Welcome to Kerala! Start your family-friendly adventure in Kochi, also known as Cochin. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with charming colonial buildings and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, known for its exquisite murals, and the Jewish Synagogue, a fascinating cultural landmark. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Marine Drive promenade, enjoying the sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
Fort Kochi: Free, 3 hours
Mattancherry Palace: INR 10 per person, 1 hour
Jewish Synagogue: INR 5 per person, 1 hour
Marine Drive: Free, 2 hours
Sunday November 12: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its lush tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea production. Enjoy a traditional Keralite lunch amidst nature. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Eravikulam National Park, home to endangered Nilgiri tahr and stunning flora. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Attukad Waterfall.
Tea Museum: INR 150 per person, 2 hours
Eravikulam National Park: INR 125 per person, 3 hours
Attukad Waterfall: Free, 1 hour
Monday November 13: Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the morning, take a boat safari on Periyar Lake, spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Spice Plantations and learn about the various spices grown in Kerala. End the day with a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Periyar Boat Safari: INR 250 per person, 3 hours
Spice Plantations: Free, 1 hour
Kathakali Performance: INR 200 per person, 2 hours
Tuesday November 14: Alleppey
Make your way to Alleppey, known for its picturesque backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, embark on a leisurely houseboat ride through the tranquil backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a traditional Kerala-style lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the village life by visiting local paddy fields and interacting with the friendly locals. Spend the evening enjoying the sunset by the backwaters.
Houseboat Cruise: INR 5,000 per boat, 5 hours
Village Visit: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is Café Paradiso, offering a wide range of continental and Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Royal Tandoor where you can enjoy authentic North Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Harbour Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood dishes and stunning waterfront views. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Wednesday November 15: Kovalam
Travel to Kovalam, a popular beach destination known for its golden sandy beaches and relaxed ambiance. In the morning, unwind on the beautiful beaches and take a dip in the clear waters. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and indulge in watersports activities. End the day with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage.
Kovalam Beach: Free, 3 hours
Lighthouse Beach: Free, 2 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,500 per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to the famous Cafe Coffee Day located near the beach. They offer a variety of breakfast options including sandwiches, pancakes, and omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Waves Seafood Restaurant which is known for its delicious seafood dishes. They offer a wide range of seafood options such as grilled fish, prawns, and lobster. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Fusion Bay Restaurant which offers a mix of Indian and international cuisines. They have a great selection of curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday November 16: Thiruvananthapuram
Explore the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. In the morning, visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture. Enjoy a traditional Kerala-style lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating exhibits at the Napier Museum and the nearby Zoological Park. End the day with a relaxing stroll along the beautiful Shanghumukham Beach.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2 hours
Napier Museum: INR 20 per person, 2 hours
Zoological Park: INR 50 per person, 2 hours
Shanghumukham Beach: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Cafe Coffee Day: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day, a popular chain known for its freshly brewed coffee and tasty breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Aryaas: Enjoy a traditional Kerala-style lunch at Aryaas, a local restaurant known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. Try the dosas and idlis, and finish off with a refreshing glass of buttermilk. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Sarovaram: Indulge in a delightful dinner at Sarovaram, a waterfront restaurant overlooking the beautiful Sarovaram Lake. Known for its delectable seafood dishes and serene ambiance, this restaurant is perfect for a memorable dinner experience. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Friday November 17: Departure from Kochi
Say goodbye to the enchanting land of Kerala and head back to Kochi for your departure. Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs at the local markets. Enjoy a farewell lunch at a traditional Kerala restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum to learn about the region's rich cultural heritage. End your trip with a visit to the famous Cherai Beach to soak in the last moments of Kerala's natural beauty.
Shopping: Varies, 2 hours
Indo-Portuguese Museum: INR 25 per person, 1 hour
Cherai Beach: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
A delicious breakfast awaits you at Cafe Lattetude, where you can savor freshly brewed coffee and indulge in a variety of mouthwatering pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Dal Roti, where you can relish an authentic Indian thali with a variety of curries, breads, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
In the evening, dine at Rice Boat, a popular seafood restaurant known for its delectable fish and prawn dishes cooked in traditional Keralan style. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path experiences, consider visiting the charming town of Varkala, known for its stunning cliffs and serene beaches. Explore the backwater village of Kumarakom for a unique glimpse into local life and traditional fishing techniques. If you're looking for adventure, head to Wayanad and trek through its picturesque landscapes. And don't miss the opportunity to try authentic Kerala cuisine like appam, puttu, and fish curry at local eateries.
To check hotel and flight prices for your Kerala trip, visit KAYAK.