7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey

Thursday, December 21: Arrival in Kochi

Welcome to Kochi! Start your trip with a visit to Fort Kochi in the morning. Explore the picturesque streets, admire the colonial architecture, and visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. In the afternoon, head to the Mattancherry Palace to witness its beautiful murals. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional Indian art form.

• Fort Kochi: Free, 3 hours
• Mattancherry Palace: INR 5 (approx. $0.07), 1-2 hours
• Kathakali Performance: INR 300-500 (approx. $4-7), 2 hours

Restaurants

• Cinnamon: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cinnamon, known for its wide range of freshly baked goods and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• Rasoi: For lunch, head to Rasoi for an authentic Indian thali experience. Indulge in a variety of flavorful dishes served in traditional style. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• Ottupura: Enjoy a memorable dinner at Ottupura, a family-friendly restaurant offering a fusion of traditional Kerala and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Friday, December 22: Exploring Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, known for its lush green tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy breathtaking views. Afterward, explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the beautiful tea gardens.

• Tea Museum: INR 100 (approx. $1.40), 1-2 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 (approx. $1.70) per person, 2-3 hours
• Tea Garden Walk: Free, 1-2 hours

Saturday, December 23: Wildlife Safari in Thekkady

Head to Thekkady and start your day with an exciting wildlife safari in the Periyar National Park. In the morning, explore the park's diverse flora and fauna while cruising along the Periyar Lake. Afterward, visit the spice plantations and learn about the various spices grown in the region. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage.

• Periyar National Park: INR 450 (approx. $6.30) per person, 3-4 hours
• Spice Plantations: Free, 1-2 hours
• Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,500-3,000 (approx. $21-42), 1-2 hours

Sunday, December 24: Backwaters of Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, the Venice of the East, known for its stunning backwaters. In the morning, embark on a relaxing houseboat cruise through the backwaters, enjoying the scenic beauty and observing the local way of life. In the afternoon, explore the nearby beaches and indulge in some water activities. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: Starts from INR 6,000 (approx. $84), 4-5 hours
• Alleppey Beaches: Free, 2-3 hours
• Sunset over Backwaters: Free, 1 hour

Monday, December 25: Cultural Delights in Kochi

Return to Kochi and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. Start your day with a visit to the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the Commonwealth. In the afternoon, explore the bustling markets of Jew Town and indulge in some local shopping. In the evening, savor a traditional Kerala meal at a local restaurant.

• Paradesi Synagogue: INR 5 (approx. $0.07), 1-2 hours
• Jew Town Market: Free, 2-3 hours
• Traditional Kerala Meal: INR 300-500 (approx. $4-7), 1-2 hours

Tuesday, December 26: Beach Relaxation in Kochi

Spend a relaxing day by the beach in Kochi. In the morning, head to Cherai Beach, known for its golden sands and calm waters. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities. In the afternoon, visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum to learn about the history of Kochi's Portuguese influence. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance.

• Cherai Beach: Free, 4-5 hours
• Indo-Portuguese Museum: INR 25 (approx. $0.35), 1-2 hours
• Kathakali Performance: INR 300-500 (approx. $4-7), 2 hours

Wednesday, December 27: Departure

On your last day, take some time to explore more of Kochi's attractions based on your preferences. Bid farewell to this beautiful region and depart for your onward journey.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kochi, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the Kerala Folklore Museum to experience the rich cultural heritage of Kerala through art and artifacts. Take a ferry ride to the tranquil island of Vypeen and spend a peaceful day amidst the serene surroundings. For nature lovers, a visit to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, known for its diverse bird species, is a must. These off-the-beaten-path attractions offer unique experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey here.