Exploring Kerala: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary
Monday, August 21: Arrival in Kochi
Welcome to Kerala! Start your journey in Kochi, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. In the morning, visit the historic Fort Kochi area, where you can admire the beautiful Chinese fishing nets and explore the old colonial buildings. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on the serene backwaters of Kochi. In the evening, catch a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of storytelling through dance and music.
Fort Kochi: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Kochi Backwaters Boat Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 500-1000 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated Cost - INR 300-500 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast in Kochi, head to Oceanos Restaurant. This family-friendly eatery offers a wide variety of dishes including traditional Kerala cuisine and international favorites. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch spot, check out Dal Roti. This restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine and serves up delicious curries, naan bread, and biryani. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit The Rice Boat. Located on a traditional Kettuvallam boat, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience on the backwaters of Kochi. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes and local delicacies while taking in the beautiful views. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, August 22: Munnar's Tea Gardens
Head to Munnar, a hill station known for its lush tea plantations. In the morning, visit the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a scenic drive to Mattupetty Dam in the afternoon, where you can take a boat ride and marvel at the surrounding hills. End your day with a visit to the Tea Museum, where you can sample different tea varieties.
Mattupetty Dam: Estimated Cost - INR 10-20 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Tea Museum: Estimated Cost - INR 100-200 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Cafe Sarika, located near Munnar's tea gardens. Indulge in their freshly brewed coffee and enjoy their hearty breakfast platters. The average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, dine at Rapsy Restaurant. Located in the heart of Munnar, this restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Don't miss their delicious Kerala-style biryani. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Treetop Restaurant, a rooftop dining spot with panoramic views of Munnar's hills. Their menu features an array of continental and Indian dishes, and their seafood specialties are highly recommended. The average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Wednesday, August 23: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. In the morning, take a guided tour of the wildlife sanctuary and spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride on the Periyar Lake, surrounded by dense forests. In the evening, explore the vibrant spice markets of Thekkady and indulge in some souvenir shopping.
Periyar National Park: Estimated Cost - INR 500-1000 per person, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 150-250 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
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 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Spice Village. This restaurant specializes in traditional Kerala cuisine, serving dishes like fish curry, appam, and thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Grandma's Kitchen. Known for its authentic Kerala delicacies, this restaurant offers dishes like Malabar fish curry, prawns biryani, and banana leaf meals. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, August 24: Alleppey Houseboat Experience
Embark on a memorable houseboat journey in Alleppey. Spend the morning cruising along the backwaters, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared onboard and relax as you sail through the tranquil waters. In the evening, witness a beautiful sunset from the deck of your houseboat.
Alleppey Houseboat: Estimated Cost - INR 5000-10000 per night, Time Spent - Full day
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Cafe Catamaran located near the Alleppey backwaters. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch option, check out Vembanad Restaurant. Located on a houseboat in Alleppey, they offer a delectable spread of traditional Kerala cuisine, including mouth-watering seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Cassia - The Quilon Restaurant. Situated in a beautiful heritage building in Alleppey, this restaurant offers a unique blend of Indian and international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Friday, August 25: Kovalam Beach Bliss
Travel to Kovalam, a coastal town famous for its beautiful beaches. Spend the morning relaxing on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. End your day with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage at one of the wellness centers in Kovalam.
Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Estimated Cost - INR 20-30 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: Estimated Cost - INR 1500-3000 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Situated just a short walk from Kovalam Beach, The German Bakery is a cozy breakfast spot offering a delicious selection of freshly baked goods and savory treats. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about INR 150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Malabar Café. This popular restaurant specializes in traditional Kerala cuisine, offering an array of flavorful dishes like appam, fish curry, and biryani. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about INR 300 per person.
Experience a delightful dinner at Curry Leaf, a charming restaurant known for its aromatic spices and authentic Kerala flavors. From mouthwatering seafood dishes to delectable vegetarian curries, Curry Leaf offers a diverse menu to satisfy every palate. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about INR 500 per person.
Saturday, August 26: Trivandrum City Tour
Explore the vibrant city of Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. Start with a visit to the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its stunning architecture. In the afternoon, explore the vast collections of art and artifacts at the Napier Museum and the Kerala Science and Technology Museum. End your day with a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Kanakakunnu Palace.
Return to Kochi for a day filled with cultural delights. Start your day with a visit to the famous Jewish Synagogue in the Mattancherry neighborhood. In the afternoon, explore the bustling streets of Jew Town and indulge in some souvenir shopping. End your trip with a traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
Jewish Synagogue: Estimated Cost - INR 5-10 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Jew Town Shopping: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated Cost - INR 300-500 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
One hidden gem in Kerala is the village of Kumarakom, nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird lovers, where you can spot a variety of migratory birds. Another local favorite is the village of Varkala, known for its breathtaking cliff-top views and pristine beaches. Take a leisurely walk along the cliff, indulge in some yoga sessions, and witness a mesmerizing sunset.
For more travel planning, you can check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.com.