A Week in Kerala: Family Friendly Itinerary

Monday October 30: Arrival in Kochi

Welcome to Kerala! Start your trip in the bustling city of Kochi. In the morning, visit the historic Fort Kochi area and explore the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on the backwaters and enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastal landscape. As the evening sets in, head to Marine Drive for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade and savor delicious local street food.

• Fort Kochi: INR 100, 3 hours
• Backwater Boat Ride: INR 500, 2 hours
• Marine Drive: Free, 1 hour

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Kayees Rahmathulla Café in Fort Kochi. Known for its fluffy appams and delicious egg curry, it is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
• If you're looking for a place for lunch, try Dhe Puttu in Ernakulam. This restaurant specializes in serving different varieties of puttu, a traditional Kerala dish made with steamed rice flour and coconut. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit The Rice Boat in Kochi. Located on a floating restaurant, it offers a unique dining experience along with a wide range of seafood delicacies. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.

Tuesday October 31: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy panoramic views of the rolling hills. In the afternoon, explore the breathtaking Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the serene lake. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk through the picturesque tea gardens and enjoy the pleasant weather.

• Tea Museum: INR 150, 2 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: INR 20, 2 hours
• Tea Garden Walk: Free, 1 hour

Wednesday November 1: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, famous for Periyar National Park, in the morning. Explore the park on a wildlife safari and spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. As the evening sets in, visit the bustling spice markets and learn about the aromatic spices grown in the region.

• Periyar National Park: INR 500, 4 hours
• Periyar Lake Boat Ride: INR 150, 2 hours
• Spice Markets: Free, 1 hour

Thursday November 2: Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, known for its enchanting backwaters, in the morning. Embark on a houseboat cruise and enjoy the tranquility of the backwaters while savoring delicious Kerala cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque village life along the backwaters and interact with the local community. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: INR 10,000 (approx.), 6 hours
• Backwater Village Visit: Free, 2 hours
• Sunset Over Backwaters: Free, 1 hour

Friday November 3: Kovalam

Head to the coastal town of Kovalam in the morning. Spend the morning relaxing on the pristine beaches and indulging in water sports activities. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Kovalam Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. As the evening sets in, explore the vibrant beachside markets and savor mouthwatering seafood dishes.

• Kovalam Beach: Free, 3 hours
• Kovalam Lighthouse: INR 20, 1 hour
• Beachside Markets: Varies, 2 hours

Saturday November 4: Thiruvananthapuram

Visit the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, in the morning. Explore the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to admire its collection of ancient artifacts and paintings. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll in the lush greenery of the Shanghumukham Beach.

• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2 hours
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: INR 20, 2 hours
• Shanghumukham Beach: Free, 1 hour

Sunday November 5: Departure from Kochi

End your trip in Kochi. In the morning, visit the iconic Jew Town and explore the historical Jewish Synagogue. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant markets of Broadway and indulge in some last-minute shopping. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

• Jew Town and Jewish Synagogue: Free, 2 hours
• Broadway Markets: Varies, 2 hours
• Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 300-500, 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience, visit the Athirappilly Waterfalls, known as the "Niagara Falls of India." Enjoy the breathtaking views and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools. Another hidden gem is the Kappil Beach in Kasaragod, offering serenity and stunning sunset views. Kids will love the Wonderla Amusement Park in Kochi, featuring thrilling rides and entertainment for all ages.

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