Welcome to Kerala! Start your family-friendly adventure by exploring the vibrant city of Kochi. In the morning, visit Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque streets and visit the iconic St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, head to the Kerala Folklore Museum, where you can learn about the state's rich cultural heritage through fascinating artifacts and performances. End the day with a relaxing evening at Marine Drive, a scenic promenade offering stunning views of the sunset over the backwaters.
Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Kerala Folklore Museum: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Café Coffee Day: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at this popular café chain located in Fort Kochi. They offer a variety of breakfast options, including sandwiches, pastries, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Tuesday, November 14: Munnar's Natural Beauty
Embark on a picturesque journey to Munnar, a hill station known for its breathtaking landscapes. Start your morning by visiting the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the region's tea production and enjoy panoramic views of tea plantations. In the afternoon, explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and beautiful rolling hills. Don't miss the stunning Mattupetty Dam, where you can take a boat ride and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the evening in the enchanting Top Station, offering awe-inspiring views of the Western Ghats.
Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 150 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 120 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Mattupetty Dam: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Top Station: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant and indulge in their wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Eastend Munnar Restaurant, offering a range of Indian, Chinese, and continental delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Wednesday, November 15: Backwaters of Alleppey
Indulge in the serene beauty of the famous backwaters in Alleppey. Spend the morning exploring the backwater canals on a traditional houseboat. Enjoy the picturesque views of lush greenery, paddy fields, and local life along the banks. In the afternoon, visit the Alleppey Beach, where your family can relax, build sandcastles, and enjoy the gentle waves of the Arabian Sea. Conclude the day with a visit to the Alappuzha Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Houseboat Backwater Cruise: Estimated cost - Starts from INR 7,000 for a day, Time spent - Full day
Alappuzha Lighthouse: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Royale. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options including freshly baked pastries, fluffy omelettes, and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head over to Seafood Junction and enjoy a delectable seafood feast. This restaurant is known for its mouthwatering fish curry, grilled prawns, and traditional Kerala meals. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Treat your family to a memorable dinner at The Dream Catcher Restaurant. This charming restaurant offers a mix of Indian and international cuisines. Savor the flavors of their delicious biryani, grilled chicken, and homemade desserts. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, November 16: Thrilling Adventures in Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise, famous for Periyar National Park. Start your morning with a boat safari in Periyar Lake, where you can spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and birds in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, engage in an exciting elephant ride or go for a spice plantation tour, where you can learn about various spices and their cultivation. End the day with a visit to the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre for an enthralling traditional martial arts performance.
Boat Safari in Periyar Lake: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Elephant Ride or Spice Plantation Tour: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Kadathanadan Kalari Centre: Estimated cost - INR 250 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Misty Mountain Delights: Enjoy a hearty breakfast with stunning views at Misty Mountain Delights. Indulge in their delicious South Indian dishes and refreshing beverages. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Spice Garden Restaurant: Treat yourself to a scrumptious lunch at Spice Garden Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their flavorsome biryani and mouth-watering seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Serenity Sunset Grill: For a delightful dinner experience, head to Serenity Sunset Grill. Their menu offers a variety of grilled specialties with a stunning view of the sunset over Thekkady. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Friday, November 17: Serenity in Kovalam
Relax and rejuvenate in the beautiful coastal town of Kovalam. Start your day by unwinding on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse at Vizhinjam, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Treat your taste buds with delicious seafood at a beachside restaurant. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant local markets and indulging in some shopping.
Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Shopping at Local Markets: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious Indian breakfast at Arya Bhavan. This vegetarian restaurant offers a variety of South Indian dishes such as idli, dosa, and uttapam. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, head to Waves Seafood Restaurant located right on Kovalam Beach. Indulge in mouthwatering seafood delicacies like grilled fish, prawn curry, and lobster. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Curry Leaf, a cozy restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try local favorites like appam with stew, fish curry, and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Saturday, November 18: Departure from Kochi
As your family-friendly journey comes to an end, take some time to explore the remaining attractions in Kochi. Visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Take a stroll through Jew Town, known for its antique shops and the historic Paradesi Synagogue. Bid farewell to Kerala with wonderful memories of your family adventure.
Indo-Portuguese Museum: Estimated cost - INR 25 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at Mocha Art Cafe, a charming cafe with a cozy ambiance and delicious breakfast options. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with dishes like pancakes, eggs benedict, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Oceanos Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and stunning sea views. Indulge in a mouthwatering seafood platter or try their famous fish curry with steamed rice. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day at The Rice Boat, a popular dinner spot where you can savor authentic Kerala cuisine served in a traditional houseboat setting. Delight in dishes like appam with chicken stew, fish moilee, and biryani. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, consider visiting the Elephant Junction in Thekkady, where you can interact with elephants, participate in bathing sessions, and even go for an elephant ride. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local cuisine, especially the traditional Kerala Sadhya, a delicious feast served on banana leaves. Kerala is also known for its Ayurvedic wellness centers, offering rejuvenating massages and treatments for the whole family to enjoy.