Welcome to Kerala! Start your trip by arriving in Kochi, the vibrant city known for its colonial architecture and cultural heritage. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with charming streets, ancient churches, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, showcasing beautiful murals and artifacts. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along the famous Marine Drive, enjoying the stunning view of the backwaters and sunset.
Fort Kochi: Entrance fees, if any; 3 hours
Mattancherry Palace: Entrance fees, if any; 2 hours
Marine Drive: Free; 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Quaneen, a cozy eatery known for its delicious South Indian fare. Enjoy their fluffy idlis and crispy dosas for an average cost of ₹150 per person.
Savor a traditional Kerala lunch at Dhe Puttu, where you can indulge in authentic Malabar cuisine. Their specialty, puttu, is a steamed rice cake served with a variety of curries, and the average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Experience a delightful dinner at Malabar Junction, a fine-dining restaurant offering a fusion of Kerala and international flavors. Try their seafood dishes or the signature Malabari biryani for an average cost of ₹500 per person.
Thursday, September 14, 2023: Munnar - Hill Station Retreat
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station surrounded by tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Lockhart Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of locally grown tea. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to endangered Nilgiri Tahr and stunning landscapes. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Munnar, savoring the cool climate.
Lockhart Tea Museum: Entrance fees, if any; 2 hours
Eravikulam National Park: Entrance fees, if any; 3 hours
Exploring Munnar: Free; 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Munnar is Café Lungi, known for its delicious South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and filter coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant which offers a variety of Indian and Chinese cuisines. Their specialty is the Kerala Thali, a traditional meal served on a banana leaf. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 250 INR per person.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Silver Spoon, a multi-cuisine restaurant known for its exquisite ambiance and delightful food. They offer an extensive menu featuring local Kerala dishes, seafood, and international cuisines. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, September 15, 2023: Thekkady - Wildlife Encounter
Head to Thekkady, a wildlife haven nestled in the Western Ghats. In the morning, embark on a memorable boat ride on the Periyar Lake, spotting various wildlife species and enjoying the lush surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can take a guided tour and witness elephants, tigers, and other exotic animals. As the evening sets in, stroll through the bustling spice markets of Thekkady, known for their aromatic delights.
Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Entrance fees, if any; 2 hours
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Entrance fees, if any; 3 hours
Exploring Thekkady Spice Markets: Free; 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Oyster. This cozy cafe offers a variety of European and Indian breakfast options, including pancakes, omelettes, and traditional Kerala dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, indulge in the delicious flavors of Kerala at Spice Garden. This restaurant specializes in authentic local cuisine, serving mouthwatering dishes like fish curry, appam, and biryani. The average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Thekkady Grill. This restaurant offers a range of grilled dishes, including tandoori meats, seafood, and vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal is about 600 rupees per person.
Saturday, September 16, 2023: Alleppey - Backwater Cruise
Experience the serene backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey. In the morning, embark on a relaxing houseboat cruise, meandering through the tranquil canals, surrounded by lush greenery and quaint villages. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch served on board. In the afternoon, explore the local village life, interact with friendly locals, and witness the traditional coir-making process. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.
Alleppey Houseboat Cruise: Prices vary; 6 hours
Exploring Local Village Life: Free; 2 hours
Sunset over Backwaters: Free; 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is "Kuttanadu Foods" which offers a variety of delicious South Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, "Palmgrove Lake Resort" is a fantastic option. This lakeside restaurant specializes in traditional Kerala cuisine, and the average cost for a meal is around ₹400 per person.
If you're looking for a great dinner option, "Dreamland Restaurant" is highly recommended. It offers a diverse menu including seafood, Indian, and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is approximately ₹600 per person.
Sunday, September 17, 2023: Kovalam - Beach Bliss
Head to Kovalam, a popular beach destination known for its palm-fringed shores and tranquil atmosphere. In the morning, relax and soak up the sun on the beautiful golden sands of Kovalam Beach. Indulge in water sports activities or take a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse overlooking the Arabian Sea for panoramic views. As the evening sets in, stroll along the beach promenade, enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Kovalam Beach: Free; 4 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: Prices vary; 2 hours
Kovalam Lighthouse: Entrance fees, if any; 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day at Cafe Coffee Day, a cozy café serving a variety of breakfast options such as sandwiches and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, head to Seafood Palace, a popular restaurant known for its fresh seafood dishes. Try their delicious fish curry or grilled prawns. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
In the evening, indulge in a fine dining experience at Curry House, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Enjoy dishes like coconut shrimp curry and Malabar biryani. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Monday, September 18, 2023: Departure from Kochi
On your last day, bid farewell to the beautiful state of Kerala. If time permits, you can visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum in Kochi, showcasing the history of the Portuguese influence in the region. Afterward, make your way to the airport for your departure, taking back wonderful memories of your Kerala family adventure.
Indo-Portuguese Museum: Entrance fees, if any; 2 hours
Departure from Kochi: N/A
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the small village of Varkala. Famous for its stunning cliff-side views and pristine beaches, Varkala offers a relaxing atmosphere away from the crowds. Explore the Varkala Beach, known for its natural mineral water springs and stunning sunsets. You can also visit the Janardhanaswamy Temple, an ancient Hindu temple located atop a cliff, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Don't forget to try some delicious local seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants.