A 5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary to Kerala

  1. Day 1: Kochi
    Approximately 45 minutes (22 km) from Cochin International Airport

    Start the day by visiting the Fort Kochi Beach followed by a tour of historical landmarks including Mattancherry Palace and the St. Francis Church. Later, head to the bustling Marine Drive for some delicious street food and scenic views of the backwaters.

  2. Day 2: Munnar
    Approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes (135 km) from Kochi

    Begin the day with a visit to the Mattupetty Dam to enjoy a serene boat ride amidst lush greenery. Then, head to the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and savor some freshly brewed tea. Finally, visit the Eravikulam National Park to catch a glimpse of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

  3. Day 3: Thekkady
    Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (92 km) from Munnar

    Embark on a thrilling adventure in the Periyar National Park for an unforgettable experience of witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat. Afterward, enjoy an elephant ride at the Elephant Junction followed by a visit to the Periyar Lake, where you can go boating and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding forests.

  4. Day 4: Alleppey
    Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (132 km) from Thekkady

    Begin the day by exploring the serene Alappuzha Beach, followed by an enchanting backwater ride on a traditional houseboat. Along the way, stop at small villages to get a glimpse of the local culture and indulge in some freshly caught and cooked seafood. End the day with a stunning sunset view from the houseboat.

  5. Day 5: Kovalam
    Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (180 km) from Alleppey

    Visit the pristine and picturesque Kovalam Beach for a relaxing morning, followed by a visit to the Padmanabhapuram Palace - a fine example of traditional Kerala architecture. Afterward, visit the Neyyar Dam for boating, trekking, and a stunning view of the surrounding hills and forests.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Fort Kochi Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, ₹5 for Indian nationals and ₹100 for foreigners)
  • St. Francis Church (30 minutes, free)
  • Marine Drive street food (1 hour, prices vary)
  • Mattupetty Dam boat ride (1 hour, ₹500 for a two-seater boat)
  • Tea Museum (1 hour, ₹130 for Indian nationals and ₹400 for foreigners)
  • Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, ₹120 for Indian adults and ₹400 for foreign adults)
  • Periyar National Park (4 hours, ₹450 for Indian nationals and ₹1,430 for foreigners)
  • Elephant Junction (2 hours, ₹1,200 for a 30-minute elephant ride)
  • Periyar Lake boating (1 hour, ₹500 for a two-seater boat)
  • Alappuzha Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Backwater houseboat ride (6 hours, starting from ₹6,000 for a two-bedroom boat)
  • Kovalam Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Padmanabhapuram Palace (2 hours, ₹25 for Indian nationals and ₹300 for foreigners)
  • Neyyar Dam (3 hours, ₹10 for entry and ₹350 for boat ride)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹9,580 - ₹13,330

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a visit to the Idukki Dam or the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. For those with less time, consider combining days 2 and 3 by staying overnight in Thekkady instead of Munnar. Also, avoid traveling during the monsoon season from June to September as heavy rainfall can disrupt travel plans.

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