A Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary in Kerala

Friday, January 26: Arrival in Kochi

Arrive in Kochi and check into your hotel. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the iconic Mattancherry Palace. Afternoon can be spent at the Hill Palace Museum, where you can learn about Kerala's royal history. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of the region.

• Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4 hours
• St. Francis Church: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Mattancherry Palace: Estimated cost - INR 5 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Hill Palace Museum: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kathakali Performance: Estimated cost - INR 400-500 per person, Time spent - 2 hours

Saturday, January 27: Munnar

Head to Munnar, a picturesque hill station renowned for tea plantations. Start your day with a visit to the Tea Museum to learn about tea processing. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Mattupetty Dam, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a leisurely walk through the aromatic tea gardens.

• Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 120 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours

Sunday, January 28: Thekkady

Travel to Thekkady, known for the Periyar National Park. Start your morning with a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot wildlife. Afternoon can be spent exploring the spice plantations and learning about the region's spices. In the evening, witness a traditional martial arts performance called Kalaripayattu.

• Periyar Lake Boat Safari: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Spice Plantations: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kalaripayattu Performance: Estimated cost - INR 300-400 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday, January 29: Kumarakom

Head to Kumarakom, a serene backwater destination. Morning can be spent cruising through the backwaters on a traditional houseboat, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Afternoon can be dedicated to visiting the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird lovers, where you can spot various species of migratory birds. Relax in the evening by the beautiful Vembanad Lake.

• Backwater Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 5000-8000 per day (varies based on boat type and size), Time spent - Full day
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Tuesday, January 30: Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, to experience the famous Kerala backwaters. Start your day with a relaxing houseboat cruise through the backwaters, enjoying the scenic beauty and observing the local life. In the afternoon, explore the beaches and enjoy some time sunbathing. Walk along the picturesque Alleppey Beach and witness a mesmerizing sunset.

• Backwater Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 5000-8000 per day (varies based on boat type and size), Time spent - Full day
• Alleppey Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Wednesday, January 31: Departure from Kochi

Head back to Kochi for your departure. In the morning, visit the historic Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry and explore the local markets. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a waterfront restaurant. Before leaving, shop for souvenirs at the famous Kochi spice market. Depart with fond memories of your Kerala trip.

• Jewish Synagogue: Estimated cost - INR 5 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
• Seafood Lunch: Estimated cost - INR 500-1000 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kochi Spice Market: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family experience, consider visiting the Elephant Junction in Thekkady, where you can interact with elephants and even take an elephant ride. Another hidden gem is the Marari Beach near Alleppey, offering a serene and less crowded beach experience. Locals also recommend visiting the Athirapally Waterfalls, located near Kochi, for its stunning natural beauty. These attractions provide a chance to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories with your family.

Check Hotel and Flight Prices for Kerala