7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Kerala

Tuesday, October 17: Tiruvanandhapuram

Start your trip with a visit to the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Tiruvanandhapuram. Marvel at the stunning Dravidian architecture and explore the temple's intricate artwork. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful beaches of Kovalam and indulge in water sports activities. In the evening, experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kovalam Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday, October 18: Alleppey

Embark on a memorable houseboat cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. Enjoy the serene surroundings and observe the daily life of the locals. Indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine prepared onboard. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 10,000 per night (for a family), Time spent - Overnight

Thursday, October 19: Cochin

Spend the morning exploring the charming streets of Fort Kochi. Visit the famous Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride to the picturesque Bolgatty Island and explore the stunning Bolgatty Palace. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.

• Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Bolgatty Island and Palace: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person (ferry ride), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kerala Kathakali Centre: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Friday, October 20: Kottayam

Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot various species of migratory birds. Take a relaxing boat ride through the serene Vembanad Lake. In the afternoon, explore the unique backwater village of Kumarakom and interact with the local villagers. End the day with a visit to the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, known for its exquisite wall paintings.

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Boat Ride on Vembanad Lake: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Saturday, October 21: Kollam

Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Thangasseri Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Explore the historic ruins of Portuguese and Dutch forts in Thangasseri. In the afternoon, take a leisurely backwater cruise in Ashtamudi Lake and witness the scenic beauty of the surroundings. End the day with a visit to the serene Mahatma Gandhi Park.

• Thangasseri Lighthouse: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Backwater Cruise in Ashtamudi Lake: Estimated cost - INR 1,000 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Mahatma Gandhi Park: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday, October 22: Munnar

Explore the picturesque hill station of Munnar, known for its tea plantations and breathtaking views. Visit the famous Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, take a jeep safari to the Eravikulam National Park and spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a relaxing stroll through the lush green tea gardens.

• Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 400 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Tea Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Munnar is Rapsy Restaurant, known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about Rs. 150 per person.
• Metri Cafe is a great lunch option, offering a variety of Kerala cuisine such as appam and fish curry. The average cost for a lunch meal at Metri Cafe is about Rs. 250 per person.
• For dinner, head to Saravana Bhavan, a renowned vegetarian restaurant in Munnar. They serve a wide range of South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, and sambar. The average cost for a dinner meal at Saravana Bhavan is about Rs. 200 per person.

Monday, October 23: Departure

Say goodbye to Kerala as you depart for your onward journey. Cherish the wonderful memories of your family-friendly trip to Kerala!

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off the beaten path experience, head to the idyllic village of Mararikulam, located near Alleppey. Enjoy the pristine beaches, indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, and witness the traditional fishing techniques used by the local fishermen. Another hidden gem is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird lovers, located near Kochi. Explore the lush green forest and spot a wide variety of bird species.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.