Kerala Family Adventure

Thursday, August 31: Arrive in Kochi

Welcome to Kochi, the gateway to Kerala! Start your trip by exploring Fort Kochi in the morning. Take a leisurely walk through the narrow lanes lined with colonial-era buildings, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, and soak in the historical charm. In the afternoon, head to the Mattancherry neighborhood to explore the Dutch Palace and the Jewish Synagogue. As the evening sets in, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of Kerala art.

• Fort Kochi: INR 0, 3 hours
• Chinese Fishing Nets: INR 0, 1 hour
• Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): INR 5 (entry fee), 2 hours
• Jewish Synagogue: INR 5 (entry fee), 1 hour
• Kathakali Dance Show: INR 300-500 per person, 2 hours

Friday, September 1: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station renowned for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while soaking in the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a visit to the Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy a boat ride amidst the stunning landscapes.

• Tea Museum: INR 150 (entry fee), 2 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 (entry fee), 3 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: INR 10 (entry fee), 2 hours

Saturday, September 2: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, known for its wildlife and spice plantations. Start your day with a thrilling boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you might spot elephants, bisons, and various bird species. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation and processing of spices. Enjoy a guided tour through the aromatic gardens and indulge in some spice shopping. Opt for an evening Kathakali or martial arts performance for a cultural experience.

• Periyar Lake Boat Ride: INR 400-700 per person, 3 hours
• Spice Plantation Tour: INR 100-200 per person, 2 hours
• Kathakali or Martial Arts Show: INR 300-500 per person, 2 hours

Sunday, September 3: Alleppey

Experience the beauty of the backwaters in Alleppey. Board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the serene backwaters, passing by lush green paddy fields and quaint villages. Enjoy a delicious Kerala-style meal prepared on board. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the houseboat, taking in the picturesque surroundings. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: INR 6,000-10,000 per night (for a family), 24 hours

Monday, September 4: Kovalam

Travel to the stunning beach town of Kovalam. Start your day by relaxing on the pristine beaches and taking a dip in the clear waters. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and climb up to the top for panoramic views. Explore the local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts. End the day with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, a specialty of Kerala.

• Kovalam Beaches: INR 0, 4 hours
• Lighthouse Beach: INR 0, 2 hours
• Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,000-3,000, 1-2 hours

Tuesday, September 5: Trivandrum

Visit the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). Start your day with a visit to the majestic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a famous Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture. Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Napier Museum and the nearby Kerala Science and Technology Museum. In the afternoon, relax at the beautiful Shangumugham Beach and witness the iconic sunset.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: INR 25 (entry fee), 2 hours
• Napier Museum: INR 20 (entry fee), 2 hours
• Kerala Science and Technology Museum: INR 20 (entry fee), 1 hour
• Shangumugham Beach: INR 0, 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Indian Coffee House, a popular local eatery known for its delicious South Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 100 per person.
• For lunch, try Villa Maya, a charming restaurant housed in a restored Dutch mansion. Indulge in their delectable Kerala cuisine while enjoying the elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
• For dinner, visit Buhari Restaurant, a legendary establishment known for its mouthwatering biryanis and kebabs. Feast on their flavorful dishes and experience the rich culinary heritage of Kerala. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.

Wednesday, September 6: Departure

Wrap up your Kerala adventure and depart from Trivandrum International Airport. Bid farewell to the beautiful land of Kerala, taking along unforgettable memories of your family-friendly journey.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the village of Kumbalangi, located near Kochi. Immerse yourself in the rural life of Kerala, take a boat ride through the mangrove forests, and interact with the friendly local villagers. You can also try your hand at traditional fishing techniques. This off-the-beaten-path destination showcases the authentic charm of Kerala and is perfect for families looking to connect with nature and local culture.