Exploring Trivandrum and Kerala: A Family-Friendly Itinerary
Sunday, November 19: Arrival in Trivandrum
Welcome to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala! Start your trip by visiting the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the morning. Marvel at the intricate architecture and rich history of this ancient temple. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll along the beautiful Kovlam Beach, known for its golden sand and serene atmosphere. End your day with a sunset view from the picturesque Lighthouse Beach.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Entrance fee - INR 250 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Kovlam Beach: Free, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
Lighthouse Beach: Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant offers a wide range of dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Villa Maya, a stunning heritage restaurant housed in a 19th-century colonial bungalow. Indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Paragon Restaurant, known for its mouthwatering seafood dishes. Try their signature fish curry or prawn masala. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, November 20: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Embark on a thrilling wildlife adventure at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. Start your morning with a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you can spot various animals and birds. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through the lush forest trails, learning about the diverse flora and fauna. End your day with a visit to the Elephant Junction, where you can interact with these majestic creatures.
Boat ride on Periyar Lake: Entrance fee - INR 450 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Guided nature walk: Entrance fee - INR 250 per person, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
Elephant Junction: Entrance fee - INR 400 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Café 17 located near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. They offer a variety of breakfast options including traditional Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a fulfilling lunch, try the Bamboo Cafe in Thekkady. They serve a range of Kerala delicacies as well as continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Spice Village Restaurant in Thekkady. They specialize in traditional Kerala cuisine prepared with organic ingredients, offering a rich dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Exploring Munnar
Get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning tea plantations of Munnar. Start your morning by visiting the Tata Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history and process of tea-making. In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike to the breathtaking Echo Point, surrounded by lush green hills. End your day with a visit to the beautiful Kundala Lake, where you can enjoy a serene boat ride.
Tata Tea Museum: Entrance fee - INR 100 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Echo Point: Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Kundala Lake: Boat ride - INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, located in Munnar town. Enjoy a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant, known for its wide range of North Indian and Chinese dishes. Try their flavorful biryanis or savor their delicious butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Silver Spoon Restaurant, offering a blend of Indian and Continental cuisines. Delight in their fresh seafood specialties or opt for vegetarian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Backwaters of Alleppey
Experience the tranquil beauty of Kerala's backwaters in Alleppey. Start your day with a relaxing houseboat cruise along the scenic backwaters, enjoying the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the sleepy village life by cycling through the narrow lanes and interacting with the locals. End your day with a mesmerizing sunset view from the Alleppey Beach.
Houseboat cruise: Starts from INR 5,000 per night, Estimated time spent - 8 hours
Cycling tour: Starts from INR 500 per person, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
Alleppey Beach: Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
The Real Tasty Dosa: Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at The Real Tasty Dosa, where you can savor crispy and flavorful dosas topped with a variety of chutneys and sambar. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Seafood Delight: Indulge in a mouthwatering seafood lunch at Seafood Delight, where you can feast on fresh catches from the backwaters. Try their delicious prawn curry or spicy fish fry. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Sunset Bistro: Experience a delightful dinner at Sunset Bistro, a cozy restaurant overlooking the backwaters. Enjoy a range of dishes featuring local flavors and ingredients, such as Kerala-style chicken curry or Malabar fish biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Thursday, November 23: Historic Kochi
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Kochi, also known as Cochin. Start your morning by visiting the iconic Mattancherry Palace, renowned for its exquisite murals and artifacts. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Jewish Quarter of Kochi, known as Jew Town, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and antiques. End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise on the backwaters of Kochi.
Mattancherry Palace: Entrance fee - INR 10 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Jew Town: Free, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
Sunset cruise: Starts from INR 500 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Café Coffee Day for a delicious breakfast with a variety of options like sandwiches, pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, visit Paragon Restaurant and relish the authentic Kerala cuisine featuring delectable seafood dishes like Malabar fish curry and prawn biryani. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at the Grand Pavilion, offering a blend of Indian and international cuisines. Enjoy their live grills and wide range of buffet options. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Friday, November 24: Departure from Trivandrum
On your last day, take some time to explore Trivandrum further. Visit the Napier Museum in the morning, known for its impressive collection of ancient artifacts and art. In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy at the popular Connemara Market, where you can find a variety of traditional handicrafts and spices. Bid farewell to Kerala with a heart full of memories before catching your flight back home.
Napier Museum: Entrance fee - INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Connemara Market: Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Cafe Mojo is a quaint breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Trivandrum Banana Leaf offers a wide variety of traditional Kerala dishes for lunch, including biryani and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Silver Spoon is a popular dinner spot known for its mouthwatering seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Trivandrum is Café Mojo, known for their delicious South Indian dishes and refreshing filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Villa Maya, a stunning heritage restaurant housed in a restored 18th-century Dutch residence. Enjoy their extensive menu of traditional Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, try Mubarak Restaurant, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering Keralite seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Ariya Nivaasi, a charming café known for its delicious fresh pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, try Zam Zam Restaurant, a local favorite known for its flavorful Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Villa Maya, a beautiful restaurant located in a restored colonial mansion. Their menu features a fusion of traditional Kerala and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
In addition to the main attractions, here are a few hidden gems and local favorites that you can explore during your visit to Kerala:
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary: Escape into the wilderness and spot rare wildlife in this less-explored sanctuary.
Marari Beach: Relax on the pristine shores of Marari Beach, away from the crowds.
Kathakali Performance: Witness the vibrant and dramatic Kathakali dance form, showcasing Kerala's traditional art and culture.