A 7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kerala in December 2024

1. Day 1: Kochi
   30 minutes (23 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Start your day with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, known for its beautiful mural paintings. In the afternoon, explore the historic Jewish Synagogue and the popular Chinese fishing nets, followed by a sunset cruise on the backwaters.

2. Day 2: Alleppey
   1.5 hours (53 km) from Kochi

   Enjoy a scenic drive to Alleppey, known for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises. Spend the morning cruising through the backwaters, followed by a visit to the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna temple in the afternoon. In the evening, relax on the beach and watch the sunset.

3. Day 3: Munnar
   4 hours (150 km) from Alleppey

   Drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations. Start your day with a visit to the Kolukkumalai tea estate, followed by a visit to the Eravikulam National Park to spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, take a walk through the tea plantations.

4. Day 4: Thekkady
   3 hours (90 km) from Munnar

   Drive to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Take a morning boat ride on the Periyar Lake to spot elephants and birdlife, followed by a visit to the spice plantations in the afternoon. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance.

5. Day 5: Kumarakom
   3 hours (105 km) from Thekkady

   Make your way to Kumarakom, a cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake known for its bird sanctuary. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in the morning, followed by a leisurely houseboat cruise in the afternoon. In the evening, indulge in some Ayurvedic spa treatments.

6. Day 6: Kovalam
   4 hours (180 km) from Kumarakom

   Drive to Kovalam, a popular beach destination. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, followed by a visit to the iconic Padmanabhaswamy temple in the afternoon. In the evening, watch a spectacular cultural show at the local auditorium.

7. Day 7: Trivandrum
   30 minutes (14 km) from Kovalam

   End your trip in Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. Visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery in the morning, followed by a visit to the iconic Kovalam lighthouse in the afternoon. In the evening, indulge in some shopping at the local market before catching your flight back home.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the hill station of Vagamon, known for its scenic meadows and pine forests. You can also visit the Athirappilly waterfalls or the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. To maximize your fun, consider trying out some local cuisine and attending a cooking class.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, INR 10)
• Jewish Synagogue (1 hour, INR 5)
• Chinese Fishing Nets (30 mins, free)
• Sunset Cruise (2 hours, INR 500)
• Backwater Houseboat Cruise (5 hours, INR 10,000)
• Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple (1 hour, free)
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (3 hours, INR 2,000)
• Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, INR 150)
• Periyar National Park Boat Ride (2 hours, INR 600)
• Spice Plantations (2 hours, INR 300)
• Kathakali Dance Performance (2 hours, INR 500)
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 50)
• Houseboat Cruise (5 hours, INR 10,000)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Cultural Show (2 hours, INR 1,000)
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery (2 hours, INR 20)
• Kovalam Lighthouse (1 hour, INR 10)
• Shopping (2 hours, INR 1,000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 25,145

Check out available hotels and flights on https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.