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Exploring Kerala: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Sunday, September 3: Arrival in Kochi

Welcome to Kerala, known as "God's Own Country"! Start your journey in Kochi, a vibrant city with a rich history. In the morning, visit Fort Kochi, a charming neighborhood filled with colonial architecture, quaint cafes, and art galleries. Explore the famous Chinese fishing nets and take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its beautiful murals and artifacts. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.

  • Fort Kochi: Approx. cost - INR 0, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Mattancherry Palace: Approx. cost - INR 10, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Kathakali Dance Show: Approx. cost - INR 300, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at Indian Coffee House, located in Fort Kochi. This iconic restaurant is known for its delicious dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
  • Treat yourself to a seafood extravaganza at Seagull Restaurant, situated by the waterfront in Fort Kochi. With its wide range of fresh seafood dishes, this restaurant is a paradise for seafood lovers. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
  • Indulge in a delightful dinner at Oceanos Restaurant, located in Mattancherry. This restaurant offers a mix of Indian and international cuisines, with a focus on fresh seafood and grilled dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, September 4: Munnar's Tea Gardens

Leave Kochi and head to Munnar, a beautiful hill station known for its sprawling tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Take a leisurely stroll through the tea gardens, breathing in the refreshing air. In the afternoon, explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a visit to the enchanting Mattupetty Dam and the picturesque Kundala Lake.

  • Tata Tea Museum: Approx. cost - INR 90, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Eravikulam National Park: Approx. cost - INR 120, Time spent - 3-4 hours
  • Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake: Approx. cost - INR 10, Time spent - 2 hours
Tuesday, September 5: Backwaters of Alleppey

Embark on a memorable houseboat journey in Alleppey, exploring the serene backwaters of Kerala. Spend the morning cruising along the palm-fringed canals, witnessing the local way of life. Enjoy a freshly prepared traditional Kerala lunch on board. In the afternoon, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird lovers. As evening approaches, savor a magical sunset over the backwaters.

  • Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey: Approx. cost - INR 10,000 (for a family of 4), Time spent - 20-24 hours
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Approx. cost - INR 50, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Wednesday, September 6: Thrissur's Cultural Heritage

Head to Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, known for its vibrant festivals and temples. In the morning, visit the Vadakkunnathan Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore its intricate architecture and witness the morning rituals. In the afternoon, visit the Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned center for performing arts, to witness traditional dance and music performances. End the day by exploring the vibrant streets of Thrissur and sampling delicious local cuisine.

  • Vadakkunnathan Temple: Approx. cost - INR 0, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Kerala Kalamandalam: Approx. cost - INR 50, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Exploring Thrissur: Approx. cost - INR 500, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Thursday, September 7: Thekkady's Wildlife Adventure

Make your way to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise famous for its wildlife sanctuary. In the morning, go on a thrilling boat safari in Periyar National Park, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species in their natural habitat. After the safari, explore the spice plantations and learn about the different spices grown in the region. In the evening, attend a traditional martial arts performance called Kalaripayattu.

  • Periyar National Park Boat Safari: Approx. cost - INR 250, Time spent - 3-4 hours
  • Spice Plantation Tour: Approx. cost - INR 100, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Kalaripayattu Performance: Approx. cost - INR 200, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Friday, September 8: Kovalam's Beach Bliss

Travel to Kovalam, a coastal town renowned for its pristine beaches and relaxing atmosphere. Spend the morning unwinding on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach, swimming in the clear waters, or indulging in water sports activities. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse and explore the local markets. End the day with a mesmerizing sunset at Hawa Beach.

  • Kovalam Beach: Approx. cost - INR 0, Time spent - 3-4 hours
  • Seafood Lunch: Approx. cost - INR 800, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Approx. cost - INR 20, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Saturday, September 9: Trivandrum's Cultural Delights

Spend your last day in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Begin your morning with a visit to the majestic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a famous Hindu temple known for its intricate carvings and gold-plated architecture. Explore the Napier Museum, which houses a vast collection of historical artifacts and artworks. In the afternoon, relax at the beautiful Shankumugham Beach and enjoy the sunset. End your trip by indulging in a traditional Kerala feast.

  • Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Approx. cost - INR 0, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Napier Museum: Approx. cost - INR 20, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Shankumugham Beach: Approx. cost - INR 0, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kerala, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the offbeat destination of Varkala, known for its stunning cliffside views, peaceful beaches, and therapeutic Ayurvedic treatments. Explore the quaint village of Kumily, where you can learn about spice cultivation, interact with locals, and enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine. Lastly, spend a day at the enchanting Athirapally Falls, a magnificent waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery, offering a perfect setting for a family picnic.

For the best deals on hotels and flights in Kerala, you can check prices on Kayak.

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