10-Day Family-Friendly Kerala Itinerary

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   1 hour (10 miles) from Kochi International Airport

   Visit the St. Francis Church and stroll through the Fort Kochi Beach. Discover Kerala's rich history and culture through the European architecture, art galleries, and cafes in this area.

2. Day 2: Athirapally Waterfalls
   2 hours (40 miles) from Fort Kochi

   Embark on a scenic drive through lush green forests to witness the stunning Athirapally Waterfalls. Be carried away by the powerful flow of this natural beauty and enjoy a picnic with your family.

3. Day 3: Munnar
   5 hours (130 miles) from Athirapally Waterfalls

   Explore the breathtaking hill station of Munnar - known for its tea plantations, spice gardens, and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a guided nature walk and learn about the region's flora and fauna.

4. Day 4: Thekkady
   2.5 hours (75 miles) from Munnar

   Watch Kathakali shows and Magic shows at the Periyar Lake in Thekkady, an area known for its wildlife and nature conservation. Explore the Periyar tiger reserve and bring out your adventurous side with trekking and camping options.

5. Day 5: Kumarakom
   4 hours (110 miles) from Thekkady

   Take a houseboat ride across the serene Kumarakom backwaters, known for their mangroves, coconut groves, and paddy fields. Experience the tranquil beauty of rural Kerala and its culture through food and art.

6. Day 6: Varkala Beach
   4.5 hours (125 miles) from Kumarakom

   Enjoy a leisurely day at the Varkala Beach, surrounded by cliffs, spas, and cafes. Bask in the sun while your family goes for a swim or tries surfing or paddleboarding.

7. Day 7: Kovalam Beach
   1 hour (30 miles) from Varkala Beach

   Discover Kovalam Beach and its many flavors, including the lighthouse beach, the Hawah beach, and the Samudra beach. Have the perfect beach day by indulging in local seafood, beach volleyball, and beach yoga.

8. Day 8: Kanyakumari
   2.5 hours (80 miles) from Kovalam Beach

   Observe the picturesque convergence of three oceans at the southernmost point of mainland India at Kanyakumari. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue and watch the sunrise and sunset from the beach.

9. Day 9: Coir Village Lake Resort
   3 hours (95 miles) from Kanyakumari

   Experience the rural life of Kerala at the Coir Village Lake Resort. Enjoy a refreshing stay amidst coconut groves, traditional archery, and local cuisine. Go for other activities such as bird-watching, fishing, or a village tour.

10. Day 10: Kochi
    2.5 hours (70 miles) from Coir Village Lake Resort

    Conclude your trip with some last-minute shopping at Fort Kochi's local markets or visit the Mattancherry Palace to learn Kerala's rich history and culture better.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Athirapally Waterfalls (1-2 hours, $5 per person)
• Munnar (1-2 days, $20-30 per day per person)
• Thekkady (1-2 days, $10-20 per day per person)
• Kumarakom (1-2 days, $20-30 per day per person)
• Varkala Beach (1 day, $10-15 per person)
• Kovalam Beach (1 day, $10-15 per person)
• Kanyakumari (1 day, $5-10 per person)
• Coir Village Lake Resort (1 day, $50-100 per person)

Useful Tips

You can extend your stay in Munnar or Thekkady to enjoy more nature activities such as trekking or camping. Alternatively, you can shorten your trip by skipping one of the beach destinations, depending on your family's preferences.