Kerala Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Wednesday, August 30: Kochi

Start your Kerala adventure in the picturesque city of Kochi. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood featuring colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the Mattancherry Palace, known for its stunning murals and architecture. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the backwaters, admiring the lush greenery and traditional houseboats. As the evening sets in, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.

• Fort Kochi: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Mattancherry Palace: Entrance fee: INR 5 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Backwater cruise: Cost varies depending on the package, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
• Kathakali dance performance: Ticket prices start at INR 200, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Loafers Corner Café, a cozy spot serving delicious breakfast options like pancakes and eggs benedict. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
• For lunch, try Oceanos Restaurant, a seafood paradise offering a wide range of fresh catches and local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
• For dinner, indulge in traditional Kerala cuisine at Malabar Junction, known for its exquisite flavors and elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.

Thursday, August 31: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station renowned for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea. Explore the beautiful Eravikulam National Park in the afternoon, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a visit to the Top Station viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

• Tea Museum: Entrance fee: INR 120 for adults, INR 40 for children, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: Entrance fee: INR 125 for adults, INR 90 for children, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
• Top Station: No entry fee, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Friday, September 1: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, known for its Periyar National Park and wildlife sanctuaries. In the morning, take a boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch in the afternoon. Take a guided tour of a spice plantation and learn about the aromatic spices grown in the region.

• Periyar Lake boat safari: Ticket prices start at INR 150, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Guided tour of spice plantation: Cost varies depending on the plantation, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Saturday, September 2: Alleppey

Experience the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise through the scenic network of canals, witnessing the local way of life. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the quaint village of Kumarakom or indulge in traditional Ayurvedic treatments.

• Houseboat cruise: Cost varies depending on the package, estimated time spent: 6-8 hours
• Kumarakom village visit: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Ayurvedic treatments: Cost varies depending on the treatment, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Sunday, September 3: Kovalam

Relax on the sandy beaches of Kovalam. In the morning, unwind on the pristine Lighthouse Beach and soak up the sun. Enjoy a seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Try your hand at water sports in the afternoon, such as surfing or kayaking. End the day with a mesmerizing sunset view from the Hawa Beach.

• Lighthouse Beach: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 4-5 hours
• Water sports: Prices vary depending on the activity, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Monday, September 4: Thiruvananthapuram

Visit the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. In the morning, explore the magnificent Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its architectural beauty and religious significance. Visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery in the afternoon, showcasing a vast collection of historical artifacts and art. Spend the evening wandering around the vibrant streets of the Chalai Market, a bustling local market.

• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Entrance fee: INR 20 for adults, INR 10 for children, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Chalai Market: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Tuesday, September 5: Varkala

Conclude your Kerala trip in the serene coastal town of Varkala. In the morning, relax on the beautiful Varkala Beach and take a dip in the Arabian Sea. Explore the unique cliffside shops and restaurants in the afternoon. Witness a mesmerizing sunset view from the picturesque Varkala Cliff.

• Varkala Beach: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 5-6 hours
• Cliffside shops and restaurants: Cost varies depending on the establishment, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly experience off the beaten path, visit the Elephant Junction in Thekkady. Here, you can engage in elephant rides, bathe the gentle giants, and learn about their conservation efforts. Another wonderful option is the Athirappilly Waterfalls near Kochi, where you can marvel at the cascading water amidst lush greenery. It's a great spot for picnics and nature walks.

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