7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey

Sunday, October 22: Arrival in Munnar

Start your trip in the beautiful hill station of Munnar. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea. Enjoy a refreshing walk through the lush tea gardens. In the afternoon, head to the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the serene lake. In the evening, explore the local markets and indulge in some shopping for tea and spices.

• Tea Museum: INR 100 per person, 2 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: INR 10 per person, 1.5 hours
• Local Markets: Variable cost, 1 hour

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Café Arka Regency. They offer a variety of South Indian and continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
• For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant. They serve delicious local Kerala cuisine, including biryani and fish curries. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
• For dinner, dine at Copper Castle. This multi-cuisine restaurant offers a range of options from Indian to Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.

Monday, October 23: Exploring Munnar

Spend the morning exploring the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a guided trek through the park's scenic trails. In the afternoon, visit the Top Station viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Echo Point, where your voice echoes back to you.

• Eravikulam National Park: INR 135 per person, 3 hours
• Top Station: INR 20 per person, 2 hours
• Echo Point: Free, 1 hour

Tuesday, October 24: Thekkady Wildlife Experience

Travel to Thekkady, known for its wildlife and spice plantations. Start the day with a thrilling boat safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the cultivation and processing of spices. End the day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 450 per person, 3 hours
• Spice Plantation Tour: INR 100 per person, 2 hours
• Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1000 onwards, 1 hour

Wednesday, October 25: Thekkady Adventure

Embark on an adventurous day in Thekkady. Start with a trek in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, accompanied by a trained guide. Experience the thrill of bamboo rafting in the Periyar Lake in the afternoon. End the day with a visit to the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre to witness a traditional martial arts performance.

• Periyar Tiger Reserve Trek: INR 350 per person, 4 hours
• Bamboo Rafting: INR 1500 per person, 4 hours
• Kadathanadan Kalari Centre: INR 200 per person, 1.5 hours

Thursday, October 26: Backwaters of Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, known for its enchanting backwaters. Board a traditional houseboat and cruise through the serene backwaters, passing by picturesque villages and lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the beautiful Alappuzha Beach. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Arabian Sea.

• Houseboat Cruise: Starting from INR 8000 per night, 5 hours
• Alappuzha Beach: Free, 2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Cafe Paradiso, located near Alleppey Beach. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and fresh fruit smoothies. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Kayees Biryani, a popular restaurant known for its flavorful biryanis. Feast on aromatic rice dishes infused with spices and accompanied by tender meat or vegetables. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• In the evening, dine at the famous Dreamers Multi Cuisine Restaurant. Located in scenic surroundings, this restaurant offers a diverse menu with Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisines. Enjoy delicious food while enjoying the view. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Friday, October 27: Alleppey Village Life

Explore the traditional village life of Alleppey. Visit the Punnamada Lake and witness the famous Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race venue. Experience the local village lifestyle by visiting a coir-making unit and interacting with the craftsmen. Enjoy a traditional Kerala-style lunch with a local family. In the evening, witness a Kathakali dance performance.

• Punnamada Lake: Free, 1 hour
• Coir-Making Unit: Free, 1 hour
• Kerala-Style Lunch: INR 500 per person, 2 hours
• Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 300 per person, 2 hours

Saturday, October 28: Departure

Say goodbye to the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey and depart for your onward journey.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Munnar, make sure to visit the enchanting Attukad Waterfalls, located amidst the lush green forests. In Thekkady, take a nature walk through the Gavi Forest to spot endemic wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of nature. In Alleppey, explore the lesser-known Marari Beach, a pristine stretch of coastline ideal for relaxation and beach activities.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check Kayak.