Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

A Family Friendly 7-Day Kerala Itinerary in December 2023

  1. Day 1: Kochi
    30 minutes (22.5 km) from Kochi International Airport

    Start your journey in Fort Kochi, a charming neighborhood with a mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial architecture. In the morning, visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Chinese Fishing Nets. For lunch, try local delicacies at the famous Dal Roti restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, and the Jewish Synagogue. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance-drama.

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

    Take a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum, showcasing the history and production of tea in India. Enjoy a cup of tea at the museum's café. For lunch, stop by the Rapsy Restaurant for some delicious Indian cuisine. In the afternoon, go on a guided hike through the tea plantations and enjoy the breathtaking views. End your day at the Pothamedu Viewpoint, famous for its panoramic views of the valley.

  3. Day 3: Thekkady
    3 hours 30 minutes (92 km) from Munnar

    Head to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the morning, visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to see animals like elephants, tigers, and deer. For lunch, try some authentic Kerala cuisine at Hotel Ambadi. In the afternoon, visit the Abraham's Spice Garden and learn about the different spices grown in the region. End your day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at the Ayurvedic Healing Village.

  4. Day 4: Kumarakom
    3 hours 30 minutes (144 km) from Thekkady

    Drive to Kumarakom, a cluster of small islands on the Vembanad Lake. In the morning, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and spot different species of birds like kingfishers, egrets, and herons. For lunch, try some fresh seafood at the Taj Kumarakom Resort and Spa. In the afternoon, take a relaxing houseboat ride on the backwaters, passing through scenic landscapes and villages. End your day with a beautiful sunset at the Vembanad Lake.

  5. Day 5: Kovalam
    4 hours 30 minutes (180 km) from Kumarakom

    Head to Kovalam, a beach town known for its lighthouse and seafood. In the morning, visit the Lighthouse Beach and enjoy the views from the top of the lighthouse. For lunch, try some delicious seafood at the German Bakery & Restaurant. In the afternoon, relax at the Hawa Beach and enjoy the gentle waves. End your day with a visit to the Halcyon Castle, a beautiful palace from the colonial era.

  6. Day 6: Trivandrum
    30 minutes (14 km) from Kovalam

    Visit Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a famous Hindu temple and one of the richest temples in the world. For lunch, try some local street food at the Chalai Bazaar. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing a collection of ancient and modern Indian art. End your day at the Kovalam Art Gallery, featuring local artists and their works.

  7. Day 7: Varkala
    1 hour 30 minutes (50 km) from Trivandrum

    End your journey in Varkala, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and cliffs. In the morning, visit the Papanasam Beach and take a dip in the natural springs. For lunch, try some fusion cuisine at the Juice Shack. In the afternoon, take a walk along the Varkala Beach Cliff and enjoy the stunning views. End your day with a visit to the Janardhana Temple, a 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Athirapally Waterfalls, located between Kochi and Munnar. You can also take a day trip to Alleppey, known for its backwaters and houseboat rides. To maximize your fun, try some adventure activities like bamboo rafting, rock climbing, and trekking.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, free)
  • Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue (2 hours, ₹ 20)
  • Kathakali performance (2 hours, ₹ 300)
  • Tata Tea Museum (1 hour, ₹ 100)
  • Rapsy Restaurant (1 hour, ₹ 300)
  • Guided hike through tea plantations (2 hours, ₹ 500)
  • Pothamedu Viewpoint (1 hour, free)
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and boat ride (4 hours, ₹ 500)
  • Hotel Ambadi (1 hour, ₹ 400)
  • Abraham's Spice Garden (1 hour, ₹ 200)
  • Ayurvedic massage at Ayurvedic Healing Village (1 hour, ₹ 1500)
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, ₹ 50)
  • Taj Kumarakom Resort and Spa (1 hour, ₹ 1000)
  • Houseboat ride on backwaters (4 hours, ₹ 6000)
  • Lighthouse Beach and Halcyon Castle (2 hours, free)
  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Chalai Bazaar (1 hour, ₹ 200)
  • Napier Museum and Art Gallery (2 hours, ₹ 20)
  • Kovalam Art Gallery (1 hour, ₹ 50)
  • Papanasam Beach and natural springs (2 hours, free)
  • Juice Shack (1 hour, ₹ 300)
  • Varkala Beach Cliff (1 hour, free)
  • Janardhana Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹ 12,190

Check hotel and flight prices here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version