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

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   56 minutes (19.1 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   Start your day with a visit to the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a unique way of fishing that has been practiced for over 500 years. Then, visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Santa Cruz Basilica, a beautiful Roman Catholic church. In the afternoon, head to Fort Kochi Beach for a refreshing swim and to watch the sunset. End your day with a traditional Kerala-style dinner at Kashi Art Cafe.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours 30 minutes (90 miles) from Fort Kochi

   Wake up early and head to the scenic hill station of Munnar. Spend the morning exploring the tea gardens and learn about the tea making process at the Tea Museum. Then, head to the Mattupetty Dam for a relaxing boat ride and stunning views of the surrounding hills. In the evening, take a walk along the beautiful trails of the Blossom Hydel Park.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours 30 minutes (88.9 miles) from Munnar

   In the morning, take a scenic drive to Thekkady and visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for an opportunity to see elephants, tigers, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Take a guided boat tour of the Periyar Lake and then explore the spice plantations in the area. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

4. Day 4: Kumarakom
   3 hours 30 minutes (85.8 miles) from Thekkady

   Head to Kumarakom, a beautiful village located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Take a relaxing backwater cruise on a houseboat and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Kerala backwaters. In the afternoon, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to a variety of migratory birds. End your day with a delicious seafood dinner at Tharavadu Restaurant.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   4 hours 30 minutes (111 miles) from Kumarakom

   On your final day in Kerala, head to the beautiful beach town of Kovalam. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach and taking a swim in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the Vizhinjam Lighthouse and then take a short drive to the nearby Kovalam Fish Market. End your day with a delicious seafood dinner at The Ocean Restaurant.

Recommendations

Don't miss a visit to the ancient city of Kochi and explore the famous Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace. Consider taking a day trip to Alleppey and exploring the beautiful canals and lagoons in a traditional houseboat. To maximize your fun, try some local cuisine, such as Malabar Biryani, Puttu, and Karimeen Pollichathu, and indulge in some Ayurvedic spa treatments.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Chinese fishing nets (1-2 hours, free)
• St. Francis Church (30 minutes, free)
• Santa Cruz Basilica (30 minutes, free)
• Mattupetty Dam (1-2 hours, INR 10 for entrance fee)
• Tea Museum (1-2 hours, INR 120 for entrance fee)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (2-3 hours, INR 50 for entrance fee)
• Boat tour of Periyar Lake (1-2 hours, INR 225 for entrance fee)
• Backwater cruise (4-5 hours, INR 10,000 for houseboat rental)
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (1-2 hours, INR 50 for entrance fee)
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse (30 minutes, INR 10 for entrance fee)
• Kovalam Fish Market (30 minutes, free)

Total Estimated Costs: INR 10,635 (excluding houseboat rental)

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo for hotel and flight prices.