5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Kerala, Alapuzzha, Kochi, and Varkala

  1. Day 1: Kochi Beaches and Dutch Palace
    Start at Fort Kochi Beach, 20 minutes (7.1 km) from Kochi International Airport

    Visit Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its beautiful traditional Kerala architecture. Then head to the popular Fort Kochi Beach to relax and enjoy the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

  2. Day 2: Backwaters and Houseboat
    Start at Alapuzzha Beach, 1 hour and 15 minutes (52.9 km) from Fort Kochi Beach

    Explore the serene backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat tour, giving you a chance to see local life along the canals and waterways. You can also stop at the Vembanad Lake and marvel at the stunning sunset views over the water.

  3. Day 3: Athirapally Waterfalls and Wildlife
    Start at Athirapally Waterfalls, 2.5 hours (87.6 km) from Alapuzzha Beach

    Visit the Athirapally Waterfalls, which is located within a forest and is home to many species of birds and wildlife. Explore the Sholayar Forests around the falls, notable for its beautiful nature trails, and spot some local animals like elephants, sambar deer, and monkeys.

  4. Day 4: Varkala Beach and Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple
    Start at Varkala Beach, 2 hours and 40 minutes (122 km) from Athirapally Waterfalls

    Experience the traditional Keralan way of life in the bustling market of historic Janardhana Swamy Temple, with its elaborate carvings and beautiful mural paintings. Afterward, relax on the beautiful and tranquil Varkala Beach, and enjoy the stunning sea views from the cliff-top restaurants.

  5. Day 5: Yoga and Ayurvedic massages
    Start at Shankumugham Beach, 2 hours and 20 minutes (83.5 km) from Varkala Beach

    Begin the day with peaceful yoga sessions on the Shankumugham Beach, followed by a relaxing ayurvedic massage. You can also enjoy the local food from nearby Chalai Bazaar and then end your trip with a beautiful sunset view of the Arabian Sea.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Athirapally Waterfalls (2-3 hours, free)
  • Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Varkala Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Yoga sessions (1-2 hours, around INR 300-500 per class)
  • Ayurvedic massage (1-2 hours, around INR 1000-2000 depending on the service)
  • Total Estimated Costs: around INR 2500-4000 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Munnar hill station. If you have less time, you can skip some of the beaches or temples and focus on the activities that interest you the most. Make sure to check the opening and closing times for each place you want to visit and plan your itinerary accordingly.

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