5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Cochin, Varakala, Munnar, Wayanad, Alleppey

1. Day 1: Cochin
   Start your trip to Kerala by exploring Cochin, a vibrant city with a mix of history and modernity. Visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and later renovated by the Dutch. Take a stroll along Marine Drive, with stunning views of the backwaters and the city.
   Estimated time from the airport: 50 minutes (22 km).
2. Day 2: Varkala
   Head to Varkala, a picturesque coastal town. Go on a beach hopping tour, starting with the Varkala Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Kerala. Take a dip in the Janardhana Swamy Temple Pool, a natural spring pool near the beach. Visit the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual and cultural centre dedicated to the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
   Estimated travel time from Cochin: 5 hours (170 km).
3. Day 3: Munnar
   Visit Munnar, a hill station known for its tea gardens and breathtaking views. Start by exploring the Pothamedu Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the valley. Visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Take a guided tour of one of the tea plantations and enjoy a cup of fresh tea.
   Estimated travel time from Varkala: 5.5 hours (230 km).
4. Day 4: Wayanad
   Head to Wayanad and explore the lush green forests and hills. Go on a jeep safari at the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Visit the Edakkal Caves, a prehistoric site with ancient rock carvings. Go on a scenic cycle tour around the Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad.
   Estimated travel time from Munnar: 5 hours (220 km).
5. Day 5: Alleppey
   End your trip with an unforgettable backwater experience in Alleppey. Take a houseboat ride in the beautiful Vembanad Lake, with stunning views of the surrounding villages and paddy fields. Visit the Kuttanad region, famous for its farming practices below sea level. Try some local delicacies such as fish curry and tapioca during your houseboat ride.
   Estimated travel time from Wayanad: 7 hours (320 km).

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattancherry Palace (1-2 hours, INR 5-10)
• Marine Drive (1-2 hours, Free)
• Varkala Beach (2-3 hours, Free)
• Janardhana Swamy Temple Pool (1-2 hours, INR 20)
• Sivagiri Mutt (1-2 hours, Free)
• Pothamedu Viewpoint (1-2 hours, Free)
• Eravikulam National Park (3-4 hours, INR 125-420)
• Tea plantation tour (1-2 hours, INR 100-200)
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (3-4 hours, INR 10-225)
• Edakkal Caves (2-3 hours, INR 20-40)
• Chembra Peak cycle tour (3-4 hours, INR 200-500)
• Houseboat ride on Vembanad Lake (24 hours, INR 6,000-12,000)
• Kuttanad region visit (2-3 hours, Free)

Total Estimated Costs: INR 6,730-13,245

Useful Tips

If you have more time, spend an extra day in Cochin and explore the old town of Fort Cochin. Visit the famous Chinese fishing nets and the St. Francis Church. If you have less time, skip Wayanad and go directly to Alleppey for a relaxing houseboat ride. If you prefer the beaches, add a day in Kovalam and visit the Light House Beach and the Samudra Beach.