7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Kerala

Friday, September 1: Arrival in Kochi

Start your trip by arriving at Kochi International Airport. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the backwaters of Kochi. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and lush landscapes. In the evening, witness a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of Kerala dance drama.

• Fort Kochi: Free, 3-4 hours
• Backwater boat ride: INR 500-800 per person, 2-3 hours
• Kathakali performance: INR 200-500 per person, 2 hours

Saturday, September 2: Munnar

Head to the hill station of Munnar, known for its tea plantations and picturesque beauty. In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a trek amidst the scenic landscapes. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and indulge in some tea tasting. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the tea gardens and enjoy the sunset.

• Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 per person, 3-4 hours
• Tea Museum: INR 160 per person, 1-2 hours
• Tea garden walk: Free, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• The Silver Spoon: A cozy breakfast spot offering a wide range of South Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Saravana Bhavan: Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at this famous vegetarian restaurant known for its authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• Rapsy Restaurant: Indulge in a delicious dinner at this multi-cuisine restaurant known for its seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Sunday, September 3: Thekkady

Travel to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the morning, go for a boat safari on Periyar Lake and spot various wildlife including elephants, tigers, and birds. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation and processing of spices. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage for relaxation.

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 250 per person, 3-4 hours
• Spice plantation visit: INR 100-200 per person, 2-3 hours
• Ayurvedic massage: INR 500-1500, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A cozy breakfast cafe known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
• A popular lunch spot offering authentic Kerala cuisine with a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
• A fine dining restaurant with a stunning lakeside view, serving delicious seafood and traditional Kerala dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.

Monday, September 4: Alleppey

Proceed to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and sail through the scenic backwaters. Enjoy delicious Kerala cuisine prepared on board. In the afternoon, explore the charming villages and witness the local way of life. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

• Houseboat cruise: INR 7000-12000 per night, 6-8 hours
• Village exploration: Free, 3-4 hours
• Sunset watching: Free, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Shanthi Bakes and Juice Bar. This quaint restaurant offers a variety of freshly baked goods and refreshing juices. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to the Curry House Restaurant. Indulge in a delectable spread of traditional Kerala curries and rice dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• In the evening, dine at the Paradise Beach Restaurant which offers a beautiful beachfront setting. Savor mouthwatering seafood dishes while enjoying the gentle sea breeze. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Tuesday, September 5: Kovalam

Head towards Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. In the morning, relax and soak up the sun on the beautiful Kovalam Beach. Engage in water sports activities like surfing and swimming. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and enjoy the stunning panoramic views from the lighthouse. In the evening, indulge in a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.

• Kovalam Beach: Free, 4-5 hours
• Lighthouse Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Water sports activities: INR 500-1000 per person, 2-3 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Varkala

Travel to Varkala, known for its picturesque cliffs and pristine beaches. In the morning, explore the famous Varkala Beach, known for its mineral-rich waters. Take a dip in the sea or relax on the sandy shores. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Enjoy the stunning views from the cliffside restaurants and cafes. In the evening, witness a breathtaking sunset from the Varkala Cliff.

• Varkala Beach: Free, 4-5 hours
• Janardhana Swamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
• Cliffside views: Free, 2-3 hours

Thursday, September 7: Departure from Trivandrum

Conclude your trip with a visit to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, explore the historic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to admire the collection of ancient artifacts and artworks. In the evening, shop for souvenirs at the local markets, such as Chalai Market.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: INR 10-20 per person, 2-3 hours
• Shopping at Chalai Market: Cost varies, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the Athirapally Waterfalls, located near Kochi. The magnificent waterfalls amidst lush greenery offer a breathtaking sight. Another offbeat attraction is the Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village, where you can experience the traditional village life of Kerala, go fishing, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals with local families.

For more information on hotel and flight prices, you can check here.