Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Athirappilli, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Varkala, and Trivandrum
Saturday, September 30: Athirappilli
Start your trip by visiting the beautiful Athirappilli Waterfalls in the morning. Enjoy the breathtaking views and take a refreshing dip if desired. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Vazhachal Waterfalls, known for its scenic beauty and lush surroundings. End the day with a visit to the famous Jain restaurant, Arihant Bhavan, for a delicious vegetarian meal.
Athirappilli Waterfalls: Free, 2 hours
Vazhachal Waterfalls: Free, 1-2 hours
Arihant Bhavan (Jain restaurant): INR 500-700 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Situated near Athirappilli, Hotel Krishna serves a delicious breakfast buffet with a variety of traditional Indian dishes. The average cost for a breakfast is about 150 rupees per person.
For lunch, try the authentic Kerala cuisine at Mary's Kitchen, known for its fresh seafood and flavorful curries. The average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
In the evening, head to Food Paradise, a popular restaurant offering a wide range of Indian and continental dishes. The average cost for a dinner is about 500 rupees per person.
Sunday, October 1: Munnar
Head to Munnar, a popular hill station known for its tea plantations and scenic beauty. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production in the region. In the afternoon, explore the breathtaking Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride on the serene lake. In the evening, take a stroll through the aromatic tea gardens and savor a cup of freshly brewed tea.
For breakfast, head to Café Sarika which offers a variety of South Indian delicacies and continental dishes. The average cost of a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant which serves delicious North Indian and Chinese cuisine. The average cost of a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the authentic flavors of Kerala at Copper Castle Restaurant. This restaurant offers a wide range of seafood and traditional Kerala dishes. The average cost of a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday, October 2: Thekkady
Travel to Thekkady, famous for its wildlife and spice plantations. Start your day with a thrilling boat safari in Periyar National Park, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the various spices grown in the region. End the day with a peaceful walk through the bustling Kumily Spice Market.
Periyar National Park boat safari: INR 300-500 per person, 3 hours
Spice plantation visit: INR 100-200 per person, 1-2 hours
Kumily Spice Market: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Papaya where you can enjoy a delightful spread of freshly baked pastries and traditional Kerala breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Spice Village Restaurant for a taste of authentic South Indian cuisine. They offer a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes at an average cost of 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Grillers Restaurant where you can feast on delicious grilled seafood and meat dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Kumarakom
Head to Kumarakom, a serene backwater destination. Start your day with a relaxing houseboat cruise through the picturesque backwaters, enjoying the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to various migratory and resident bird species. End the day with a delightful dinner at Tharavadu Multi Cuisine Restaurant, known for its Jain-friendly menu.
Houseboat cruise: INR 5,000-7,000 for 6 people, 4-5 hours
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: INR 50 per person, 2 hours
Tharavadu Multi Cuisine Restaurant (Jain-friendly): INR 500-700 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Coconut Creek Farm & Home Stay. Enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast with a variety of freshly prepared dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, visit Pearl Palace Cuisine Restaurant. Indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine with a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, dine at Kumarakom Karimeen. This restaurant specializes in Karimeen (Pearl Spot) dishes, a local delicacy. Experience the authentic flavors of Kerala seafood. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Wednesday, October 4: Alleppey
Continue your backwater experience in Alleppey. Start the day by exploring the enchanting Alleppey Beach and enjoying the beautiful sunrise. In the afternoon, take a traditional houseboat ride through the backwaters, admiring the scenic beauty and local life. End the day with a visit to the renowned Jain restaurant, Thaff, for a delicious vegetarian meal.
Alleppey Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Houseboat ride: INR 5,000-7,000 for 6 people, 4-5 hours
Thaff (Jain restaurant): INR 500-700 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Arabian in Alleppey. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options including fresh juice, sandwiches, and traditional Kerala dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Mushroom Restaurant, known for its delicious seafood dishes. Enjoy the catch of the day, cooked to perfection with local flavors. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Cassia, a waterfront restaurant offering a stunning view of the backwaters. Indulge in their wide range of Indian and international cuisines. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, October 5: Varkala
Travel to Varkala, a coastal town known for its stunning cliffs and pristine beaches. Begin your day by visiting the Varkala Beach and enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. In the afternoon, explore the unique Janardanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. End the day with a relaxing yoga session at one of the many yoga centers in Varkala.
Varkala Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Janardanaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Yoga session: INR 500-700 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Cafe Del Mar: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe Del Mar, a cozy beachfront cafe known for its wide range of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and fresh fruit platters. Average cost for breakfast is about INR 200 per person.
Cliff & Shore: For a satisfying lunch, head to Cliff & Shore, a popular restaurant offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines. Try their seafood dishes or indulge in some flavorful Indian curries. Average cost for lunch is about INR 400 per person.
Oottupura: Experience a delightful dinner at Oottupura, a beautiful restaurant specializing in traditional Kerala cuisine. Enjoy authentic dishes like appam, fish curry, and payasam in a serene setting. Average cost for dinner is about INR 500 per person.
Friday, October 6: Trivandrum
Conclude your trip in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its architectural beauty and religious significance. In the afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, housing a vast collection of artistic and historical artifacts. End the day by shopping for souvenirs at Chalai Bazaar.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: INR 20 per person, 2 hours
Chalai Bazaar: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Indian Coffee House Trivandrum, known for its traditional South Indian breakfast dishes like idli and dosa. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, try Villa Maya, a elegant restaurant set in a renovated colonial mansion, offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹800 per person.
For dinner, visit Buhari Restaurant, a popular spot known for its biryani and other delicious Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Munnar, don't miss the opportunity to visit the off-the-beaten-path Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, one of the highest tea plantations in the world. Enjoy the panoramic views, learn about tea processing, and savor a cup of tea while surrounded by the stunning landscape.