A Week in Kerala: Family-Friendly Itinerary

Friday, August 4: Arrival in Kochi

Start your Kerala adventure by arriving in Kochi, the gateway to this beautiful state. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Dutch Palace, which showcases Kerala's traditional art and culture. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on the serene backwaters of Kochi, experiencing the scenic beauty of the region. In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.

• Fort Kochi: Entrance fees vary, estimated time: 3-4 hours
• Backwater Boat Ride: Starting from $25 per person, estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Kathakali Performance: Starting from $10 per person, estimated time: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to LuLu's Cafeteria, a cozy spot known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Fusion Bites, a popular restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and international cuisines. Don't miss their flavorful biryanis and mouthwatering desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit The Rice Boat, an elegant restaurant specializing in traditional Kerala cuisine, especially seafood dishes. Enjoy their flavorful curries and delectable seafood platters. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Saturday, August 5: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station famous for its tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea. Explore the Mattupetty Dam, a popular picnic spot surrounded by lush greenery, and go boating on the tranquil lake. In the afternoon, hike to the Echo Point and hear your voice reverberate through the hills. End the day with a visit to the Blossom Hydel Park, where you can enjoy beautiful gardens and stunning views.

• Tea Museum: Entrance fees starting from $2 per person, estimated time: 1-2 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: Entrance fees starting from $1 per person, estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Echo Point: Free, estimated time: 1-2 hours
• Blossom Hydel Park: Entrance fees starting from $1 per person, estimated time: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• The Indian Coffee House: Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at The Indian Coffee House, known for its delicious dosas and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
• Rosegarden Restaurant: For lunch, head to Rosegarden Restaurant, an authentic Kerala cuisine eatery offering a delectable spread of seafood and vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
• Nimmy's Homestay: Experience a home-cooked dinner at Nimmy's Homestay, where you can savor traditional Kerala delicacies prepared with fresh local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.

Sunday, August 6: Thekkady

Proceed to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the morning, take a guided tour of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you might spot animals coming to drink water. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the aromatic spices that Kerala is famous for. Enjoy a traditional Kerala-style lunch amidst nature. In the evening, take part in a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance, a martial art form native to Kerala.

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Entrance fees starting from $5 per person, estimated time: 3-4 hours
• Boat Ride on Periyar Lake: Starting from $10 per person, estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Spice Plantation: Entrance fees starting from $3 per person, estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Kathakali or Kalaripayattu Performance: Starting from $10 per person, estimated time: 1-2 hours

Monday, August 7: Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and embark on a peaceful journey through the picturesque backwaters. Enjoy a delicious Kerala-style lunch prepared on the boat. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the houseboat, taking in the scenic beauty and watching the local life along the backwaters. In the evening, disembark from the houseboat and explore the vibrant local markets, where you can buy spices, handicrafts, and traditional clothing.

• Houseboat Cruise: Starting from $100 per night, estimated time: 20-24 hours
• Local Market: Free, estimated time: 1-2 hours

Tuesday, August 8: Kovalam

Head to Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. In the morning, relax on the golden sandy beaches of Kovalam and take a refreshing dip in the Arabian Sea. Enjoy a beachside lunch, savoring fresh seafood delicacies. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse at Kovalam Beach for panoramic views of the coastline. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, lined with colorful shops and cafes. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset at Kovalam Beach.

• Kovalam Beach: Free, estimated time: 4-6 hours
• Kovalam Lighthouse: Entrance fees starting from $2 per person, estimated time: 1-2 hours

Wednesday, August 9: Trivandrum

Explore the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum. In the morning, visit the Napier Museum, known for its art and natural history collections. Explore the vast collection of ancient artifacts at the Kerala Museum. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Explore the vibrant local markets for souvenirs and traditional crafts. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll in the beautiful gardens surrounding the Kanakakkunnu Palace.

• Napier Museum: Entrance fees starting from $2 per person, estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Kerala Museum: Entrance fees starting from $1 per person, estimated time: 1-2 hours
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Local Markets: Cost varies, estimated time: 1-2 hours
• Kanakakkunnu Palace Gardens: Free, estimated time: 1-2 hours

Thursday, August 10: Departure from Kochi

On your final day, travel back to Kochi for your departure. Spend the morning exploring Jew Town, a historic neighborhood famous for its spice markets and antique shops. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth. Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Kerala cuisine. In the afternoon, take a walk along the Marine Drive, a picturesque promenade overlooking the backwaters. Bid farewell to Kerala with unforgettable memories.

• Jew Town: Free, estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Paradesi Synagogue: Entrance fees starting from $2 per person, estimated time: 1-2 hours
• Marine Drive: Free, estimated time: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the quaint village of Kumarakom, known for its bird sanctuary and serene backwaters. Explore the lesser-known beaches of Kozhikode, such as Kappad Beach, where Vasco da Gama first set foot in India. Families will also enjoy a visit to the Athirapally Waterfalls, a magnificent waterfall surrounded by lush green forests. These hidden gems offer unique experiences away from the tourist crowds while still being family-friendly.

Click here to check hotel and flight prices for your Kerala trip.