5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kerala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kochi
   40 minutes (25 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Begin your Kerala trip in Kochi. Start your morning with a visit to the historic Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to learn about the history of Kochi. In the afternoon, take a stroll through Fort Kochi and visit the famous Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, watch a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance-drama of Kerala.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours 30 minutes (130 km) from Kochi

   Drive to Munnar, a charming hill station known for its tea plantations and natural beauty. In the morning, visit the Kundala Dam and Lake for boating and scenic views. In the afternoon, take a tour of the tea museum and learn about the process of tea-making. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the lush tea gardens.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   2 hours 45 minutes (90 km) from Munnar

   Travel to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the morning, take a guided tour of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and see elephants, tigers, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation and use of various spices. In the evening, take a boat ride in the Periyar Lake and enjoy the scenic beauty.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   3 hours 30 minutes (150 km) from Thekkady

   Drive to Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East, known for its backwaters and houseboat rides. In the morning, take a leisurely houseboat ride through the picturesque backwaters and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Alleppey Beach and relax by the sea. In the evening, take a stroll through the local markets and shop for souvenirs.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   3 hours (160 km) from Alleppey

   End your Kerala trip in Kovalam, a popular beach destination. In the morning, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Kovalam Beach and relax by the sea. In the afternoon, visit the Vizhinjam Lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views of the coast. In the evening, take a walk along the promenade and enjoy the local street food.

Recommendations

You may also consider visiting the Athirapally Waterfalls, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, and Bekal Fort if time permits. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine, go for an Ayurvedic massage, and attend cultural festivals and events. Lastly, don't forget to bargain while shopping in the local markets.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, INR 5)
• Chinese fishing nets (1 hour, free)
• Kathakali performance (2 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Kundala Dam and Lake (2 hours, INR 20-50)
• Tea museum (1.5 hours, INR 100-200)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 250-500)
• Spice plantation tour (2 hours, INR 300-500)
• Periyar Lake boat ride (1.5 hours, INR 200-300)
• Houseboat ride (4-6 hours, INR 8000-15000)
• Alleppey Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse (1 hour, INR 20-50)
• Kovalam Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Local street food (1 hour, INR 100-200)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 10,000-20,000

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo to book your hotel and flight tickets.