7-Day Family Friendly Kerala Itinerary

Saturday, November 11: Arrival in Kochi

Arrive at Kochi and check into your hotel. Spend the morning exploring Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace showcasing beautiful murals. In the evening, catch a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional Kerala art form.

• Fort Kochi: Entrance fees are usually minimal, and you can spend around 2-3 hours here.
• Mattancherry Palace: Entrance fees are around $2 per person, and it takes about 1-2 hours to explore.
• Kathakali Performance: Ticket prices start from $10 per person and the performance generally lasts for 2-3 hours.

Sunday, November 12: Munnar

Start your day early and drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station. Visit the Tea Museum in the morning to learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful tea gardens and enjoy a scenic nature walk. End the day with a visit to the Echo Point, where you can shout out your name and hear it echo.

• Tea Museum: Entrance fees are around $1 per person, and you can spend 1-2 hours here.
• Tea Gardens: Free to visit, and you can spend around 2-3 hours exploring.
• Echo Point: No entry fees, and you can spend 1-2 hours enjoying the scenic beauty.

Monday, November 13: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary. Take a morning boat safari in Periyar National Park to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the various spices grown in the region. Enjoy an evening Kathakali show.

• Periyar National Park Boat Safari: Boat safari costs around $10 per person, and it takes around 2-3 hours.
• Spice Plantation Visit: Entrance fees are usually minimal, and you can spend 1-2 hours here.
• Kathakali Show: Ticket prices start from $5 per person, and the performance lasts around 1-2 hours.

Tuesday, November 14: Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey and embark on a houseboat cruise through the backwaters. Spend the day relaxing on the boat, enjoying the serene surroundings and indulging in delicious Kerala cuisine.

• Houseboat Cruise: Costs vary depending on the type of houseboat and amenities. It is recommended to book in advance. The cruise usually lasts for 20-22 hours.

Wednesday, November 15: Kovalam

Drive to Kovalam, a popular beach destination. Spend the morning relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. End the day with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage.

• Kovalam Beach: Free to visit, and you can spend the entire day here.
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Entrance fees are around $1 per person, and you can spend 1-2 hours here.
• Ayurvedic Massage: Prices vary depending on the type of massage chosen, and the duration is typically 1-2 hours.

Thursday, November 16: Trivandrum

Travel to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture. Explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery in the afternoon. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Marine Drive.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Entry is free, but there might be a nominal charge for special darshan. You can spend 1-2 hours here.
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Entrance fees are around $2 per person, and you can spend 2-3 hours here.
• Marine Drive: Free to visit, and you can spend 1-2 hours enjoying the waterfront.

Friday, November 17: Departure

Spend the morning exploring local markets for souvenirs. Depart from Trivandrum with beautiful memories of your Kerala trip.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly experience, consider visiting the Happyland Water Theme and Amusement Park in Vembayam, near Trivandrum. It offers thrilling rides, water slides, and entertainment options suitable for all ages. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Elephant Training Center in Kodanad, near Kochi, where you can learn about the training and care of elephants. Locals also love the Kalari Kshethra, a martial arts center in Thekkady, where you can witness traditional Kalaripayattu performances.

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