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Kerala Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Monday, January 1: Arrival in Kochi

Welcome to Kerala! Begin your trip in Kochi, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. In the morning, visit Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with charming colonial buildings and bustling markets. Explore the iconic Chinese fishing nets and take a leisurely walk along the picturesque promenade. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, a beautiful Portuguese-style palace showcasing traditional Kerala murals. As the evening sets in, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian dance-drama unique to Kerala.

  • Fort Kochi: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Mattancherry Palace: ₹10 ($0.14), 1-2 hours
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: ₹300-500 ($4.20-$7), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • A popular breakfast spot in Kochi is Kayee's Café, located in Fort Kochi. They serve delicious South Indian breakfast dishes like dosa and idli. The average cost for a meal here is about 100 INR per person.
  • For lunch, head to Oceanos Restaurant in Kochi, known for its seafood dishes. They offer a variety of fresh fish, prawns, and crab preparations. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
  • Fancy a dinner by the waterfront? Try Seagull Restaurant in Fort Kochi. They offer a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, January 2: Munnar's Tea Gardens

Start your day with a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station famous for its lush tea plantations. In the morning, explore the sprawling tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process at a tea museum. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea amidst the picturesque surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Take a guided trek through the park for breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Attukad Waterfalls.

  • Munnar Tea Gardens: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Tea Museum: ₹120 ($1.68), 1-2 hours
  • Eravikulam National Park: ₹120 ($1.68) for entry, 3-4 hours
  • Attukad Waterfalls: Free, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, January 3: Backwaters of Alleppey

Embark on a memorable houseboat journey through the serene backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat equipped with all modern amenities and cruise along the narrow canals, witnessing the idyllic rural life of Kerala. Indulge in a delicious traditional lunch prepared onboard. In the afternoon, explore the charming villages and interact with the friendly locals. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the tranquil backwaters before spending a peaceful night on the houseboat.

  • Houseboat Cruise: ₹8,000-15,000 ($112-$210) for a day, overnight stay
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Café Kerala, a cozy eatery known for serving traditional Kerala breakfast specialties such as appam, puttu, and dosa. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
  • For lunch, try The Grand Spice Restaurant, which offers a wide range of delicious Kerala dishes, including freshly caught seafood and aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
  • In the evening, dine at Kashi Art Café, a charming café and art gallery that serves a mix of Indian and international cuisine. Enjoy their wood-fired pizzas and delectable pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, January 4: Wildlife Safari in Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife. In the morning, embark on an exciting wildlife safari through the dense forests. Keep an eye out for elephants, tigers, and various bird species. After the safari, visit the Spice Plantations and learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show showcasing traditional music and dance forms of Kerala.

  • Periyar National Park Safari: ₹600 ($8.40), 3-4 hours
  • Spice Plantations: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Cultural Show: ₹200-300 ($2.80-$4.20), 1-2 hours
Friday, January 5: Beach Day in Kovalam

Travel to Kovalam, a picturesque beach town with golden sands and clear blue waters. Spend the morning relaxing on the beautiful beaches, soaking up the sun, and swimming in the sea. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and explore the bustling local markets. Opt for an Ayurvedic massage or yoga session to rejuvenate your body and mind. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Arabian Sea.

  • Kovalam Beaches: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Lighthouse Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Ayurvedic Massage or Yoga: ₹500-1,000 ($7-$14), 1-2 hours
Saturday, January 6: Explore Thrissur's Cultural Heritage

Head to Thrissur, known as the cultural capital of Kerala. In the morning, visit the Vadakkunnathan Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the intricate architecture and observe the rituals. In the afternoon, visit the Thrissur Zoo and learn about the diverse wildlife of Kerala. Take a stroll through the Thrissur City Center, known for its vibrant markets and delicious street food. End the day with a visit to the Athirappilly Waterfalls, one of the largest waterfalls in India.

  • Vadakkunnathan Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Thrissur Zoo: ₹20 ($0.28), 2-3 hours
  • Athirappilly Waterfalls: ₹20 ($0.28) for entry, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant serves piping hot idlis and crispy dosas. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
  • For lunch, head to the Zameer Restaurant for some authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their mouthwatering seafood dishes like fish curry and prawns roast. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
  • In the evening, dine at the Paragon Restaurant and savor their delectable Kerala-style biryani. Don't miss their famous butter chicken as well. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, January 7: Departure from Kochi

On your last day, explore more of Kochi or take a relaxing morning at your hotel. In the afternoon, say goodbye to Kerala as you depart from Kochi. Cherish the memories of your family-friendly trip and plan to visit Kerala again!

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the tranquil village of Kumarakom, nestled on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Explore the bird sanctuaries, enjoy boat rides, and experience the local village life. Another hidden gem is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts. Locals also love the traditional art form of Theyyam, which combines dance, music, and vibrant costumes. Experience a Theyyam performance in one of the small towns around Kannur.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

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