7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary to Kerala in December 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   1 hour 19 minutes (20.7 miles) from Kochi International Airport

   Take a morning stroll around Fort Kochi's colonial-era buildings and Chinese fishing nets. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Dine at the iconic Kashi Art Cafe and explore the local art scene. Catch the sunset at Marine Drive.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours 8 minutes (88.3 miles) from Fort Kochi

   Wake up early and drive to Munnar, a hill station famous for its tea plantations. Go for a scenic hike in Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Take a tea-tasting tour at the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. Relax and enjoy the mountain views at your hotel.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   2 hours 41 minutes (68.3 miles) from Munnar

   Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, spotting elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Explore the spice plantations and learn about the region's culinary traditions. Try some local delicacies for dinner.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   3 hours 15 minutes (95.7 miles) from Thekkady

   Take a leisurely morning drive to Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East. Board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the backwaters, enjoying the lush scenery and local village life. Have a fresh seafood lunch on board. Relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of your houseboat at night.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   2 hours 23 minutes (87.8 miles) from Alleppey

   Travel to Kovalam and relax on the beach. Take a dip in the Arabian Sea and try some water sports. Visit the nearby Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the wealthiest temples in India. Enjoy a seaside dinner at one of the many local restaurants.

6. Day 6: Trivandrum
   30 minutes (9.6 miles) from Kovalam

   Visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, home to a vast collection of ancient and modern Indian art. Explore the Padmanabhapuram Palace, a beautiful wooden palace with intricate carvings. Take a stroll around Kowdiar Palace, the residence of the royal family of Travancore.

7. Day 7: Varkala
   1 hour 10 minutes (27.6 miles) from Trivandrum

   Make your way to Varkala, a seaside town known for its stunning cliffs and beaches. Take a dip in the natural spring at Papanasam Beach, believed to have healing powers. Visit the ancient Janardana Swamy Temple and enjoy a sunset yoga class on the beach.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the backwaters of Kumarakom or the hill station of Wayanad. For a unique cultural experience, attend a Kathakali dance performance or visit a Theyyam ceremony. To maximize your fun, try to sample as many local dishes as possible and shop for traditional handicrafts and spices.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, INR 400 per person)
• Tea-tasting tour at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (2 hours, INR 600 per person)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat ride (2 hours, INR 225 per person)
• Backwater houseboat tour (22 hours, INR 12,000 per night for a 2-bedroom boat)
• Water sports at Kovalam Beach (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery (1 hour, INR 20 per person)
• Padmanabhapuram Palace (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Janardana Swamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Sunset yoga class on the beach (1 hour, INR 500 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 14,715 per person