: Alleppey
   4 hours 30 minutes (155.8 km) from Munnar

   After breakfast, drive down to the backwaters of Alleppey and enjoy a day in a traditional houseboat. Cruise through the serene backwaters and enjoy the lush greenery and local village life. Enjoy a delicious Keralan lunch on the boat and relax as you take in the beauty of the surroundings. Spend the night on the houseboat and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of the water.

4. Day 4: Kovalam
   3 hours 30 minutes (160.2 km) from Alleppey

   Drive down to the beautiful beaches of Kovalam and relax on the golden sands. Take a dip in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and enjoy the fresh seafood for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and marvel at the intricate architecture and cultural significance. End your day with a sunset boat ride and enjoy the beautiful view of the coast.

Recommendations

Make sure to try the traditional Keralan breakfast dish, appam, and visit the local markets for some authentic spices and traditional handicrafts. Consider taking a day trip to the nearby hill station of Vagamon for some trekking and paragliding. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience traditional Ayurvedic massages and treatments at one of the many spas in Kerala.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Taj Malabar Resort & Spa (3 hours, INR 7000)
• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, INR 200)
• Santa Cruz Basilica (2 hours, INR 500)
• Dutch Palace (1 hour, INR 100)
• Kathakali Centre (2 hours, INR 500)
• Tata Tea Museum (2 hours, INR 200)
• Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, INR 400)
• Houseboat (24 hours, INR 15000)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2 hours, free)
• Sunset Boat Ride (1 hour, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 23000 (excluding hotel and transportation costs)

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