7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Delhi, Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Alappuzha, Kovalam, and Thiruvananthapuram
Saturday, October 14: Arrival in Delhi
Welcome to Delhi! Start your trip by exploring the historical landmarks of the city. In the morning, visit the iconic Red Fort and immerse yourself in the rich history and architecture. In the afternoon, head to Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its stunning Mughal architecture. In the evening, take a stroll through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk and indulge in delicious street food.
Red Fort: Estimated cost - INR 500, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Bukhara: Indulge in a traditional North Indian breakfast at Bukhara, known for its kebabs and tandoori dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Karim's: For lunch, head to Karim's and treat yourself to authentic Mughlai cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryanis and succulent kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indian Accent: Enjoy a fine dining experience for dinner at Indian Accent, known for its innovative Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Average cost for a meal is about 3000 INR per person.
Sunday, October 15: Exploring Cochin
Begin your day by visiting the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin. Experience the unique way these nets are operated and witness the beautiful sunrise. In the afternoon, explore the historic Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, and admire its exquisite murals. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the scenic Marine Drive and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Breakfast: Try the traditional South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and vada at Anna Idlis. This popular restaurant offers a variety of delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: Indulge in the flavors of Kerala at Paragon Restaurant, known for its authentic Malayali cuisine. From seafood delicacies to vegetarian dishes, there is something for everyone. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Dinner: Head to Oceanos Restaurant for a delightful seafood dinner. Enjoy the fresh catch of the day prepared in various styles, along with a wide range of other seafood options. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 16: Discovering the Beauty of Munnar
Start your day by exploring the picturesque tea gardens of Munnar. Enjoy a morning walk amidst the lush greenery and breath-taking landscapes. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Capture the panoramic views of the Western Ghats from the park. In the evening, take a scenic drive to the beautiful Mattupetty Dam and enjoy boating in the serene surroundings.
For breakfast, head to Saravana Bhavan, a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its delicious South Indian breakfast dishes such as idli, dosa, and vada. The average cost for a meal is about INR 150 per person.
For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant, which offers a variety of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Their Kerala-style fish curry and biryani are highly recommended. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For dinner, visit French Toast, a cozy restaurant that serves a fusion of French and Kerala cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering seafood platters and crepes. The average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Saravana Bhavan, a popular South Indian restaurant known for its delicious dosas and filter coffee. Expect to spend around INR 200 per person for a satisfying meal.
For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant, which offers a variety of Indian and international cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its seafood dishes and has an average meal cost of around INR 400 per person.
For dinner, visit Copper Castle, a fine dining restaurant known for its delectable North Indian and Chinese delicacies. The average cost for a meal here is approximately INR 800 per person.
Tuesday, October 17: Wildlife Safari in Thekkady
Embark on a wildlife adventure in Thekkady. Start your day with a guided tour of the Periyar National Park, home to various species of flora and fauna. Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake and witness animals in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the different spices grown in the region. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Periyar National Park: Estimated cost - INR 450, Time spent - 4-5 hours
For breakfast, head to Hotel Saravana Bhavan which serves delicious South Indian dishes like idli, vada, and dosa. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Paradoxe Restaurant which offers a variety of North Indian and Continental cuisines. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance and the average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Curry Leaf Restaurant which specializes in authentic Kerala seafood dishes. The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere and the average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 18: Backwaters of Alappuzha
Experience the serene backwaters of Alappuzha. Start your day by taking a relaxing houseboat cruise through the backwaters, enjoying the scenic beauty and tranquility. In the afternoon, visit the Alappuzha Beach and relax on the sandy shores. In the evening, explore the local markets and indulge in some shopping for handicrafts and traditional souvenirs.
Local Markets: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Indian Coffee House for a traditional South Indian breakfast. They serve delicious dosas, idlis, and filter coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try the seafood at Mushroom Restaurant. They offer a variety of fresh seafood dishes like fish curry, prawn masala, and crab fry. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Savor the flavors of Kerala at Cassava Restaurant for dinner. They specialize in authentic Kerala cuisine, including dishes like appam, stew, and karimeen pollichathu. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Thursday, October 19: Relaxing in Kovalam
Enjoy a day of relaxation in the beautiful beach town of Kovalam. Start your morning by lounging on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach and taking a dip in the clear blue waters. In the afternoon, pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic massage and rejuvenate your senses. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset from the Lighthouse Beach.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The German Bakery. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked goods such as breads, croissants, and muffins. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Curry Leaf Restaurant. Indulge in a traditional Kerala thali meal, featuring an assortment of flavorful curries, rice, and breads. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Savor a delectable dinner at The Roof Top Restaurant and enjoy panoramic views of Kovalam Beach. The menu offers a range of seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Restaurants
Breakfast: Saravana Bhavan A popular South Indian restaurant serving a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: The Terrace Greens Restaurant A rooftop restaurant offering a panoramic view of the Kovalam Beach. Serves a range of Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Dinner: Curry Leaf A beachfront restaurant specializing in seafood delicacies. Enjoy fresh catch of the day prepared with traditional flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, October 20: Exploring Thiruvananthapuram
Discover the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. Start your day by visiting the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. In the afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing a rich collection of historic artifacts and artwork. In the evening, take a stroll through the lush greenery of the Kanakakunnu Palace and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant offers a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Indian Coffee House, a nostalgic eatery known for its traditional Kerala cuisine. Enjoy a thali meal with a variety of curries, rice, and chapatis. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, savor a delightful dinner at Villa Maya, a beautiful heritage restaurant housed in a restored colonial mansion. Indulge in their fusion menu, combining traditional Kerala flavors with global influences. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a family-friendly off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Kerala Folklore Museum in Kochi. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and offers interactive exhibits for children. Another hidden gem is the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary near Thiruvananthapuram, where you can go on nature trails and spot wildlife, including elephants and tigers. Both attractions provide unique experiences for the whole family to enjoy.