Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Alleppy, Guruvayoor, Thiruvananthapuram, and Astamudi
Saturday, December 2: Alleppy
Start your trip in Alleppy, known as the Venice of the East. In the morning, take a relaxing boat ride through the famous backwaters and witness the serene beauty of the surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Alleppy Beach and enjoy some water activities and beach games. As the evening approaches, explore the local markets and savor delicious seafood.
Boat Ride through Backwaters: Cost - INR 1000 per person, Time - 3 hours
Alleppy Beach: Free entry, Time - 2 hours
Local Markets: Cost of shopping, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Indian Coffee House in Alleppy, known for its delicious South Indian breakfast options like dosa and idli. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try Baywatch Restaurant located near Alleppy Beach, offering a variety of seafood dishes and traditional Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Mushroom Restaurant in Alleppy, famous for its authentic Kerala cuisine including traditional thali meals and seafood delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, December 3: Guruvayoor
Head to Guruvayoor, a renowned pilgrimage destination. In the morning, visit the Guruvayoor Temple and seek blessings. Explore the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary in the afternoon, where you can interact with elephants. Spend the evening strolling around Mammiyoor Temple and indulge in some local snacks.
Guruvayoor Temple: Free entry, Time - 2-3 hours
Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary: Cost - INR 100 per person, Time - 2 hours
Mammiyoor Temple: Free entry, Time - 1-2 hours
Monday, December 4: Thiruvananthapuram
Travel to Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Begin your day by visiting the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple and exploring its magnificent architecture. In the afternoon, spend time at the Napier Museum and Zoo, where you can learn about Kerala's rich history and see various animal species. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Kovalam Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free entry, Time - 2-3 hours
Napier Museum and Zoo: Cost - INR 200 per person, Time - 2-3 hours
Kovalam Beach: Free entry, Time - 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 5: Astamudi
Head to Astamudi, a picturesque lake located in Kollam. Start your day with a serene boat ride on the lake, surrounded by lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the Munroe Island and enjoy bird watching. Spend the evening relaxing by the lakeside and savoring traditional Kerala cuisine.
Astamudi Lake Boat Ride: Cost - INR 1500 per person, Time - 3-4 hours
Munroe Island Visit: Cost - INR 500 per person, Time - 2-3 hours
Local Restaurants: Cost of food, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Lakeside Cafe, located near Astamudi. They offer a variety of freshly baked goods and a beautiful view of the lake. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Spice Garden, a restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Their lunch buffet includes a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, indulge in a scrumptious dinner at The Royal Courtyard, a popular restaurant in Astamudi. They specialize in seafood dishes and offer a cozy atmosphere. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Alleppy
Return to Alleppy and spend the day exploring the town further. Start your morning with a visit to the Krishnapuram Palace, known for its beautiful architecture and museum. In the afternoon, take a houseboat cruise along the backwaters and enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch on board. Spend the evening exploring the Alleppy Canals and witnessing the daily life of the locals.
Krishnapuram Palace: Cost - INR 50 per person, Time - 2-3 hours
Houseboat Cruise: Cost - INR 5000 per night (shared), Time - 4-5 hours
Alleppy Canals: Free entry, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Aryaas is a popular breakfast spot in Alleppy, serving delicious South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Cassia Restaurant, known for its seafood and traditional Kerala meals. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, try Mushroom Restaurant, offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, December 7: Guruvayoor
Return to Guruvayoor for another day of exploration. Start your morning with a visit to the Chavakkad Beach and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the Guruvayoor Devaswom Elephant Sanctuary and learn about the care of temple elephants. Spend the evening at Parthasarathy Temple and witness the evening rituals.
Chavakkad Beach: Free entry, Time - 2-3 hours
Guruvayoor Devaswom Elephant Sanctuary: Free entry, Time - 2-3 hours
Parthasarathy Temple: Free entry, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at Hotel Vyshakh for a traditional South Indian breakfast. Enjoy dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Thalassery Restaurant for a delicious Malabar cuisine experience. Try their biryani or seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Krishna Inn. They offer a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, December 8: Thiruvananthapuram
Return to Thiruvananthapuram to explore more of the city. Start your day by visiting the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, known for its unique horse-shaped wooden ceilings. In the afternoon, explore the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple and experience the grandeur of its annual Pongala festival. Spend the evening shopping for souvenirs at Chalai Market.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum: Cost - INR 20 per person, Time - 2-3 hours
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: Free entry, Time - 2-3 hours
Chalai Market: Cost of shopping, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Indian Coffee House, a popular local eatery known for its delicious dosas and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about INR 100 per person.
For lunch, try Zam Zam Restaurant, which offers a variety of South Indian dishes like biryani and thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For dinner, choose Ariya Nivaas, a cozy restaurant that serves authentic Kerala cuisine including seafood delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For some off the beaten path attractions and local favorites, consider visiting the idyllic Varkala Beach, famous for its stunning cliffs and therapeutic mineral springs. Another hidden gem is Poovar Island, where you can cruise through the backwaters, relax on pristine beaches, and explore the wildlife sanctuary. These destinations offer a more secluded and tranquil experience away from the crowds, perfect for a family-friendly adventure.