5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kerala in June 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   45 minutes (12.3 miles) from Kochi International Airport

   In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi, home to the famous Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. In the afternoon, visit the Dutch Palace, also known as Mattancherry Palace, to see its beautiful murals and artifacts. End the day with a relaxing sunset boat ride at the backwaters.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours (90.6 miles) from Fort Kochi

   Start your day with a scenic drive to Munnar, known for its sprawling tea plantations and scenic beauty. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea cultivation in India and enjoy a tea tasting. In the afternoon, go for a hike to Echo Point to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills. End the day with a delicious dinner at Saravana Bhavan.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours 20 minutes (76.5 miles) from Munnar

   In the morning, explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, and birds. Take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to spot wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the Mangala Devi Temple, a beautiful ancient temple located on top of a hill. End the day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at the Sree Krishna Ayurveda Panchakarma Center.

4. Day 4: Kovalam
   5 hours 30 minutes (142 miles) from Thekkady

   Start your day with a drive to Kovalam, a beautiful coastal town known for its beaches and lighthouse. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach and go for a swim in the ocean. In the afternoon, visit the Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach. End the day with a romantic dinner at Bait, a restaurant with stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

5. Day 5: Varkala
   1 hour 15 minutes (31 miles) from Kovalam

   In the morning, go on a cliff walk to enjoy the stunning views of the Arabian Sea at Varkala Beach. Visit the Janardanaswamy Temple, a 2,000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the afternoon, go for a swim in the natural spring at Papanasam Beach, believed to wash away sins. End the day with a delicious seafood dinner at Abba Restaurant.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the backwaters of Alleppey for a relaxing houseboat ride. Side trips can be made to the beautiful hill station of Wayanad and the historic city of Kozhikode. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine and take part in cultural festivals such as Onam and Vishu. Don't forget to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, free)
• St. Francis Church (30 minutes, free)
• Dutch Palace (1 hour, ₹50)
• Sunset Boat Ride (2 hours, ₹500 per person)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, ₹150 per person)
• Echo Point Hike (2 hours, free)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, ₹450 per person)
• Mangala Devi Temple (1 hour, free)
• Ayurvedic Massage (1 hour, ₹1000 per person)
• Kovalam Beach (2 hours, free)
• Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach (2 hours, free)
• Cliff Walk at Varkala Beach (2 hours, free)
• Janardanaswamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Papanasam Beach (2 hours, free)
• Dinner at Saravana Bhavan (1 hour, ₹500 per person)
• Dinner at Bait (1 hour, ₹1000 per person)
• Dinner at Abba Restaurant (1 hour, ₹800 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹4,100 per person