Family-Friendly Coastal Kerala Itinerary

Friday, December 22: Kochi

Start your coastal Kerala adventure in the vibrant city of Kochi. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and witness the local fishermen in action. Explore the historic Fort Kochi area and its colonial architecture in the afternoon. In the evening, catch a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of storytelling dance-drama.

• Chinese Fishing Nets: Approx. ₹10 per person, 1-2 hours
• Fort Kochi: Free, 2-3 hours
• Kathakali Performance: Approx. ₹300 per person, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to the popular restaurant "Kashi Art Cafe" in Fort Kochi. Enjoy their delicious breakfast options such as homemade bread, pancakes, and fresh fruit juices. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
• For lunch, try "The Rice Boat" located in the Taj Malabar Resort. Indulge in a wide range of authentic Kerala cuisine, including freshly caught seafood dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
• For dinner, "Oceanos Restaurant" at the Crowne Plaza Kochi is an excellent choice. They offer a variety of international dishes with a focus on seafood. The average cost for a meal is about ₹1000 per person.

Saturday, December 23: Munnar

Embark on a scenic journey to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations. Spend the morning exploring the lush tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to delve deeper into the history of tea in the region. Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll in the aromatic tea estates.

• Tea Gardens: Free, 2-3 hours
• Tea Museum: Approx. ₹100 per person, 1-2 hours

Sunday, December 24: Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Experience the backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey. Start your day with a serene morning houseboat cruise, gliding through the picturesque canals. Enjoy a delicious onboard lunch. In the afternoon, explore the quaint village life by cycling through the paddy fields. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: Approx. ₹5,000-₹10,000 per night, 4-5 hours
• Cycling in the Village: Approx. ₹100 per bicycle, 2-3 hours

Monday, December 25: Kovalam

Head to the beautiful beach town of Kovalam. Spend the morning relaxing on the golden sandy beaches and taking a dip in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and climb to the top for panoramic views of the coastline. Enjoy a festive Christmas dinner at a beachside restaurant.

• Kovalam Beaches: Free, 4-5 hours
• Lighthouse Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
• Christmas Dinner: Cost varies, 1-2 hours

Tuesday, December 26: Varkala

Make your way to the cliffside town of Varkala. Start your day with a rejuvenating morning yoga session overlooking the Arabian Sea. Explore the unique shops and cafes along the cliff in the afternoon. Watch a stunning sunset from the Varkala Beach and indulge in a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

• Yoga Session: Approx. ₹500 per person, 1-2 hours
• Cliffside Exploration: Free, 2-3 hours
• Varkala Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
• Seafood Dinner: Cost varies, 1-2 hours

Wednesday, December 27: Poovar

Visit the serene village of Poovar. Start your day with a boat ride through the Poovar Backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch at a floating restaurant. In the afternoon, relax on the golden sand beach and witness the convergence of the Arabian Sea, Neyyar River, and Poovar Lake.

• Boat Ride: Approx. ₹500-₹1,000 per person, 2-3 hours
• Lunch at Floating Restaurant: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
• Poovar Beach: Free, 2-3 hours

Thursday, December 28: Kollam

Conclude your coastal Kerala journey in the historic city of Kollam. Explore the centuries-old Portuguese and Dutch influence in Tangasseri Lighthouse and Thangassery Fort in the morning. Indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic spa treatment in the afternoon. Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Keralite cuisine.

• Tangasseri Lighthouse: Approx. ₹10 per person, 1-2 hours
• Thangassery Fort: Free, 1-2 hours
• Ayurvedic Spa Treatment: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
• Farewell Dinner: Cost varies, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring coastal Kerala, don't miss the opportunity to visit the charming village of Mararikulam. It offers a tranquil beach experience away from the crowds. Take a leisurely stroll along the pristine shoreline, witness traditional fishing activities, and enjoy a fresh seafood meal at a local beach shack. Mararikulam is a hidden gem loved by locals and families seeking peace and serenity.

To check hotel and flight prices for your Coastal Kerala trip, click here.