4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kerala

  1. Day 1: Cochin
    45 minutes (19.6 km) from Cochin International Airport

    Start your trip with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, a beautiful 16th-century palace which houses a museum displaying rich cultural heritage. Wander around the Jew Town area, stop by the Paradesi Synagogue, and indulge in some souvenir shopping. End your day with a sunset boat ride around Marine Drive, a scenic promenade lined with cafes and shops.

  2. Day 2: Munnar
    4 hours (130 km) from Cochin

    Spend a day amidst lush green tea gardens and cascading waterfalls. Start with a visit to the Munnar Tea Museum to get an insight into the history of tea plantations. Trek through the Eravikulam National Park to witness the rare mountain goats called Nilgiri Tahr and picturesque views of Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. End your day with a visit to the Attukad Waterfalls.

  3. Day 3: Thekkady
    4 hours 30 minutes (141 km) from Munnar

    Explore the wildlife reserves of Kerala starting with a visit to the Periyar National Park, home to tigers, elephants and other exotic wildlife. Take a bamboo rafting tour of the Periyar Lake and discover its flora and fauna. Experience a traditional martial art performance at Kalaripayattu Centre, witness an elephant bath at Elephant Junction and end your day with a visit to Mullaperiyar Dam.

  4. Day 4: Alleppey
    4 hours 30 minutes (146 km) from Thekkady

    On your last day, take a backwater houseboat ride from Alleppey Beach, a secluded white sand beach with lighthouse views. Experience the serene beauty of the backwaters, indulge in some fresh seafood, and relax in the houseboat. After the tour, you can stop by the St. Mary's Forane Church, known for its Gothic architecture and ancient relics.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, £2)
  • Paradesi Synagogue (1 hour, £3)
  • Munnar Tea Museum (2 hours, £2)
  • Eravikulam National Park (4 hours, £7)
  • Periyar National Park (4 hours, £9)
  • Backwater Houseboat Ride (5 hours, £80)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £103

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you may opt for a day trip to Cherai Beach in Cochin or visit the Athirapally Waterfalls in Thekkady, famous for its picturesque surroundings. If you have less time, you can skip Eravikulam National Park and Mullaperiyar Dam. Ensure you check the opening and closing times of all the places before finalising your itinerary.

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