4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kerala

  1. Day 1: Fort Kochi Beach
    30 minutes (9.3 km) from Cochin International Airport

    Explore the historic Fort Kochi Beach, home to the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Visit the 16th-century St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India. Take a walk along the Marine Drive promenade and enjoy a boat ride to witness the spectacular sunset.

  2. Day 2: Periyar National Park
    4.5 hours (155 km) from Fort Kochi Beach

    Visit the exotic Periyar National Park, one of India's largest nature reserves. Take a boat ride on the serene Periyar Lake and spot the Asian elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Enjoy the unique experience of bamboo rafting across the streams and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

  3. Day 3: Varkala Beach and Lighthouse
    4 hours (140 km) from Periyar National Park

    Visit the beautiful Varkala Beach, featuring mineral springs and cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. Explore the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and take a dip in the holy waters. Visit the lighthouse on top of the cliff, offering a panoramic view of the sea and beach.

  4. Day 4: Alleppey Houseboats
    2 hours (85 km) from Varkala Beach

    Enjoy a serene boat ride on the famous backwaters of Alleppey. Spend the day on a traditional houseboat, cruising through the interconnected lagoons, canals, and rivers. Enjoy a delicious Kerala lunch served on the boat and witness the unique lifestyle of the people living along the backwaters.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • St. Francis Church (1 hour, free)
  • Marine Drive Promenade (1 hour, free)
  • Periyar National Park (5 hours, INR 450+ per adult)
  • Bamboo Rafting (3 hours, INR 1500+ per person)
  • Varkala Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Lighthouse (1 hour, INR 25+ per person)
  • Alleppey Houseboats (5-6 hours, INR 8000+ per boat, including lunch)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per adult): INR 6400+

Useful Tips

For an extended trip, stay overnight on one of the houseboats along the backwaters of Alleppey. Visit the recommended places during the week to avoid the weekends' crowds. In the summer, stay hydrated and carry a hat and an umbrella to protect from heat stroke. Kerala gets rainy during the monsoon, so check the weather before visiting.

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