Begin your Kerala adventure in Cochin, a city known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, an ancient fishing technique that has been in use for centuries. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the serene backwaters in the afternoon and immerse yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings. In the evening, explore Fort Kochi and its charming streets lined with colonial-era buildings.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Backwater Boat Ride: Cost - INR 500 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 2 hours
Fort Kochi: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Cassava - Start your day with a delicious traditional Kerala breakfast at Cassava. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of authentic dishes such as appam and puttu. The average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Dal Roti - For lunch, head to Dal Roti to enjoy flavorful North Indian cuisine. This restaurant serves a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including tasty curries and freshly baked naans. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Paragon Restaurant - Treat yourself to a sumptuous seafood dinner at Paragon Restaurant. Known for its mouthwatering prawn and fish preparations, this restaurant offers a delightful mix of Indian and Chinese cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Sunday, November 19: Munnar's Tea Gardens
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station renowned for its breathtaking tea plantations. Start your morning with a visit to the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while soaking in the mesmerizing views. In the afternoon, explore the sprawling tea gardens and take a leisurely walk amidst the aromatic tea bushes. End your day with a visit to the beautiful Attukal Waterfalls.
Tata Tea Museum: Cost - INR 100 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 2 hours
Attukal Waterfalls: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
The Coffee Bean - A cozy cafe offering a variety of breakfast options like sandwiches, pancakes, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 250 per person.
Rosemary Restaurant - A family-friendly eatery serving delicious Indian and Chinese dishes for lunch. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 350 per person.
Green Leaf - This restaurant offers a wide range of dinner options including traditional Kerala cuisine and seafood. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Monday, November 20: Wildlife Safari in Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise, and explore the Periyar National Park. Start your day with an exhilarating wildlife safari in the morning, where you may spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake and witness the stunning beauty of the surrounding forest. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Spice Plantations to learn about the aromatic spices grown in the region.
Periyar National Park: Cost - INR 450 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 4 hours
Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Cost - INR 225 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 2 hours
Spice Plantations: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Thekkady is Cafe Coffee Day, offering a variety of beverages, baked goods, and sandwiches. The average cost for a breakfast here is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, try Bamboo Cafe, a charming restaurant known for its organic and vegetarian options. Enjoy dishes like lentil curry, vegetable biryani, and coconut rice. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
In the evening, dine at Spice Garden Restaurant, where you can savor authentic Kerala cuisine with a modern twist. From seafood delicacies to traditional thalis, this restaurant offers a wide range of flavors. The average cost for a dinner here is about Rs. 500 per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Backwater Bliss in Alleppey
Experience the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha. Begin your day with a houseboat cruise along the backwaters, witnessing the idyllic scenery and local village life. Enjoy a traditional Keralan lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque canals and indulge in activities like fishing and canoeing. Spend the evening strolling along the tranquil beaches and watching a mesmerizing sunset.
Alleppey Houseboat Cruise: Cost - Starts from INR 6,000 per night (approx.), Time Spent - 24 hours
Canal Exploration: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
Alleppey Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at Café Catamaran for a delicious breakfast overlooking the backwaters. Enjoy a variety of options including traditional Kerala cuisine and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Paradise Biryani where you can savor the famous Hyderabadi biryani with a Keralan twist. They also offer a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous seafood dinner at Cassia Restaurant. Located by the beach, this restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes prepared with local spices. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Serene Varkala Beach
Travel to Varkala, a coastal town known for its stunning cliffs and beautiful beaches. Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Varkala Beach, where you can relax, swim, and soak up the sun. Afterward, explore the fascinating Varkala Cliff, lined with shops, restaurants, and yoga centers. Witness a mesmerizing sunset from the cliff, creating a magical ambiance. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner in one of the beachside restaurants.
Varkala Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 4 hours
Varkala Cliff: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Seafood Dinner: Cost - Starts from INR 500 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Café Italiano, a charming restaurant known for its delicious Italian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Sea Breeze Restaurant, located right on the beach. Enjoy freshly caught seafood dishes while taking in the stunning ocean views. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
In the evening, dine at Abba Restaurant, a popular spot known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Indulge in traditional dishes like fish curry and appam while enjoying a lively atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Thursday, November 23: Tranquil Kumarakom
Head to Kumarakom, a serene village located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Start your day with a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to numerous species of birds. Take a relaxing boat ride on the lake in the afternoon and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Spend the evening indulging in Ayurvedic treatments and experiencing a rejuvenating massage.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Cost - INR 50 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 2 hours
Lake Boat Ride: Cost - INR 500 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 2 hours
Ayurvedic Treatments: Cost - Starts from INR 1,000 (approx.), Time Spent - 1 hour
Friday, November 24: Discovering Kovalam
Conclude your Kerala journey with a visit to the beautiful coastal town of Kovalam. Start your day by relaxing on the pristine beaches of Kovalam, known for their golden sands and clear waters. Engage in water sports activities like swimming and surfing. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and climb to the top for panoramic views of the coastline. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Kovalam Beaches: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 4 hours
Lighthouse Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Seafood Dinner: Cost - Starts from INR 500 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 1 hour
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a family-friendly off the beaten path experience, visit the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, located near Cochin. It is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to spot rare and endemic bird species. Another hidden gem is the Palaruvi Waterfalls in Kollam district. The cascading waterfalls amidst lush greenery create a magical atmosphere. Both these attractions provide a unique and memorable experience for families visiting Kerala.