A 6-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Kerala, August 2023

1. Day 1: Cochin (Kochi)
   35 minutes (27.2 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Begin your Kerala adventure in the vibrant city of Cochin. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area with its charming colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.

   • Fort Kochi Exploration: ₹100 ($1.35), 2-3 hours
   • Mattancherry Palace: ₹5 ($0.07), 1-2 hours
   • Jewish Synagogue: ₹5 ($0.07), 1-2 hours
   • Kathakali Dance Performance: ₹300-500 ($4-7), 1-2 hours
2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours (130 km) from Cochin

   Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, known for its picturesque tea plantations. Morning activities may include visiting the Tea Museum or enjoying a nature walk in the Eravikulam National Park. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful tea gardens and indulge in a tea tasting experience. End the day by witnessing a colorful sunset at the Top Station viewpoint.

   • Tea Museum: ₹125 ($1.68), 1-2 hours
   • Eravikulam National Park: ₹120 ($1.61), 2-3 hours
   • Tea Tasting Experience: ₹200-300 ($2.69-4.04), 1 hour
3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours (91 km) from Munnar

   Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. Morning activities may include a boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot wildlife, such as elephants and birds. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation to learn about the region's rich spice heritage. End the day with a traditional Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance.

   • Boat Safari: ₹450-700 ($6-9), 2-3 hours
   • Spice Plantation Visit: ₹100-200 ($1.35-2.69), 1-2 hours
   • Kathakali or Kalaripayattu Performance: ₹200-500 ($2.69-7), 1-2 hours
4. Day 4: Alleppey (Alappuzha)
   4 hours (140 km) from Thekkady

   Enjoy a relaxing houseboat experience in the backwaters of Alleppey. Morning activities may include cruising along the serene canals and witnessing the local life. Indulge in a delicious traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the Alleppey beach or visit the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple.

   • Houseboat Experience: ₹6,000-12,000 ($81-162) per night (varies based on boat size and facilities)
   • Alleppey Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
5. Day 5: Kovalam
   4 hours (180 km) from Alleppey

   Head to the beautiful coastal town of Kovalam. Spend your morning relaxing on the sandy beaches or indulging in water sports such as surfing and parasailing. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and explore the Hawa Beach area. Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset view from the Vizhinjam Lighthouse.

   • Beach Activities: Varies based on chosen activities
   • Lighthouse Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
   • Hawa Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Vizhinjam Lighthouse: ₹20 ($0.27), 1 hour
6. Day 6: Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)
   30 minutes (15.4 km) from Kovalam

   Conclude your Kerala journey in the capital city of Trivandrum. In the morning, visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture. Explore the exhibits in the Napier Museum and take a leisurely stroll in the sprawling Kanakakunnu Palace gardens. End your trip by enjoying a Kathakali performance.

   • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Napier Museum: ₹20 ($0.27), 2-3 hours
   • Kanakakunnu Palace: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Kathakali Performance: ₹200-500 ($2.69-7), 1-2 hours

Recommendations

If you have additional time, consider exploring the pristine beaches of Varkala or taking a day trip to the serene hill station of Wayanad. Kerala also offers unique experiences like Ayurvedic spa treatments and backwater kayaking. To maximize your fun, try local cuisine such as appam with stew or savor a traditional Kerala Sadhya feast. Don't forget to check out local markets for handicrafts, spices, and tea to bring back as souvenirs.