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Explore the Family-Friendly Delights of Kerala

Monday, December 18: Arrival in Kochi

Begin your Kerala adventure by arriving at Kochi, a vibrant city known for its rich history and scenic beauty. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi, which offer a picturesque sight against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, explore the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, with its stunning murals and artifacts. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along Marine Drive, a popular promenade known for its scenic views of the backwaters.

  • Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1 hour
  • Mattancherry Palace: INR 10 (approx. $0.14), 1-2 hours
  • Marine Drive: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • Start your morning at The Grand Pavilion, a charming cafe known for its delectable South Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
  • For a satisfying lunch, head to The Rice Boat. This restaurant offers a variety of traditional Kerala cuisine, including mouth-watering seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
  • End your day with a delightful dinner at Fusion Bay, a popular restaurant that specializes in fusion cuisine, blending flavors from Kerala and other international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 19: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a charming hill station nestled amidst lush tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea cultivation in the region. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while taking in the panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End your day with a visit to the colorful Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy boating and admire the surrounding mountains.

  • Tata Tea Museum: INR 100 (approx. $1.40), 1-2 hours
  • Eravikulam National Park: INR 125 (approx. $1.75), 2-3 hours
  • Mattupetty Dam: INR 25 (approx. $0.35), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant serves traditional dishes like idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
  • For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant and try their authentic Kerala cuisine. From spicy fish curry to aromatic biryani, they have a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
  • In the evening, dine at Paragon Restaurant and indulge in their famous seafood specialties. From flavorful prawn masala to crispy fried fish, you're in for a treat. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Wednesday, December 20: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise famous for its wildlife and spice plantations. Start your day with an exciting boat safari on Periyar Lake in Periyar National Park, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the cultivation and processing of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing the vibrant culture of Kerala.

  • Periyar National Park Boat Safari: INR 450 (approx. $6.30), 2-3 hours
  • Spice Plantations: Free (guided tours available for a nominal fee), 1-2 hours
  • Kathakali Performance: INR 200-300 (approx. $2.80 - $4.20), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant offers a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
  • For lunch, head to Spice Village Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Enjoy dishes like appam with stew and fish molee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
  • Indulge in a delectable seafood dinner at Curry Leaf Restaurant. This waterfront restaurant offers a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, including prawns, fish curry, and crab masala. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Thursday, December 21: Kumarakom

Travel to Kumarakom, a tranquil backwater destination known for its scenic beauty and houseboat cruises. In the morning, take a relaxing houseboat ride along the backwaters, enjoying the serene surroundings and glimpses of village life. Indulge in a delicious Kerala-style lunch served on board. In the afternoon, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird enthusiasts, where you can spot various migratory and resident bird species. Spend the evening unwinding at the beautiful Vembanad Lake.

  • Houseboat Cruise: INR 7,000-10,000 (approx. $98 - $140) per day, 4-6 hours
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: INR 50 (approx. $0.70), 2-3 hours
  • Vembanad Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
Friday, December 22: Kovalam

Visit the enchanting coastal town of Kovalam, famous for its pristine beaches and soothing Ayurvedic treatments. Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy shores of Lighthouse Beach and indulge in water sports if desired. In the afternoon, explore the historic Vizhinjam Lighthouse and the lively Hawa Beach. Unwind and rejuvenate with an Ayurvedic massage in one of the renowned wellness centers. Enjoy the stunning sunset views from the promenade.

  • Lighthouse Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Vizhinjam Lighthouse: INR 20 (approx. $0.28), 1-2 hours
  • Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,500-3,000 (approx. $21 - $42), 1-2 hours
Saturday, December 23: Alleppey

Experience the charm of the backwaters in Alleppey, often called the "Venice of the East." Begin your day with a peaceful houseboat cruise through the intricate network of canals, witnessing the traditional lifestyle of the locals. Enjoy a delicious Keralan lunch served on board. In the afternoon, explore the quaint villages and paddy fields around Alleppey. Witness a mesmerizing Kathakali performance in the evening, a traditional dance-drama form of Kerala.

  • Houseboat Cruise: INR 8,000-12,000 (approx. $112 - $168) per day, 4-6 hours
  • Exploring Villages: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Kathakali Performance: INR 200-300 (approx. $2.80 - $4.20), 1-2 hours
Sunday, December 24: Kochi Departure

Wrap up your Kerala journey with a day in Kochi. In the morning, visit the historic Fort Kochi area and explore its charming streets filled with colonial architecture, art galleries, and cafes. Don't miss the iconic St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica. In the afternoon, indulge in some shopping at the bustling Jew Town and explore the famous Paradesi Synagogue. Bid farewell to Kerala with beautiful memories before departing from Kochi.

  • Fort Kochi: Free, 2-3 hours
  • St. Francis Church: Free, 30 minutes
  • Paradesi Synagogue: INR 5 (approx. $0.07), 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience, consider visiting the beautiful Kerala Folklore Museum in Kochi, where you can explore an extensive collection of traditional artifacts and cultural exhibits. Another hidden gem is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers located near Kochi. It offers an opportunity to spot rare and endemic bird species in their natural habitat. Both these attractions provide an enriching experience for travelers of all ages.

Check out this link to find the best deals on hotels and flights for your Kerala adventure.

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