5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Kerala - August 2023

1. Day 1: Kochi
   1 hour (28.7 miles) from Kochi International Airport

   Start your trip in Kochi, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi Beach. These unique fishing nets are a great photo opportunity. In the afternoon, explore the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, which houses beautiful murals and artifacts. In the evening, take a relaxing sunset cruise on Cochin backwaters.

   • Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Mattancherry Palace: INR 5 (Approx. $0.07), 1-2 hours
   • Sunset Cruise: INR 500 (Approx. $7), 2-3 hours
2. Day 2: Munnar
   3 hours 15 minutes (79 miles) from Kochi

   Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station famous for its tea plantations. Start your morning by visiting the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the tea-making process and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Eravikulam National Park, home to endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Wrap up your day with a visit to the beautiful Mattupetty Dam.

   • Tea Museum: INR 120 (Approx. $1.65), 1-2 hours
   • Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 (Approx. $1.65), 2-3 hours
   • Mattupetty Dam: INR 10 (Approx. $0.14), 1-2 hours
3. Day 3: Thekkady
   2 hours 30 minutes (60.5 miles) from Munnar

   Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise famous for Periyar National Park. Start your day with an early morning boat safari in Periyar Lake to spot wildlife. Afternoon is a great time to visit the spice plantations and learn about various spices grown in the region. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional Kerala art form.

   • Periyar Boat Safari: INR 150 (Approx. $2), 2-3 hours
   • Spice Plantations: INR 100 (Approx. $1.38), 1-2 hours
   • Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 300 (Approx. $4), 1-2 hours
4. Day 4: Alleppey
   3 hours 30 minutes (102 miles) from Thekkady

   Experience the serene backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, embark on a houseboat cruise through the meandering canals, witnessing the picturesque landscape. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the quaint Alleppey Beach and indulge in some beach activities. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali performance.

   • Houseboat Cruise: INR 8,000 (Approx. $110), 4-5 hours
   • Alleppey Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Kathakali Performance: INR 200 (Approx. $3), 1-2 hours
5. Day 5: Kovalam
   2 hours 15 minutes (56.5 miles) from Alleppey

   Conclude your tour in the beach town of Kovalam. Spend your morning relaxing and enjoying the golden sands at Kovalam Beach. In the afternoon, visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture. Wrap up your trip by witnessing a mesmerizing sunset at Lighthouse Beach.

   • Kovalam Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
   • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free (donations accepted), 1-2 hours
   • Lighthouse Beach: Free, 1-2 hours

Recommendations

If you have additional time, consider visiting the beautiful backwaters of Kumarakom or taking a day trip to the stunning Athirapally Falls. For a fun and educational experience, visit the Kerala Kathakali Centre to learn about the traditional dance form and even try it yourself. To get the most out of your trip, try local Kerala cuisine like appam, puttu, and seafood dishes. Don't forget to bargain while shopping for spices and handicrafts to get the best deals!

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices here.