5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kerala in June 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   45 minutes (13.5 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Start your trip by exploring Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with a mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Dutch Palace, a museum showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a unique way of fishing introduced by Chinese traders.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours (130 km) from Fort Kochi

   Drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations and scenic beauty. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea in Munnar. Take a leisurely walk in the lush tea gardens, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and admire the stunning panoramic views. Cap off the day with a relaxing tea tasting session.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours 30 minutes (105 km) from Munnar

   Head to Thekkady, a wildlife paradise and home to the Periyar National Park. Take a boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot elephants, tigers, and other animals in their natural habitat. Visit the spice plantations and learn about the various spices grown in Kerala. In the evening, catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   4 hours (140 km) from Thekkady

   Drive to Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East. Take a relaxing houseboat ride through the backwaters, witnessing the serene and tranquil countryside dotted with coconut palms and paddy fields. Savor a delicious Kerala-style lunch onboard. Visit the Alleppey beach and enjoy a beautiful sunset by the Arabian sea.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   3 hours (160 km) from Alleppey

   Wrap up your trip by relaxing in Kovalam, a popular beach destination. Spend the day lounging on the golden sandy beaches and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Explore the lighthouse beach and enjoy the scenic views from the lighthouse. Indulge in some sea-side shopping and try some fresh seafood at the beach shacks.

Time and Cost Estimates:

• St. Francis Church (1 hour, free)
• Dutch Palace (1 hour, INR 5 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners)
• Chinese fishing nets (30 minutes, free)
• Tea Museum (2 hours, INR 120 for adults, INR 90 for children)
• Boat ride on Lake Periyar (2 hours, INR 350 per person)
• Spice plantations (1 hour, INR 100 per person)
• Kathakali dance performance (1 hour, INR 200 per person)
• Houseboat ride (5-6 hours, starting from INR 7,000 for two people)
• Kovalam Lighthouse (1 hour, INR 10 for Indians, INR 50 for foreigners)

Total Estimated Costs: INR 9,315 per person

Recommendations:

Don't miss out on trying the local Kerala cuisine, which includes dishes like Appam, Puttu, and Fish Curry. You can also visit the Athirapally Falls, popularly known as the "Niagara Falls of India," which is a 90-minute drive from Kochi. For adventure enthusiasts, trekking to the Meesapulimala peak in Munnar is a must-do experience. Finally, make sure to take home some aromatic spices and tea as souvenirs.