Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 67 travelers

A Week in Kerala: A Family-Friendly Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Cochin's Rich Heritage

Start your journey in the city of Cochin, where you can immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Kerala. In the morning, visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its stunning murals and artifacts. Afterward, head to the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the bustling Marine Drive, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Arabian Sea.

  • Mattancherry Palace: ₹100, 1-2 hours
  • Paradesi Synagogue: ₹5, 1 hour
  • Marine Drive: Free, 1-2 hours
Day 2: Backwater Bliss in Alleppey

Spend a day exploring the picturesque backwaters of Alleppey. Start your morning with a relaxing houseboat cruise, passing through serene canals and enjoying the lush greenery. After a delicious lunch on board, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to spot a variety of migratory and resident birds. In the evening, head to Alappuzha Beach to witness a stunning sunset over the Arabian Sea.

  • Houseboat cruise: ₹5,000 (approx.) for a 4-hour cruise, 4-6 hours
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: ₹50, 2-3 hours
  • Alappuzha Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Day 3: Nature's Paradise in Thekkady

Embark on an exciting wildlife adventure in Thekkady. Start your morning with a visit to Periyar National Park, famous for its diverse flora and fauna. Take a boating trip on Periyar Lake, where you might spot elephants, deer, and other wildlife. Afterward, explore the spice plantations and learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom and pepper. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala's traditional art form.

  • Periyar National Park: ₹450, 4-5 hours
  • Boating on Periyar Lake: ₹150, 2 hours
  • Spice Plantation visit: ₹100, 1-2 hours
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: ₹300, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Café Mélange, a cozy cafe with a variety of delicious breakfast options such as freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
  • For lunch, try Bamboo Hut, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Enjoy traditional dishes like appam with stew, fish curry, and Kerala biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
  • For dinner, visit Pepper Trail, a beautiful restaurant offering a fine dining experience with a fusion of Indian and international flavors. Indulge in dishes like Malabar fish curry, paneer tikka, and apple crumble for dessert. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Day 4: Tea Gardens and Waterfalls in Munnar

Explore the lush tea gardens and enchanting waterfalls of Munnar. Start your day with a visit to the famous Tata Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history and processing of tea. Then, head to the stunning Attukad Waterfalls and enjoy the mesmerizing views. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Top Station and witness the panoramic beauty of the Western Ghats. End your day with a peaceful walk through the aromatic tea gardens.

  • Tata Tea Museum: ₹100, 2-3 hours
  • Attukad Waterfalls: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Top Station: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Tea Garden walk: Free, 1-2 hours
Day 5: Serene Beaches in Kovalam

Spend a day relaxing on the serene beaches of Kovalam. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Lighthouse Beach, known for its picturesque views and watersports activities. Afterward, head to the Hawa Beach, also known as the Eve's Beach, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at one of the beachside shacks. In the evening, take a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage at one of the wellness centers along the beach.

  • Lighthouse Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Hawa Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Ayurvedic massage: ₹1,500 onwards, 1-2 hours
Day 6: Cultural Exploration in Thrissur

Discover the cultural heritage of Thrissur, known as the "Cultural Capital of Kerala." Start your morning by visiting the Vadakkunnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and renowned for its classic Keralan architecture. Then, head to the Thrissur Zoo and spend some time amidst a variety of exotic animals and birds. In the evening, witness the spectacular traditional art form of Thrissur Pooram, a grand festival showcasing magnificent processions and a fireworks display.

  • Vadakkunnathan Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Thrissur Zoo: ₹20, 2-3 hours
  • Thrissur Pooram festival: Free, evening
Day 7: Tranquil Beach Town - Varkala

End your journey in the tranquil beach town of Varkala. Start your morning with a visit to the eye-catching Janardhana Swamy Temple, perched atop a cliff with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Afterward, spend some time relaxing on Varkala Beach and indulge in rejuvenating yoga and meditation sessions at one of the numerous beachside yoga centers. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset from the cliffside restaurants.

  • Janardhana Swamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Varkala Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Yoga and Meditation: Prices vary, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the enchanting village of Kumily, nestled in the Cardamom Hills and known for its spice gardens. Explore the local markets, interact with spice farmers, and even participate in a cooking class to learn authentic Kerala recipes. The village also offers opportunities for hiking and bamboo rafting, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the local culture.

Check out KAYAK for affordable hotel and flight options to Kerala.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version