Welcome to Kochi, the gateway to Kerela! Start your trip by exploring Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial architecture. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and stroll along the picturesque Fort Kochi Beach. In the afternoon, explore the quaint streets of Jew Town and visit the Paradesi Synagogue. As the evening sets in, watch a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerela.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Fort Kochi Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated Cost - INR 300-500 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Cafe Madras for a delightful breakfast experience in Fort Kochi. Indulge in delicious South Indian dishes like dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a flavorful lunch, visit Kashi Art Cafe located in the heart of Fort Kochi. Enjoy their fresh and healthy salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Oceanos Restaurant. With a focus on seafood, this restaurant offers a variety of coastal delicacies cooked to perfection. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, October 12: Munnar - Hill Station Beauty
Head to Munnar, a breathtaking hill station famous for its tea plantations. Spend the morning exploring the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process at the Tea Museum. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride. End the day with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Tea Museum: Estimated Cost - INR 150 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Mattupetty Dam: Estimated Cost - INR 10 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Eravikulam National Park: Estimated Cost - INR 125 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Café Retreat: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Café Retreat, located near Munnar's tea gardens. They serve a variety of breakfast options, including freshly brewed tea, sandwiches, and omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
Rapsy Restaurant: For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerela cuisine. They offer a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including biryani and fish curry. The average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
Taste of Kerela: Experience the flavors of Kerela at Taste of Kerela for dinner. This restaurant serves traditional Kerela delicacies like appam, fish molee, and beef fry. The average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
Friday, October 13: Alleppey Backwaters
Experience the magical backwaters of Alleppey today. Start your morning with a serene houseboat cruise, gliding through the tranquil backwaters while enjoying the scenic beauty. In the afternoon, explore the charming village life and interact with the locals. End the day with a mesmerizing sunset view over the backwaters.
Houseboat Cruise: Estimated Cost - INR 6,000-10,000 per night (for a family), Time Spent - Full day
Village Exploration: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Verandah Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious breakfast spread of traditional Kerela dishes and international cuisine, overlooking the serene backwaters. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Poovath Restaurant: Indulge in a traditional lunch experience at this restaurant, known for its authentic Kerela delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Paragon Restaurant: For dinner, head to Paragon Restaurant, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about INR 1000 per person.
Saturday, October 14: Thekkady - Wildlife Encounter
Visit Thekkady, a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. Start your day with a thrilling boat ride in Periyar Lake, where you can spot various animals and birds in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the different spices grown in the region. End the day with a cultural show showcasing the traditional art forms of Kerela.
Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 500 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Spice Plantation Visit: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Cultural Show: Estimated Cost - INR 200-300 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Pepper Cafe which offers a wide range of freshly brewed coffee, sandwiches, and traditional Kerala breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, try Elephant Junction Restaurant located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. They serve delicious Kerala delicacies like appam and stew, seafood curry, and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For dinner, visit Spice Village Restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine cooked with organic spices. Enjoy a variety of dishes like fish curry, Malabar biryani, and Kerala parotta. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Sunday, October 15: Kovalam Beach
Relax and unwind at Kovalam Beach, one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerela. Spend the morning sunbathing and swimming in the pristine waters. In the afternoon, indulge in some water sports activities like surfing and parasailing. Don't miss the beautiful sunset at the Lighthouse Beach.
Kovalam Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - Full day
Water Sports Activities: Estimated Cost - INR 500-1000 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Monday, October 16: Thiruvananthapuram City Tour
Explore the vibrant city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerela. Start your day with a visit to the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, followed by a stroll through the lush greenery of Napier Museum and Zoo. In the afternoon, explore the historic Kuthira Malika Palace and enjoy a peaceful walk in the beautiful gardens. End the day with some shopping at the local markets.
Napier Museum and Zoo: Estimated Cost - INR 20 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Kuthira Malika Palace: Estimated Cost - INR 20 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Shopping at Local Markets: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Villa Maya - Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the serene ambience of Villa Maya. This restaurant offers a wide range of breakfast options including traditional Kerala dishes. The average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Lunch: The Terrace Greens - Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at The Terrace Greens. This restaurant serves a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The beautiful view from the terrace adds to the overall dining experience. The average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Dinner: The Rice Boat - Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at The Rice Boat, a famous seafood restaurant in Thiruvananthapuram. The restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes, cooked to perfection. The average cost for a meal is about INR 1000 per person.
Tuesday, October 17: Departure from Kochi
It's time to say goodbye to the beautiful land of Kerela. Depart from Kochi with lasting memories of your family-friendly adventure. Don't forget to pick up some traditional Kerela souvenirs as a memento of your trip!
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the Athirapally Waterfalls, located on the Chalakudy River. It's a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, offering a perfect spot for a picnic. Another hidden gem is the Mararikulam Beach, a tranquil and less crowded beach where you can unwind and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with your family.
Check out this website to find the best deals on hotels and flights for your Kerela trip.