6-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Kochi, Munnar, Allapuza, Trivandrum, Kanyakumari

Sunday, December 31: Kochi (Cochin)

Start your trip in Kochi by exploring the historic Fort Kochi area in the morning. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and explore the charming streets lined with colonial-era buildings. In the afternoon, take a cruise on the backwaters of Kochi and enjoy the scenic beauty. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.

• Fort Kochi and Chinese Fishing Nets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Backwater Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Monday, January 1: Munnar

On New Year's Day, head towards Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, explore the famous Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End your day with a visit to the beautiful Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy boating.

• Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 150 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 120 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Tuesday, January 2: Allapuzha (Alleppey)

Experience the serene backwaters of Allapuzha by starting your day with a traditional houseboat cruise. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the backwaters, lush green paddy fields, and local village life. In the afternoon, explore the Alleppey Beach and relax by the Arabian Sea. Don't forget to try some delicious seafood at a local restaurant.

• Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 7,000 for a full-day cruise (up to 6 people), Time spent - 6 hours
• Alleppey Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Seafood Lunch: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Wednesday, January 3: Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)

Explore the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum, starting with a visit to the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the morning. Marvel at the stunning architecture and religious significance of this ancient temple. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum and the nearby Zoological Gardens to see a variety of animals and art collections. Spend the evening at the beautiful Kovalam Beach, known for its pristine shores and water activities.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Napier Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Zoological Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Kovalam Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours

Restaurants

• Breakfast: Anand Bhavan is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Trivandrum, known for its delicious South Indian breakfast options like idli, dosa, and vada. The average cost for a meal here is about 100 INR per person.
• Lunch: Villa Maya is a stunning restaurant housed in a restored Dutch mansion, serving a mix of Indian and international cuisine. Enjoy their lunch buffet, which offers a variety of dishes including biryani, kebabs, and desserts. The average cost for a meal here is about 600 INR per person.
• Dinner: Fusion Bay is a cozy restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and Chinese flavors. Try their seafood specialties like fish curry and prawn masala. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.

Thursday, January 4: Kanyakumari

Visit the southernmost tip of mainland India, Kanyakumari, known for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. In the morning, witness the sunrise at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, located on a rocky island. Explore the Thiruvalluvar Statue and visit the nearby Kanyakumari Temple. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride to the pristine beaches of the Vivekananda Kendra. Enjoy the sunset view from the famous Sunset Point.

• Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Thiruvalluvar Statue: Estimated cost - INR 40 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
• Kanyakumari Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Vivekananda Kendra and Sunset Point: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person (ferry ride), Time spent - 2 hours

Friday, January 5: Return to Kochi

Head back to Kochi from Kanyakumari for your departure. You can spend the day exploring more of Kochi's attractions, such as the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, and the bustling markets in the Fort Kochi area. Enjoy some local delicacies before bidding farewell to Kerala's rich cultural heritage.

• Jewish Synagogue: Estimated cost - INR 5 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
• Dutch Palace: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
• Fort Kochi Markets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Local Delicacies: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kochi, make sure to visit the quaint Jew Town and explore its antique shops and charming cafes. In Munnar, take a leisurely walk through the tea gardens and enjoy the scenic beauty firsthand. In Allapuzha, explore the local village life and interact with the friendly locals. In Trivandrum, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Kerala-style Ayurvedic massage. Finally, in Kanyakumari, take a ferry ride to the nearby Vivekananda Rock Memorial and experience the tranquility amidst the ocean.

For booking hotels and flights, you can check the prices on Kayak.