7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Kerala

Day 1: Friday, February 23, 2024 - Arrival in Kochi

Begin your Kerala adventure by arriving in Kochi. In the morning, visit the picturesque Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Explore the Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional dance form of Kerala.

• Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Mattancherry Palace: Estimated cost - INR 5 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Jewish Synagogue: Estimated cost - INR 2 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
• Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated cost - INR 400 per person, Time spent - 2 hours

Day 2: Saturday, February 24, 2024 - Munnar Tea Gardens

Head to Munnar, a beautiful hill station famous for its tea gardens. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the lush tea plantations in the afternoon. In the evening, visit the Rose Garden and admire the colorful blooms.

• Tata Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Munnar Tea Plantations: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Rose Garden: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Day 3: Sunday, February 25, 2024 - Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. In the morning, embark on a boat safari on the Periyar Lake, where you can spot various animals and birds. Take a guided trek in the afternoon to discover the rich biodiversity of the sanctuary. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show showcasing traditional music and dance.

• Periyar Lake Boat Safari: Estimated cost - INR 225 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Guided Trek in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
• Cultural Show: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Day 4: Monday, February 26, 2024 - Alleppey Backwaters

Experience the serene backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, embark on a houseboat cruise through the backwater canals, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the nearby villages and interact with the locals. Spend the evening watching a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 10,000 per night, Time spent - Full day
• Exploring Villages: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Sunset Watching: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Day 5: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 - Kovalam Beach

Relax and unwind at the beautiful Kovalam Beach. In the morning, enjoy water sports activities like swimming and surfing. Indulge in a seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant. Spend the afternoon sunbathing and building sandcastles. In the evening, visit the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline.

• Water Sports Activities: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Seafood Lunch: Estimated cost - INR 800 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
• Beach Relaxation: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Day 6: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Thekkady Spice Plantations

Explore the aromatic spice plantations in Thekkady. In the morning, take a guided tour of the plantations to learn about the cultivation and processing of various spices. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch with flavorsome spices. In the afternoon, go for a thrilling bamboo rafting adventure. In the evening, witness a traditional martial arts performance.

• Spice Plantation Tour: Estimated cost - INR 250 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Traditional Kerala Lunch: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
• Bamboo Rafting: Estimated cost - INR 1500 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
• Martial Arts Performance: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Day 7: Thursday, February 29, 2024 - Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

End your Kerala journey with a visit to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. In the morning, take a jeep safari to spot wildlife including elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Visit the ancient Edakkal Caves and admire the prehistoric rock carvings in the afternoon. In the evening, treat yourself to a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage.

• Jeep Safari: Estimated cost - INR 1500 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
• Edakkal Caves: Estimated cost - INR 40 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Kerala Ayurvedic Massage: Estimated cost - INR 1500 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the tranquil village of Mararikulam, known for its pristine beach and authentic rural life experience. Another local favorite is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers with its diverse avian species. Both options are family-friendly and offer a unique perspective of Kerala.

For checking hotel and flight prices, visit KAYAK.