Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Kerala: A 7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary
Tuesday, August 29: Arrival in Kochi
Welcome to Kochi, the gateway to Kerala! Start your journey by exploring Fort Kochi, a historical neighborhood known for its charming colonial architecture. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Indo-Portuguese Museum and the Dutch Palace. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Marine Drive, enjoying the scenic views of the backwaters.
Chinese Fishing Nets & St. Francis Church: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 1 hour
For a delicious breakfast, head to The Teapot Cafe, known for its cozy ambiance and extensive menu of freshly brewed teas and scrumptious pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try Oceanos Restaurant, located near the Fort Kochi Beach. This seafood specialty restaurant offers a wide range of mouthwatering dishes like grilled tiger prawns and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Kashi Art Cafe, a charming art gallery-cum-restaurant. Feast on their delectable fusion cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas and creamy pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Wednesday, August 30: Alleppey - Venice of the East
Embark on a mesmerizing houseboat journey through the famous backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, board your traditional houseboat and cruise along the serene canals, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, witness the beautiful paddy fields and quaint villages along the way. As the evening approaches, savor a magical sunset over the backwaters, creating a truly unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Houseboat Rental: Starts from INR 6,000 per day, Time spent - Full day
Thursday, August 31: Thekkady - Wildlife Adventure
Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady. In the morning, embark on a thrilling jungle safari and spot diverse wildlife, including elephants, deer, and if lucky, even tigers. In the afternoon, take a peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests. As the evening sets in, explore the vibrant spice markets of Thekkady, where you can buy aromatic spices as souvenirs.
Jungle Safari: Entrance fee - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
Boat Ride on Periyar Lake: Entrance fee - INR 150 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Spice Market: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Nirvana Cafe: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Nirvana Cafe, known for its cozy ambiance and delectable homemade pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Grand Kerala Restaurant: Indulge in traditional Kerala cuisine for lunch at Grand Kerala Restaurant. From the flavorful fish curry to mouthwatering appams, this restaurant offers a true taste of Kerala. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Spice Garden: Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Spice Garden, a charming restaurant nestled amidst lush greenery. With a menu featuring a fusion of Kerala and international dishes, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, September 1: Munnar - Hill Station Delight
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the scenic Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a peaceful boat ride amidst the misty mountains. In the afternoon, explore the renowned Tea Museum, where you can learn about the tea production process. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk through the aromatic tea gardens and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding nature.
Tea Museum: Entrance fee - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Tea Gardens: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Manna Bistro: Start your day with a delicious and healthy breakfast at Manna Bistro. They offer a variety of fresh juices, smoothie bowls, and wholesome sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Silver Spoon: For a delightful lunch experience, head to Silver Spoon. This restaurant specializes in traditional Kerala cuisine, serving flavorsome curries, biryanis, and seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
The Raintree: Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Raintree for dinner. This restaurant offers a blend of Kerala and international cuisines, with a focus on using organic and locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Saturday, September 2: Wayanad - Nature's Abode
Indulge in the natural beauty of Wayanad, a lush green district nestled in the Western Ghats. In the morning, visit the iconic Edakkal Caves and explore the ancient rock carvings. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling trek to Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. As the evening sets in, relax by the mesmerizing Soochipara Waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing dip in its cool waters.
Edakkal Caves: Entrance fee - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Chembra Peak Trek: Entrance fee - INR 500 per group, Time spent - 4-5 hours
Soochipara Waterfalls: Entrance fee - INR 80 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Sunday, September 3: Kovalam - Beach Bliss
Relax and unwind in the picturesque coastal town of Kovalam. In the morning, spend quality time with your family on the pristine beaches of Kovalam, known for their golden sands and clear blue waters. In the afternoon, visit the famous Lighthouse Beach and enjoy thrilling water sports activities. As the evening approaches, witness the mesmerizing sunset from Hawa Beach and indulge in delicious seafood at the local beachside restaurants.
Lighthouse Beach: Free, Time spent - Full day
Water Sports Activities: Starts from INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Hawa Beach: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Monday, September 4: Trivandrum - Cultural Heritage
Explore the vibrant city of Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. In the morning, visit the magnificent Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Napier Museum and Art Gallery, housing a vast collection of artifacts and artworks. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk through the lush green lawns of the Kanakakunnu Palace and enjoy the cultural performances held there.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Entrance fee - INR 20, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Kanakakunnu Palace: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, head to the peaceful village of Kumarakom. Explore the serene backwaters, visit the beautiful bird sanctuary, and enjoy a traditional houseboat stay amidst nature. Kumarakom offers a tranquil retreat away from the bustling tourist spots, allowing you to experience the true essence of Kerala.
For more information on hotel and flight prices, you can check here.