Welcome to Kerala! Start your journey by arriving at Cochin International Airport. After checking into your hotel, spend the morning exploring the historic Fort Kochi area. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, stroll along the picturesque Fort Kochi Beach, and explore the charming streets lined with colonial-era buildings. In the afternoon, take a leisurely cruise on the backwaters of Cochin, admiring the serene beauty of the surroundings. For a cultural experience, attend a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
Fort Kochi Area: Free, 4 hours
Backwater Cruise: INR 1,500 per person, 3 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 400 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Indian Coffee House. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Kashi Art Cafe. This vibrant cafe serves a range of salads, sandwiches, and pastas, as well as traditional Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Fort House Restaurant. Located in a heritage building, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with its delectable seafood dishes and picturesque views of the waterfront. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, August 11: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea estates and panoramic views. Spend the morning exploring the lush tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process at the Tea Museum. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea amidst nature. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride in the serene waters of the reservoir. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Echo Point, where you can hear your voice echo across the hills.
Tea Museum: INR 150 per person, 2 hours
Mattupetty Dam: INR 10 per person, 1 hour
Echo Point: Free, 1 hour
Saturday, August 12: Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the morning, embark on a thrilling jungle safari in Periyar National Park, where you might spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Take a peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake in the afternoon, surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, visit a spice plantation and learn about the spices grown in the region.
Periyar National Park Safari: INR 450 per person, 3 hours
Periyar Lake Boat Ride: INR 275 per person, 2 hours
Spice Plantation Visit: INR 100 per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Spice Garden Restaurant, located near Thekkady. Enjoy a delicious South Indian breakfast with dosas and idlis. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Bamboo Cafe, a cozy eatery known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Indulge in a variety of dishes like fish curry and appam. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Granny's Kitchen, a popular restaurant with a homely atmosphere. Savor traditional Kerala delicacies like Malabar fish curry and thali meals. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Sunday, August 13: Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey, the gateway to the famous Kerala backwaters. Embark on a houseboat cruise in the morning and experience the idyllic beauty of the backwaters. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the quaint villages and interact with the friendly locals. Spend the evening watching a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.
Houseboat Cruise: Starting from INR 8,000 per night (family-size boat), 6 hours
Village Exploration: Free, 2 hours
Sunset Watching: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head over to Cafe Paradiso, a charming coffee shop known for its freshly baked pastries and hearty breakfast options. The average cost for a meal here is about $8 per person.
For lunch, try out Thaff Delight, a popular restaurant that serves delicious Kerala cuisine. The menu includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with an average cost of around $12 per person.
For dinner, dine at Bamboo Boat, a waterfront restaurant known for its stunning views and seafood specialties. Enjoy the catch of the day prepared in traditional Kerala style, with an average cost of approximately $15 per person.
Monday, August 14: Kovalam
Proceed to Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. Spend the morning relaxing on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach and take a dip in the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. Indulge in water sports activities or simply soak up the sun. In the afternoon, visit the famous Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Kovalam Beach: Free, 4 hours
Vizhinjam Lighthouse: INR 20 per person, 1 hour
Water Sports: Varies, 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast restaurant near Kovalam Beach is The German Bakery. They serve delicious German and European breakfast options, and the average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head to Curry Leaf. This restaurant offers a variety of authentic Kerala dishes, including seafood, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
In the evening, dine at Bait. Located on the beachfront, Bait is known for its fresh seafood dishes and stunning ocean views. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹800 per person.
Tuesday, August 15: Trivandrum
Take a day trip to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Start your day by visiting the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a famous Hindu temple with intricate architecture. Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Napier Museum and the nearby Zoological Gardens. In the afternoon, relax at the beautiful Shanghumukham Beach and witness the stunning sunset. Don't miss trying the local delicacies at a popular restaurant.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2 hours
Napier Museum: INR 20 per person, 2 hours
Zoological Gardens: INR 50 per person, 2 hours
Shanghumukham Beach: Free, 2 hours
Wednesday, August 16: Departure
It's time to say goodbye to beautiful Kerala. Spend the morning exploring local markets for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. Enjoy a final Kerala-style breakfast before heading to the airport to catch your flight back home. We hope you had a memorable family-friendly adventure in Kerala!
Shopping for Souvenirs: Varies, 2 hours
Final Breakfast: Varies, 1 hour
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the Elephant Junction in Thekkady, where you can interact with elephants, take elephant rides, and even bathe them. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Locals love spending time at Varkala Beach, a serene and less crowded alternative to Kovalam Beach. Explore these hidden gems and create unforgettable memories with your family.