Start your trip by flying into Cochin International Airport and then taking a scenic drive to Munnar. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of locally grown tea. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the serene Mattupetty Lake. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk through the aromatic tea gardens and embrace the tranquility of the surroundings.
Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 150 per person, Time spent - 1 to 2 hours
Mattupetty Dam and Lake: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person for entry, Time spent - 2 to 3 hours
Tea Gardens: Free, Time spent - 1 to 2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast:Malabar Cafe is a quaint little cafe in Munnar that offers a variety of delicious breakfast options. From traditional Kerala breakfast dishes like appam and puttu to continental favorites like pancakes and omelettes, this cafe has something for everyone. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about Rs. 150 per person.
Lunch:Rapsy Restaurant is a popular lunch spot in Munnar known for its delectable South Indian thali meals. The restaurant serves a generous platter of rice, sambar, rasam, various vegetable curries, papad, and dessert. The thali meal at Rapsy Restaurant costs around Rs. 250 per person.
Dinner:Saravana Bhavan is a well-known chain of vegetarian restaurants in Munnar, offering a wide range of delicious South Indian dishes. From dosas and idlis to biryanis and curries, Saravana Bhavan has something to satisfy every palate. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
Friday, August 11: Exploring Munnar
Start your day with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a guided trek through the park's lush greenery and keep an eye out for wildlife. In the afternoon, head to the Top Station viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats. As the evening approaches, visit the picturesque Echo Point and listen to the echo of your voice reverberating through the mountains.
Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 120 per person for entry, Time spent - 3 to 4 hours
Top Station: Free, Time spent - 1 to 2 hours
Echo Point: Free, Time spent - 1 to 2 hours
Restaurants
Munnar Bakers: Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Munnar Bakers, known for their freshly baked pastries and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Saravana Bhavan: For a delicious vegetarian lunch, head to Saravana Bhavan, a popular South Indian restaurant. They offer a variety of traditional dishes like dosas and thalis. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Rapsy Restaurant: For dinner, Rapsy Restaurant is a great choice. They serve a wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Saturday, August 12: Beach Day in Varkala
Leave Munnar and travel to the coastal town of Varkala. In the morning, visit the famous Varkala Beach known for its natural beauty and cliffs. Enjoy swimming or sunbathing on the golden sand beach. In the afternoon, explore the Varkala Cliff, a bustling area with shops and restaurants offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing sunset from the Janardanaswamy Temple, located on top of the cliff.
Varkala Beach: Free, Time spent - 3 to 4 hours
Varkala Cliff: Free, Time spent - 2 to 3 hours
Janardanaswamy Temple: Free, Time spent - 1 to 2 hours
Restaurants
Café Del Mar is a cozy beachfront café that offers a delicious breakfast menu with a variety of options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Naru's Coconut Hut is a charming restaurant located on the Varkala Cliff, serving traditional Kerala cuisine for lunch. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Oyster Opera is a popular seafood restaurant nestled on the shores of the Arabian Sea, providing a delectable dinner experience. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Sunday, August 13: Houseboating in Alleppey
Travel from Varkala to the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, embark on a houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch prepared on board. In the afternoon, explore the small villages and witness the local way of life. As the evening approaches, relax on the deck of the houseboat and witness a stunning sunset over the backwaters.
Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 6,000 to 10,000 for a private boat, Time spent - 6 to 8 hours
Backwater Villages: Free, Time spent - 2 to 3 hours
Sunset on Houseboat: Free, Time spent - 1 to 2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Sreebhavan Restaurant
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Sreebhavan Restaurant. This cozy eatery offers a variety of breakfast options such as dosas, idlis, and vadas. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about ₹100 per person.
Lunch: Thaff Restaurant
For lunch, head to Thaff Restaurant and indulge in their delectable Kerala cuisine. From biryanis to seafood curries, this restaurant offers a wide range of flavorful dishes. The average cost for a lunch meal is about ₹200 per person.
Dinner: Fort Kochi Restaurant
End your day with a memorable dinner at Fort Kochi Restaurant. Known for its cozy ambiance and lip-smacking seafood dishes, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The average cost for a dinner meal is about ₹300 per person.
Monday, August 14: Departure
In the morning, bid farewell to Alleppey and travel back to Cochin International Airport for your departure. Take some time to explore the historical city of Cochin if you have a later flight. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, explore the vibrant Jew Town, and savor the flavors of local cuisine at a traditional restaurant. Depart with beautiful memories of your family-friendly trip to Kerala.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, Time spent - 1 to 2 hours
Jew Town: Free, Time spent - 1 to 2 hours
Local Cuisine: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 1 to 2 hours
Restaurants
An excellent breakfast option is Mosaic Restaurant, known for its delicious South Indian breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Malabar Junction, a charming restaurant offering a variety of authentic Kerala dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, enjoy a delightful meal at Oceanos Restaurant and Bar, known for its fresh seafood and beautiful ocean views. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Munnar, don't miss the opportunity to hike to the picturesque Lakkam Waterfalls, located amidst dense forests. For a unique experience, visit the Lockhart Tea Factory and witness the tea processing. In Varkala, explore the lesser-known Kappil Beach, a serene and less crowded alternative to Varkala Beach. In Alleppey, visit the Krishnapuram Palace, a 16th-century architectural marvel with stunning mural paintings. These hidden gems offer a chance to experience the local culture and natural beauty away from the usual tourist spots.
For checking hotel and flight prices, you can visit Kayak.