Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary in Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and Kumarakom

Saturday, December 23: Arrival in Kochi

Welcome to Kochi, also known as Cochin! Start your family-friendly journey by exploring the charming city of Kochi. In the morning, visit Fort Kochi, a historical neighborhood with Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Explore the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, which houses beautiful murals and artifacts. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the picturesque backwaters of Kochi. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of dance-drama.

• Fort Kochi: Entry fee - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Backwater Boat Ride: Starting from INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kathakali Dance Performance: Ticket prices vary, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday, December 24: Explore Munnar

After breakfast, proceed to Munnar, a breathtaking hill station known for its tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and serene landscapes. Spend the morning exploring the lush tea gardens and visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy boating. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the enchanting Munnar town.

• Tea Gardens: Free entry, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Tea Museum: Entry fee - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: Boating charges - Starting from INR 300 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday, December 25: Wildlife Safari in Thekkady

Embark on a thrilling adventure in Thekkady, famous for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. Start your day with a morning nature walk in the Periyar National Park, where you might spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake, offering an opportunity to witness the wildlife up close. In the evening, explore the bustling spice markets of Thekkady.

• Periyar National Park: Entry fee - INR 25 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Boat Safari: Starting from INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Spice Markets: Variable costs depending on purchases, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, December 26: Relaxation in Kumarakom

Indulge in a serene experience in Kumarakom, a charming village located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. In the morning, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to various migratory birds. Enjoy a leisurely cruise through the backwaters of Kumarakom in a traditional houseboat, savoring the scenic beauty. In the evening, unwind and relax at your resort, enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Entry fee - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Backwater Houseboat Cruise: Starting from INR 5,000 per night for a family, Time spent - Overnight
• Resort Relaxation: Variable costs depending on the resort, Time spent - Evening and night

Wednesday, December 27: Departure from Kochi

After a memorable trip, it's time to bid farewell to Kerala. Depart from Kumarakom and head back to Kochi. If time permits, you can visit the famous Lulu Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in India, for some last-minute shopping. Finally, drop off at Kochi Airport for your onward journey.

• Lulu Mall: Variable costs depending on purchases, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kochi Airport Drop-off: Time spent - As per your flight schedule

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Grand Hotel in Kochi. This iconic restaurant serves a variety of delicious South Indian breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, try the Malabar Junction Restaurant in Kochi. This restaurant offers a blend of traditional Kerala and international cuisines, with flavorful seafood dishes being their specialty. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit the Oceanos Restaurant in Kochi. This seafood restaurant offers a stunning waterfront dining experience with a wide range of fresh seafood delicacies. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

A hidden gem in Kochi is the Kerala Folklore Museum, where you can explore the rich cultural heritage of Kerala through art, artifacts, and performances. Locals also recommend visiting the Eravikulam National Park near Munnar, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. In Thekkady, consider taking a spice plantation tour to learn about the region's aromatic spices. Lastly, in Kumarakom, take a village walk to experience the local way of life and interact with the friendly villagers.

For checking hotel and flight prices, click here.