Kerala, Tamil Nadu Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Friday, September 29, 2023: Arrival in Kerala

Welcome to Kerala! Start your trip by arriving at the Cochin International Airport. After checking in to your hotel and freshening up, spend the morning exploring Fort Kochi. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, take a relaxing backwater cruise in Alleppey. Enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters and witness the local village life. In the evening, stroll along Fort Kochi Beach and grab some delicious local street food.

  • Fort Kochi: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
  • Alleppey Backwater Cruise: Estimated Cost - INR 1,500 per person, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
  • Fort Kochi Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Saturday, September 30, 2023: Munnar's Tranquil Beauty

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar in the morning. Marvel at the picturesque tea plantations and visit the famous Tea Museum, where you can learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while taking in the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a visit to the stunning Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the serene reservoir.

  • Munnar Tea Museum: Estimated Cost - INR 150 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Eravikulam National Park: Estimated Cost - INR 120 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Mattupetty Dam: Estimated Cost - INR 10 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Sunday, October 1, 2023: Exploring Thekkady's Wildlife

Head to Thekkady, known for its wildlife and spice plantations. Start your day with an exciting jungle safari in Periyar National Park, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. After the safari, visit a spice plantation and learn about the various spices grown in the region. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing the vibrant culture of Kerala.

  • Periyar National Park Safari: Estimated Cost - INR 450 per person, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
  • Spice Plantation Visit: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated Cost - INR 300 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Monday, October 2, 2023: Backwaters of Kumarakom

Travel to Kumarakom, a charming village famous for its backwaters and bird sanctuary. Start your day with a relaxing houseboat cruise through the backwaters. Indulge in a traditional Kerala-style lunch on the houseboat while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to numerous species of birds. Spend the evening exploring the local markets and savoring delicious seafood.

  • Kumarakom Houseboat Cruise: Estimated Cost - INR 8,000 for a private houseboat (up to 5 people), Time Spent - 5-6 hours
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Estimated Cost - INR 50 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Tuesday, October 3, 2023: Historical Charm of Madurai

Travel to Madurai, a city known for its rich history and impressive temples. Begin your day by visiting the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the largest and most famous temples in India. Explore the intricately carved pillars and marvel at the colorful Gopurams. In the afternoon, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an architectural marvel showcasing the blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles. Witness the evening Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

  • Meenakshi Amman Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: Estimated Cost - INR 50 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Wednesday, October 4, 2023: Tranquil Beaches of Kanyakumari

Head to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet. Begin your day by witnessing the mesmerizing sunrise at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Take a ferry to the memorial and explore the meditation hall. Visit the Thiruvalluvar Statue, a 133-feet tall statue dedicated to the poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. Spend the evening relaxing at Kanyakumari Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Estimated Cost - INR 30 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Thiruvalluvar Statue: Estimated Cost - INR 30 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Kanyakumari Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Thursday, October 5, 2023: Departure from Kerala

On your last day, explore the city of Trivandrum. Visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Afterward, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a diverse collection of artifacts and artwork. Finally, head to Kovalam Beach to relax and soak up the sun. Bid farewell to Kerala as you depart from Trivandrum International Airport.

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Estimated Cost - INR 20 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Kovalam Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

One hidden gem in Kerala is the village of Varkala. Known for its stunning cliffs and pristine beaches, it offers a laid-back atmosphere and is perfect for family-friendly relaxation. Another local favorite is the picturesque town of Ooty in Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by beautiful tea gardens, it offers scenic train rides, boating in the lake, and a visit to the charming Botanical Gardens.

For more information on hotels and flight prices, you can check here.

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