Kerala Family Friendly 6-Day Itinerary

Friday October 20: Arrival in Kochi

Start your trip in Kochi, the gateway to Kerala. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the picturesque backwaters of Kochi. As the evening sets in, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a classical art form of Kerala.

• Fort Kochi: Free, 3-4 hours
• Backwater Boat Ride: INR 1,000 per person, 2 hours
• Kathakali Performance: INR 400 per person, 2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Kochi is Hotel Seagull, known for its delicious South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and appam. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head to Oceanos Restaurant located near Fort Kochi. They offer a variety of seafood dishes along with vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at The Rice Boat, a renowned waterfront restaurant serving traditional Kerala cuisine. Enjoy fresh seafood and other local delicacies with an average cost of about 800 INR per person.

Saturday October 21: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station renowned for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a soothing cup of tea amidst the lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a visit to the Top Station viewpoint for breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.

• Tea Museum: INR 150 per person, 2-3 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 per person, 3-4 hours
• Top Station: Free, 1-2 hours

Sunday October 22: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, a wildlife sanctuary known for its abundant flora and fauna. In the morning, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the aromatic spices grown in the region. End the day with a captivating Kathakali and Kalaripayattu martial arts performance.

• Boat Ride on Periyar Lake: INR 500 per person, 2-3 hours
• Spice Plantation Tour: INR 200 per person, 2-3 hours
• Kathakali and Kalaripayattu Performance: INR 300 per person, 2 hours

Monday October 23: Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East, famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, embark on a relaxing houseboat cruise, soaking in the tranquility of the backwaters and witnessing the rural landscape. In the afternoon, explore the charming Alleppey Beach and enjoy a sunset picnic. Spend the evening experiencing a traditional Kerala meal on a banana leaf.

• Houseboat Cruise: INR 6,000-10,000 per night, 6-8 hours
• Alleppey Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Traditional Kerala Meal: INR 300-500 per person, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• The Patio Cafe: Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast at The Patio Cafe, with options like pancakes, waffles, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• Marari Seafood Restaurant: Indulge in a mouthwatering seafood lunch at Marari Seafood Restaurant, specializing in freshly caught fish and prawns. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
• Palm Tree Restaurant: Savor authentic Kerala cuisine for dinner at Palm Tree Restaurant, known for its flavorful curries and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.

Tuesday October 24: Kovalam

Continue your journey to Kovalam, a popular beach destination. In the morning, relax on the sandy shores of Kovalam Beach and take a dip in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. Enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage in one of the renowned wellness centers. End the day with a delicious seafood dinner by the beach.

• Kovalam Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse: INR 10 per person, 1-2 hours
• Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,500-3,000 per session, 1-2 hours

Wednesday October 25: Trivandrum

Conclude your Kerala journey in Trivandrum, the capital city. In the morning, visit the awe-inspiring Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, housing a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts and artworks. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll in the beautiful gardens of the Kanakakunnu Palace. End the day by indulging in local delicacies at a traditional restaurant.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: INR 20 per person, 2-3 hours
• Kanakakunnu Palace: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For family-friendly off the beaten path experiences, consider exploring the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot a variety of exotic bird species. Visit the Athirapally Waterfalls, known as the Niagara Falls of India, for a breathtaking natural spectacle. Take a cultural tour of the traditional Kerala village, Kumbalangi, to gain insights into the local way of life and enjoy activities like fishing and crab farming.

Check hotel and flight prices for your Kerala trip here.