A 5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary to Experience the Best of Kerala

  1. Day 1: Fort Kochi - Dutch Palace - St. Francis Church
    Estimated time from previous location: 30 minutes (12.2 km)

    Start your trip in Fort Kochi and explore the quaint streets and architecture influenced by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British. Head to the Dutch Palace to witness the unique Kerala murals, followed by the oldest European church in India, St. Francis Church, which was visited by Vasco da Gama.

  2. Day 2: Athirapally Waterfalls - Thalikulam Snehatheeram Beach
    Estimated time from previous location: 3 hours and 30 minutes (85 km)

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Athirapally waterfalls, known as India's Niagara. After some relaxed time spent here, proceed towards Thalikulam Snehatheeram Beach for a relaxing evening by the shore.

  3. Day 3: Munnar - Pothamedu Viewpoint - Tea Museum - Eravikulam National Park
    Estimated time from previous location: 4 hours and 30 minutes (148 km)

    Get up early to enjoy the scenic drive to Munnar, a serene hill station known for its tea plantations. Head to Pothamedu Viewpoint and take in the panoramic views of the valley. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and take a stroll through the tea plantations. Finish the day with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

  4. Day 4: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Vembanad Lake - Alleppey Backwaters
    Estimated time from previous location: 1 hour and 45 minutes (62 km)

    Start the day with a visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers. Then move on to the serene Vembanad Lake and enjoy activities like fishing and boating. Finally, experience the famous Alleppey backwaters on a houseboat cruise, and witness the beautiful landscape.

  5. Day 5: Cherai Beach - Paradesi Synagogue - Lulu Mall Kochi
    Estimated time from previous location: 2 hours and 45 minutes (60 km)

    Enjoy the final day of your trip relaxing at Cherai Beach, an expansive beach known for its cleanliness. Then head to the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, one of the oldest active synagogues in the world. Finally, wind up your trip exploring the Lulu Mall Kochi, one of the biggest malls in India.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Fort Kochi (2 hours, Free)
  • Dutch Palace (1 hour, INR 10)
  • St. Francis Church (30 minutes, Free)
  • Athirapally Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 50/person)
  • Thalikulam Snehatheeram Beach (2 hours, Free)
  • Pothamedu Viewpoint (1 hour, Free)
  • Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 120/person)
  • Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, INR 1200/group of 6)
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 50/person)
  • Vembanad Lake (2 hours, INR 500/boat ride)
  • Alleppey Backwaters (6 hours, INR 8000/night in houseboat)
  • Cherai Beach (3 hours, Free)
  • Paradesi Synagogue (1 hour, INR 5/person)
  • Lulu Mall Kochi (3 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 940/person

Useful Tips

If you have an extra day, visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady and enjoy a bamboo rafting tour. Alternatively, if you have less time, skip the bird sanctuary and Vembanad Lake, and proceed directly to the Alleppey backwaters. Remember to carry mosquito repellent creams as most of the trips are close to wildlife and the coast. Avoid the monsoon months of June-August as flooding can cause travel disruption.

0