7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Kerala

Friday, December 22: Arrival in Kochi

Welcome to Kerala! Start your trip in the historic city of Kochi. In the morning, explore the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and take a stroll around Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Maritime Museum and witness the vibrant Kathakali dance performance. Enjoy the evening at Marine Drive, a scenic waterfront promenade.

• Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1 hour
• Fort Kochi: Free, 2-3 hours
• Maritime Museum: INR 100, 1-2 hours
• Kathakali Performance: INR 300-500, 1-2 hours
• Marine Drive: Free, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Head to Kashi Art Cafe for breakfast, a charming art-focused cafe in Fort Kochi. They serve delicious sandwiches, smoothies, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Oceanos Restaurant, located near Marine Drive. They offer a wide range of seafood dishes, including fresh fish curry and grilled prawns. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 500 INR per person.
• In the evening, dine at Malabar Junction, a popular restaurant known for its fusion of Kerala and international cuisines. They serve dishes like Malabar fish curry and Chicken Chettinad. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 800 INR per person.

Saturday, December 23: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. Explore the tea plantations in the morning and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the serene Kundala Lake. Witness a beautiful sunset at the Echo Point.

• Tea Plantations: Free, 2-3 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: INR 10, 1-2 hours
• Kundala Lake: INR 200-300, 1-2 hours
• Echo Point: Free, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast in Munnar, head to Tearaja Cafe, a charming little cafe known for its delicious variety of teas and baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant, a popular spot serving both Indian and Chinese cuisine. Their veg and non-veg thali meals are highly recommended. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Copper Castle Restaurant, a cozy restaurant offering a range of authentic Kerala dishes along with North Indian and Chinese options. Don't miss their seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Sunday, December 24: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary. In the morning, take a guided tour of the Periyar National Park and spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Enjoy a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake in the afternoon. In the evening, attend a traditional martial arts performance.

• Periyar National Park: INR 450-600, 3-4 hours
• Periyar Lake Cruise: INR 200-300, 1-2 hours
• Martial Arts Performance: INR 200-300, 1-2 hours

Monday, December 25: Alleppey

Experience the famous backwaters of Kerala by visiting Alleppey. In the morning, embark on a houseboat cruise along the scenic backwaters and indulge in delicious local cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Alleppey Beach and enjoy the sunset. Spend the evening relaxing on the houseboat.

• Houseboat Cruise: INR 6,000-10,000 per day, 6-8 hours
• Alleppey Beach: Free, 2-3 hours

Tuesday, December 26: Kovalam

Travel to the beautiful coastal town of Kovalam. In the morning, relax on the golden beaches and enjoy swimming in the Arabian Sea. Indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments in the afternoon. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance.

• Kovalam Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Ayurvedic Treatments: INR 1,000-3,000, 2-3 hours
• Kathakali Performance: INR 300-500, 1-2 hours

Wednesday, December 27: Trivandrum

Visit the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum. In the morning, explore the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple and appreciate its architectural grandeur. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum and Zoo, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Enjoy the evening at the beautiful Shangumugham Beach.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
• Napier Museum: INR 10-20, 1-2 hours
• Zoo: INR 20-50, 1-2 hours
• Shangumugham Beach: Free, 1-2 hours

Thursday, December 28: Departure from Kochi

End your trip by traveling back to Kochi. In the morning, explore the historic Jew Town and visit the famous Paradesi Synagogue. In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk along the picturesque Marine Drive. Bid farewell to Kerala as you depart from Kochi.

• Jew Town: Free, 1-2 hours
• Paradesi Synagogue: INR 5-10, 1-2 hours
• Marine Drive: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kerala, don't miss the opportunity to visit Athirappilly and Vazhachal Falls, located near Thrissur. These stunning waterfalls offer a breathtaking sight and are perfect for a family picnic. For an offbeat experience, visit the village of Mannarasala, renowned for its serpent temple and tranquil surroundings. The kids will love exploring the Krishnapuram Palace in Kayamkulam, showcasing beautiful architecture and a mural museum. These hidden gems are sure to make your trip even more memorable!

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.