6-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Madurai, Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi, Kanyakumari, Trivandrum, Kochi
Sunday, January 28, 2024: Madurai
In the morning, visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its intricate carvings and vibrant architecture. Explore the bustling streets of Madurai and indulge in some local street food for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, known for its stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture. Wrap up the day by witnessing the evening ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
For breakfast in Madurai, head to Murugan Idli Shop, a popular spot known for its delicious and fluffy idlis. A meal here will cost you around Rs. 100 per person.
For lunch, try the authentic Chettinad cuisine at the renowned Amma Mess. Their flavorful non-vegetarian dishes are a must-try and a meal here will cost you around Rs. 300 per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to the traditional South Indian thali at Sree-Sabarish. With an array of delectable dishes, a meal here will cost you around Rs. 200 per person.
Monday, January 29, 2024: Rameshwaram
Start your day with a visit to Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a dip in the holy water tanks of the temple. In the afternoon, explore the Pamban Bridge, an engineering marvel that connects Rameshwaram to mainland India. Enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding ocean. End the day by relaxing at Dhanushkodi Beach and witnessing the beautiful sunset.
The Ocean View Cafe offers a delicious South Indian breakfast with a breathtaking view of the ocean. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Sri Saravana Bhavan, a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Fisherman's Wharf, a seafood restaurant overlooking the Arabian Sea. Indulge in their fresh catch of the day. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024: Kanyakumari
Start your day early and head to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a popular tourist attraction located on a small island off the coast of Kanyakumari. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the sunrise. Afterward, visit the Thiruvalluvar Statue, a massive 133-feet tall stone sculpture. In the evening, relax at Kanyakumari Beach and witness the unique spectacle of the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Estimated cost - INR 50 (approx. $0.70), Time spent - 2-3 hours
For breakfast, head to Hotel Saravana, a popular local restaurant known for its delicious South Indian breakfast dishes such as idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Annapoorna Restaurant, which offers a wide range of vegetarian thali meals and traditional South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Sea View Restaurant, located near the beach, and indulge in fresh seafood dishes such as fish curry, prawn masala, and crab roast. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024: Trivandrum
Begin your day by exploring the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the wealthiest temples in the world. Admire the intricate architecture and the massive idol of Lord Vishnu. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum, a beautiful Indo-Saracenic style museum housing a vast collection of artifacts. Enjoy a leisurely stroll at the lush green surroundings of the nearby Zoological Gardens. End the day by relaxing at the Kovalam Beach.
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Arya Bhavan. This vegetarian restaurant offers a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. Enjoy the authentic flavors of the region. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Savor a traditional Kerala lunch at Villa Maya. This elegant restaurant serves a range of seafood and vegetarian dishes inspired by the local cuisine. Indulge in their flavorsome biryanis and delectable curries. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to The Roof, a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of Trivandrum city. Delight in their fusion menu that combines Indian and international flavors. Don't miss their mouthwatering kebabs and refreshing mocktails. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Thursday, February 1, 2024: Kochi
In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial charm and quaint streets. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. Immerse yourself in the local culture by watching a Kathakali dance performance in the evening. Enjoy a delightful dinner at a traditional Kerala restaurant, savoring the flavors of the famous Malabar cuisine.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
St. Francis Church: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 30 minutes
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe, known for its traditional Malabar cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, head to Fusion Bay, a cozy restaurant offering a mix of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Ginger House Restaurant, serving authentic Kerala delicacies with a contemporary twist. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Friday, February 2, 2024: Kochi
On your last day, take a backwater cruise in Alleppey, just a short drive from Kochi. Experience the tranquility of Kerala's famous backwaters as you sail through the scenic canals and enjoy the lush green surroundings. Explore the traditional villages and witness the local way of life. Indulge in a traditional Kerala lunch served on board. Return to Kochi in the evening and explore the vibrant markets to shop for souvenirs.
Alleppey Backwater Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 2,000-3,000 (approx. $28-$42) per boat, Time spent - 5-6 hours
Shopping in Kochi: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Grand Pavilion: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Grand Pavilion, known for its delicious South Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe & Bakery: For lunch, head to Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe & Bakery, a local favorite known for its biryani and traditional Malabar dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Tandoor Restaurant: For dinner, indulge in the flavors of North Indian cuisine at Tandoor Restaurant. Savor the aromatic curries and tandoori dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Madurai, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which showcases the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. In Rameshwaram, take a detour to visit the mesmerizing Pamban Island, famous for its coral reefs and marine life. In Trivandrum, make sure to explore the vibrant local markets, such as Chalai Market, where you can find a variety of spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. These lesser-known attractions offer a unique glimpse into the local culture and are perfect for a family-friendly experience.