Welcome to Kerala! Begin your journey by arriving in Kochi, the gateway to this beautiful state. In the morning, visit the famous Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Mattancherry Palace, a historical landmark featuring stunning murals and artifacts. In the evening, take a relaxing sunset cruise along the backwaters of Kochi.
Fort Kochi: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Sunset Backwater Cruise: Estimated Cost - INR 500-1000 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Saturday, September 9: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its picturesque tea plantations. In the morning, explore the sprawling tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Munnar town.
Head to Thekkady, famous for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the morning, take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake and spot diverse wildlife. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the various spices grown here. In the evening, watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 450 (adults), INR 225 (children), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Spice Plantation: Estimated Cost - INR 200-500 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Kathakali Dance Show: Estimated Cost - INR 300-500 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day located in Thekkady. They offer a variety of breakfast options and their average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Bamboo Cafe, a popular restaurant serving traditional Kerala cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Spice Village Restaurant, known for its authentic flavors and ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, September 11: Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey, known for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the backwaters, enjoying scenic views and local delicacies. Have a relaxing lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the villages and paddy fields surrounding the backwaters. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset from the boat.
Houseboat Cruise: Estimated Cost - INR 8000-15000 per night (depending on the type of boat), Time Spent - Overnight
Backwater Village Exploration: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Catamaran, a charming restaurant located by the backwaters. Enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the traditional Kerala cuisine at Paradise Biryani House. Relish the flavors of fragrant biryanis, spicy curries, and flavorful seafood dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Dreamers Cafe, a cozy restaurant offering a mix of Indian and international dishes. Choose from their extensive menu including pasta, burgers, and authentic Kerala specialties. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 12: Kovalam
Continue your journey to Kovalam, a popular beach destination. In the morning, relax on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach and soak up the sun. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and explore the vibrant local markets. In the evening, unwind with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage.
Ayurvedic Massage: Estimated Cost - INR 1000-3000 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Curry Leaf Cafe, known for its delicious South Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try The Terrace Restaurant located right on the beachfront, offering a stunning view with a wide range of seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Spice Village, a multi-cuisine restaurant serving authentic Kerala dishes along with international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, September 13: Trivandrum
Head to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world. Explore the beautiful architecture and religious significance of the temple. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and the adjoining Zoological Gardens. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the scenic Marine Drive.
Start your morning at Cafe Coffee Day, located near Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Enjoy a variety of breakfast options including sandwiches and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Rahmaniya Hotel, known for its delicious Kerala cuisine. Try their famous biryani or fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Villa Maya, a beautiful restaurant housed in a colonial-style mansion. Indulge in their fusion of Indian and European dishes, accompanied by a wide selection of wines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, September 14: Departure
On your last day, bid farewell to Kerala and depart from Trivandrum. Take with you beautiful memories of this family-friendly journey through the enchanting state of Kerala.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the Athirapally Waterfalls, also known as the Niagara Falls of India. Located near Kochi, these breathtaking falls are surrounded by lush greenery and offer a refreshing escape from the city. Another hidden gem is the Varkala Beach, known for its pristine shoreline and stunning cliffs. Take a dip in the turquoise waters or simply relax on the golden sands. Locals also love the village of Kumarakom, nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Explore the serene backwaters, indulge in local cuisine, and experience the traditional lifestyle of the locals.