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A Week in Kerala: A Family-Friendly Itinerary

Monday, December 25: Kochi

Start your trip in Kochi, the gateway to Kerala. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and learn about this unique fishing technique. Afterward, explore the historic Fort Kochi area and admire the beautiful colonial architecture. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride around the picturesque backwaters of Kochi. In the evening, experience a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of storytelling through dance and music.

  • Chinese Fishing Nets: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Fort Kochi: Cost: Free, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Backwater Boat Ride: Cost: INR 500-1000 per person, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: Cost: INR 200-500 per person, Time: 2 hours
Tuesday, December 26: Munnar

Head to Munnar, a scenic hill station famous for its tea plantations. In the morning, go for a guided tour of a tea plantation and learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea while taking in the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the serene Mattupetty Lake. End the day with a visit to the Echo Point, where you can hear your voice echo in the mountains.

  • Tea Plantation Tour: Cost: INR 200-500 per person, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Mattupetty Dam: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Boat Ride on Mattupetty Lake: Cost: INR 200-500 per person, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Echo Point: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 27: Thekkady

Embark on a wildlife adventure in Thekkady. Start the day with a visit to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot various species of animals and birds during a guided jungle trek. In the afternoon, take a thrilling boat ride on Periyar Lake, surrounded by lush green forests. In the evening, attend a traditional martial arts performance known as Kalaripayattu.

  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Cost: INR 450-800 per person, Time: 3-4 hours
  • Boat Ride on Periyar Lake: Cost: INR 150-400 per person, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Kalaripayattu Performance: Cost: INR 200-500 per person, Time: 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 28: Alleppey

Experience the enchanting backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the serene backwaters, passing by picturesque villages and paddy fields. Enjoy a delicious Keralan lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the narrow canals on a smaller boat and observe the local way of life. Spend the evening relaxing on the houseboat and savoring the tranquility of the backwaters.

  • Houseboat Cruise: Cost: INR 5000-10000 per night (for a family), Time: Overnight
  • Canal Boat Ride: Cost: INR 500-1000 per person, Time: 2-3 hours
Friday, December 29: Kovalam

Head to the coastal town of Kovalam, known for its beautiful beaches. In the morning, relax on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach and take a refreshing dip in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views from the top. Indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage in one of the many wellness centers along the beach. End the day with a mesmerizing sunset at Hawa Beach.

  • Kovalam Beach: Cost: Free, Time: 3-4 hours
  • Lighthouse Visit: Cost: INR 10-20 per person, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Ayurvedic Massage: Cost: INR 1000-3000 per person, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Hawa Beach: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
Saturday, December 30: Varkala

Explore the cliffside town of Varkala, famous for its stunning beach and spiritual atmosphere. In the morning, visit the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple and seek blessings. Afterward, spend some time relaxing on Varkala Beach and indulge in some beachside yoga or meditation. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Varkala Cliff, lined with shops and restaurants. Witness a mesmerizing sunset from the cliff and unwind with a traditional Ayurvedic dinner.

  • Janardanaswamy Temple: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Varkala Beach: Cost: Free, Time: 3-4 hours
  • Beachside Yoga/Meditation: Cost: INR 500-1000 per person, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Varkala Cliff: Cost: Free, Time: 2-3 hours
Sunday, December 31: Thiruvananthapuram

End your Kerala journey in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city. In the morning, visit the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world. Explore the beautiful architecture and witness the daily rituals. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, housing a vast collection of historical artifacts and artworks. Spend the evening at the lively Kovalam Beach, enjoying beachside festivities and welcoming the New Year.

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Cost: Free, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Cost: INR 20-50 per person, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Kovalam Beach: Cost: Free, Time: 3-4 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, consider visiting the idyllic village of Kumarakom. Explore the serene Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to numerous migratory and resident bird species. Take a houseboat ride on Vembanad Lake and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. For a taste of authentic Kerala cuisine, visit a local toddy shop and savor traditional dishes. Kumarakom offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, perfect for a relaxing family outing.

For checking hotel and flight prices in Kerala, click here.

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